Public Health Information/
Studies & Health Advisories
 
Edmonton, November 20, 2000
Fish Advisory Revised
Provincial Health Officer Dr. John Waters today revised the current Fish Consumption Advisory to allow for limited consumption of Mountain Whitefish from the Smoky/Wapiti River System.
 
"Public safety is our primary concern," said Waters, "The Public Health Management Committee conducted a thorough review of all the factors involved with the dioxin/furan levels in fish taken from this area. The results of that review show there is now a minimal risk to the public regarding the consumption of Mountain Whitefish."
 
The advisory will be revised to allow for the consumption of four 4 oz. servings (or four 28 gram servings) of Mountain Whitefish per week. Based on Health Canada guidelines, safety levels for dioxin/furan in Mountain Whitefish from the Smoky/Wapiti River System would not be exceeded at this amount.
 
As an added precaution, Dr. Waters advises that pregnant women and young children should avoid the consumption of Mountain Whitefish taken from the Smoky/Wapiti River System.
 
The review noted continuing concerns with the dioxin/furan levels in Burbot Liver taken from the Smoky/Wapiti River System. As such, the ban on Burbot Liver under the original Fish Consumption Advisory continues.
 
For more information, please contact:
Dr. John Waters
Provincial Health Officer
Alberta Health and Wellness
(780) 415-2798
 
Wild Game and Fish Health Advisory (Swan Hills Area)
As a result of an air emissions release containing PCBs, dioxins and furans at the Swan Hills Waste Treatment Centre on October 16, 1996, a wild game and fish public health advisory has been issued for the consumption of game and fish taken from the Swan Hills area. While no immediate public health threat exists for those who eat wild game or fish from the area, it is recommended that consumption of these foods be limited (and in some cases avoided) as regular consumption over an extended period of time could be harmful.
Wild Game
 
·       limit eating wild game taken from within a 30 km radius of Swan Hills Treatment Centre to 13 ounces per month (370 grams)
·       avoid eating organ meat (liver, kidney) or using fat from wild game harvested within a 30 km radius of the treatment centre
·       pregnant or breast feeding women should avoid eating wild game taken from within a 30 km radius of the treatment centre
·       young children should avoid eating wild game taken from within a 30 km radius of the treatment centre Fish
·       limit eating fish taken from within a 20 kilometre radius of the Swan Hills Waste Treatment Centre to four 4 oz. servings (or four 28 gram servings) per week or less
·       avoid eating fish organs or eggs taken from lakes within the 20 kilometre radius
·       avoid eating fish from lakes within the 20 kilometre radius if pregnant or breast feeding
·       young children should avoid eating fish taken from within the 20 kilometre radius Fish Preparation Instructions
·       remove the skin before cooking the fish
·       trim the fat from the fish (belly flap, sides, back and under the skin)
·       broil or bake the fish on a rack so the fats drips away
·       do not use the drippings to prepare any other recipes
 
The advisory applies to animals and fish taken in the fall of 1996, as well as to those taken in the current year.
 

reviewed April 17, 2001
 
 

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