The Illinois River has been taken off the list for a “do not eat” advisory.
Illinois Department of Public Health Spokesperson Melaney Arnold says the advisory is normally for sensitive people like pregnant women and children under the age of 15.
Arnold says although there are no known immediate health hazards, it’s the long-term effects of low-level mercury exposure that could be a problem.
She says that the advisory is not to stop people from regularly eating fish listed, but to make people aware of how much and how frequently it can be eaten.
Arnold also says if people follow IDPH meal advice for mercury levels on different Illinois waterways, they’ll be okay.