Local Fish Consumption Research Articles

Examining Fisheries Contributions to Community Food Security: Findings from a Household Seafood Consumption Survey on the West Coast of Newfoundland

This study was carried out in the Bonne Bay region on the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada. A seafood consumption survey was undertaken as a case study for exploring fisheries contributions to community food security. The findings show that households prefer eating local over imported seafood. Fish plants and networks of family/friends are the main sources for local seafood. However, the results also show a decline in consumption of most local fish and shellfish species. Survey results are contextualized by findings from interviews with local households and fish harvesters. The article concludes with recommendations for strengthening the contributions of fisheries to community food security.

Cultural and health implications of fish advisories in a Native American community.

IntroductionFish advisories are issued in an effort to protect human health from exposure to contaminants, but Native American communities may suffer unintended health, social, and cultural consequences as a result of warnings against eating local fish. This paper focuses on the Mohawk community of Akwesasne, which lies downstream from a Superfund site, and explores how fish advisories have impacted fish consumption and health.Methods65 Akwesasne community members were interviewed between March 2008 and April 2009. Interviews were semi-structured, lasted from 30–90 minutes and consisted of open-ended questions about the impacts of environmental contamination on the community. Detailed field notes were also maintained during extensive visits between 2007–2011. Interviews were transcribed, and these transcripts as well as the field notes were analyzed in NVivo 8.0. This research received approval from the Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment Research Advisory Committee, as well as the Brown University Institutional Review Board.ResultsThree-quarters of the 50 Akwesasne Mohawks interviewed have ceased or significantly curtailed their local fish consumption due to the issuance of fish advisories or witnessing or hearing about deformities on fish. Many of these respondents have turned to outside sources of fish, from other communities or from grocery stores. This change in fish consumption concerns many residents because cultural and social connections developed around fishing are being lost and because fish has been replaced with high-fat high-carb processed foods, which has led to other health complications. One-quarter of the 50 interviewees still eat local fish, but these are generally middle-aged or older residents; fish consumption no longer occurs in the multi-generational social context it once did.ConclusionsHuman health in Native American communities such as Akwesasne is intimately tied to the health of the environment. Fish advisories should not be used as an institutional control to protect humans from exposure to contaminants; if Akwesasne are to achieve optimal health, the contaminated environment has to be remediated to a level that supports clean, edible fish.

In vitro estimation of exposure of Hong Kong residents to mercury and methylmercury via consumption of market fishes

In order to evaluate effects of exposure to mercury (tHg) and methylmercury (MeHg) of Hong Kong residents via consumption of fish, total and bioaccessible concentrations of tHg and MeHg were measured in 10 freshwater and 10 marine fishes collected from markets in Hong Kong. Concentrations of tHg and MeHg in fishes ranged from 27.2 to 311ngg−1 (median 88.9ngg−1) and ND to 116ngg−1 (median 45.0ngg−1), respectively. Concentrations of MeHg in marine fishes (64.4±28.5ngg−1) were significantly greater than those in freshwater fishes (40.3±26.0ngg−1). Bioaccessibility tHg and MeHg was predicted for edible flesh of twenty fishes by use of an in vitro gastrointestinal assay. Bioaccessibilities of tHg and MeHg ranged from 21.4 to 51.7% (mean 37.4%) and 19.5 to 59.2% (mean 43.7%), respectively. Based on total concentrations, diets of 36% of adults and 51% of children exceeded the reference dose (RfD, 100ngkg−1bodymass(bm)d−1) for MeHg, but when bioaccessibility was considered, consumption of local market fish would not result in an EDIbio exceeded the RfD of MeHg for Hong Kong adults. These contradictory results suggested that risk assessments based on total concentrations would overestimate exposure because not all of contaminants consumed are bioaccessible. Furthermore, 9% of children had EDIbio for MeHg that exceeded the RfD, which suggests that more attention should be paid to consumption of local fish on health and development of children in Hong Kong.

