Fish is an important part of obtaining a well-balanced diet, containing nutrients and protein that the human body needs to function. Benefits of having fish in our diet includes maintaining healthy growth development in children and the fetus of pregnant women, as well as potential health benefits for the heart and brain in adults. However, heavy consumption and exposure to fish containing high levels of mercury can result in risks of autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease and nerve damage.
There are many factors that determine how much fish a certain individual can eat and still be considered within non-toxic limits. These factors include age and health of the exposed person, dose and chemical form of mercury, duration, and route of the exposure. A person weighing 170 pounds can tolerate fish with higher levels of mercury than an 80 pound adolescent. The NRDC website has an online mercury calculator that considers weight, type of fish eaten in the last seven days, number of portions and portion size to help calculate an individual’s mercury intake. This calculator can be found at http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/calculator/start.asp.
There are many factors that determine how much fish a certain individual can eat and still be considered within non-toxic limits. These factors include age and health of the exposed person, dose and chemical form of mercury, duration, and route of the exposure. A person weighing 170 pounds can tolerate fish with higher levels of mercury than an 80 pound adolescent. The NRDC website has an online mercury calculator that considers weight, type of fish eaten in the last seven days, number of portions and portion size to help calculate an individual’s mercury intake. This calculator can be found at http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/calculator/start.asp.
Unfortunately, all fish in one way or another contain organic mercury that is produced naturally or inorganic mercury produced through industrial pollution (such as power plants and chemical manufacturers). Mercury can be spread into bodies of water where fish absorb and consume the element. Some fish contain higher levels of mercury than others.
The levels of mercury in fish depend on:
- Type of Fish - Fish exposure to mercury - The types of food that fish eat |
The levels of mercury for human consumption depend on:
- Type of fish consumed - Amount of fish consumed |
To find out more about available fish advisories in your area, check out EPA Fish Advisories. Also, check out Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Seafood Selector to improve healthy fish-eating by finding out what types of fish you can eat that are raised from safe environments. For more information about the mercury levels in the types of fish you eat, check out NRDC Health Effects Mercury Guide and FDA Foodborne Illness Contaminants.
References:
- http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/outreach/advice_index.cfm
- http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fish/
- http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/fishadvisories/general.cfm#tabs-4.
- http://seafood.edf.org/about-guide
- http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/calculator/calc.asp
- http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/guide.asp
- http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/walletcard.pdf
- http://www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/consumers/ucm110591.htm
- http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/guide.asp
- http://www.epa.gov/mercury/effects.htm#meth
- http://www.epa.gov/mercury/advisories.htm
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