Although PCBs are no longer manufactured, many old electrical transformers and capacitors still contain them. Experiments with animals have demonstrated that PCBs can produce adverse health effects such as liver damage, skin irritation, reproductive and developmental effects, and cancer. It is prudent to assume that PCBs pose health hazards for humans as well. PCBs are widespread and persistent in the environment. Consuming contaminated fish can be a major exposure route for humans.
Fish can accumulate PCBs through contaminated water, sediment, and prey.
PCBs tend to accumulate in the non-edible portions of fish and in the fat. Eat smaller fish. As a general rule, larger, older fish may be more contaminated than smaller, younger fish. Vary the kind of fish you eat. Panfish, such as bluegill and crappie, and trout eat insects and other aquatic life that are less likely to contain high levels of contaminants.