Contaminated Fish Alert in Charlotte and Surrounding Area

Charlotte residents should be aware that a warning has been issued by the North Carolina Division of Public Health concerning local fish. The health alert issued warns consumers that contaminated fish was found in several local waterways.

According to information in the Charlotte Observer, fish in Mountain Island Lake, Lake Wylie and the Catawba River were found to be contaminated with PCBs. It is believed that PCBs can cause neurological damage and cancer. A link to this article is included under sources.

Warnings are especially important for pregnant women, nursing women and those thinking about becoming pregnant as well as those under 15 years of age.

The information also includes a warning that no one should eat largemouth bass more than once a week if it is from the Catawba River, Lake Wylie or Lake Wateree. People are also warned not to eat largemouth bass from the Fishing Creek and Cedar Creek reservoirs more than once a month.

Unfortunately this is not the first health warning those who like to fish have heard in the Charlotte area. Finding a spot to fish without these issues is becoming more difficult in many states.

Those in Charlotte wanting to buy fresh fish may want to visit the Atherton Market on South Boulevard in Charlotte. This market often has fresh fish available. While this does not solve the contaminated fish issue for local anglers, it may help those wanting fish on the menu.

Buying fish outside the Charlotte area may not be any easier. Recent reports show other states have had their share of alerts in recent years as well.

Sources:

Bruce Henderson-Charlotte Observer