GSI has developed a new state-of-the-science calculator to explore Fish Consumption Advisories (FCA) for PFOS and other contaminants! FCAs are a public health tool used by states to guide public fish consumption – acceptable meal frequencies and fish species – on specific water bodies. GSI conducted a state-by-state survey and identified 17 states that have issued a PFOS advisory on at least one water body. We created the FCA tool to answer frequently asked questions from a range of stakeholders, including consumers, state regulators developing new advisories, and risk assessors who would like to explore the sensitivity of advisories to alternative exposure factors and toxicity values. Use this tool to answer these questions and more:
1. Given a measured concentration in fish (fillet), what is a safe number of fish meals per month?
2. What are the different meal frequencies used to set advisory levels in my state?
3. How do states compare? Do they have different advisories for the same measured concentration in fish?
4. Is a different advisory recommended for women of child-bearing age or children?
5. How would the advisory level change if there is a change in the toxicity value?
6. How would the advisory change when calculations are conducted with personalized variables for body weight and meal size?
7. What are the inputs used by my state – can I reproduce the advisory level exactly?
8. Which water bodies currently have existing FCAs for PFOS in my state?
9. Who is the point of contact at the state level who can answer more questions?
Technical documentation is provided including detailed equations, inputs, and state-specific information, all in one convenient accessible library.
GSI will continue to update the tool to keep pace with the rapidly changing science and regulatory landscape.
Explore the Fish Consumption Advisory calculator now at gsienv.com/fish-advisory-calculator. Have questions? Our experts are here to help.
