Posted July 28, 2009
Kentucky residents were advised Friday to limit the amount of fish they eat from six lakes and creeks because of elevated levels of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health, the Department for Environmental Protection and the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources issued the warnings after the elevated levels of substances were found in sampled fish.
In a written statement, health Commissioner William Hacker said, “Pregnant women, women of childbearing age and children who consume fish as part of their diet are more susceptible to the ill effects of contaminants sometimes found in fish.”
People should track how much fish they are consuming, said Guy Delius, director of the division of public health protection and safety. Fish from the affected lakes and creeks can be eaten in moderation.
Cooking will not reduce mercury levels, state officials said.
The advisory applies to fish caught in all or part of the following: Lake Cumberland in Pulaski, Wayne, Russell and Clinton counties; Guist Creek Lake in Shelby County; Fish Lake in Ballard County; Green River Lake in Taylor and Adair counties; and Knox Creek and Fishtrap Lake in Pike County.
To see the suggested limits on eating fish for each area, go to http://migration.kentucky.gov/newsroom/chfs/Fish+Consumption.htm.
Date: July 27, 2009
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