How serious is mercury in fish?
How serious is mercury in fish?
For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child’s developing nervous system.
Why is mercury a problem in fish?
Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal. It can build up in the bodies of fish in the form of methylmercury, which is highly toxic.
How much mercury is in fish?
Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish (1990-2012)
| SPECIES | MERCURY CONCENTRATION MEAN (PPM) | MERCURY CONCENTRATION MEDIAN (PPM) |
|---|---|---|
| CARP | 0.110 | 0.134 |
| COD | 0.111 | 0.066 |
| PERCH OCEAN | 0.121 | 0.102 |
| TUNA (CANNED, LIGHT) | 0.126 | 0.077 |
How do fish get mercury?
Fish absorb methylmercury from their food and from water as it passes over their gills. Mercury is tightly bound to proteins in all fish tissue, including muscle. There is no method of cooking or cleaning fish that will reduce the amount of mercury in a meal. Methylmercury accumulates as you move up the food chain: 1 .
Why is mercury in fish?
Fish absorb methylmercury Methylmercury in fish mainly comes from mercury in ocean sediment that is transformed into methylmercury by microorganisms. This organic form of mercury is absorbed by the tissues of fish through their gills as they swim and through their digestive tracts as they feed.
Do all fish have mercury?
However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child’s developing nervous system.
Why is mercury toxic?
Depending on the type and amount, exposures to mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, liver and immune system. Breathing mercury vapors can harm the nervous system, lungs and kidneys. Mercury vapors can pass easily from the lungs to the bloodstream.
What organ is affected by mercury?
Mercury may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.
What does mercury do to the brain?
Many studies show that high exposure to mercury induces changes in the central nervous system, potentially resulting in irritability, fatigue, behavioral changes, tremors, headaches, hearing and cognitive loss, dysarthria, incoordination, hallucinations, and death.
