Livewell

Contaminant

Chlordane

A banned pesticide that persists in sediment and fat.

What it is

Chlordane was widely used as a pesticide until it was banned in 1988. It does not break down readily, settles into sediment, and accumulates in the fatty tissue of fish. Long-term exposure is linked to cancer and to nervous-system and liver effects.

Can you reduce your exposure?

Skin the fish and trim away the fatty areas (belly flap, back, and the dark lateral line). Grill, broil, or bake on a rack so the fat drips off, and discard the drippings — don't make soup or sauce from them. Choosing smaller, younger fish also helps.

How to prepare it

  • Skin the fish — most of the contaminant sits in the fat just under the skin.
  • Trim the fatty areas away: the belly flap, the top of the back, and the dark lateral line down each side.
  • Cook on a rack — grill, broil, or bake — so the fat drips off the fillet.
  • Throw the drippings out; don't use them for soup, sauce, or chowder.
  • Choose smaller, younger fish — they've had less time to build it up.

Waters with Chlordane advisories

43 waters across 8 states.