The State - News from May 18, 1986

Dangerous levels of mercury are being found in catfish and bass taken from the muddy bottom of Clear Lake in Northern California, the state Department of Health Services warned. Dr. James Stranton said tourists spending only a week or two at the lake can eat the fish without worrying, but permanent residents should be careful about how much they eat. Stranton said pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who plan to become pregnant and children under six should avoid altogether eating fish from the lake. A study indicated that part of the problem stems from an abandoned mercury mine near Clear Lake Oaks.