![]() In other instances, metallic mercury is accidentally swallowed. ![]() Note that where metallic mercury generally is contained in glass or metal, it does not pose a risk unless the product is damaged or broken and mercury vapors are released. Poorly ventilated, warm, indoor spaces are of particular concern in cases of airborne mercury vapors. Exposures may occur when people breathe this vapor and inhale it into their lungs. If the mercury is not immediately contained or cleaned up, it can evaporate, becoming an invisible, odorless, toxic vapor. Information about the effects that methylmercury exposures can have on your healthĮxposures to Elemental (Metallic) MercuryĬommon exposures: When most exposures to metallic mercury occur, they occur because mercury is released from a container, or from a product or device that breaks.Guidelines for eating fish that contain methylmercury.More about emissions of mercury into the air.Mothers who are exposed to methylmercury and breast-feed may also expose their infant children through their milk. This presented evidence that the nervous system of a developing infant may be more vulnerable to methylmercury exposures than an adult nervous system. In past outbreaks of methylmercury poisoning, mothers with no symptoms of nervous system damage gave birth to infants with severe disabilities. As a result, they may be exposed to much greater mercury contamination than the general population. Some communities eat significantly more quantities of fish than the general population. Populations Particularly Sensitive to Methylmercury Exposures Fish is a beneficial part of people's diet, and we encourage people to eat fish low in methylmercury. In a given water body, the highest concentrations of methylmercury are generally found in large fish that eat other fish. The levels of methylmercury in fish and shellfish depend on: Microorganisms in waterbodies can change it into methylmercury, where it builds up in fish and shellfish. Once in the air, mercury eventually settles into bodies of water like lakes and streams, or onto land, where it can be washed into water. Children under 6 should limit consumption to 1 to 2 ounces per week, and those 6 to 12 years old should limit intake to 2 to 3 ounces per week.įor more nutrition information on the foods we eat, buy Healthy Eating, a Spcecial Health Report from Harvard Medical School.Mercury gets into the air from a number of sources. If no advice is available, eat up to 6 ounces per week of fish from local waters, but don't consume any other fish during that week. ![]() Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in your local lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. ![]() Follow these same recommendations when feeding fish and shellfish to your young child, but serve smaller portions.So, when choosing your fish, try to select light tuna, and limit albacore to 6 ounces per week. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna, has more mercury than canned light tuna.Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Eat 8 to 12 ounces (two to three meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.Recommendations: The FDA recommends that adults should eat up to 12 ounces (two average meals) per week of a variety of cooked seafood as long as they avoid the large predatory ocean fish mentioned above and pay attention to local seafood advisories.įor women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children ages 12 and younger, the following guidelines apply: As long as you avoid these higher sources of mercury, the benefits of eating fish far outweigh the risks of mercury in fish. That makes it best to avoid eating large fish, such as shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel. As small fish are eaten by larger fish up the food chain, concentrations of mercury and POPs increase, so that large, predatory deep-ocean fish tend to contain the highest levels. However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, a toxic metal, and some seafood contains other contaminants known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Because a diet rich in seafood protects the heart and aids neurological development, fish remains an important component of a healthy diet. Fish is an excellent source of protein, and its healthy oils protect against cardiovascular disease.
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