Studies on Organochlorine Pesticide Residue in Fishes from the Densu River Basin, Ghana

The study was carried out to determine the levels of organochlorine pesticide residue in five fish species Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Hepsetus odoe, Tilapia zilli, Heterotis niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus from the Densu river basin (Weija) in Ghana. The fishes sampled from the Weija fish landing site were selected on the basis of their importance to local human fish consumption. The detectable organochlorine pesticides were γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), δ-Hexachlorocyclohexane, aldrin and dieldrin. Others investigated were alpha endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, p,p'-DDT and its metabolite p,p'-DDE, endrin and its metabolite endrin aldehyde and endrin ketone. The total contamination levels of the individual fishes varied in the decreasing order of 9.19 ng g(-1) (O. niloticus), 4.16 ng g(-1) (T. zilli), 3.69 ng g(-1) (C. nigrodigitatus), 3.68 ng g(-1) (H. odoe) and 3.09 ng g(-1) (H. niloticus). The highest organochlorine pesticide residue recorded in the study was alpha-endosulfan while dieldrin was the least pesticide observed. Analysis of variance indicated significant statistical differences for most organochlorine pesticide residues in the samples. The levels of organochlorine pesticides found in fish samples in the study were below maximum residue limit for food safety stipulated by EU, US FDA, FAO, Italy and Australia and thus safe for human consumption.

Evaluation of a Public Health Intervention to Lower Mercury Exposure from Fish Consumption in Bermuda

ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of a public health intervention to reduce blood mercury (Hg) concentration levels in pregnant Bermudian women.MethodsIn 2003, we conducted a study entitled “Prenatal exposure of the Bermudian Population to Environmental Contaminants” which provided Bermuda’s first baseline data on prenatal exposure to several environmental contaminants, including Hg. The mean Hg concentration from 42 healthy newborns measured in umbilical cord blood was 41.3 nmol/L, ranging from 5–160 nmol/L. This concentration was much higher than expected, being approximately 8 times the general levels found in Canada and the U.S. Furthermore, we estimated that 85% of total Hg measured was in the form of methylmercury (MeHg), indicating that seafood consumption was the primary source of Hg exposure during pregnancy in Bermuda. Locally sourced seafood was identified as the most significant possible contributory source of Hg exposure. In 2005 the authors began a complementary research programme to study the levels of Hg in local commercial fish species. Coming out of this research were specific local fish consumption guidelines issued by the Department of Health advising pregnant women to avoid those local fish species found to be high in Hg while still encouraging consumption of fish species having lower Hg levels.ResultsIn 2010, under another research initiative, we returned to Bermuda to carry out another evaluation of Hg in human blood. Hg was measured in the blood of 49 pregnant women. The arithmetic mean Hg blood concentration was 6.6 nmol/L and the geometric mean 4.2 nmol/L. The maximum concentration found was 24 nmol/L.ConclusionsHg exposure of Bermudian pregnant women has dropped significantly by a factor of around 5 since the foetal cord blood study in 2003.

Health effects and exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals in a contaminated community

Environmental measurements carried out by local authorities during the 1970s, 80s and 90s in an area contaminated by hundreds of years of industrial activities have revealed high levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in soil, vegetables, root crops, berries and mushrooms. In 1972, a large quantity of oil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was accidentally spilled into the river running through the village. To investigate the possible health effects of exposure from local sources, all cancer diagnoses, registered in 1960–2003 for individuals living in the study area, were collected from the regional cancer register of southeast Sweden. The total cancer incidence was non-significantly decreased both among males and females as compared to national rates (SIR=0.91) for each gender. Among males, increased risks, of border-line significance, were seen for testicular cancer and lymphomas as well as significantly decreased risks for cancer in the rectum, respiratory system and brain. Information on lifetime residence, occupation, smoking habits, diseases, childbirth and food consumption, was collected via questionnaires from cancer cases and randomly selected controls. In both genders combined, significant associations were found for total cancer and high consumption of local perch, and for lymphomas and high consumption of both perch and pikeperch. Female breast cancer was significantly associated with high consumption of local perch and pike as well as with work in metal production. Mothers residing in the parish before the age of five reported significantly more preterm child deliveries. In spite of study limitations, the results indicate that residing in a rural contaminated area may contribute to the development of certain cancers and reproductive effects. In females, high consumption of local fish was shown to be the strongest determinant for total cancer, while in males, the strongest determinant was residing in the study area the first five years of life. Further research including validation of exposure using biomarkers is required to verify the findings as well as future studies in other polluted areas in Sweden with larger population bases.

