The main exposure of toxic chemicals to humans from water is through fish tissue, where long-lasting chemicals
build up. Therefore, fish consumption advisories are excellent indicators of toxic pollution in natural water bodies.
It is important to know about chemicals in fish. Long-lasting chemicals such as mercury build up in the human
body over time, so follow the consumption advisory recommendations found in the Michigan Department of
Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) Fish Advisory to avoid fish that contain unacceptable levels. Women
of childbearing age and children under 15 should pay special attention because unborn children and
young children are especially sensitive to chemicals that build up over time.
Fish advisories for Michigan waters can be found at Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish or you can call the
MDHHS at 800-648-6942 to ask about lakes in Michigan that have advisories or have been monitored but do
not have advisories.