From the Guidelines
Mercury exposure is primarily associated with consumption of high-mercury fish, industrial pollution, and certain consumer products, and to minimize exposure, individuals should limit consumption of high-mercury fish, especially pregnant women and children, and avoid unregulated skin creams or folk remedies that may contain mercury. The main sources of high mercury exposure include:
- Certain fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, bigeye tuna, marlin, and orange roughy, which contain high levels of mercury 1
- Industrial pollution, including coal burning, mining, and waste incineration, which can lead to the accumulation of methylmercury in fish 1
- Consumer products, such as older thermometers, dental amalgams (silver fillings), some skin-lightening creams, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and certain religious practices or folk medicines 1 It is essential to note that mercury is a neurotoxin that can damage the brain and nervous system, and developing fetuses and young children are most vulnerable to its effects 1. To reduce mercury exposure, individuals can:
- Limit consumption of high-mercury fish, especially pregnant women and children 1
- Properly dispose of mercury-containing products 1
- Avoid unregulated skin creams or folk remedies that may contain mercury 1 Overall, minimizing mercury exposure is crucial to prevent its harmful effects on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.
From the Research
Sources of High Mercury Exposure
- Mercury is ubiquitous in the biosphere, occurring in the air, water, land, and soil, as well as in living organisms 2
- The primary source of human exposure to environmental mercury is through seafood consumption, particularly fish and fish products 2, 3, 4
- Mercury is concentrated in seafood, products of prey and marine fish, fish from rivers and lakes in the areas contaminated by mercury 2
- Specific types of fish, such as shark, swordfish, and king mackerel, have high levels of mercury and their consumption is not recommended for certain groups, including children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and nursing mothers 2
- Freshwater fish, seafood, and shellfish can also be sources of mercury exposure 5
- Environmental contamination, dental amalgam restorations, and industrial accidents can also lead to mercury exposure 6
- Predatory fish consumption is a significant source of mercury exposure, particularly for pregnant women 6
High-Risk Groups
- Children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and nursing mothers are at higher risk of mercury exposure due to their consumption of fish and fish products 2, 5
- Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to mercury exposure, which can lead to pregnancy complications and developmental problems in infants 6