Mercury contamination in our lakes is a widespread problem throughout Vermont. Unlike many other organic chemical compounds, mercury does not readily break down or biodegrade, rather it stays in aquatic systems. It accumulates in the muscle tissues of living things and those concentrations are magnified in organisms that feed higher in the food chain. Fish, especially large fish, can contain unhealthy levels of mercury. To minimize exposure to potentially harmful contaminants and to protect your health, the Vermont Department of Health recommends following their guidelines (see Health Alert below) when eating fish caught in Vermont.
More information on mercury can be found using the links below.
VT Dept. of Health: Health Alert on Fish
Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Water Quality Division - The VT DEC WQ Division provides useful information on mercury and other persistent pollutants such as, PCB’s, and DDT.
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