Why are people concerned about PCBs in the Kalamazoo River? Which activities are safe?
Because fish are most likely to come into contact with bioavailable PCBs (see below), determining the level of PCBs in certain species of Kalamazoo River fish is a priority. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) currently maintains fish consumption advisories, as both a protective measure and to raise awareness about guidelines for eating Kalamazoo River fish. The Public Advisory Council for the Kalamazoo River Area of Concern Remedial Action Plan asked the MDCH to evaluate the potential health hazards from the PCBs present in the water and sediment of the Kalamazoo River, and to address specific questions regarding risks associated with recreational use of the river. In response to this request, in May 2002, the MDCH, under a Cooperative Agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), issued a “Health Consultation” report in which they concluded that there is “no apparent health hazard associa
