Livewell

Contaminant

Lead

A toxic heavy metal from industrial and legacy sources.

What it is

Lead enters waterways from old paint, plumbing, mining, and industrial runoff. There is no safe level of lead exposure; it is especially harmful to the developing brain and nervous system in children and during pregnancy.

Cleaning and cooking will not help

Trimming, skinning, and cooking won't lower it — it's stored in the muscle. Reduce exposure by eating smaller, younger fish and fewer meals.

How to prepare it

  • Trimming and skinning won't help — this settles in the muscle you eat, not the fat.
  • Cooking doesn't remove it either; a fillet carries the same amount cooked or raw.
  • Eat smaller, younger fish — they carry less.
  • Follow the meal limits above and space your meals out across the month.

Waters with Lead advisories

24 waters across 9 states.