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Mercury in Fish is a Global Health Concern

(11.02.2009)


Background:
Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that can make its way up the food chain into humans, and poses an increased exposure risk to developing fetuses and young children and to adults exposed to mercury. Methylmercury, the mercury species found in fish, is one of the strongest neurotoxins and is absorbed by humans from food to a high percentage.

New results about mercury in fish:
As the world's governments convene next week to discuss developing a legally binding treaty on mercury, citizens' groups from around the world have released a new report calling attention to the significant global human health hazards caused by mercury in fish and fish-eating marine mammals. Over twenty groups from around the world (1), including the international Zero Mercury Working Group (2) released the study, which maintains that the problem demands an effective response from governments and the United Nations.

"Mercury contamination of fish and mammals is a global public health concern," said Michael Bender, co-coordinator of the Zero Mercury Working Group. "Our study of fish tested in different locations around the world shows that internationally accepted exposure levels for methylmercury are exceeded, often by wide margins, in each country and area covered."

According to the report, "Mercury in Fish: An Urgent Global Health Concern," the risk is greatest for populations whose per capita fish consumption is high, and in areas where pollution has elevated the average mercury content of fish. In cultures where fish-eating marine mammals are part of the traditional diet, mercury in these animals can add substantially to total dietary exposure. In addition, the study shows that methylmercury hazards still exist where these dietary and local pollutant levels are less prevalent.

The report indicates that mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative transboundary pollutant that contaminates our air, soil, water and fish. Because of this potential for global contamination, mercury pollution requires a coordinated international response.

"The report outlines that all governments face similar threats from mercury since it is a global pollutant that contaminates fish around the world," said Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, Project Coordinator Zero Mercury Campaign, European Environmental Bureau. "In response, governments should agree to start work immediately on a global mercury treaty at the United Nations meeting in Nairobi next week."

More Information:
The full report is available at: www.mercurypolicy.org.


Related EVISA Resources

Link Database: Toxicity of different mercury species
Link Database: Mercury in Fish



Related EVISA News (newest first)

January 14, 2013: Mercury Levels in Humans and Fish Around the World Regularly Exceed Health Advisory Levels
December 24, 2012: Mercury in food – EFSA updates advice on risks for public health
December 9, 2012: Mercury in fish more dangerous than previously believed; Scientists urge for effective treaty ahead of UN talks
June 17, 2012: Factors Affecting Methylmercury Accumulation in the Food Chain

October 15, 2011: Mercury pollution in the Great Lakes region -- nearly forgotten, but not gone
August 16, 2010: Methylmercury: What have we learned from Minamata Bay?
June 28, 2010: New Study Examines Why Mercury is More Dangerous in Oceans
August 21, 2009: USGS Study Reveals Mercury Contamination in Fish Nationwide
May 5, 2009: Ocean mercury on the rise
February 11, 2009: Mercury in Fish is a Global Health Concern
October 30, 2008: Precautionary approach to methylmercury needed
March 11, 2007: Methylmercury contamination of fish warrants worldwide public warning
October 9, 2006: Linking atmospheric mercury to methylmercury in fish
September 23, 2006: Report Finds Mercury Contamination Permeates Wildlife Systems

August 16, 2006: Mercury pollution threatens health worldwide, scientists say
February 17, 2006:  Study shows link between clear lakes and methylmercury  contamination in fish
Februar 9, 2006: Study show high levels of mercury in women related to fish consumption
August 29, 2005: Is methyl mercury limiting the delight of seafood ? - To answer this question is a challenge for elemental speciation analysis
April 27th, 2004: FDA/EPA recommends pregnant women to restrict their fish consumption because of methylmercury content


last time modified: May 22, 2024



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