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Contents Introduction Mercury and Its Sources Mercury in the Environment Mercury in the Body and Health Effects The Minamata Bay Incident Fish Consumption Advisories and Mercury Levels Conclusion

While these health advisories are targeted mostly at women and children, the exact effects of mercury accumulation in the body over time are not yet know. More studies are being conducted to determine the risks. Most adverse effects in adult humans have only been seen with toxic doses of methylmercury, such as with the Minamata incident where fish had mercury levels of 20 ppm. The FDA level of concern for mercury in fish is 1 ppm. Fish with levels higher than this should probably be avoided by everyone. However, the consumption of fish and shellfish should not be completely eliminated because they are an important part of a healthy diet. Balancing the risks of mercury exposure and the benefits of fish consumption is essential to proper nutrition.

References

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2. Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), United States Food and Drug Administration. (2006). Mercury Levels in Commercial Fish and Shellfish. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sea-mehg.html

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4. Environment Canada. (2004). Mercury and the Environment. http://www.ec.gc.ca/mercury/en/index.cfm

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10. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2006). Mercury. http://www.epa.gov/mercury/