NORFOLK - The state Department of Public Health has issued a warning to avoid eating fish caught in the Charles River and Populatic Pond because of unhealthy contamination levels.

DPH officials have reviewed toxic data from the state Department of Environmental Protection that found mercury in fish caught from the Charles River and Populatic Pond at levels below the federal Food and Drug Administration action levels but within a level that may pose health concerns.

Also, the average concentrations of the pesticides chlordane and DDT are above levels that DPH considers safe for unlimited consumption.

The contaminants may accumulate in people who frequently eat the fish, leading to increased risk of health effects. Fetuses and nursing infants are particularly sensitive to developmental and health problems associated with mercury exposure, state health officials say.

Follow DPH advice DPH officials advise:

Children under 12, pregnant women, nursing mothers and women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should refrain from consuming any fish caught from the waterways.

The general public should limit consumption of all fish caught to two meals per month.

The advisory for the Charles River applies to the waterway between the South Natick dam in Natick and the Medway dam in Franklin and Medway.

Populatic Pond is located in the northwestern section of Norfolk near the Millis and Franklin lines.