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Home , Mercury in fish, Seafood

Fact Sheets for Families in

Fish is an important source of nutrients and can be a Why is mercury dangerous? good part of a healthy . It is high in , low in Mercury is a toxic chemical that can build up in the saturated fat, and contains and omega-3 fatty ac- body and cause a wide range of problems. All forms of ids. Omega-3 fatty acids prevent heart and are mercury can affect the kidneys and brain. Symptoms can beneficial for children’s brain and vision development. include irritability, tremor, shyness, changes in vision Yet, all types of fish and have some levels of or , and memory problems. Mercury can cross mercury in them and certain types have higher levels the placenta and affect the neurological development of of mercury than others. the fetus. The brain is especially susceptible to damage. Mercury exposure can affect children’s learning, move- What is mercury? ment and behavior. Mercury is an element that is naturally present in the environment and exists in three forms–element or Who is at greater risk? metallic mercury (a silvery that is liquid in room Although most people are not at risk by fish, temperature), organic and inorganic compounds. Mer- some types of fish contain higher levels of mercury that cury is used in inks, adhesives, medical devices such may harm unborn babies or young children. Risks also as -pressure instruments and thermometers, and depend on the amount of fish eaten and the levels of as a catalyst in manufacturing processes. The “silver” mercury in the fish. Larger fish that eat other fish or fish fillings or dental amalgams, still widely used in most that are long-lived tend to have higher levels of mercury parts of the world, generally have 50 percent mercury. than smaller fish. Mercury is a that is especially dangerous to The and Drug Administration (FDA) and the developing nervous system of unborn babies and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising young children. Methyl mercury (organic mercury) is women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, particularly harmful to the developing brain. breastfeeding mothers, and young children to keep their consumption to a minimum and eat fish that are How are we exposed? lower in mercury. Pregnant women are advised to avoid Exposure to inorganic and elemental mercury is rare. It , , king , and . typically happens by inhalation or ingestion. Indoor air after spills of elemental mercury and outdoor Minimizing the risk from industrial emissions are the most To get the potential health benefits of eating fish and important sources of inhaled mercury. In some ethnic minimize your risk of eating too much mercury: groups, mercury compounds are used for and • Eat no more than 12 ounces (about two meals) certain sects use them in religious ceremonies. Dental of fish per week. amalgams can also expose people to inorganic mercury. • Use fish varieties that are considered lower in The main source of exposure to organic mercury mercury. , , canned light , and is from eating contaminated fish. Mercury released into are some commonly eaten fish that are the air through industrial pollution can accumulate in low in mercury. streams and , turn into methyl mercury, and be • Check local advisories about the safety of fish absorbed by fish. caught in your local area.

by A. Rahman Zamani, MD, MPH Provided by California Childcare Health Program References and Resources For more information, please contact: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans at www.mypyramid.gov Healthline 1-800-333-3212 The American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org Distributed by: FDA and the Center for and Applied Nutrition www.cfsan.fda.gov The Environmental Protection Agency’s Fish Advisory Website www.epa.gov/ost/fish 02/09