Polluted Water Dangers

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A recent consumer advisory by the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency is advising pregnant women and young children to reduce their exposure to mercury found in fish.

"Research shows that most people's fish consumption does not cause a health concern, and we emphasize that this advisory is directed to the specific subpopulation of women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and parents of young children, not the general consumer," the 2004 advisory states. This is important because past research has shown high levels of mercury in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system.

The advisory acknowledges that fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet due to their low levels of saturated fat, and high levels of protein, essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health and proper growth. Women and young children should include these items in their diet but with extra precautions as stated in the three recommendations of the advisory:

• Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.
• Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury including shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock and catfish. Albacore tuna and tuna steaks have more mercury than canned light tuna, so you may eat up to only six ounces (1 average meal) of albacore tuna or tuna steak per week.
• Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in local lakes, rivers and coastal areas. If no advice is available, eat up to six ounces per week of fish caught from local waters, but don't consume any other fish that week. For information about the safety of locally caught fish and shellfish, visit EPA's Fish Advisory Web site, http://www.epa.gov/ost/fish.

These same recommendations should be followed when feeding fish to young children, only in smaller portions. By following these suggestions, the advisory says, women and young children will receive the benefits of eating fish and shellfish, yet reduce their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury.

In related news, the EPA issued a statement this week that says 35 percent of total lake acres and 24 percent of the river miles in the United States are now under advisory. To find out what bodies of water are polluted, log onto http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/states.

This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.

SOURCE: "What you Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish," 2004, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency