FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2007

Contact: Kevin Cate
(850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY FOR ESCAMBIA RIVER

TALLAHASSEE—Department of Health (DOH) State Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros M.D., MPH, announced today that a Fish Consumption Advisory has been issued for the Escambia River south of SR 184 (Quintette Road) to the mouth of the river in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The advisory recommends consumers eat no more than one 6-ounce meal of skinless striped mullet per week from the designated area due to increased levels of chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s).

Largemouth bass from these waters were also found to have increased levels of the same chemicals and are already under an advisory to limit consumption because of mercury. Women of childbearing age and young children should not eat more than one 6-ounce meal of largemouth bass per month. All other consumers should eat no more than one 6-ounce meal of largemouth bass per week. By following these recommendations, people can continue to enjoy the benefits of eating fish and avoid the risks of these chemicals.

Earlier reports of dioxin-like compounds pointed to possible health effects from eating crabs and oysters from Escambia waters. DOH review has concluded that the levels found in Escambia crabs and oysters do not amount to a health concern.

For more information on mercury in fish, visit the Florida Department of Health Fish Consumption Advisories web pages . Remember, the most current information on health department fish advisories for Escambia County is posted here.