Potential health risks of recreational fishing in new york city

Abstract

Background: Fish in the rivers around New York City are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that have been increasingly associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The New York State Department of Health has recommended that the consumption of fish from the rivers around New York City not exceed one meal per month and that no pregnant women or children less than 15 years of age eat any fish from these waters.

Design/methods: We systematically surveyed anglers at Manhattan fishing sites over a 3-month period to estimate the exposure of anglers, children, and women of childbearing age to PCB-laden fish.

Results: One hundred sixty anglers completed the interview. Eighty percent of these anglers were unaware of any advisory to limit fish consumption in order to limit PCB exposure. Most anglers ate the fish they caught. Of the anglers who said that they took the fish home (72.5% of the total sample), 17.7% reported that children regularly eat the fish, and 15.4% reported that an individual had been pregnant while regularly eating the fish.

Conclusion: Despite state advisories, New York City anglers report high rates of fish consumption by themselves, pregnant women, and children. Although determining the consequences of such consumption will require further study, this represents a worrisome environmental exposure.