| According to
a study, each year over 300,000 U.S. newborns may have been exposed
to dangerous levels of mercury due to their mothers’ fish consumption.
The study involved the analysis of dietary habits and blood mercury
levels of more than 1,700 women between the years of 1999 and 2000.
While Asian, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders were most like
to have high mercury levels, Mexican-Americans were said to have
the least.
Dietary habits were strong indicators of mercury levels in the
blood. The study found that each gram of fish consumed per kilogram
of body weight resulted in an increase of 0.2 to 0.5 micrograms
of mercury per liter of blood. Also, the type of fish consumed determined
the level of mercury found in the fish.
Results from the study showed that blood mercury levels were seven
times greater in the women who consumed fish at least twice a week,
compared to those who didn’t consume any fish.
The results also revealed that exposure to mercury during gestation
can increase the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental effects.
Environmental
Health Perspectives April 7, 2004
New
York Times April 7, 2004
| 