High Levels of Toxins Found in Some Fish From Lake Worth

Unsafe levels of pollutants were found in some fish in Lake Worth, making some completely unfit for consumption, according to a new report.Anyone who catches flathead catfish or smallmouth buffalo in the Tarrant County lake should not eat them or severely limit their consumption, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.A report issued March 7 found the fish to have high levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, in them. According to the report, excess concentrations of dioxins and PCBs were found in blue catfish, common carp, flathead catfish, freshwater drum, smallmouth buffalo, striped bass and white bass.Women of child-bearing age and children 12 years old and younger should limit the servings of most of these fish to one meal per month and avoid smallmouth buffalo and flathead catfish completely, the report advised.Consumption rules vary for women past child-bearing age and all others older than 12. Blue catfish, common carp, striped and white bass should be limited to two meals per month, while freshwater drum should be safe up to three meals a month.Flathead catfish should only be eaten once a month, while smallmouth buffalo should be completely avoided.Elevated levels of dioxins and PCBs in fish do not pose a health risk for swimmers or boaters, the report said.  Continue reading...