Latest news with #AngelaPreimesberger
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials warn of contamination in popular fish species caught locally: 'We have different guidelines for ... sensitive populations'
The Minnesota Department of Health has updated its guidelines on fish consumption from certain waterbodies in the state based on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination data. MPR News reported in mid-April that the Minnesota Department of Health issued new warnings about PFAS in certain fish. Roughly 44 water bodies in 10 counties, both in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, are included in the new guidelines. People should avoid all fish from the Minnesota River Valley ponds and Long Meadow Lake in Hennepin County. Warnings also advise limited consumption of Mooney Lake bass, George Lake walleye, and yellow perch and common carp from Otter Lake, McCuen Creek, Bear Creek, and the Crow River's south fork. However, guidelines were loosened for one lake, with the Department of Health saying that one serving of smelt caught from Lake Superior per week is OK — previously, it was one serving per month. The updated guidelines indicate officials are finding higher concentrations of PFAS in these areas and species. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in the manufacturing of products like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. These forever chemicals accumulate in the body and are linked to certain health issues. According to WebMD, the presence of PFAS can cause high cholesterol, low birth weight, early puberty, childhood obesity, decreased fertility, hormone changes, weakened immunity, thyroid problems, and more health issues. Angela Preimesberger, who leads the health department's fish consumption guidance program, said, "It's really important that people understand that our guidelines are affected by where you're fishing and who you are, and that we have different guidelines for people that are in sensitive populations." Sensitive populations include pregnant women, children under 15, and women who are breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant. Other populations are advised to consume these fish with caution and in limited quantities. PFAS also harm the environment. They build up in animals, causing reproductive, immunity, and developmental problems. This can weaken populations and topple ecosystems, reducing biodiversity that is vital to a healthy planet for everyone. Officials have implemented several standards regarding drinking water, swimming areas, and seafood contaminated by high levels of PFAS. However, removing these chemicals is difficult, requiring targeted filtration, osmosis, or ion exchange, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It can't be done on a large scale, either. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Preventing the manufacture of more forever chemicals is crucial. The 3M Company contaminated groundwater, lakes, and rivers in the Minnesota area for decades. Holding brands accountable for their environmental impact can drive progress toward cleaner water and a cooler planet. Supporting environmentally conscious brands and advocating for strict regulations and corporate policies can also make a difference. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MN Health Department updates fish consumption guidelines for PFAS
The state Department of Health has updated its guidelines on eating Minnesota fish after PFAS chemicals were found in fish from waters in 10 counties. Fish with these per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were found in waterbodies in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties in the metro area. In Greater Minnesota, fish with PFAS were found in some waters in Douglas, Martin, McLeod and St. Louis counties. PFAS chemicals have been widely used for decades to make products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. The state Department of Health warns that PFAS may accumulate in a person's body over time and become a health concern. Find fish consumption guidelines for rivers and lakes statewide at Here are updated guidelines for Dakota, Ramsey and Washington county lakes: Fish Lake, Eagan: Sensitive populations, one serving of crappie per month; others, one serving of crappie per week. Lemay Lake, Eagan: Sensitive populations, one serving of sunfish per month. Johanna and Little Johanna lakes, Arden Hills: Sensitive populations, no fish from either lake. General population, one serving per month of any fish. Gervais Lake, Little Canada: Sensitive populations, no fish. Others, one serving per month. Keller Lake, Maplewood: Sensitive populations, no fish from this lake. Others, one serving per month. Josephine and McCarron lakes, Roseville: Sensitive populations, no fish from either lake. Others, one serving per month. Lake Phalen, St. Paul: Sensitive populations, no fish. Others, one serving per month. A 6-hour morning routine? First, try a few simple habits to start your day Whooping cough cases are rising again in the US, challenging public health departments Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety Measles misinformation is on the rise — and Americans are hearing it, survey finds Concern over vaccine misinformation prompts UMN initiative to preserve data Clear Lake and Mud Lake, Forest Lake: Sensitive populations, no fish from either lake. Others, one serving per month. Battle Creek and Tanners Lake, Landfall: Sensitive populations, no fish from either water. Others, one serving per month. 'Our fish consumption guidance can help anglers and their families make informed choices about which fish to eat and how often,' said Angela Preimesberger, lead of the state Health Department's fish consumption guidance program. 'Following the guidance enables you to reduce your exposure to contaminants while still enjoying the many benefits of eating fish, which is an important part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.'
