ABSTRACT

Introduction: Asian persons in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area might be more susceptible to contaminant exposure because of high consumption of local sportfish and store-purchased fish. This is a particular risk to women who are pregnant or might become pregnant and breastfeeding women because of health risks to the developing fetus or child’s neurological system. 

Methods: We conducted a survey among women of childbearing age from 4 Asian ethnic groups (Hmong, Karen, Chinese, and Filipino) residing in the Milwaukee area to assess self-reported fish consumption from different sources, fish preparation behaviors, fish consumption behaviors during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and awareness of local and national fish consumption advisories and limits. 

Results: Participants included 153 women aged 18 to 50 years. Seventy-one (46%) had consumed ≥1 sport-caught or store-purchased species at levels above a local, state, or federal advisory. Participants reported consuming a median of 11 Wisconsin sportfish and 24 store-purchased fish meals each year. Approximately half of participants reported reducing fish consumption or changing fish preparation methods to avoid contaminants. Overall, 62 (41%) were aware of any fish consumption advisory. 

Conclusions: Self-reported fish consumption habits among certain Hmong, Karen, Chinese, and Filipino women of child-bearing age were higher than local, state, or federal advisories, and approximately half of participants self-reported awareness of local or federal fish consumption advisories. Reaching Asian diaspora communities with culturally appropriate educational materials regarding safe fish consumption might help reduce contaminant exposure.