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1. ATSDR > Public Health Assessments & Consultations

HEALTH CONSULTATION

Evaluation of Metals in Bullhead, Bass, and Kokanee from Lake Coeur D'Alene

COEUR D'ALENE RIVER BASIN
COEUR D'ALENE, KOOTENAI COUNTY, IDAHO

APPENDIX B: SUMMARY OF As, Cd, Pb, and Hg RESULTS FOR FISH SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM LAKE COEUR D'ALENE IN 2002 (MG/KG, WET WEIGHT)

Bass Gutted Carcass

Entire Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic (As)	Cadmium (Cd)	Lead (Pb)	Mercury (Hg)
Total Number of Samples	30	30	30	30
Number of Detects	28	14	25	30
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.235	0.067	0.467	0.357
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.126	0.0065	0.105	0.124
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.129	0.0146	0.129	0.152
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.0552	0.0139	0.124	0.0755
Standard Error of the Mean	0.0101	0.00254	0.0226	0.0138
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.428	0.954	0.959	0.496
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.149	0.0197	0.175	0.18
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.108	0.00936	0.0828	0.124
North Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead	Mercury
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	9	8	10	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.215	0.044	0.467	0.357
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.121	0.021	0.12	0.126
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.126	0.0209	0.156	0.174
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.0648	0.0122	0.145	0.0992
Standard Error of the Mean	0.0205	0.00387	0.0458	0.0314
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.513	0.587	0.927	0.571
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.173	0.0296	0.26	0.245
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0799	0.0121	0.0526	0.103
Center Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead	Mercury
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	9	2	10	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.211	0.017	0.334	0.341
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.116	0.006	0.209	0.145
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.115	0.00765	0.197	0.171
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.0477	0.00431	0.101	0.0704
Standard Error of the Mean	0.0151	0.00136	0.0321	0.0223
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.416	0.564	0.516	0.411
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.149	0.0107	0.269	0.221
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0807	0.00456	0.124	0.121
South Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead	Mercury
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	10	4	5	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.235	0.067	0.153	0.17
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.146	0.00625	0.00875	0.11
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.146	0.0152	0.0342	0.111
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.053	0.0189	0.0463	0.0281
Standard Error of the Mean	0.0167	0.00596	0.0146	0.0089
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.364	1.24	1.36	0.253
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.183	0.0286	0.0673	0.132
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.108	0.00167	0.00103	0.0913

Bass Fillets

Entire Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic (As)	Cadmium (Cd)	Lead (Pb)	Mercury (Hg)
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	7	1	8	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.115	0.108	0.047	0.386
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.058	0.005	0.019	0.151
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0639	0.0151	0.0198	0.188
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.0343	0.0327	0.0122	0.0823
Standard Error of the Mean	0.0109	0.0103	0.00386	0.026
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.537	2.17	0.618	0.439
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0884	0.0384	0.0285	0.246
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0393	-0.0083	0.011	0.129

Kokanee Gutted Carcass

Entire Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic (As)	Cadmium (Cd)	Lead (Pb)	Mercury (Hg)
Total Number of Samples	11	11	11	11
Number of Detects	11	11	11	11
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.194	0.205	0.2	0.0853
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.14	0.123	0.104	0.0734
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.145	0.139	0.115	0.0752
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.0272	0.0296	0.0449	0.00576
Standard Error of the Mean	0.00819	0.00892	0.0135	0.00174
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.187	0.213	0.39	0.0766
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.163	0.159	0.145	0.079
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.127	0.119	0.0848	0.0713

Kokanee Fillets

Entire Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic (As)	Cadmium (Cd)	Lead (Pb)	Mercury (Hg)
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	10	8	9	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.117	0.029	0.046	0.104
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0815	0.019	0.017	0.0939
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0831	0.0177	0.0203	0.0917
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.0198	0.00698	0.0119	0.00846
Standard Error of the Mean	0.00626	0.00221	0.00376	0.00268
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.238	0.394	0.586	0.0922
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0973	0.0227	0.0288	0.0978
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0689	0.0127	0.0118	0.0857

Bullhead Gutted Carcass

Entire Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic (As)	Cadmium (Cd)	Lead (Pb)	Mercury (Hg)
Total Number of Samples	30	30	30	30
Number of Detects	22	26	30	30
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.511	0.164	14.12	0.0752
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0655	0.031	0.802	0.043
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.113	0.0436	1.92	0.0417
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.136	0.038	2.88	0.0149
Standard Error of the Mean	0.0248	0.00694	0.526	0.00272
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	1.2	0.872	1.5	0.357
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.164	0.0578	2.99	0.0473
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0625	0.0294	0.841	0.0361
North Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead	Mercury
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	9	10	10	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.099	0.056	3.696	0.0512
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0745	0.031	1.09	0.0254
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0715	0.0342	1.42	0.0283
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.0225	0.011	1	0.0107
Standard Error of the Mean	0.00711	0.00348	0.317	0.00337
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.315	0.322	0.705	0.377
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0876	0.0421	2.14	0.0359
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0554	0.0263	0.705	0.0206
Center Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead	Mercury
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	8	10	10	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.511	0.164	14.12	0.0752
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.159	0.079	3.41	0.042
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.218	0.0771	3.85	0.0451
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.199	0.0468	4.33	0.0143
Standard Error of the Mean	0.0631	0.0148	1.37	0.00453
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.915	0.606	1.13	0.318
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.361	0.111	6.95	0.0553
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0754	0.0437	0.75	0.0348
South Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead	Mercury
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	5	6	10	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.11	0.056	1.353	0.0708
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0403	0.015	0.287	0.0511
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0503	0.0195	0.479	0.0518
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.0285	0.0188	0.48	0.00836
Standard Error of the Mean	0.00902	0.00594	0.152	0.00264
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.567	0.966	1	0.162
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0706	0.0329	0.822	0.0577
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0299	0.00601	0.135	0.0458

Bullhead Fillets

Entire Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic (As)	Cadmium (Cd)	Lead (Pb)	Mercury (Hg)
Total Number of Samples	30	30	30	30
Number of Detects	7	8	30	30
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.328	0.034	1.494	0.138
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0245	0.005	0.0235	0.0523
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.056	0.00918	0.0955	0.0554
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.0748	0.00824	0.278	0.0215
Standard Error of the Mean	0.0137	0.00151	0.0507	0.00393
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	1.34	0.898	2.91	0.389
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0839	0.0123	0.199	0.0635
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.028	0.00611	-0.0082	0.0474
North Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead	Mercury
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	0	2	10	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.049 U	0.015	0.076	0.052
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.024	0.00475	0.022	0.0351
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0241	0.00645	0.0288	0.0385
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.000497	0.00379	0.0183	0.00936
Standard Error of the Mean	0.000157	0.0012	0.0058	0.00296
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.0207	0.587	0.637	0.243
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0244	0.00916	0.0419	0.0452
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0237	0.00374	0.0157	0.0318
Center Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead	Mercury
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	6	6	10	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.328	0.034	1.494	0.138
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0795	0.0165	0.0325	0.0593
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.116	0.0161	0.232	0.0646
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.109	0.0111	0.466	0.0299
Standard Error of the Mean	0.0345	0.00352	0.147	0.00946
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.939	0.691	2.01	0.463
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.194	0.0241	0.565	0.086
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0382	0.00815	-0.1	0.0432
South Lake Coeur d'Alene	Arsenic	Cadmium	Lead	Mercury
Total Number of Samples	10	10	10	10
Number of Detects	1	0	10	10
Maximum Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.052	0.011	0.08	0.0721
Median Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0253	0.005	0.0175	0.0646
Mean Concentration (mg/kg wet)	0.0276	0.005	0.026	0.0632
Standard Deviation of the Mean	0.00828	0.000236	0.0219	0.00587
Standard Error of the Mean	0.00262	0.0000745	0.00691	0.00186
Coefficient of Variation of the Mean	0.3	0.0471	0.841	0.0929
Upper 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0335	0.00517	0.0416	0.0674
Lower 95% CL of the Mean (mg/kg wet)	0.0216	0.00483	0.0104	0.059

APPENDIX C: METALS ELIMINATED AS CONTAMINANTS OF CONCERN

Maximum values are from Table A-2, USEPA (2003). MRLs are from the ATSDR internet site (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mrls.html). Chronic oral MRLs are shown unless noted with an A (acute) or I (intermediate). Chronic oral RfDs are from the USEPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) internet site (http://www.epa.gov/iris/ ). There are no FDA action levels for these metals in fish.

