Article misses the opportunity to inform fish consumers of potential health effects.

A surprising amount of fish is eaten from the Ohio River, according to a survey by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. A Louisville Courier-Journal article reports the results of the survey and the public's reaction, but does not thoroughly explain the health issues associated with eating the fish.

More than 13 million pounds of fish – approximately 13,250 pounds per mile of river per year – are eaten despite health warnings regarding mercury and other pollutants. The amount of fish was a surprise to the commission, which sets water standards for the river.

Because of contaminants – especially mercury – in the fish, state and federal agencies produce guidelines and advisories for how much fish and of what species can be safely eaten. Reporter James Brugger refers to the recommendations but only near the end of the article does he specify what the recommendations are, and includes an example of only one specific fish. He provides no additional information about how to find out about current fish-eating advisories. The omissions are particularly significant because about half of the survey respondents were not aware of fish consumption warnings.

Also missing is an explanation of the health effects related to eating fish with high levels of mercury. The biggest concerns are brain and nervous system effects. Recommendations for eating fish are more stringent for women of childbearing age, children younger than 6 years old, pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant. This is because the nervous system continues to develop through childhood. Exposure to methylmercury in the womb, through breast milk and during early childhood, may result in decreased learning abilities and language skills, attention deficits and memory problems.

The article quotes a commission biologist saying that the advisories give the river a "black eye" and that "there's risk to almost everything we do." But the article fails to quote anyone saying what the risks are from eating the fish, and that they can be serious.

He also doesn't explain the sources of contamination. Mercury occurs naturally and is also released into the air by industrial sources. It tends to accumulate in water bodies. Methylmercury, a known neurotoxicant, can accumulate in fish.

While appropriately summarizing the results of this survey, the reporter has missed an important opportunity to inform the public of health issues, explain why fish warnings exist and point out how the public can find the health guidelines.