| Mercury is a heavy metal element that is | | | | 5. Big EyeTuna-.639 ppb |
| generally found in its liquid state. For many years, | | | | While awareness of mercury content in fish is on |
| prior to the scientific discovery that Mercury is | | | | the rise, many people remain unaware of the |
| harmful to human, mercury was used in children's | | | | risks involved. In 2008 actor Jeremy Pevin was |
| toys because of its slippery and shiny surface. In | | | | diagnosed with hydrargyria as a result of eating |
| the 1920s German scientists conducted several | | | | sushi twice daily for two decades. |
| experiments that concluded Mercury was toxic to | | | | Illness |
| humans. Since then, exposure to mercury has | | | | Exposure to even trace amounts of Mercury can |
| been dramatically reduced; however, modern | | | | have adverse health effects. While many of the |
| consumers ingest Mercury through its presence in | | | | toxic effects of mercury are partially or wholly |
| many fish. | | | | reversible, either through specific therapy or |
| Mercury is a naturally occurring element; however, | | | | through natural elimination of the metal after |
| it is also a byproduct of mining for natural | | | | exposure has been discontinued; heavy or |
| resources, such as coal and oil. Offshore drilling | | | | prolonged exposure can do irreversible damage, |
| stations emit Mercury, which contaminates the | | | | particularly in fetuses, infants, and young children. |
| surrounding water. As a result, many fish species | | | | Generally, Mercury poisoning is linked with |
| are becoming contaminated with Mercury, | | | | neurological dysfunctions. |
| consequently transferring it to humans when they | | | | Treatment |
| eat fish. Certain types of fish have higher Mercury | | | | Treatment for Mercury poisoning involves |
| content than others. The top five fish are: | | | | Chelation therapy, which implements the use of |
| 1. Tile Fish-1.45 parts per billion (ppb) | | | | chelating agents, which help rid the body of toxic |
| 2. Shark-.988 ppb | | | | metals. It is important to note, however, that |
| 3. Swordfish-.96 ppb | | | | Chelation therapy may be hazardous, as well. |
| 4. Mackerel King-.73 ppb | | | | |