It is based on the agencies' review of fish contamination information provided by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. Other fish in the lake may contain similar levels of contaminants and should be eaten with caution. The data were assessed and the advisory recommended based on risk-assessment methods developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Great Lakes Sport Fish Advisory Task Force. Women beyond their childbearing years and men face fewer health risks from contaminants. However those persons should also follow the advisory to reduce their total exposure and be especially careful to space meals over time.
Spacing meals helps prevent contaminants from building up to harmful levels in the body.
Proper cleaning, skinning, trimming and cooking can reduce the organic chemical contaminant levels in the fish. Eat only skinless, boneless fillets with as much fat as possible removed. However, heavy metal contaminants such as mercury are distributed throughout the flesh of the fish. Cleaning and cooking precautions will not reduce the amount of mercury in the meal. In order to reduce your mercury intake, you must reduce the amount of contaminated fish that you eat.