Your exposure to these contaminants before pregnancy matters, too. Women who may become pregnant should follow the fish consumption advice in this booklet, since traces of these contaminants may remain in your body for a period of time after ingestion. You can reduce your exposure to contaminants by following the advice given in this brochure. Over time, your body can rid itself of some contaminants. Choose the Type of Fish Eat a variety of fish.
Fish build up contaminants from the water they live in and the food they eat.
Older or bigger fish tend to build up contaminants in their bodies. Although mercury can be found in fish species from freshwater rivers, lakes, streams and reservoirs in the state, the highest levels have been found in the Pinelands area covering the southeastern counties of the state. Chain pickerel and largemouth bass are two species found to have high levels in the Pinelands. High PCB and dioxin levels tend to be found in fish from waterways in the northeastern industrial areas of the state, including the Newark Bay Area and the tidal portions of the rivers that flow into it. Chlordane contamination has been found in the Delaware River in the Camden area.