Fish Consumption Advisories for Superfund Site Risk Management

Abstract

Background: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a common environmental contaminant within fish species of New York State (NYS). The NYS Department of Health (DOH) issues fish consumption advisories to limit consumption of PCB contaminated fish. Fish consumption advisories may be incorporated into Superfund remedial action plans as “institutional controls” to limit exposure. Within heavily contaminated Superfund sites, the NYS DOH often recommends consuming no fish. There is limited research on the effectiveness of these advisories in preventing consumption of contaminated fish. Methods: We surveyed anglers actively fishing in two PCB contaminated Superfund sites 1) the lower Grass River in Massena, NY and 2) the Upper Hudson River from Glens Falls to Troy, NY. The goal of the survey was assess knowledge of the consumption guidelines, and if the guidelines are effectively preventing exposure to PCBs. Results and Conclusions: Most anglers are aware of and abide by fish consumption guidelines. Some anglers continue to consume fish caught from Superfund sites despite knowledge of the consumption guidelines. Risk assessment and management strategies for Superfund site-associated fisheries should not assume perfect adherence to fish consumption guidelines.