Chromium was assumed to be 100% trivalent (Cr III) because available literature indicates this is the form most likely to be present in fish. For thallium, the RfDs for thallium chloride and thallium sulfate are shown. For vanadium, the RfD for vanadium pentoxide is shown.

Screening exposure doses for adults were calculated using the maximum metal concentration reported, an ingestion rate of 0.540 kg/day (traditional subsistence fish consumer), an annual exposure factor of 1 (365 days per year), an absorption factor of 1 (100%), and a body weight of 70 kg. Bioavailability was assumed to be 100%. In most cases, the maximum estimated exposure dose did not surpass the applicable MRL or RfD. and were not given further consideration in this consultation. Estimated adult exposure doses for Ni and Se were in the same concentration range, but slightly (1.2-1.3 times) greater than the respective MRL. Repeating screening exposure dose calculations for nickel and selenium using an ingestion rate of 0.170 kg/day and a body weight of 35 kg (for children) indicated that conservative exposure dose estimates for children were below the MRL or the RfD.

USEPA's IRIS web site lists the cancer classification as unknown or D (unclassifiable) for these metals.

USEPA has developed a screening level of 1.5 mg/kg for selenium (USEPA 2001). For fish with selenium levels 1.5 mg/kg, the monthly consumption limit is unrestricted (meaning more than 16 eight-oz. meals per month). The monthly consumption limit decreases to 12 meals/month when selenium levels are between 1.5 and 2.9 mg/kg. Selenium values in Lake Coeur d'Alene fish samples were below, or within, the range of those found in the upper Blackfoot River watershed where no fish consumption restriction exists (IDOH 2003).

APPENDIX D: TOXICITY INFORMATION FOR ARSENIC, CADMIUM, LEAD, AND MERCURY

Arsenic (ATSDR 2000b)

ATSDR has established a provisional acute oral minimal risk level (MRL) for arsenic at 0.005 mg/kg/day. The acute LOAEL is 0.05 mg/kg/day. This dose is associated with edema of the face, and gastrointestinal and upper respiratory symptoms, skin lesions and hepatic dysfunction, abnormal electrocardiograms, and ocular lesions. No intermediate exposure duration oral MRLs have been established. The chronic exposure duration oral MRL is 0.0003 mg/kg/day. The human chronic no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) is 0.0008 mg/kg/day.

EPA classifies arsenic as a Class A known human carcinogen by the oral and inhalation routes. Epidemiologic studies of people exposed to arsenic in Taiwan indicate that exposure to arsenic is associated with skin cancer. Based on that and other studies, USEPA considers arsenic to be a human carcinogen. USEPA has calculated a cancer unit risk factor, 1.5 (mg/kg/day)^-1, which can be used to estimate the probability of excess risk for a lifetime of exposure to arsenic. Cancer risk was estimated based on the maximum concentration of arsenic in the contaminated surface soils at each of the locations. The cancer effect level (CEL) for arsenic in humans is 0.0011 mg/kg/day which is associated with lung cancer.

No studies were found regarding populations unusually sensitive to arsenic. Since arsenic toxicity may be influenced by the rate and extent of methylation in the liver, some population might be especially susceptible because of lower methylating capacity. This reduced capacity could result from dietary deficiency of methyl donors (choline or methionine). Liver disease does not appear to decrease methylation capacity in humans for low levels of arsenic exposure.

Cadmium (ATSDR 1999b)

MRLs for acute and intermediate exposures have not been established. ATSDR has established a chronic oral MRL (0.0002 mg/kg/day) for cadmium. The NOAEL for humans is 0.0021 mg/kg/day. Doses exceeding this level are associated with symptoms such as protein in the urine.

Cadmium is classified by EPA as a probable human carcinogen based on epidemiological studies of humans. These studies indicate that cadmium may be a carcinogen when inhaled, with the resulting condition being lung cancer. These conditions occurred in occupational settings at concentrations which are generally higher than those found in the outdoors environment.

Lead (ATSDR 1999c)

ATSDR has no MRL and EPA has no RfD for lead. Exposure to lead can cause a wide range of effects. The lack of a clear threshold for health effects and the need to consider multi-media routes of exposure makes evaluating the risks from exposure to lead in the environment difficult. Blood lead concentrations are a good measure of recent exposure, and also correlate well with health effects. Children are especially sensitive to lead, and many of its effects are observed at lower concentrations in children than in adults. Levels of 10 µg/dL, and perhaps lower in children's blood, have been associated with decreased IQ, impaired hearing and growth, and neurobehavioral effects. The neurological effects have been shown to persist after exposure has ceased and blood lead levels have returned to normal.

Other reported neurological effects include poor memory, difficulty reading and concentrating, depression, and sleep disturbances. Lead can significantly affect both the reproductive process and the development of the fetus in women with blood lead levels as low as 10 µg/dL. Effects include premature birth and low birth weight. In adults levels as low as 15 µg/dL are linked to increased blood pressure, reduced production of sperm, earlier onset of menopause, and inhibition of enzymes responsible for the production of hemoglobin.

The increased vulnerability of children results from a combination of factors, including:

1. the increased susceptibility of developing nervous system to neurotoxic effects of lead,
2. a higher average rate of soil/dust ingestion among children,
3. the greater efficiency of lead absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of children,
4. a greater prevalence of iron or calcium deficiencies (can increase absorption of lead), and
5. the ready transfer of lead across the placenta to the developing fetus.

Foods such as fruits, grains, meat, seafood, soft drinks, vegetables and wine may contain lead. Cigarettes also contain small amounts of lead. More than 99% of all drinking water contains less than 0.005 milligrams of lead per liter. However the amount of lead taken into the body through drinking water can be higher in communities with acidic water supplies. Children residing in older dwellings may be exposed to lead by eating lead-based paint chips from peeling surfaces. The normal wear of lead-based point surfaces such as that which might occur raising and lowering windows, can lead to the creation of lead dust which can also be ingested by small children during normal hand-to-mouth activities. Lead-based paint is particularly a problem in lower income communities. For occupationally exposed individuals the usual route of exposure is through the inhalation of lead particles.

Lead is classified by EPA as a Class B2 probable human carcinogen based on animal studies. This means that there is inadequate evidence to determine lead's carcinogenicity in humans. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) classifies lead phosphate and lead acetate as Group 2 carcinogens (probable human carcinogens).

Studies regarding exposure to lead and possible adverse health effects are discussed more extensively in the public health implications section of this document.

Mercury (ATSDR 1999a)

ATSDR has developed a chronic oral MRL for methyl mercury (0.0003 mg/kg/day). The RfD for methyl mercury is 0.0001 mg/kg/day. NOAEL for methyl mercury is 0.0013 mg/kg/day. The FDA has established an action level of one mg/kg for methyl mercury in fish.

Methyl mercury is the form of mercury most easily absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract (about 95% absorbed). Exposure to methyl mercury can come from foods contaminated with mercury on the surface (for example, from seed grain treated with methyl mercury to kill fungus) or from foods that contain toxic levels of methyl mercury (as in some fish, wild game, and marine mammals). Mothers who are exposed to methyl mercury and breast-feed their infant may also expose the child through the milk.

Critical periods of neonatal development and the early months after birth are times that are particularly sensitive to the harmful effects of methyl mercury on the nervous system. Exposure to methyl mercury is more dangerous for young children than for adults because methyl mercury more easily passes into the developing brain of young children and may interfere with the development process. Methyl mercury can accumulate in fetal blood to concentrations higher than in the mother. Abnormal heart rhythms have been seen in children who ate grains contaminated with very high levels of methyl mercury. Methyl mercury that enters the body can be converted to inorganic mercury and result in kidney damage.

Individuals with diseases of the liver, kidneys, lungs, and nerves are considered to be at a greater risk of suffering from the toxic effects of organic mercury. Individuals with a dietary insufficiency of zinc, glutathione, antioxidants, or selenium or those who are malnourished may be more susceptible to the toxic effects of mercury poisoning because of the diminished ability of these substances to protect against mercury toxicity.

