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Issues and Concerns with Chemical Pollution "Filthy water cannot be washed" WEST AFRICAN PROVERB Fish Many of the toxic substances found in the Great Lakes accumulate in the bodies of higher organisms in the food chain. Though these substances, such as the chemical PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), can be found only slightly detectable in the watershed, they are often found in large quantities stored inside the fatty tissue of fish such as salmon and trout. Because birds eat a lot of fish, they then ingest these toxins and the amount of toxic material is then magnified inside their bodies because they generally eat more than one fish. The problem of contaminants being ingested by the fish has become so great that certain Great Lakes areas are not allowed to sell their fish due to these high levels of mercury, PCBs and other harmful substances. (Environmental Protection Agency: The Great Lakes "An Environmental Atlas and Resource Book," 1999) Lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and coho salmon Graphic source: www.epa.gov According to research done by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes National Program, a large number of the contaminants found in the Great Lakes region have been shown to contribute to birth defects, heighten the risk of cancer and possibly lead to genetic mutations among plants, animals and humans. In studies done by the Clean Water Action Council and the EPA in 1996 and 1997, startling evidence showed that the consumption of fish was the greatest risk humans take that exposes them to the variety of toxins found in the Great Lakes. It was reported that "a person who eats one meal of lake trout from Lake Michigan will be exposed to more PCBs in one meal than in a lifetime of drinking water from the lake." There are often notices broadcast by Great Lakes Health Departments warning Great Lakes residents from eating certain species of fish in order to prevent the dangerous exposure to toxic substances. (Environmental Protection Agency: The Great Lakes "An Environmental Atlas and Resource Book," 1999) Graphic source: www.epa.gov To learn how to properly cook and safely consume Great Lakes Fish, check out "Fish of the Great Lakes" at www.seagrant.wisc.edu/communications/publications/Fish/cook_eat.html With the use of current animal research and observation, it has been found that even low exposure to some of these contaminants can lead to detrimental long-term effects. Though research is inconclusive, researchers continue to seek out additional answers to potential future health related problems. Research has proven that those who regularly eat Great Lakes fish and wildlife exhibit high amounts of PCBs in their bodies. (Clean Water Action Council, 1998). Though the levels of PCBs detected in the Great Lakes have dropped since the mid 1970's, humans must still be cautious when choosing which fish to eat. Public Health advisories must be taken seriously, especially by young children, pregnant women and the elderly, who are most vulnerable to effects of toxic substances.
Approximate Word count = 1936
Approximate Pages = 7.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
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