Methylmercury Exposure and Neurotoxicity

Article Abstract:

Pregnant women should try to avoid eating fish that have high levels of methylmercury. Ingestion of this chemical has been linked to severe neurological damage and even death. The fetus may be even more sensitive to methymercury than adults. A 1998 study found that children in the Seychelles whose mothers ate fish while pregnant were no more likely to have developmental defects as children not exposed. However, the study did not use neurodevelopmental tests that could detect very subtle damage. Consequently, further research is needed to determine the risk to unborn children.

Editorial, Risk factors, Developmental disabilities

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Fish intake, contaminants, and human health: Evaluating the risks and the benefits

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to assess the relative risks and benefits of fish in view of the confusion over the role of fish consumption, scientific evidence for its adverse and beneficial health effects. It is concluded that for major health outcomes among adults the benefits of fish intake exceed the potential risks and for women of childbearing age, benefits of modest fish intake, excepting a few selected species, also outweigh risks.

Women's health

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Blood mercury levels in US children and women of childbearing age, 1999-2000

Article Abstract:

Pregnant women should limit their consumption of fish to prevent mercury poisoning in their baby. A study of 705 children and 1,709 women found that the average blood mercury level was 0.34 micrograms per liter in children and 1.02 micrograms per liter in women. This is well below the level the EPA considers dangerous. However, 8% of the women had mercury levels above the minimum level that can cause damage.

Infants

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