For immediate release: January 4, 2006 (06-002)

Contacts:
Dave McBride, Environmental Health Assessments 360-236-3176
Donn Moyer, Communications Office 360-236-4076

Pollutants in fish leads state to urge caution against eating too much of certain fish species from specific waters in eastern Washington - State issues "fish consumption advisories" for Lake Chelan and the Walla Walla River

OLYMPIA ¾ Fish tissue studies in two eastern Washington water bodies have lead the state Department of Health to issue additional fish consumption advisories. The new advisories for Lake Chelan and the Walla Walla River are due to DDT and PCBs found in lake trout, carp and northern pikeminnow.

While issuing the advisories on amounts of fish people consume from various water bodies in our state, the agency continues to urge Washingtonians to eat a variety of fish as part of healthy diet and follow the American Heart Association’s recommended two meals of fish a week.

"Fish is an excellent low-fat food and a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals," said State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "We want people to continue to eat fish because fish is good for them — just be smart. Limit the amount of these fish you eat from these waters to limit exposure to DDT and PCBs — this is especially important for women who might one day become pregnant and for young children."

Long-lasting pollutants from past agricultural, commercial, and industrial practices have caused contamination in many water bodies throughout Washington. The Department of Health evaluated data from fish tissue samples analyzed in water quality studies by the state Department of Ecology and determined that lake trout from Lake Chelan have elevated levels of DDT and that carp and northern pikeminnow from the Walla Walla River have elevated levels of DDT and PCBs. People who fish Lake Chelan and the Walla Walla River are advised to limit their meals of these fish caught in these waters.

For Lake Chelan, the agency recommends that people eat no more than one meal of lake trout (mackinaw) per week. For the Walla Walla River, the recommendation is no more than one meal per month on two types of fish from specific areas: carp from the lower Walla Walla River (from the mouth of the river near the Columbia River to the confluence of Dry Creek) and northern pikeminnow from the upper river (from the confluence of Dry Creek to the headwaters).

DDT and PCBs are commonly found in fish across the U.S. despite being banned since the 1970s. DDT is an insecticide once used worldwide to control insects in agriculture and those that carry disease such as malaria. DDT levels are more challenging on the east side of the state due to past agricultural practices. PCBs are chemicals that were used as insulating fluids for electric transformers and capacitors and have been transported worldwide through air deposits. Both products were banned in the 70s due to unacceptable risks to the environment and potential harm to human health.

A statewide fish consumption advisory for mercury in largemouth and smallmouth bass remains in place for all fresh water bodies in Washington, including Lake Chelan and the Walla Walla River. Mercury may adversely affect a child’s brain, making it more difficult for them to learn.

While it is important for people to know about contaminants in fish, it is equally important to keep fish on the table. Learn more online about why fish is good for you and get information about fish consumption advisories (http://www.doh.wa.gov/fish/) in Washington.

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