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Food Standards Agency

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C01041 Metals and organics in fish and shellfish from inland waterways

Monday 19 February 2007

This research project will assess the levels of consumption of coarse and game fish and shellfish taken from unmanaged inland UK waterways, particularly in areas of known or suspected contamination.

Study Duration : April 2007 – March 2009

Contractor : The project brings together analytical expertise from Central Science Laboratory (CSL) with an extensive knowledge of socio-economic surveys and Geographical Information System (GIS) applications from ADAS, coupled with consultancy and advice from the Environment Agency.

Background

The project will identify any particular socio-economic groups and regional or seasonal differences in the habits of consumption of fish types. It will provide an estimate of the extent of these habits amongst the various sub-groups of the population and correlate this with data relating to contamination of inland waterways by various contaminants. This should lead ultimately to an indication of exposure to environmental contaminants resulting from this practice.

Research Approach

Specific rivers and waterways are chosen for investigation, along with a wide range of contaminants such as: chlorinated and brominated dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), trace elements, pesticides, perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), and veterinary medicines are to be included in the analytical programme. The knowledge gained can also be used to identify effective and proportionate means for minimising levels of harmful contaminants in food.

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