Local

Department of Health issues consumption advisories for fish at 3 Washington lakes

The Washington State Department of Health has issued consumption advisories for fish caught at several lakes in Washington.

The fish have been found to contain perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which is part of a family of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

According to the DOH, studies of humans that have PFAS chemicals in their bodies could be at risk to kidney cancer, high cholesterol, low birth weights for babies, cancer, thyroid disease or high blood pressure during pregnancies. The chemicals may also interfere with immune systems.

While the DOH continues to recommend eating fish for their health benefits, people should limit their PFOS exposure with the following guidelines:

Lake Washington

  • Common carp: Do not eat.
  • Cutthroat trout: Do not eat.
  • Largemouth bass: Do not eat.
  • Smallmouth bass: Do not eat.
  • Northern pikeminnow: Do not eat.
  • Yellow perch: Up to one meal per month.
  • Brown bullhead: Up to four meals per month.
  • Pumpkinseed: Healthy choice.
  • Rainbow trout: Healthy choice.
  • Sockeye salmon: Healthy choice.

Lake Sammamish

  • Largemouth bass: Do not eat.
  • Northern pikeminnow: Do not eat.
  • Yellow perch: Up to one meal per month.
  • Smallmouth bass: Up to two meals per month.
  • Brown bullhead: Healthy choice.

Lake Meridian

  • Northern pikeminnow: Do not eat.
  • Smallmouth bass: Do not eat.
  • Yellow perch: Up to one meal per month.
  • Largemouth bass: Up to one meal per month.
  • Kokanee: Up to two meals per month.
  • Brown bullhead: Healthy choice.

There are currently no advisories for saltwater fish or other lakes in Washington.