APPENDIX E: LIMITED FISH MEALS CALCULATED BY THE STATE OF IDAHO BASED ON BASS, BULLHEAD AND KOKANEE SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM LAKE COEUR D'ALENE IN 2002

Table 1. Limited Fish Meals Per Month for Bass

Sample Type, Location	Chemical	Concentrations (mg/kg wet)		Meals Per Month*
		Range	Arithmetic Mean	General (8 oz)	Pregnant Women (8 oz)	Children (4 oz)
GC (North)	Mercury	0.075-0.357	0.174	NA	5.4	3.1
	Arsenic	0.034 (U)-0.215	0.126	13.3	11.6	6.6
	Lead	0.01-0.467	0.156	185	40	25
	Cadmium	0.006 (U)-0.044	0.0209	514	450	257
	Zinc	12.686-24.227	17.4	185	162	93
	Lowest Meals			13	5	3
GC (Center)	Mercury	0.108-0.341	0.171	NA	5.5	3.1
	Arsenic	0.062 (U)-0.211	0.115	14.5	12.7	7.3
	Lead	0.035-0.334	0.197	146	32	20
	Cadmium	0.006 (U)-0.017	0.00765	1403	1228	702
	Zinc	8.821-14.672	12.3	262	229	131
	Lowest Meals			15	6	3
GC (South)	Mercury	0.0635-0.17	0.111	NA	8.5	4.8
	Arsenic	0.073-0.235	0.146	11.4	10.0	5.7
	Lead	0.011-0.153	0.0342	843	183	>26
	Cadmium	0.012 (U)-0.067	0.0152	706	618	353
	Zinc	10.663-19.302	13.5	238	209	119
	Lowest Meals			11	9	5
FL (Center)	Mercury	0.121-0.386	0.188	NA	5.0	2.9
	Arsenic	0.048 (U)-0.115	0.0639	26.1	22.9	13.1
	Lead	0.009 (U)-0.047	0.0198	1456	316	>26
	Cadmium	0.005 (U)-0.108	0.0151	711	622	356
	Zinc	3.302-5.744	4.87	661	579	331
	Lowest Meals			26	5	3

• Meal Size: 8 oz for general population and women of childbearing age, 4 oz for children under seven
• >26: more than 26 meals per month
• NA: there is no methyl mercury RfD for general population to calculated the corresponding limited meals.

Table 2. Limited Fish Meals Per Month for Bullhead

Sample Type, Location	Chemical	Concentrations (mg/kg wet)		Meals Per Month*
		Range	Arithmetic Mean	General (8 oz)	Pregnant Women (8 oz)	Children (4 oz)
GC (North)	Mercury	0.0172-0.0512	0.0283	NA	33.2	19
	Arsenic	0.048 (U)-0.099	0.0715	23.4	20.4	11.7
	Lead	0.517-3.696	1.42	20.3	4.4	2.7
	Cadmium	0.02-0.056	0.0342	314	275	157
	Zinc	15.299-22.422	17.9	180	157	90
	Lowest Meals			20	4	3
GC (Center)	Mercury	0.0246-0.0752	0.0451	NA	20.8	11.9
	Arsenic	0.046 (U)-0.511	0.218	7.7	6.7	3.8
	Lead	0.07-14.12	3.85	7.5	1.6	0
	Cadmium	0.009-0.164	0.0771	139	122	70
	Zinc	10.328-39.956	19.7	164	143	82
	Lowest Meals			8	2	0
GC (South)	Mercury	0.0398-0.0708	0.0518		18.1	10.4
	Arsenic	0.051 (U)-0.11	0.0503	33.2	29.1	16.6
	Lead	0.038-1.353	0.479	60.2	13	8
	Cadmium	0.01 (U)-0.056	0.0195	551	482	275
	Zinc	12.738-19.907	14.8	218	190	109
	Lowest Meals			33	13	8
FL (North)	Mercury	0.0263-0.052	0.0385	NA	24.4	13.9
	Arsenic	0.046 (U)-0.049	0.0241	69	61	35
	Lead	0.016-0.076	0.0288	1001	217	>26
	Cadmium	0.009 (U)-0.015	0.00645	1665	1457	832
	Zinc	4.792-6.215	5.52	584	511	292
	Lowest Meals			69	24	14
FL (Center)	Mercury	0.0344-0.138	0.0646	NA	14.5	8.3
	Arsenic	0.045 (U)-0.328	0.116	14.4	12.6	7.2
	Lead	0.01-1.494	0.232	124	27	16.8
	Cadmium	0.009 (U)-0.034	0.0161	667	584	333
	Zinc	4.199-7.171	5.29	609	533	304
	Lowest Meals			14	13	7
FL (South)	Mercury	0.0526-0.0721	0.0632	NA	14.9	8.5
	Arsenic	0.048 (U)-0.052	0.0276	61	53	30
	Lead	0.010-0.080	0.026	1109	241	>26
	Cadmium	0.009(U)-0.011(U)	0.005	2147	1879	1073
	Zinc	4.522-5.335	5.03	640	560	320
	Lowest Meals			61	15	9

• Meal Size: 8 oz for general population and women of childbearing age, 4 oz for children under seven
• >26: more than 26 meals per month
• NA: there is no methyl mercury RfD for general population to calculated the corresponding limited meals.

