Green | August 14, 2008 | 5 comments

High Levels of Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in Donna Lake in South Texas

source: http://www.krgv.com/2008/8/13/996357/High-Levels-of-Cancer-Causing-Chemicals-Found-in-Donna-...

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AxeRFJ
PCBs used in insulation for electrical equipment

HIDALGO COUNTY - Federal officials warn everyone not to eat fish caught in Donna Lake or the irrigation canals, because they contain high levels of chemicals known to cause cancer.

The government has yet to figure where the chemicals are coming from. But they have designated the area as a Superfund area. This means finding financing for the cleanup is a top priority.

The chemicals, called PCBs or Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls, are used as insulation for electrical equipment.

Fish in the canal have tested positive for PCB levels more than 1,500 times higher than the concentration thought to pose a health risk to an adult. That's according to a report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Signs have been posted to warn people not to eat the fish, but it doesn't stop most people.

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5 comments // High Levels of Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in Donna Lake in South Texas

  • mememechrissy
    • 0
      mememechrissy  

    • I have been to the resevoir and seen people fishing there. I asked one man if he knew how dangerous eating the fish from these waters can be and the man replied to me in Spanish, "The fire kills everything" thinking that if he cooked it well the chemicals would cook out. Thats just not the case and the signs posted are small and far apart. People in our community don't realize what the problem is and how dangerous it is. SAD. I tell everyone I meet.

    • 3 years ago
  • spoonieday
    • 0
      spoonieday  

    • No one gives a crap about our waterways here in south texas. I like to hike and my city likes to build parks in creeks that flood. After every flood we find disgusting amounts of trash all over the ground. But no one in Texas works together where water is concerned. All the agencies compete with one another so nothing gets protected properly.

    • 3 years ago
  • Elligirl
    • 0
      Elligirl  

    • Superfund really needs to be given the authority to hold those responsible accountable for their messes. Why is the average taxpayer paying for this? Why isn't government forcing payment from those who created the problem?

    • 3 years ago
  • Mafioso
    • 0
      Mafioso  

    • Good post! We need more news about small towns, especially those along the borders, and near water sources. If the majority of Americans knew what was really going on with their water supply, I would hope we would do something about it quickly. However, I am not so sure, not with all the things we currently put up with.

    • 3 years ago
  • AxeRFJ
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