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Department of Public Health issues fish consumption advisory for 13 Mass. lakes

By Lindsey Thorpe, Boston 25 News Staff

Walden Pond in Concord, MA

By Lindsey Thorpe, Boston 25 News Staff

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued new fish consumption advisories to provide guidance for people who catch and consume freshwater fish from 13 waterbodies at state parks.

Recent testing of fish from these locations found levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above DPH recommended levels for regular consumption.

During recent testing of recreational waterbodies, elevated levels of PFAS were detected in fish sampled from:

  • Ashland Reservoir in Ashland
  • Chicopee Reservoir in Chicopee
  • Lake Cochituate in Natick
  • Dennison Lake in Winchendon
  • Dunn Pond in Gardner
  • Fearing Pond in Plymouth
  • Houghtons Pond in Milton
  • Pearce Lake in Saugus
  • Pequot Pond in Westfield
  • Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester
  • Walden Pond in Concord
  • Wallum Lake in Douglas
  • Watsons Pond in Taunton

DPH also sampled surface water at these locations, and PFAS was not found at levels that would be unsafe for swimming or any other recreational activities at these locations.

“PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals manufactured and used in a variety of consumer products and industries worldwide. Based on studies of laboratory animals and people, exposure to certain PFAS has been associated with changes in liver and kidney function, changes in thyroid hormone and cholesterol levels, and immune system effects,” according to health officials.

DPH has recommended that DCR work with local health departments in Ashland, Chicopee, Concord, Douglas, Gardner, Milton, Natick, Plymouth, Saugus, Taunton, Westfield, Winchendon, and Worcester to help publicize this information for people in these communities that may visit the local state parks.

For more information about the fish consumption advisories and PFAS from DPH, please click here.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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