Livewell

Contaminant

PCBs

Banned industrial chemicals that linger in sediment and fat.

What it is

Polychlorinated biphenyls were used in coolants and electrical equipment until they were banned in the late 1970s. They don't break down, settle into river and lake sediment, and accumulate in the fatty tissue of bottom-feeders and oily fish (catfish, carp). Long-term exposure is linked to cancer and immune, reproductive, and developmental 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 PCBs advisories

1,811 waters across 37 states, showing the first 200.