Consumption of fish from polluted waters by WIC participants in east Harlem.
To minimize exposure to neurotoxins such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and pesticide residues, the New York State Department of Health issues health advisories about consumption of certain fish and shellfish caught from polluted local waters. Fetal exposure causes cognitive developmental deficits in children. Consumption of fish was assessed. We surveyed 220 WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) participants. Of the participants, 10% ate fish and shellfish caught in local polluted waters. Statistically significant factors associated with eating local, noncommercial fish included male gender and knowledge of the health advisory. Locally caught fish and crabs are consumed; thus, in utero and childhood exposure to these neurotoxins occurs. Interventions to promote safer choices of fish are needed.
Bienenfeld
Laura Anne
LA
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, USA. laura.bienenfeld@mssm.edu
Golden
Anne L
AL
Garland
Elizabeth J
EJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003296:Cooking; D004147:Dioxins / Q000009:adverse effects; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000009:adverse effects; D009519:New York City; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011635:Public Health Administration; D017747:Seafood / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*
D004147:Dioxins; D009498:Neurotoxins; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls