PCB Levels in Oak Ridge Water Pose No Public Health Hazard: Federal agency recommends fish consumption guidelines as a precaution

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Atlanta - Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs -- a chemical used in the past as a coolant and lubricant in electrical and machining equipment) released from the Oak Ridge Reservation poses no apparent public health hazard, according to a public health assessment released by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

In a report of its findings, ATSDR also issued a set of recommendations for those residents who frequently consume large amounts of certain species of locally caught fish.  A large amount of fish consumption is defined as one or more fish meals per week over an extended period of time.

The ATSDR study examined past and current exposures to PCBs in the air, soil, sediment, and water on fish, geese, and turtles in nearby off-site waterways. The off-site waterways examined are the Clinch River, East Fork Poplar Creek, Poplar Creek, Lower Watts Bar Reservoir and the Tennessee River.

The results of the initial screening and evaluation of 44 potential PCB exposure pathways showed levels of the contaminant in these waterways and their associated sediment and nearby soil were too low to cause any observable health effects in people who live or visit near these waterways.  The finding also applies to residents and visitors using these waterways and associated floodplains for drinking, swimming, farming, or gardening.

Based on the levels of PCBs detected in fish caught in these waters, ATSDR has determined that any amount of locally caught Sunfish is safe to eat, but also established a set of precautionary consumption guidelines for children and adults in certain species of fish.  These species include largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, white bass, and hybrid (striped-white) bass.

Certain sensitive populations -- including pregnant women, nursing mothers and children -- are cautioned to avoid eating these fish.

Other aquatic wildlife evaluated by ATSDR, including Canadian goose muscle and turtle meat are safe to eat in any amount, but turtle fat, turtle eggs, and turtle organs should not be eaten.  ATSDR further recommends residents follow the Tennessee state fish consumption advisory to reduce any possible exposures to PCBs.

Complete results of the study along with the recommended consumption guidelines are available on the ATSDR web site at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/oakridge/

ATSDR, a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, evaluates the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances.

Members of the news media may request interviews with ATSDR staff by calling the NCEH/ ATSDR Office of Communications at 770/ 488-0700.

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• Page last reviewed: February 9, 2009
• Page last updated: February 9, 2009
• Content source: Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry