Mercury in Seafood

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses current government advisories that suggest limiting the consumption of certain fish because of high levels of mercury. The paper also discusses, however, how shellfish and seafood are an important part of a healthy diet. The paper addresses the risks that shellfish and seafood pose to the average US citizen and reveals that there is conflicting and biased evidence as to the actual risk involved. The paper concludes, therefore, that fears over fish consumption are exaggerated, but one should still follow government advisories regarding fish consumption.

Outline:
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Chapter 3: Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper:

"Since the 1800s people have been aware that fish contain high levels of mercury (Ferguson, 2005). The harmful effects of high levels of mercury in the human body have been known for many years as well. Recently, there has been a rash of media hype about the dangers of mercury to the developing fetus and to small children. This has led to suggestions that the public avoid consumption of certain shellfish and seafood above certain levels. However, this denies the known health benefits of fish, including the important Omega-3 fatty acids and their heart protective properties."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Budtz-Jergenson, E., Grandjean, P., & Weihe, P. (2007). Separation of Risks and Benfits of Seafood Intake. Environmental Health Perspectives. 115 (3); 323-327
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2000). National toxics inventory. Washington, DC: Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Environmental Protection Agency.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2001). Mercury Update: Impact on Fish Advisories. EPA-823-F-01-011. Retrieved November 5, 2007 from http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/mercupd.pdf
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2002). Estimated per Capita Fish Consumption in the United States. EPA-821-C-02-003. Retrieved November 5, 2007 from http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/files/consumption_report.pdf
• Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada. (1999). Mercury sources and regulations: draft report, 1999 update. Binational toxics strategy. Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada, November 1999.

More papers on Mercury in Seafood:

• Article Review # 125014 : "Mercury in Vaccines"
• Research Paper # 12243 : "Mercury in Wastewater"
• Research Paper # 128394 : "Levels and Effects of Mercury in Aves: A Review"

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