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Hidden danger of coastal living
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If you thought a diet that's heavy on seafood was a good thing, think again.
Sure, fish is a great source of lean, low-calorie protein.
But it can also be a source of mercury that can harm your children.
As it turns out, women of childbearing age who live in coastal areas and in the Northeast face a three to four times greater risk of having excessive amounts of mercury in their blood than women who live in inland areas.
Within the United States, people who live in coastal areas consume more fish and shellfish than people who live in non-coastal areas.
What's more, they consume fish with higher mercury concentrations, according to the authors of a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives. The research was based on data (1999-2004) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Exposure to mercury in the womb can affect the brain. The EPA reports that it can impair cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, and fine motor and visual spatial skills.
In May, the FDA issued a list of fish and shellfish by mercury level so you'll know which species to ban from your plate. You can also check out the Environmental Defense Fund's Seafood Selector for advice on what to avoid.
The takeaway: Don't go overboard when you indulge your craving for seafood.
For more info:
- Adult Women's Blood Mercury Concentrations Vary Regionally in the United States: Association with Patterns of Fish Consumption (NHANES 1999-2004)
- EPA: Health effects of methylmercury
- EPA Fish consumption advisories
- FDA Mercury levels in commercial fish and shellfish
- Maryland's state fish is on the rocks
- Environmental Defense Fund: Seafood Selector (Which seafood are safe to eat?)
Photo: AP/Steve Helber
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