Nizhny Novgorod residents were explained why it is dangerous to eat fish from urban water bodies.

      On July 12, 2026, at 10:42 AM, Society Residents of Nizhny Novgorod are advised not to consume fish caught within the city limits in the Volga, Oka, and urban lakes in raw or dried form. This was reported to the publication "Living in Nizhny" by Ekaterina Olyushina, an associate professor of hygiene at PIMU and a candidate of medical sciences. According to her, such fish may contain mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Predatory species, including pike, catfish, and perch, accumulate the highest amounts of heavy metals and toxic substances. The specialist noted that dangerous substances are most often concentrated in the liver, while fat-soluble toxins are deposited in subcutaneous fat and meat along the spine. Additionally, fish may contain persistent organic pollutants. As Ekaterina Olyushina explained, this refers to increased levels of pesticides, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Another danger comes from parasites that inhabit river and lake fish. For instance, bream, roach, chub, rudd, and gudgeon are often carriers of opisthorchiasis, which causes severe liver and bile duct diseases. Tapeworms may be found in the internal organs of predatory fish, while representatives of carp and perch species are often affected by trematodes. According to Olyushina, studies by the Nizhny Novgorod testing laboratory regularly detect live trematode larvae, including in fresh bream. Earlier, Nizhny Novgorod residents were reminded of the rules for the safe consumption of freshwater fish. Fresh fish is advised to be cooked immediately after catching. If this is not possible, it should be frozen. At a temperature of -40 degrees, parasites die within seven hours, and at -35 degrees, within 14 hours. Details can be found here. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials for 18+.