Contaminants in Fish and Shellfish
Common Questions
Where do they come from?
Industrial and municipal discharges, agricultural practices, and storm water runoff can all deposit harmful substances directly into the water.
Fish can absorb organic chemicals from the water, suspended sediments, and their food.
What are the risks?
Health problems that may result from eating contaminated fish range from small, hard-to-detect changes to birth defects and cancer.
Specific Contaminants
Mercury
Since methylmercury binds to proteins, it is found throughout fish tissue, including muscle tissue that makes up fish steaks and fillets.
PCBs
PCBs can build up in the fatty tissues of fish and other animals, and in high concentrations pose serious health risks to people who frequently eat contaminated fish.
