Overview
- Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published the findings on Nov. 4, 2025.
- Scientists examined 16 liver and muscle samples from 11 dead sea otters collected along the B.C. coast between 2016 and 2021.
- Eight of 40 PFAS were present in every animal; livers held higher totals, and perfluorooctanesulfonamide was the only compound detected in both tissues.
- Average concentrations were more than three times higher in otters recovered near major cities and shipping corridors.
- Health and population effects in B.C. remain unknown, though prior California research tied higher PFAS loads to greater mortality risk and the species serves as a sentinel for nearshore contamination.