Shellfish Near Military Bases Are Loaded With PFAS

Clams, mussels, and oysters near sites where firefighting foam (AFFF) was used have PFOS levels above human safety limits. If you eat them, you're eating forever chemicals.

PFAS in Shellfish at Foam Sites

A 2026 study in Integr Environ Assess Manag tested bivalves (clams, mussels, oysters) near sites contaminated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), the PFAS-laden firefighting foam used at military bases and airports for decades.

PFOS concentrations in bivalve tissue exceeded human consumption screening levels. The shellfish are absorbing PFAS from the contaminated water and concentrating it in their bodies.

How Shellfish Become PFAS Sponges

Bivalves are filter feeders. They pump water through their bodies to eat. If that water contains PFAS, the chemicals accumulate in their tissue. You eat the shellfish, you eat the PFAS.

At most AFFF-contaminated sites, fish consumption drives even more risk than shellfish. But shellfish remain a significant and often overlooked exposure pathway.

Where AFFF Contamination Exists

Military bases, airports, fire training facilities, and industrial sites where foam fire suppression was used. The contamination spreads through groundwater into nearby waterways where shellfish are harvested.

What You Can Do

Know where your shellfish comes from. Avoid harvesting near military bases or airports. Check local fish consumption advisories. And use non-toxic kitchen alternatives to avoid adding more PFAS during food preparation.

Also see glass food containers for safer alternatives.

Source: Pandelides et al. (2026). Integr Environ Assess Manag.