PCB and DDT Detected in Fish Tissue in Newport Bay

(Newport Beach)-Preliminary results from a fish bioaccumulation study performed by the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project (SCCWRP) for the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board indicated the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in recreational fish muscle found in Newport Bay. The levels of PCB and DDT in several species of the fish are in excess of the screening levels used by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) to assess human health risks posed to consumers of these fish.

The bioaccumulation study was performed in Newport Bay from the years 2000 to 2002. The goal of the study was to determine pollutant flows through the Newport Bay ecosystem and evaluate contamination levels in Newport Bay fish relative to human and wildlife concerns. The findings showed that several species of Newport Bay fish (jacksmelt, yellowfin croaker, California corbina, spotted sand bass and California halibut) that may be consumed by humans have elevated tissue contaminant levels of PCB and DDT and may pose health risks. OEHHA is currently compiling and evaluating marine fish bioaccumulation monitoring data from the Southern California region in order to determine whether fish consumption advisories should be issued.

The draft study from SCCWRP indicates total PCB levels ranging from 0.0 to 57.8 parts per billion (ppb) in recreational fish muscle. The OEHHA screening value for PCB is 20 ppb. The study found total DDT levels in recreational fish ranging from 15 to 490 ppb. The OEHHA screening value for DDT is 100 ppb.

PCBs have often been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment. PCBs may be absorbed and are known to accumulate in fish tissue. DDT is a pesticide once widely used to control insects in agriculture and can build up in the fatty tissues of fish. PCB and DDT may cause adverse health effects.

The County of Orange Health Care Agency/Environmental Health is designated by the Board of Supervisors as the representative for the purposes of Proposition 65 reporting under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. The purposes of Proposition 65 are to protect the public and its drinking water resources, and to inform the public about potential exposures to chemicals.

County of Orange Health Care Agency/Environmental Health will participate in reviewing the results of future related studies. Further information regarding the fish bioaccumulation study can be obtained through Larry Honeybourne, Environmental Health Engineering Specialist, at (714) 667-3750.

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