While these fish are safe to catch and handle, the chemicals can be passed on to the person eating the fish. So in Pennsylvania, we have a system that lets people know how to enjoy the health benefits of eating fish, while also reducing unwanted and potentially harmful chemicals. State agencies do this by issuing fish consumption advisories. Fish have become a popular meal among people concerned with limiting their sodium, cholesterol and fat intake. Fish provide a good source of easily-digested, high quality protein, as well as many vitamins and minerals.
Doctors recommend fish as part of a heart-healthy diet.
Chemicals are part of our everyday lives. While we benefit from the use of chemicals, there are a few that have been shown to have an adverse effect on our health. It's been illegal to manufacture some of these chemicals, such as PCBs, for more than 20 years. However, they are extremely persistent and can still be found in small amounts in the environment. You are likely have some of these chemicals in your body right now.