The Common Person (CP)

CHEMICAL FOUND IN SOME FISH & SEAFOOD THAT COULD HARM YOUR BABY’S BRAIN Fish is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. But there is something else about fish that deserves your attention, particularly if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Some fish contain a form of mercury that can cross the placenta, enter a developing baby's brain and interfere with neurological development. It is called METHYLMERCURY. And understanding it could help you make better decisions about the fish you eat. FIRST, HOW DOES MERCURY GET INTO FISH? Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that is also released into the environment through human activities, including mining, industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels. When mercury enters aquatic environments, microorganisms can convert some of it into methylmercury. This is the form that accumulates in fish and other aquatic organisms. As methylmercury moves through the aquaticfood chain, its concentration can increase. This is why certain large, long-lived predatory fish can contain substantially more methylmercury than smaller fish. WHAT CAN IT DO TO A DEVELOPING BABY? High prenatal exposure to methylmercury can cause serious neurological injury. Depending on the exposure level and timing, effects may include: Impaired cognitive development. Difficulties with attention and memory. Problems with coordination and movement. Impaired hearing or vision. Also, Methylmercury can remain in the body for several months. Consequently, exposure before conception may contribute to the amount present during pregnancy. DOES THIS MEAN YOU SHOULD STOP EATING FISH? Absolutely not. Fish provides nutrients that support fetal brain development. The objective is not to eliminate fish from your diet. It is to choose fish wisely and reduce unnecessary exposure to methylmercury. WHICH FISH ARE MORE LIKELY TO CONTAIN HIGHER LEVELS? In general, methylmercury concentrations tend to be higher in: Large predatory fish. Fish that live longer. Fish that feed on other fish. Fish harvested from contaminated environments. Shark, swordfish and certain large tuna species are examples of fish associated with higher methylmercury concentrations. HOW CAN YOU REDUCE EXPOSURE WITHOUT LOSING THE BENEFITS OF FISH? Eat a variety of fish rather than relying exclusively on one species. Learn which locally available fish species are associated with higher mercury levels where reliable monitoring data exist. Avoid or limit large predatory fish known to accumulate high methylmercury levels. Pay attention to fish advisories for contaminated rivers, lakes and coastal areas. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy, seek dietary guidance that accounts for local fish species and your usual consumption patterns. Remember that smoking, drying, boiling or frying fish does not reliably remove methylmercury. The goal is not to fear fish. It is to understand the difference between eating fish for its nutritional benefits and accumulating unnecessary exposure to a neurotoxic contaminant. - Reproductive Health Observatory Neonatal DAO