Newport Bay Fish May Have Risky Levels of PCBs, DDT
Fish caught in Newport Bay have shown potentially dangerous levels of PCBs and DDT and may pose a health hazard if eaten, Orange County health officials said Thursday.
The true risk is not yet known, and more studies are needed, the officials said.
A study conducted on several types of fish in the bay from 2000 to 2002 found levels of PCBs -- polychlorinated biphenyls -- at levels ranging from zero to 57.8 parts per billion. State standards consider levels higher than 20 parts per billion a potential health risk. PCBs are used as coolants and lubricants for electrical equipment.
The study also found levels of DDT -- dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane -- ranging from 15 to 490 parts per billion. The state considers anything above 100 a potential health risk. DDT, once a widely used pesticide, has been banned, but traces remain.
Larry Honeybourne, a environmental health specialist for the county Health Care Agency, said more tests are needed to determine the source of the contaminants, and whether the fish are eaten and how often.
The fish surveyed include jacksmelt, yellowfin croaker, California corbina, spotted sand bass and California halibut.
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