Development of a risk assessment tool for mercury in fish.

Fish can accumulate high levels of mercury (Hg) and become a human health concern if consumed. The purpose of this study was to develop a risk assessment tool to determine which water bodies from certain areas in Northern British Columbia contain fish with high Hg concentrations. Raw and published data were collected from Health Canada and Ministry of Environment and amalgamated to form a large data set (3097 fish samples from 34 distinct areas between 1974 and 2000). Fish weight was standardized and a cut-off point was determined for each species for high Hg levels. This was used to develop a risk assessment tool unique to the study area to identify which species/water body combinations were high in Hg and how fish consumption strategies can be adapted to minimize exposure. Although high Hg levels were widespread, the majority of contaminated samples were form Pinchi Lake and the Williston Lake area. --Leaf ii.