~ Tips ~
A typical serving size of Fish is a healthy high-protein, Group A low-fat food that can be a part of fish is 3 ounces for a child Eat no more than once every two and 6 ounces for an adult. a balanced diet for you and your weeks from this group Of course, if your serving
family. But some fish have levels sizes are smaller, you can
of mercury that may be harmful eat fish more frequently. ahi (bigeye/tombo/yellowfin tuna) to the developing brain. ono (wahoo) 3 ounces of fish is about If you eat fish once a week or the size and thickness of a opah (moonfish) deck of playing cards. more you may need to change:
the kinds of fish you eat Group B
Eat no more than once a week from this group
how often you eat certain
fish akule
aku (skipjack tuna) If you are pregnant or could awa (milkfish)
canned tuna become pregnant, breastfeeding, cod (butterfish) moi
or have young children, follow these guidelines when eating fish: grouper mullet
halibut opelu
mahimahi (dolphin fish)
nairagi (striped marlin) any type or form of (including raw, fish small enough to fit in orange roughy cooked, dried, smoked, or jerky): a frying pan whole
pollock
ika (squid or calamari)
(pacific blue marlin) Kajiki
and tako (octopus) Mercury builds up in the body. If Shark you eat fish from Group A, wait scallops and shrimp two weeks before eating any more Swordfish (shutome) fish from Group A or B.
1. What is mercury?
“Should I stop eating fish?” Mercury is a metal that can come from No! natural and man-made sources. It is found Remember, fish is a good in rocks, soil, and water. food and part of a healthy diet. So
2. Why is mercury in fish harmful? don’t stop eating fish!
Mercury can be very harmful to the brain and even small amounts can 5. What if I have already been eating more than advised? damage a brain that is just starting to form or grow. That’s why young Mercury leaves the body slowly. If you children, unborn and breast-fed babies have eaten more than you should, do not are at the most risk. eat any of the fish that should be limited Too much mercury may affect a child’s for a few months. behavior and lead to learning problems 6. Is there more I can find out about later in life. mercury in our fish? No one knows what the “safe” level of mercury is. However, the advice in this fact For more information sheet is designed with a safety factor to call the protect against harm. Department of Health at
3. How do fish get high levels of 808-586-4249 mercury?
Fish take in mercury from water as it
passes over their gills.
As reef animals and small fish absorb
this harmful substance it stays inside
their bodies.
As bigger fish eat small fish, the
mercury levels increase. Those at “the Neil Abercrombie, Governor top of the food chain” are the ones with Loretta J. Fuddy, A.C.S.W., Director of Health
the high levels.
Nondiscrimination in Services
4. Can cooking fish get rid of the We provide access to our activities without regard to race, color, Hawaii State Department of Health mercury? national origin (including language), age, sex, religion, or disability. Write or call the program noted above or our No, there is no method of cooking or departmental Affirmative Action Officer at Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801-3378 or at (808) 586-4616 (voice/tty) within 180 days of a cleaning fish that will reduce the amount of problem. mercury. 7/2012