What is the advice around fish consumption, when you weigh the risks of PCBs and mercury up against the benefits of fish consumption and the benefits of Omega Fatty acids?
Fish is nutritious, often providing cardiovascular or other important health benefits. However, fish also can be contaminated with toxic pollutants such as mercury, PCBs and dioxin that persist in the environment and accumulate in fish flesh or fatty tissue, and potentially in people eating these fish. People consuming fish, and health care providers advising about fish consumption, should carefully consider the health impacts of this contamination. PSR and GBPSR are preparing a detailed primer for the health care provider entitled Reducing Risks from Toxic Pollutants in Fish: Guidelines for Good Nutrition in a Contaminated World. People should contact their local or state health agency for specific information and guidance on the consumption of locally caught fish. See”Out of Harm’s Way” fact sheet series.
Related Questions
- What is the advice around fish consumption, when you weigh the risks of PCBs and mercury up against the benefits of fish consumption and the benefits of Omega Fatty acids?
- Why has Health Canada updated its advice pertaining to mercury in fish?
- As mercury levels rise, what are the risks and benefits of eating fish?
