Officials warn about eating fish from Badin Lake

RALEIGH — A fish consumption advisory is in effect for Badin Lake, where high chemical levels pose a potential problem to consumers.

N.C. Division of Public Health officials said Wednesday that large mouth bass and catfish in the lake, located between Stanly and Montgomery counties, had elevated PCB levels. PCBs are
chemicals formerly used as coolants and transformer lubricants that were released into the environment through manufacturing or improper disposal and storage of electrical equipment.

Since 2006, the fish have been under statewide and regional mercury advisories. Officials advise pregnant or nursing women or children under 15 not to eat from the lake. Others should not eat more than one weekly meal including fish from the lake.

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