Health Officials have updated some of their fish consumption guidelines due to the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in some bodies of water.

Impacted areas include the Twin Cities metro area, some waterbodies in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties. In Greater Minnesota, some waterbodies in Douglas, Martin, McLeod and St. Louis counties have also been impacted.

According to the new guidance, fish that no one should eat include:

• All species of fish caught in the Minnesota River Valley ponds and Long Meadow Lake
• Bass caught in Mooney Lake
• Walleye caught in George Lake
• Yellow perch and common carp caught in Otter Lake, McCuen Creek, Bear Creek and the south fork of the Crow River

According to the Department of Health, PFAS can cause a number of health concerns, including developmental effects, such as low birth weight in infants and a weaker immune system in children. Exposure to some PFAS may also cause changes in liver function and increase cancer risks.

Patrick Bell — who’s had multiple surgeries, uses Long Meadow Lake to fish almost every day.

It’s his therapy, Bell said.

Bell is not happy the state health deparment has put out an advisory against eating any fish from that lake.

“A person like me, with seven brain surgeries, this is my relaxation time,” he says. “I can’t dance, so you’re taking that privilege away from me. I can’t get on the motorcycle.”

“So, the only thing I have to do is jog around this trail and fish. It’s the only therapy that gives me peace,” Bell said.

Hannah Pichman, from St. Louis Park, hopes other people are paying attention to the advisory.

“It’s kind of scary; I’m kind of wondering where else it would be, other than this pond,” she says. “It’s also scary if they don’t know and they’re taking this fish home and eating them, like they could get sick.”

Carrie Chelman often takes walks around Long Meadow Lake.

“Well, I don’t think I would do it anyway, but I’ve heard about it for a few years,” she says. “That’s pretty sad. It’s one of my go-to places to get away from the regular neighborhood. Doesn’t look too pretty now, does it?”

The rest of the new guidance, including a list of impacted waterbodies by county, can be found on MDH’s Fish Consumption Guidance webpage.