Document jNBbJ57g6zEdZNRbbL0DD8LJQ

FOR IMMEDIATE USE. Mar. 28, 2006 Comact. Doug Schultz. MDH Communications Office (651) 201-4993 Pat McCann (E6n5v1i)ro2n0m1e4nt9a1l5Health Revised fish consumption advice issued for bluegill sunfish in Pool 2 of the Mississippi River PFOS measured infish tissueposes health concernifeaten i0o often, state health officials say "The Minnesota DepartmentofHealth is revising the Fish Consumption Advisory to include: `sidelines on eating fish from Pool 2ofthe Mississippi River that may contain PFOS, a perfluorochemical (PFC). PFOS has been measured in theedible tissuesofbluegill sunfish and smallmouth bass at levels of health concern for people who eat these fish too often. Pool 2 refers o the sectionofthe Mississippi River between the Hastings Dam and the Ford Dam in St. Paul, including `some backwater lakes and connecting channels MDHrecommends that people who eat bluegill sunfish from Pool 2ofthe Mississippi River limit their consumption to one meal a week. Previously the consumption recommendation for bluegill sunfish was "unlimited." The Departmentof Natural Resources has Special Regulations requiring that smallmouth bass be immediately released after being caught rom Pool 2. As this regulation should prevent people from cating smallmouth bess, MDH is only revising the bluegill sunfish advice. Although channel catfish filles and white bass also had low levelsof PECs, following the existing fish consumption advice based on mercury and/or polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCBs) will also protect people fiom exposures PFCs. The MDH developed the revised advice based on scientific information aboutthe toxicity ofPFOS. Laboratory research indicates that PFOS causes harmful changes in the liversofsome animals. Like mercury, PFOS binds to proteins throughout the fish rather than concentrating in fat. Special cleaning and cooking precautions used to reduce contaminants like PCBs that concentrate in fat are not effective with PFOS. -more- MDH Co"MmDmH uownsircelOeaafstfesiiccoa+nn6b2es5fRooubenrtati.HipX:. vSaue5he0l0ls+.ttcPauml,nMsNewSs51i5ndex651) 0nl1-4989 2093.0001 Bluegill advice pe 2 At this time, there is no information about levels ofPFOS in fish from areasofthe Mississippi other than Pool 2. Over the next several months more sampling data rom Pool2 and other areas is expected These data were gathered as part ofan investigation of PFC releases from the 3M Cottage Grove facility. "The toxicity of PFCs is the subjectofactive research. The MDH continually reviews ongoing. research on PFOS and other perfluorochemicals to ensure that Minnesota's health guidelines for contaminants in ish and water remain protectiveofpeople's health. As new studies and science become available, the guidelines may be revised to reflct additonal information "With the fishing season coming up, tis is a good timeforallof us to remember that fish are good to eat" says Pat McCann, " but we should make wise choices bout which fish we eat and how often." People are advised to check out the statewide Safe Eating Guidelines or site-specific advice for the Mississippi River. Health experts. including the MDH, recommend eating one to two meals offish per week. Fish are a `900d low-fat sourceof protein and contain many vitamins and minerals. Eating fish may help protect adults against cardiovascular disease. Pregnant women and women who may become pregnant should also eat fish because eating fish promotes eye and brain development in fetuses More information on the Minnesota Fish Consumption Advisory may be found at hip Aww health state mn. usdivsieh/fish/index hm. Updated site-specific advice for the 2006 Fishing Season will be available online by the state walleye opener in May. PFCs area group of manmade chemicals that have been used for decades to make products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. See <hitp/svww health state mn. sivehazardous!sites/washington/pfeshealth. pd>f for more information. MDH. 2093.0002 STATE_02082049