Town of Wilmington, Massachusetts - Public Health Fish Consumption Advisory

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Public Health Fish Consumption Advisory - Silver Lake

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has reviewed fish toxics data generated by the Department of Environmental Protection for Silver Lake. Mercury, as well as the pesticide DDT and its derivatives, have been detected in largemouth bass and yellow bullhead caught from Silver Lake. The mercury level in largemouth bass was below the Food and Drug Administration Action Level for mercury of 1.0 mg/kg but within a level that may pose health concerns for some individuals. The average concentration of DDT and its derivatives in yellow bullhead were above a level that MDPH considers safe for unlimited consumption. DDT and mercury may accumulate in individuals who frequently eat fish contaminated with pesticides or mercury, thus leading to an increased risk of health effects. Fetuses, nursing infants, and young children are particularly sensitive to the developmental and health problems associated with mercury exposure. Because of health concerns associated with exposure to DDT and mercury, the MDPH offers the following recommendations:

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Children under 12, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should refrain from consuming largemouth bass and yellow bullhead from Silver Lake to prevent exposure of developing fetuses, nursing infants and young children to mercury or DDT.

2. The general public should limit consumption of largemouth bass and yellow bullhead caught from Silver Lake to two meals per month.

For more information contact: Massachusetts Department of Public Health Center for Environmental Health

Town of Wilmington 121 Glen Road, Wilmington, MA 01887-3597
Phone: (978) 658-3311 Fax: (978) 658-3334

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