Summary
A study found that tree swallows near U.S. military bases have high levels of PFAS chemicals. These chemicals, often used in fire-fighting foam, can be harmful to wildlife and humans as they build up in the food chain. The study highlights the spread of these chemicals in the environment and their presence in wildlife.
Key Facts
- PFAS are chemicals that can linger in the environment for a long time and build up in living organisms.
- These chemicals are used in various products, including firefighting foam at military bases.
- Researchers studied tree swallows at 10 locations near U.S. military bases and found high PFAS levels.
- PFAS levels in these birds were 40 times higher than in other environments.
- PFHxS, a specific PFAS chemical, made up a significant portion of the total PFAS levels in the birds.
- Despite high PFAS levels, the study did not find obvious impacts on the health of the birds studied.
- PFAS can be indicators of environmental contamination and affect human and animal health.
- Birds are exposed to these chemicals through insects and materials at military sites.
