Detectable Mercury Present In Every Fish Sampled In 10 Western States -

[hatrack]

A sweeping study by Oregon scientists has found mercury-contaminated fish throughout the West. In the most widespread survey of mercury in the nation's streams, four Corvallis researchers with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Oregon State University sampled more than 2,700 fish in Oregon, Washington and 10 other Western states. They found detectable -- and in some cases, high -- amounts of mercury in every fish sampled from 626 randomly selected rivers and streams that flow nearly 190,000 miles.

Although they found only a few fish with high enough mercury levels that could pose a risk to people who eat them frequently, the scientists suggested that consumers -- especially pregnant women and young children -- follow federal guidelines that limit intake of fish known to contain mercury. They, as well as federal officials, recommend calling state and county agencies for any advisories issued on locally caught fish.

EDIT

The study found that the highest mercury concentrations were primarily in larger fish-eating species called "piscivores," comprising northern pike, bass, walleye and pikeminnow. The levels in more than half of the piscivore samples were similar to those found in cans of albacore or "white" tuna, for which federal officials already urge dietary limits. The EPA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommend pregnant women eat no more than one 6-ounce can of albacore tuna each week.

Levels in trout and other salmonid species had far lower levels of mercury. To the scientists, the findings signal more surprise than alarm. "We found a relatively low concentration of mercury across a broad expanse," said Spencer Peterson, a research ecologist with the EPA in Corvallis. "I think the beneficial effects of eating fish outweigh the hazard potential."

EDIT

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1169612728115700.xml&coll=7

[pscot]

1. I'm surprised anyone is surprised

Here in Washington there have been periodic alerts for years past. Alasting legacy of thge mining industry, which has poisoned streams, lakes and reservoirs from New Mexico to Washington.

[damntexdem]

2. What wonderful news:

now you can eat your dinner and take your temperature at the same time!

Then sit down and read to your children about the Mad Hatter!

[kestrel91316]

3. Heh. I bet they didn't sample from any of the creeks that run

off Wheeler Peak in Eastern NV...........too remote to bother going there I bet.