# Fishing Advisory: Health Risks in Texas Waters

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/fishing-advisory-health-risks-in-texas-waters/
- Published: 2012-02-02T19:44:45-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## EPA and Texas Officials Warn Public About Contaminated Fish Consumption

Austin, TX — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Department
of State Health Services (TDSHS) have issued a joint warning: avoid eating certain
fish from specific parts of the Houston Ship Channel and Upper Galveston Bay. The
reason? High levels of toxic pollutants that pose serious health risks.

After extensive testing, both agencies found fish in the area contaminated with 
dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—chemicals linked to cancer, immune 
system damage, and developmental problems. As a result, they’ve updated the existing
seafood consumption advisory to expand the no-consume zone.

### Areas Affected

The advisory now covers all fish and blue crabs caught in the [Houston Ship Channel](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/joint-release-unified-command-working-to-assess-water-quality-near-itc-site/),
San Jacinto River below the Lake Houston Dam, and a portion of Upper Galveston Bay,
including the Tucker Bayou area. While the previous advisory recommended limited
consumption, the new guidance goes further: do not eat any fish or blue crabs from
these waters.

![Infographic titled warning about contaminated fish consumption with a crossed 
out fish symbol and bullet points outlining affected areas health risks and advisory
information](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/B5362E1D-
EA4D-4292-9F02-DD239A9F83C6.png?resize=780%2C1170&quality=50&ssl=1 "B5362E1D-EA4D-
4292-9F02-DD239A9F83C6 - The Green Living Guy")

EPA and Texas health officials urge residents to avoid eating fish and blue crabs
from contaminated waters in the Houston area due to high levels of PCBs and dioxins

### Why the Concern?

[PCBs and dioxins](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/epa-settles-case-alleging-pcb-violations-at-office-building-in-philadelphia/)
don’t break down easily in the environment. Instead, they accumulate in fish tissue
over time. When people eat contaminated seafood, those toxins can build up in their
bodies—especially dangerous for children, pregnant and nursing mothers. Long-term
exposure increases the risk of cancer and liver damage and can impair reproductive
and neurological development.

Although fishing remains legal in the affected waters, both agencies strongly advise
against eating the catch.

### Health and Environmental Action

TDSHS and EPA will continue monitoring fish and sediment in the area. In the meantime,
local communities are being notified, and signs are being posted along the shoreline
to warn anglers. The goal is to reduce human exposure while encouraging environmental
cleanup.

At the same time, federal and state officials are working with industries in the
region to identify sources of contamination and implement pollution controls. The
cleanup may take years, but the advisory marks an important step toward public health
protection and environmental accountability.

### Conclusion: A Warning That Can’t Be Ignored

Contaminated fish pose a silent but serious threat. The EPA and TDSHS aren’t just
sounding the alarm—they’re backing it with data and action. By staying informed 
and avoiding consumption of fish from these areas, the public can protect themselves
while pressing for a cleaner, healthier Gulf Coast ecosystem.

(DALLAS – February 2, 2012)

_**Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency**_

More about activities is EPA Region 6 is available at [http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/](https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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