Fish testing in major walleye lakes show low PFC levels

Fish tested in nine of Minnesota's 10 largest walleye lakes had levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate that were either very low or undetectable, suggesting those lakes have very little or no contamination from perfluorochemicals (PFCs), state officials announced Monday.

The results mean that advice on how much fish can be eaten safely from those walleye lakes will not be impacted by PFCs.

The lakes tested include some of the most popular in the state and account for about 40 percent of the walleye harvest: Cass, Kabetogama, Lake of the Woods, Leech, Mille Lacs, Rainy, Upper Red Lake, Vermilion and Winnibigoshish.

"Minnesotans can continue to enjoy the benefits that come from eating fish from some of their favorite lakes without concern for PFCs," said Pat McCann, Minnesota Department of Health fish advisory program manager. "People should continue to follow the existing consumption advice for those lakes, which is based on mercury."

The 2010 collections of PFC data will be included, along with new data on mercury and PCBs, when MDH updates its fish consumption guidelines in June. The guidelines provide consumers and anglers with information to help them make choices about the fish they eat. The Department of Natural Resources collects fish for testing by the state Department of Agriculture. The Health Department then analyzes the test data and establishes the consumption advisories.