Unhealthy levels of mercury in fish

Residents received a warning last week that fish caught in some local ponds and rivers may be unhealthy to eat. The town’s health director, John L. Ciccotelli, announced that elevated levels of mercury were found in fish that the state Department of Public Health tested from Ponkapoag and Reservoir ponds and the Canton and Neponset rivers, all popular fishing areas. Any health problems from eating the fish “would not be immediate but would be from long-term consumption,’’ Ciccotelli said, adding that mercury poisoning can hurt kidney function and cause neurological damage. He said residents are being advised to limit consumption of several types of fish, including large-mouth bass, white perch, suckers, and American eel. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and children under age 12 are advised to not eat any fish caught in local waters. Complete details of the advisory are available on the municipal website, www.town.canton.ma.us. - Elaine Cushman Carroll