Scientists can use a special model that tracks how fish absorb and get rid of harmful chemicals like PFAS to predict how much builds up in their bodies — which helps keep our food and environment safer.

What we've found so far suggests that a kinetic model may help predict PFAS levels in fish for environmental and food safety assessments. Our analysis of the available evidence currently includes one assertion that supports this idea. We looked at how researchers study PFAS buildup in fish and found that a type of model called a kinetic model is being used to track how fish absorb and eliminate these chemicals [1]. This model looks at the rate at which PFAS enter and leave a fish’s body, which can help estimate how much accumulates over time. According to the evidence we’ve reviewed, this approach has potential for improving safety assessments of both aquatic environments and the food supply [1]. So far, all the evidence we’ve analyzed leans toward the usefulness of kinetic models in this context. However, we only have one supporting assertion and no studies or claims that test or challenge this idea. That means our current understanding is limited and based on a narrow set of information. We cannot say how accurate or reliable these predictions are across different fish species, environments, or types of PFAS, because the evidence we’ve reviewed so far does not address those details. Our analysis remains incomplete, and future findings could change how we interpret this model’s role. For now, what this might mean is that scientists have a tool that could help estimate PFAS levels in fish, but we don’t yet know how widely or effectively it can be applied. As more evidence becomes available, we’ll update our analysis to reflect a fuller picture.