MPH 720 PCB Fish Contamination Educational Fact-sheet

MERCER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

PCB FISH CONTAMINATION EDUCATIONAL FACT-SHEET

A PAPER SUBMITTED TO

DR. BRIAN ROOD

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

GLOBAL ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MPH 720

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

BY

ABRAHAM DENG

MACON, GEORGIA

JULY 2014

PCB Contaminated Fish Educational Fact-sheet

This factsheet will function as a vital reference for providing educational intervention to minimize persistent exposure to consumption of fish contaminated with PCBs. The simple language employed in this factsheet will enhance comprehension of required intervention strategies for people with minimal educational levels.

Definition and Properties of PCBs: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic chemicals with characteristics of odorless and colorless. The PCBs initially found important functions in manufacturing industries and electrical equipment. The manufacturing of these chemical compounds was banned over three decades ago due to chemical potential harm to both humans and animals.

Ways People Get Exposed to PCBs: These chemical compounds are typically found in fish fatty tissues and bottom sediments of rivers and lakes. Consumption of fish contaminated with PCBs continues to be a major significant mode of exposure.

Ways PCBs Affect Human Health: PCBs are accumulated and stored in the fats of both humans and animals.  The PCBs can gradually accumulate in the body for a longer period of time. For instance, consumption of fish contaminated with PCBs can result in a progressive accumulation of chemicals in the body for months to years, which may compromise people’s health. PCBs can affect health of both children and adults.

Adults: PCBs can cause potential health problems to adults’ liver and immune system. These chemical compounds can also cause cancer.

Pregnant women and young children: Women who consume fish contaminated with PCBs prior to birth may have children who present with slow mental development and learning ability. Pregnant women can also transmit these chemical compounds to their unborn children and newborn children through breast milk. Despite the presence of PCBs in breast milk, the benefits of breast-feeding overweigh risks linked to avoiding breast-feeding. It is vitally important to know that young children can present with developmental problems when exposed to PCBs.

Ways to Reduce Exposure to PCB Potential Health Risks: Consumption of fish contaminated with PCBs is the fundamental route of exposure. People can reduce exposure to PCBs health risks through consumption of fish not contaminated with these chemical compounds. The following are significant strategies:

1.   Eat smaller and younger fish: Panfish and small fish contain minimal PCBs.

2.   Eat lean fish: Small walleye, northern pike and bass have low content of fat content and chemicals.

3.   Release large predator fish: Examples include walleye, northern pike, muskie, and lake trout as they contain high levels of PCBs. Note: Cartfish and carp accumulate high concentrations of PCBs.

4.   Choose fish carefully for women of childbearing age, pregnant women, breast-feeding women, and young children.

Ways to Safely Fillet Fish: Trim fish to reduce PCB concentrations and other chemical contaminants. Make sure to trim off the fatty parts of fish prior to cooking. Also ensure to cook fish in a manner that the fat drips off. Fillet fish along the belly, from top to back, and dark meat on the side of fish skin. Most importantly, other important strategies to minimize exposure to PCB health risks in fish contaminated with these chemicals include baking, broiling, grilling on rack, and poaching. It is fundamentally important to avoid using gravy or liquid for sauces. (Information Source: www.dhs.state.wi.us/eh/)