L'identitŕ territoriale quale fattore di valorizzazione della filiera pesca

A valorization strategy needs to meet three main priorities: fulfil customer needs, be profitable to the operator and solve the problem of selling the products on the market. The first objective of this research was to understand the target species of interest for a sustainable valorization strategy of fish products. The target species are those of low commercial value which are fished locally during the whole year and can be consumed both as fresh fish and as transformed fish products. The choice of these fish species was based on the unsustainable fish catches and on the local historical assets of the traditional methods of fishing and of the conservation techniques. In particular, we focus our attention on the fish known as poor fish, which has a lower commercial attraction compared to the well known fish species. This work is articulated in several different steps: the description of the type of species chosen, the analysis of fish consumer demand and the added value that comes from local identity and from the culture of production and consumption. The outcome of these results form the base to define the valorization strategies to adopt. This research was conducted in the Lazio region. After a preliminary analysis of Lazio’s fish export towards eu 27, compared to exports of other Italian regions towards the eu 27, the Lazio region did not show a competitive advantage in this sector. Even if it is not competitive in terms of fish export, this region showed some productive characteristics that can be extended to several other cases. In fact, it has a productive tradition of fishing but it is only marginal fishing in terms of quantity and quality of the local fish species. The empirical analysis conducted on local consumers showed a local fish culture on a consumption that, together with fishing methods, local fish consumption and production characteristics, suggested a valorization strategy based on the territorial identity factors.

Development and evaluation of a dynamic model that projects population biomarkers of methylmercury exposure from local fish consumption

A dynamic model was developed to project Hg concentrations in common biomarkers of exposure in response to changes in Hg concentrations in predatory fish from local waters. The model predicts biomarkers in susceptible populations for intake rates representing the mean, 90th, 95th, and 99 th percentiles of populations of interest. The biomarkers the model calculates are blood methylmercury, total hair Hg, and fetal blood methylmercury. Decision makers can use the model to determine the degree of reduction in fish tissue Hg levels necessary to protect the health of susceptible populations. Biomarker output was calibrated with literature sources. Output was then compared to additional literature sources to evaluate model function. Projected biomarkers were not different from literature sources. The model can be used as a tool to understand the impact of local fish consumption on susceptible populations.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Promoting Healthy Subsistence Fish Consumption in Culturally Distinct Communities

Methyl mercury is a potent neurotoxin that causes developmental delays in young and unborn children and has been linked to neurological and cardiovascular degeneration in adults. Methyl mercury is the basis of a state-sponsored fish advisory to limit consumption of local fish in North Carolina. This study employed methods and analytic constructs from the behavioral and social sciences to assess the determinants of subsistence fishing and to promote informed fish consumption among culturally distinct and lower income subsistence fishers in southeastern North Carolina. Formative research revealed that Native American and African American were more likely than Latino residents to know of the fish advisory, and to practice procurement and preparation strategies that are mistakenly believed to render locally caught fish safe for consumption. Fish advisories were developed for each community to promote informed fish consumption intentions among residents who consume local fish. The interventions were successful in increasing knowledge and healthy intentions among most residents. Adherence to some safe fish consumption practices were constrained by cultural and economic factors. These results demonstrate the utility of multidisciplinary approaches for assessing and reducing human exposure to methyl mercury through subsistence fish consumption.

Awareness and knowledge of methylmercury in fish in the United States

In the 1970s several states in the Great Lakes region became concerned about mercury contamination in lakes and rivers and were the first to issue local fish consumption advisories. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised pregnant women, nursing mothers, young children, and women who may become pregnant not to consume shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish and recommended that these women not exceed 12 ounces of other fish per week. In 2004, FDA reissued this advice jointly with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and modified it slightly to provide information about consumption of canned tuna and more details about consumption of recreationally caught fish. Though several studies have examined consumers' awareness of the joint FDA and EPA advisory as well as different state advisories, few used representative data. We examined the changes in awareness and knowledge of mercury as a problem in fish using the pooled nationally representative 2001 and 2006 Food Safety Surveys (FSS) with sample sizes of 4482 in 2001 and 2275 in 2006. Our results indicated an increase in consumers' awareness of mercury as a problem in fish (69% in 2001 to 80% in 2006, p<.001). In our regression models, we found that in both years, parents having children less than 5 years of age were more aware of mercury in fish and knowledgeable about the information contained in the national advisories about mercury in fish ( p<.01) than other adults. In both 2001 and 2006, women of childbearing age (aged 18–45) were less aware and knowledgeable about this information than other women. However, women of all age groups had larger gains in awareness and knowledge than their male counterparts during this time. Participants' race, education, income, region, fish preparation experiences, having a foodborne illness in the past year, and risk perceptions about the safety of food were significant predictors of their awareness and knowledge.