Table 3. Limited Fish Meals Per Month for Kokanee

Sample Type, Location	Chemical	Concentrations (mg/kg wet)		Meals Per Month*
		Range	Arithmetic Mean	General (8 oz)	Pregnant Women (8 oz)	Children (4 oz)
GC (Whole Lake)	Mercury	0.067-0.0853	0.0752	NA	12.5	7.1
	Arsenic	0.105-0.194	0.145	11.5	10.1	5.8
	Lead	0.061-0.2	0.115	251	54	>26
	Cadmium	0.112-0.205	0.139	77	68	39
	Zinc	17.292-27.361	20	161	141	81
	Lowest Meals			12	10	6
FL (Whole Lake)	Mercury	0.0787-0.104	0.0917	NA	10.2	5.9
	Arsenic	0.051-0.117	0.0831	20.1	17.6	10
	Lead	0.011 (U)-0.046	0.0203	1420	308	>26
	Cadmium	0.012 (U)-0.029	0.0177	607	531	303
	Zinc	5.628-10.746	7.05	457	400	228
	Lowest Meals			20	10	6

• Meal Size: 8 oz for general population and women of childbearing age, 4 oz for children under seven
• >26: more than 26 meals per month
• NA: there is no methyl mercury RfD for general population to calculated the corresponding limited meals.

APPENDIX F: JOINT FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE STATE OF IDAHO AND THE COEUR D'ALENE TRIBE

	JOINT ADVISORY	DIRK KEMPTHORNE - Governor KARL B. KURTZ - Director 450 West State, 10th Floor P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0036 Phone 208-334-5500 FAX 208-334-6558

Lake Coeur d'Alene Fish Advisory 2003

Fish were collected from Lake Coeur d'Alene in May and August of 2002 as described in the Coeur d'Alene Lake Fish Investigation Plan (USEPA 2002a), and were analyzed for metals (mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium and zinc) to determine if the fish are safe for consumption by members of the general public and the Coeur d' Alene Tribe. Sampling locations in the Lake are shown in Figure 1. The results of the laboratory analysis of the fish samples are provided in the Coeur d'Alene Lake Fish Investigation Data Report (USEPA 2003).

Based on extensive discussions among scientists and interested parties, kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka), Bass (mostly largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides), and bullhead (mostly brown bullhead, Ameirus nebulosus) were selected as the target species because of their use by both tribal and sport/recreational fishers. All three species are extensively used by tribal subsistence fishers. Notably, the three species are also of ecological importance to the Lake Coeur d'Alene fishery and encompass a variety of feeding habits and exposure patterns to contaminants.

Kokanee are primarily planktivorous, feeding on microscopic plants and animals in the water column, whereas largemouth bass are predatory on other fish. Kokanee range throughout the Lake, whereas bass are lurking predators with a relatively small home range compared to kokanee. The large home range of kokanee means that they should serve as a good indicator of contaminant concentrations throughout Lake Coeur d'Alene. Largemouth bass, which prey on other fish and have a smaller home range, should be more indicative of contaminant concentrations in localized areas of the Lake. Some smallmouth bass were also collected during the field effort. Bullheads are mostly bottom feeders and are normally closely associated with bottom sediments.

The tissue types analyzed were intended to be representative of two of the major methods by which fish caught in Lake Coeur d'Alene are prepared for consumption by subsistence and sport/recreational fishers, i.e. gutted whole fish and fillets. The gutted whole fish tissue type consisted of remaining tissue after the removal of the caudal (tail) fin, gills, and guts with the exception of the kidney. The gutted whole fish carcass tissue sample was intended to represent the most commonly used preparation method for fish that are smoked, canned, and that are used in soups or stews. Fillets are commonly consumed by tribal, sport and recreational fishers.

