HEALTH CONSULTATION

BRANDY BRANCH RESERVOIR
MARSHALL, HARRISON COUNTY, TEXAS

CONCLUSIONS

1. Based on the 1996 and 1997 sampling data, levels of selenium in Brandy Branch Reservoir fish are lower than they were during the late 1980s.

2. Depending on body weight (10-30 kg), children could consume approximately one to five (four ounce) meals of Brandy Branch fish per week before exceeding the MRL. Adults (70 kg) consuming five to six (eight ounce) meals of Brandy Branch fish per week would not be expected to exceed the MRL. Approximately three times these amounts would be required to exceed the lowest levels reasonably expected to result in signs and symptoms of toxicity, therefore, ingestion of fish at these amounts pose no apparent public health hazard.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The fish consumption advisory issued for Brandy Branch Reservoir in 1992 should be re- evaluated based on the current recommended limitations on long-term fish consumption.

REFERENCES

1. ATSDR, 1996. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Selenium. Atlanta: ATSDR, Aug. 1996.
   
   
2. Lemly, 1985. Toxicology of selenium in a freshwater reservoir: Implications for environmental hazard evaluation and safety. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Safety 10:314-338.
   
   
3. Welsh, et al., 1981. Selenium in self-selected diets of Maryland residents. J. Am. Diet Assoc. 79-277-85.
   
   
4. FNB, NRC, 1980. Food and Nutrition Board, National Research Council: Recommended dietary allowances, 9th ed. Washington, D.C: National Academy of Sciences.
   
   
5. Longnecker, et.al., 1991. Selenium in diet, blood, and toenails in relation to human health in a seleniferous area. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 53:1288-94.
   
   
6. Yang, et.al., 1983. Endemic selenium intoxication of humans in China. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 37:872-81.

PREPARERS OF THE REPORT

Lisa R. Williams, M.S. Toxicologist
Health Risk Assessment and Toxicology Program
John F. Villanacci, Ph.D.
Director
Health Risk Assessment and Toxicology Program

ATSDR REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
George Pettigrew, P.E.
Senior Regional Representative
ATSDR - Region 6

ATSDR TECHNICAL PROJECT OFFICER
William Greim
Environmental Health Scientist
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Superfund Site Assessment Branch

CERTIFICATION

The Brandy Branch Reservoir Health Consultation was prepared by the Texas Department of Health under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It is in accordance with approved methodology and procedures existing at the time the Health Consultation was initiated.

Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC

The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this Health Consultation and concurs with its findings.

Chief, SPS, SSAB, DHAC, ATSDR

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