Comparative analysis of state fish consumption advisories targeting sensitive populations.
OBJECTIVE
Fish consumption advisories are issued to warn the public of possible toxicological threats from consuming certain fish species. Although developing fetuses and children are particularly susceptible to toxicants in fish, fish also contain valuable nutrients. Hence, formulating advice for sensitive populations poses challenges. We conducted a comparative analysis of advisory Web sites issued by states to assess health messages that sensitive populations might access.


METHODS
We evaluated state advisories accessed via the National Listing of Fish Advisories issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.


METHODS
We created criteria to evaluate advisory attributes such as risk and benefit message clarity.


RESULTS
All 48 state advisories issued at the time of this analysis targeted children, 90% (43) targeted pregnant women, and 58% (28) targeted women of childbearing age. Only six advisories addressed single contaminants, while the remainder based advice on 2-12 contaminants. Results revealed that advisories associated a dozen contaminants with specific adverse health effects. Beneficial health effects of any kind were specifically associated only with omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings highlight the complexity of assessing and communicating information about multiple contaminant exposure from fish consumption. Communication regarding potential health benefits conferred by specific fish nutrients was minimal and focused primarily on omega-3 fatty acids. This overview suggests some lessons learned and highlights a lack of both clarity and consistency in providing the breadth of information that sensitive populations such as pregnant women need to make public health decisions about fish consumption during pregnancy.
Scherer
Alison C
AC
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
Tsuchiya
Ami
A
Younglove
Lisa R
LR
Burbacher
Thomas M
TM
Faustman
Elaine M
EM
D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D005399:Fishes; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States; D014484:United States Environmental Protection Agency