We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Anglers' Appraisals of the Risks of Eating Sport-Caught Fish from Industrial Areas: Lessons from Chicago's Calumet Region.
- Authors
Westphal, Lynne M.; Mario Longoni; LeBlanc, Cherie L.; Wali, Alaka
- Abstract
We conducted a participant observation study of recreational fishing in the industrialized Calumet region of northwest Indiana and southeast Chicago to gage the extent of fishing for consumption and to learn about perceptions of the risks of eating contaminated fish. Of the 97 study participants who provided definitive information about their fish consumption habits, 70% reported ever eating fish from Calumet waters. When assessing pollution, anglers relied mainly on their senses, personal experiences, judgment, and/or information from friends, family, and other anglers rather than on written fishing guides, local officials, or the media. When considering consumption risks, they focused on four primary factors: the general environment, water quality, fish characteristics, and observable human health, Different anglers used different risk assessment cues. There were also differences in risk perceptions and fish consumption patterns across racial-ethnic lines. Finally, we consider the challenges of disseminating risk information to diverse urban populations.
- Subjects
CHICAGO (Ill.); ILLINOIS; FISHING; FOOD consumption; POLLUTION risk assessment; WATER quality; HEALTH; CITY dwellers; ETHNOLOGY
- Publication
Human Ecology Review, 2008, Vol 15, Issue 1, p48
- ISSN
1074-4827
- Publication type
Article