While our prior essays embrace the health benefits of fish, this writing may seem contradictory as this is a caution about the potential toxicity of fish. Namely, fish containing alarming and unsafe levels of mercury. As more and more of the fish population is tested, it is nothing short of alarming as researchers are finding fish carrying mercury levels that exceed what would be considered safe by the standards put forth by the World Health Organization. This is truly an emergency of monstrous proportions as mercury is a documented and dangerous neurotoxin. Mercury is especially dangerous to the delicate and developing nervous system of the innocent fetus. In fact, so dangerous that the FDA released a warning in 2004 cautioning expectant mothers to limit or cease consumption of canned tuna. The United States alone is responsible for dumping an estimated 5 million pounds of mercury into the environment. This alarming figure does not take into account the millions of pounds dumped into our nations waters by other developed countries. This is a catastrophe of monstrous proportions. Most catastrophic due to the fact that this pollution and damage to the environment is irreversible. As published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2002, mercury, a potent neurotoxin can manifest symptoms in adults after acute exposure that include, demyelization of the nervous system, blurred vision and hearing problems. Can you imagine what damage can occur to a developing fetus? The Discovery Channel, during one of its shark specials aired January 2006, discussed in depth the mercury overload suffered by these feared and sorely misunderstood creatures. One of the major concerns was the absolute fact that cultures who enjoy as a regular part of their diet, dishes such as shark fin soup, also present with a higher than normal rate of neurological disorders. It seems that shark tissue is a favorite and potent storage haven for mercury. Neurodegenerative conditions that mirror cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and other neurological issues. The US Environmental Protection Agency has most definitely identified food containing mercury a health risk. The current recommendation is to keep whole blood levels of mercury less than 5.0 micrograms per liter. Ninety Five percent of the mercury ingested will be absorbed by the body as documented via laboratory testing. Mercury has an affinity for storage in the brain, kidneys and muscle tissue. And not surprising, of the people tested during a California study, those who ate the most fish as part of a healthy diet, also had the highest levels of mercury in their systems. A catch 22 it is. Whatever your source for fish, ask if it is mercury free or mercury tested. You as a consumer deserve to know. Stay away from the larger fish species such as mackerel and tuna. Bigger fish have more time to mature and absorb toxins. Sardines are a safe bet when trying to get your heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids. They are small and do not have the opportunity to absorb environmental toxins as their larger cousins do. Some may choose to supplement with fish oil and avoid the risk all together. Make certain your fish oil is molecularly distilled. This process will remove mercury and other contaminants. |
