BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Erie County Department of Health is urging women and children to not eat fish from local waters.
The health department recommends children under the age of 15, pregnant women and women under 50-years-old do not consume fish caught from the Buffalo River, Buffalo Harbor, Cayuga Creek, Delaware Park Lake/Hoyt Lake, the Erie Canal or Eighteenmile Creek.
Health officials say fish caught from the areas mentioned above potentially contain PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dioxins and other pollutants that can cause disease, hormonal imbalances and immune system impairment.
“Fish and seafood can be part of everyone’s balanced diet, but we are urging caution when it comes to fish from local waterways,” said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale R. Burstein. “Know what type of fish you’re eating and where it came from, especially if caught by a friend or family member, and check it against the latest advisories from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and NYSDOH.”
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a statement regarding pregnant women and children who eat fish. The news release talks about health benefits of eating certain types of fish while pregnant and how fish can support growth and development in children.
