Are there specific ways that concerned Alaskan villagers can reduce their potential risk?
Any risk of adverse health effects as a result of the oil spill from consumption of Alaskan fish and shellfish is very small. Villagers should rely on common sense and their own judgment to avoid collecting foods from areas obviously impacted by oil. In addition, individuals should decide based on the appearance, smell, texture, and taste of subsistence foods. If food is of doubtful quality, it should not be consumed. • What additional studies need to be done? • Monitoring mollusks especially from heavily impacted areas such as Windy Bay, and less heavily impacted areas such as Chenega Bay, Kodiak Harbor, and Old Harbor; and monitoring fish, especially bottomfish, to document that levels have not increased over time. Appropriate control specimens should be included. • Two smoked salmon samples have thus far been tested, and more samples are needed • Testing of mollusks from impacted areas for heavy metals and polar organic compounds • Test hepatopancreas and corresponding edible tissue
