Avoid Fish With Mercury That Harms Children, Says Med. Soc.

To protect the health of unborn and young children, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are revising their consumer advisory on fish and shellfish consumption by populations at risk from exposure to high levels of methylmercury. At-risk populations include pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who may become pregnant, and young children.

High levels of methylmercury in the bloodstream of the fetus and young children can harm their developing nervous system. The Medical Society of the State of New York advises women to follow the new draft advisor, even before final approval, to protect the health of their unborn and/or young children while maintaining a healthy diet for themselves.

The draft advisory, issued in December 2003, lists three rules for pregnant women, women who might become pregnant and nursing mothers:

Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.

Levels of mercury in other fish can vary. You can safely eat up to 12 ounces (two to three meals) of other fish and shellfish a week. Mix up the types of fish and shellfish you eat and do not eat the same type of fish and shellfish more than once a week.

Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in local rivers and streams. If no advice is available, you can safely eat up to six ounces (one meal) per week of fish caught from local waters, but do not consume any other fish during that week.

The draft advisory also recommends following these rules when reduced serving sizes of fish and shellfish to young children.

A final version of the new consumer advisory is expected to be published in early 2004.

For the first time, the advisory addresses mercury levels in tuna, stating: "Tuna is one of the most frequently consumed fish in the United States. Mercury levels in tuna vary. Tuna steaks and canned albacore tuna generally contain higher levels of mercury than canned light tuna. You can safely include tuna as part of your weekly fish consumption."In announcing the draft of the revised consumer advisory, the FDA reminded consumers that fish and shellfish are good sources of high quality protein and other nutrients and can be important parts of a healthy and balanced diet. "However, the amount and type of fish you consume may need to be modified if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, nursing, or a young child," according to the draft advisory. "With a few simple adjustments, you can continue to enjoy these foods in a manner that is healthy and beneficial. By following the advisory, consumers can maintain a healthy diet and protect the health of their unborn or young child at the same time." Mercury is a naturally occurring element in the environment and is also released into the air through industrial pollution. Mercury that falls from the air can accumulate in streams and oceans. Bacteria in the water cause chemical changes that transform mercury into methylmercury. Fish absorb the methylmercury as they feed in these waters. Methylmercury builds up more in some fish than in others, depending on what they eat. Fish is the main source of mercury exposure to humans and is in the form of methylmercury. High levels of methylmercury can be harmful to babies and young children. Methylmercury is re-moved from the body naturally, but it may take over a year for levels to drop significantly. This is one of the reasons women who are trying to become pregnant should avoid eating certain types of fish. The methylmercury described in the advisory is not the same type of mercury found in some thermometers or in dental amalgam. The advisory notes that other forms of mercury, such as in dental amalgams, are minor contributors to human mercury exposure. If you think you have been exposed to large amounts of mercury or have any other concerns about mercury exposure affecting your health or the health of your unborn or young child, contact your doctor or your child’s pediatrician.

For further information about the risks of mercury in fish and shellfish, call the US Food and Drug Administration’s food information line toll-free at 888-723-3366 (888-SAFEFOOD) or visit the FDA’s Food Safety Website at www.cfsan.fda.gov. For information about the safety of locally caught fish and shellfish, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Fish Advisory website at www.epa.gov/ ost/fish.

This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY). For more health-related information and referrals to physicians in your community, contact your local county medical society.