Fish Consumption in an Area with High Incidence of Birth Defects in Cali, Colombia

ISEE-0628 Background: Clustering of rare birth defects (BD) in a poor area of Cali, Colombia, are reported since 2004, when a hospital-based registry was implemented (ECLAMC). Cases cluster in a poor and large “comuna” of the city (7.2%), near to a polluted river (Cauca river) and the municipal dump site. Objective: To characterize fish consumption in a group of childbearing age women, 15–34 years of age, in a community with clustering of BD. Methods: We developed a descriptive study of knowledge and practices about fish consumption. A multistage sampling strategy was used to select women with local health promoters. We applied a questionnaire to 380 non-pregnant women living >6 months in the community, and asked for consumption frequency and seasonality, fish types and origin, and perceived health effects. Additionally, we characterized chicken, meat and pork consumption, water use and local crop related practices. Fish species reported by women were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry methods to determine metals. Results: Women included were young (75% < 28 years) and most of them had no affiliation to social security (45%). They reported a high frequency of fish consumption: 43.7% at least weekly, 79.5% at least once in a year. Consumption is higher (67.8%) in April (Easter), and 11.4% reported consumption of Cauca river fishes. Women reported that fish may only cause short term gastrointestinal effects. Water for consumption comes exclusively from the municipal distribution network and practices related to crops were infrequent. We analyzed two types of fish species: fishes that eat sediment and predator fishes. In both species we found Cd, Hg and Pb, with Pb levels above FAO recommendations. Conclusions: Consumption of local fish is a potential route of exposure to pollutants during pregnancy, mainly Pb. Other exposures routes/pathways may interact with fish consumption.

Balancing the risks and the benefits of local fish consumption in Bermuda

Fish consumption today is widely recognized as highly beneficial since it constitutes a good source of several essential nutrients, such as selenium and polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). However, fish can also contain contaminants such as mercury, which make the consumer, especially pregnant women, confused about the risk–benefit balance associated with fish consumption. This is particularly true for tropical fish species for which little information is available. We have previously reported that some Bermudian neonates had elevated mercury in their umbilical blood compared with international guidelines. The objective of this study was to give precise and balanced information on the content of mercury, selenium and PUFA in the most consumed fish species in Bermuda. In 2003 and 2006, a total of 307 fish were collected from 43 fish species and 351 samples were analysed (305 flesh samples, 44 liver samples, one roe and one fat sample) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (metals) and high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) (fatty acids). Results show that mercury varies among species from 0.03 to 3.3 µg g−1 and that it is possible for at-risk groups such as pregnant women to make informed choices concerning fish consumption, e.g. maximizing fish species rich in nutrients and low in mercury.

Cognitive function and blood methylmercury in adults living near a deserted chloralkali factory

We assessed the association between blood methylmercury (MeHg) and cognitive function in 240 adult residents living near a deserted chloralkali plant. Total mercury (T-Hg) in the blood, MeHg, and health and dietary related questionnaire were examined for all participants. The Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI C-2.0) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess the participants’ cognitive functions. We found a significantly high correlation ( r=0.979; p<0.001) between blood T-Hg (17.3±10.9 μg/L) and MeHg (15.3±9.2 μg/L). We also found significantly higher blood MeHg levels in participants with high local fish and seafood consumption, which revealed that dietary intake was the major exposure route of MeHg. All the participants were assigned to the high-MeHg (H-MeHg, 27.0±10.4 μg/L) or low-MeHg (L-MeHg, 11.6±4.7 μg/L) groups based on the 75th percentile of their blood MeHg (19.2 μg/L), and then matched for cognitive function confounders: age, gender, and education levels. Higher abnormality rates for remote memory ( p=0.036), mental manipulation ( p=0.013), and orientation ( p=0.005) were found in the H-MeHg group than in the L-MeHg group. Long-term consumption of MeHg-contaminated fish and seafood by residents living near this contaminated area may have persistent effects on their cognitive function. We suggest a follow-up study to monitor the long-term health effects on the residents living near this deserted plant.

Fish consumption and body burden of organochlorines among lower hudson urban anglers

Polychlorinated biphenyls and other organochlorines have contaminated the Hudson River and New York/New Jersey Harbor for many decades. Although body burdens and health effects resulting from exposure to these pollutants have been measured in other populations, little is known about anglers from the lower Hudson area. Anglers were recruited from fishing clubs and along piers on the lower Hudson River. One hundred twenty-five participants provided blood samples and questionnaire information. Serum was analyzed at Mount Sinai School of Medicine for organochlorines. Mean concentration of total PCB congeners was 4.78 microg/L. A non-significant adjusted mean difference of -0.59 microg/L was observed between local fish eaters and non-eaters with higher levels among the non-eaters. Similar negative, but non-significant associations were observed for p,p'-DDT, HCB, and beta-BHC. For pp'-DDE, and several chlordane residues, levels were higher among anglers reporting local fish consumption, but the difference was statistically significant only for TN. These findings suggest eating fish from the lower Hudson River and NY/NJ harbor is not associated with an increased body burden of PCBs or most other organochlorines.

Factors related to dioxin and furan body levels among Michigan workers

We evaluated serum concentrations of five selected dioxin, furan, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) congeners among 412 workers at a Midland, Michigan plant that manufactured trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol (PCP) and formulated chlorophenol-based products. We examined occupational indicators of exposure to these chlorophenols taking into account intrinsic factors such as age and body fat and potential environmental sources of exposure from consumption of local game and fish and other occupations. All five congeners were significantly associated with age and body fat. 2378-TCDD serum concentrations were associated with trichlorophenol operations, total years employed at the plant, as well as working as a hazardous waste worker. 123678-H 6CDD serum concentrations were related to occupational PCP exposure, chloracne, recent weight loss, eating local game, and working as a hazardous waste worker. Serum concentrations of PCB126 were related to smoking (inversely), and eating local fish or local game. Other factors such as diet and jobs outside of the chlorophenol plant exposures had only a very minor impact on dioxin and furan concentrations in these workers.

A system dynamic based DSS for sustainable coral reef management in Kenting coastal zone, Taiwan

Kenting is located at the southern end of Taiwan, and is famous for its abundant marine resources, especially diverse coral species. This beautiful coastal zone attracts millions of tourists every year. However, growing human activities and increasing land reclamation pressure have resulted in negative impact to the coral reef ecosystem. Thus, exploring an integrated approach for sustainable coral reef management is urgently needed. The current study adopts the integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) concept and develops a system dynamic (SD) based decision support system (DSS). The SD model, built as a DSS to facilitate scenario analysis, can solve the complex coastal zone management problem. Four subsystems, socio-economic, environmental, biological, and management, join with the SD model configuration for integrated assessment of the particular problem. The model identifies four critical management strategy variables, including land development, wastewater treatment, local fish consumption rate, and entrance fee collection, and presents users with a user-friendly DSS interface. Several scenario analyses are conducted and presented in this paper. Decision makers can also fine tune DSS variables and evaluate preferable scenarios through simulations. Sustainable management strategies for the coral reef ecosystem can hopefully be developed using the DSS and implemented in the near future.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in milk from Italian women living in Rome and Venice

The levels of selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in human milk samples from the areas of Venice and Rome, primarily in order to characterize the current levels of infant exposure to PCBs and PBDEs due to breast feeding in Italy. Sixteen non-dioxin-like PCBs, including the traditional indicator congeners, and 11 PBDEs, comprising the relevant PBDE-47, PBDE-99, and PBDE-153, were determined. Congeners were selected for analysis according to their relative abundance in human tissues, toxicological relevance, and diffusion in the environment. Dietary habits of the milk donors were recorded by questionnaires; mothers of the Venice area were classified into three groups according to their consumption of local fish, molluscs, and other fishery products. Sigma(16)(PCBs) and Sigma(11)(PBDEs) (ng g(-1) fat) for the areas of Venice and Rome were respectively, 250-390 and 240, and 1.6-2.8 and 4.1. An increase of fish and fishery product consumption could not be associated with an increase of PCB and PBDE levels in milk.

Environmental and occupational exposures and serum PCB concentrations and patterns among Mohawk men at Akwesasne

A study was conducted to address the question of how fish consumption, occupation, and outdoor air affected serum PCB concentrations and congener patterns among 139 Native American men living near three hazardous waste sites. They were interviewed about their residential, occupational, and dietary histories, and donated 20 ml of venous blood for congener-specific PCB analysis. The similarity in the congener pattern between that found in the serum and that detected in local environmental samples was measured by calculating the Euclidean distance between them. The results indicated that serum PCB concentrations were positively associated with cumulative lifetime exposures to PCBs from local fish consumption and occupation. However, participants who lived in the last 10 years at Raquette Point, which is the area of the Reserve closest to the hazardous waste sites and the only location where elevated levels of PCBs were found in outdoor air, did not have higher serum PCB concentrations than participants who lived elsewhere at Akwesasne. Regarding pattern matching, Mohawk men with the greatest cumulative lifetime exposure to PCBs from local fish consumption had a serum PCB congener pattern that more closely resembled that in fish caught off-shore from one of the hazardous waste sites than did men who ate less local fish. Similarly, Mohawk men who were occupationally exposed to PCBs were more likely than those without occupational exposure to have a serum PCB congener pattern that was similar to that of Aroclor 1248, the commercial PCB mixture used locally. The serum PCB congener pattern of Raquette Point residents more closely resembled the pattern in outdoor air only if the men ate relatively few local fish. The study is among the first to demonstrate that outdoor air may affect serum PCB congener patterns, at least in the absence of heavy fish consumption.

Pilot study of intrauterine exposure to methylmercury in Eastern Aegean islands, Greece

A group of islands with a total population of about 200,000 was identified in the Eastern Aegean, where there was evidence to suggest possible increased exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) through consumption of fresh local fish and other seafood from seas bordered by mercury-bearing rock. A feasibility study was conducted to explore the possibility of defining a local population of mother–child pairs in whom to investigate the intrauterine exposure effect. Analysis of 246 hair samples collected from pregnant women and mothers of newborn babies and children under 5 years showed levels of total Hg from 0.046 μg/g to 17.5 μg/g, geometric mean 1.36 μg/g, and of MeHg from 0.031 μg/g to 16.2 μg/g, geometric mean 1.07 μg/g. About 5% of the mothers had hair total Hg levels in excess of 6.00 μg/g. Investigation of dietary habits showed that one-third of the mothers eat fresh local fish at least 3 times weekly, one-third once a week and 10% rarely or never. There was a close association between weekly rates of local fish consumption and hair levels of both total Hg and MeHg. A power calculation determined that a cohort of 3000 mother–child pairs would enable comparison of a high-exposure group (those with the upper 5% of hair MeHg) with a low exposure group (5%, selected from those with the lower 30% of hair MeHg, matched for confounding factors), in order to detect an effect size of 0.35 to 0.45 at a power of 85–95%. It is concluded that the mothers and children in the Eastern Aegean islands studied comprise a population suitable for an epidemiological study of the effects of intrauterine exposure to MeHg via maternal fresh local fish consumption.

Body burdens of mercury in lower Hudson River area anglers

The Hudson River has been a federally designated Superfund site for over 20 years. Discharges of industrial waste and of treated and untreated sewage and atmospheric deposition have introduced mercury and other persistent pollutants to the Hudson River ecosystem. Despite New York and New Jersey health advisories, many local anglers and their family members continue to consume fish caught from the river. To evaluate associations between body burden of mercury and local fish consumption, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 191 anglers recruited from piers and fishing clubs. Participants were administered a questionnaire to obtain information on local fish consumption, and 65% (124 individuals) provided a blood sample used to determine mercury levels. Mercury levels ranged from below the limit of detection (0.75 ng/mL) to 24.0 ng/mL. Participants who reported eating locally caught fish had significantly higher levels of mercury (mean ( M)=2.4 ng/mL, standard error (SE)=1.2) than anglers who never ate locally caught fish ( M = 1.3 ng / mL , SE=1.1). A positive dose–response pattern was also observed, where participants who reported eating locally caught fish more than once a week had higher mercury levels ( M = 2.6 ng / mL , SE=1.1) than anglers eating fish less frequently ( M = 2.0 ng / mL , SE=1.2) or never at all ( M = 1.3 ng / mL , SE=1.1). These findings indicate that consumption of fish caught from the lower Hudson River area is a route of human exposure to mercury for the angling community.