Lee County, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has updated its sport fish consumption advisories, notably issuing a “Do Not Eat” warning for all fish in Franklin Creek in Lee County, spotlighting the health risks posed by “forever chemicals,” specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
According to the IDPH release from April 9, 2024, the updated advisories are the result of intensified monitoring for PFAS, which have led to tighter consumption recommendations for several Illinois waters.
Besides PFAS, the advisories also cover risks related to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and methylmercury, with the IDPH reporting a general decline in PCB levels statewide, influencing the updated guidelines for various species in key locations such as Lake Michigan and Midlothian Reservoir.
