Myk,
   I just thought of one other point re: lead
toxicology with fish. I have been told by some
toxicologist that if fish are living in waters
where dissolved lead is elevated it could be
important to avoid handling them as it
disturbs that mucus protective layer (which has
immune function) and might allow greater
absorption of lead.  There may even be a
possibility that the lateral line neurons might
absorb some lead and retrogradally transport
further up the nervous system.... thus the
scoliosis? I have only seen hints in various
papers of all of this so I may be way off base.
                     Later,
Ray Kinney

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