Press Releases

OEHHA has finalized a fish advisory concerning elevated levels of mercury in fish in Clear Lake, Cache Creek and Bear Creek (Lake, Yolo and Colusa counties).  This region has an abundance of naturally occurring mercury as a result of both natural processes and mining activity and some of the mercury has worked its way into the fish.

Even in an area with good regional air quality, air pollution from nearby traffic may pose a health risk.

Studies found elevated levels of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other contaminants in several species of fish from ten reservoirs in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, and Santa Clara counties.

OEHHA has finalized a fish advisory concerning elevated levels of mercury in fish in Tomales Bay in Marin County.  “With the exception of sharks, fish caught in Tomales Bay can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. But the public – and particularly women of childbearing age and children – should monitor and limit their fish consumption to avoid excessive exposure to mercury,” OEHHA Director Dr. Joan Denton said.

Fish are still recommended as part of a healthy, balanced diet. But anglers and their families – especially women of childbearing age and children – should be aware of the presence of mercury in fish from Lake Natoma and the lower American River, and follow our guidelines for safe consumption.

This draft advisory updates and replaces a 1987 state fish advisory for Clear Lake, and expands the advisory to include Bear Creek and Cache Creek. The draft advisory recommends that no one should eat any fish or shellfish from Bear Creek, and limits fish consumption in other areas.

OEHHA accepted public comments on a draft fish advisory concerning elevated levels of mercury in fish in Tomales Bay in Marin County.

OEHHA accepted public comments on a draft fish advisory concerning elevated levels of mercury in fish from Lake Natoma and the lower American River in Sacramento County.

Public health goal establishes a long-term objective for the reduction of arsenic in California's drinking water. Arsenic is one of the most toxic substances commonly found in drinking water, and it occurs naturally in many parts of the world, including California.

The completion of this Public Health Goal is a first step in California's efforts to address the presence of perchlorate in our state's drinking water supplies.