Data collected indicate that mercury, lead and arsenic are the three contaminants with high enough concentrations in fish tissue to warrant a fish advisory. Table 1 shows the species-specific, limited meal (the amounts of fish the Idaho Fish Consumption Advisory Program [IFCAP] considers safe to consume) advisory. Where applicable, species-specific consumption rates are given for sections of the Lake as opposed to a blanket statement about the entire Lake.

Table 1. The Species-specific, Limited Meal Advisory

Species	Sample Type	Location	Consumption Advisory (meals per month)			Contaminant of Concern
			General Population (8 oz. meal)	Pregnant Womena (8 oz. meal)	Childrenb (4 oz. meal)
Bass	Gutted Whole Fish	North	13	5	3	Arsenic: general population Mercury: pregnant women & children
		Center	15	6	3
		South	11	9	5
	Fillet	Whole Lake	26	5	3
Bullheadc	Gutted Whole Fish	North	20	4	3	Lead
		Center	8	2	0
		South	33	13	8
	Fillet	North	69	24	14	Arsenic: general population Mercury: pregnant women & children
		Center	14	13	7	Arsenic
		South	61	15	9	Arsenic: general population Mercury: pregnant women & children
Kokanee	Gutted Whole Fish	Whole Lake	12	10	6	Arsenic
	Fillet		20	10	6	Arsenic: general population Mercury: pregnant women & children

a: Pregnant women, women planning to be pregnant, and nursing mothers.
b: Children 6 years old or younger.
c: People, especially children and pregnant women with increased blood lead levels, or living in an area with high concentrations of lead in the yard soil or house dust should eat less whole Bullhead than suggested in this advisory.

Due to the limited resources, only three representative fish species were sampled from Lake Coeur d'Alene as discussed above. Per Charles Corsi and Ned Horner (Idaho Department of Fish and Game), other fish species regularly caught in Lake Coeur d'Alene could be grouped according to behavior similarity to one of the three sampled species (bass, kokanee and bullhead) IFCAP currently has data for:

• Predators: bass (largemouth and smallmouth), northern pike, chinook salmon (a pelagic predator feeding primarily on kokanee), Large (over 8 inches) crappie and perch, and northern pikeminnow.
• Filter feeder/insectivore: kokanee, bluegill, smaller perch and crappie, pumpkinseed, cutthroat trout (no cutthroat trout between 8 inches and 16 inches long may be kept), rainbow trout, tench, and brook trout.
• Bottom feeder: bullhead (mostly brown bullhead), channel catfish, and suckers.

Although there are no fish tissue metal data for fish species other than bass, bullhead and kokanee, IFCAP believes the metal concentrations in the same group of fish species should be similar. Therefore, IFCAP suggests people compare the game fish they catch to the appropriate species group (bass, bullhead, and kokanee) and limit their consumption accordingly. For instance, IFCAP suggests that children limit their consumption of bluegill to 6 meals per month, the same as kokanee.

Other Basic Information

This fish advisory delineates how much and which type of fish can be safely consumed from Lake Coeur d'Alene, and which populations are most affected by the advisory. An issued fish advisory does not mean that people should stop eating fish from the Lake. In fact, metals found in fish from the Lake are lower than metals found in some fish purchased from the grocery such as shark, swordfish, and tuna. There is no need to substitute grocery store purchased fish for Lake-caught fish. By following the advisory, it is unlikely any ill effects will result from eating the fish caught from Lake Coeur d'Alene. This fish advisory is not mandatory and is issued only as a precaution in the interests of public health and safety.

In general, consuming smaller, younger fish (within Tribal and State legal limits) and those lower on the food chain is advised because these fish tend to be less contaminated. Also, insectivores and filter feeders may be preferable to bottom feeders since they do not contact sediment as much as bottom feeders.

Future Actions

Bass, bullhead and kokanee were sampled and analyzed for mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium and zinc concentrations in the edible tissue. Mercury, lead and arsenic are the three contaminants with high enough concentrations in fish tissue to warrant a fish advisory.

Because the fish samples from Lake Coeur d'Alene fulfill the IFCAP sampling protocols (more than 10 fish per species per sampling location), a formal fish advisory has been issued. The governments involved in the Lake Coeur d'Alene fish study suggest sampling more fish in the future when possible, to verify whether or not they continue to pose a public health threat.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare laboratory will analyze the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in all the fish tissue samples. When the data are available, the governments involved in the Lake Coeur d'Alene fish study will revisit this fish advisory if warranted by the PCB levels.

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