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
State issues new warning about eating fish from some Minnesota lakes, rivers
The Minnesota Department of Health has updated its advice on how much fish is safe to eat from certain lakes with PFAS exposure. The chemical has been found in fish from some bodies of water in 10 Minnesota counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Douglas, Hennepin, Martin, McLeod, Ramsey, St. Louis and Washington. PFAS, otherwise referred to as "forever chemicals" and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are harmful chemicals that have been widely used for decades to make products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. The chemical can accumulate in a person's body over time and may become a health concern, according to MDH. They are linked to developmental effects, including low birth weight in infants and a weaker immune system in children. Exposure to the "forever chemicals" may also cause changes in liver function and increase cancer risks. According to the new guidance by MDH, fish no one should eat include: All species of fish caught in Minnesota River Valley ponds and Long Meadow Lake (Hennepin County). Bass caught in Mooney Lake (Hennepin County). Walleye caught in George Lake (Martin County). Yellow perch and common carp caught in Otter Lake, McCuen Creek, Bear Creek and the south fork of the Crow River (McLeod and Carver counties). For some lakes, MDH officials advise to avoid eating all or certain types of fish. Specifically for other lakes, health officials advise that sensitive groups limit how many serving they consume of some species, such as pregnant women or children under the age of 15. The updated guidelines are based on new data analysis, according to MDH's fish consumption guidance program lead, Angela Preimesberger. 'Our fish consumption guidance can help anglers and their families make informed choices about which fish to eat and how often,' Preimesberger said. 'Following the guidance enables you to reduce your exposure to contaminants while still enjoying the many benefits of eating fish, which is an important part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.' MDH works with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to select lakes and rivers to monitor for contaminants. Since 1974, MDH has used data from these monitoring activities to advise anglers on fish consumption when levels of mercury or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may be unsafe for human consumption. The Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program added PFAS i 2004, according to MDH. Fish consumption guidance is based on the following: Where you caught the fish: Some bodies of water have lower levels of PFAS and other contaminants than others. Who you are: Some people are more sensitive than others to negative health effects from exposure to PFAS. The most sensitive groups include people who are or could become pregnant, those who are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, and children who are under the age of 15 years old. The species of fish: The maximum number of servings recommended per week or month may vary among fish species caught in the same body of water. You can keep track of MDH's fish consumption guidance as it updates on the DNR's LakeFinder or MDH's Fish Consumption Guidance webpage.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MDH: Don't eat fish from these Minnesota lakes and rivers
The Brief Minnesota Health officials say PFAS are making fish unsafe to eat in some waterbodies across the state. The metro area counties impacted include Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey in the metro area, as well as Douglas, Martin, McLeod and St. Louis in Greater Minnesota. PFAS are linked to developmental effects such as low birth weight in infants and weaker immune systems in children. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Per-and polyfluoralkyl substances. (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, have reached unsafe levels in some Minnesota waterways, making certain fish unsafe for human consumption. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) says waterways in 10 different counties are impacted by the new consumption guidance. Updated state fish consumption guidelines can be found here. What they're saying MDH said the following fish should not be eaten by anyone: All species of fish caught in Minnesota River Valley ponds and Long Meadow Lake (Hennepin County). Bass caught in Mooney Lake (Hennepin County). Walleye caught in George Lake (Martin County). Yellow perch and common carp caught in Otter Lake, McCuen Creek, Bear Creek and the south fork of the Crow River (McCleod and Carver counties). Big picture view MDH officials add that the new guidance is less restrictive than before for rainbow smelt caught in Lake Superior. The updated guidance states that one serving per week is now safe, while the previous guidance was one serving per month. Some waterbodies impacted by unsafe PFAS levels in the metro are in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin and Ramsey counties, as well as Douglas, Martin, McLeod and St. Louis counties in Greater Minnesota. Specific guidance for a particular body of water can be found on the DNR's LakeFinder website. What they're saying MDH Fish Consumption Guidance Program lead Angela Preimesberger shared this statement: "Our fish consumption guidance can help anglers and their families make informed choices about which fish to eat and how often. Following the guidance enables you to reduce your exposure to contaminants while still enjoying the many benefits of eating fish, which is an important part of a healthy, well-balanced diet." Dig deeper PFAS are defined as harmful chemicals used to make products that can resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water, according to Minnesota health officials. The chemicals are linked to developmental effects such as low birth weight in infants and weaker immune systems in children. Exposure to PFAS can also cause changes to liver function and increase cancer risks, MDH says. The Minnesota-based company, 3M, is currently paying out money to victims for a historic settlement that stemmed from dumping waste in the Twin Cities east metro. READ MORE: 3M PFAS lawsuits cost billions. Insurance giant AIG doesn't want to pay. The Source This story used information shared in a news release from the Minnesota Department of Health and past FOX 9 reporting.
