Although including one healthy food, some types of fish are at risk of containing high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to health. To avoid the danger of mercury in fish, consider the following discussion.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states mercury as one of the substances that can cause health problems. Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that is naturally present in soil, water, and air. Mercury is also usually found in factory waste, which then pollutes water. The content of mercury in the water is what will settle in the body of fish, fish-eating animals, and shellfish which are then consumed by humans.
Danger of Mercury for Health
Mercury can enter the human body through direct exposure to the skin, inhaled air, and food or drinks consumed.
In high levels, exposure to mercury can harm the immune system, brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys. In fetuses, infants and children, exposure to metal mercury can damage the nervous system and interfere with brain function, thereby reducing their ability to learn and think. Birth defects and death are other risks due to exposure to mercury, which is susceptible to fetuses.
The higher the amount of mercury that enters the body, the greater the possibility of health problems. The danger of mercury in humans can be identified by the following signs:
- Weak muscles.
- Nerve disorders, such as tingling, numbness, and difficulty or unable to walk, hear and speak.
- Impaired body coordination.
- Trembling body (tremor).
- Visual impairment, even blindness.
- Growth barriers.
- Mental disorders.
- Lung damage.
The Minamata tragedy in Japan is the most famous case of mercury poisoning in history. People who are exposed to mercury in the tragedy experience neurological disorders, such as loss of hearing and vision, body trembling, to psychiatric disorders.
Many types of fish that contain mercury
Mercury levels in fish bodies vary, and this depends on the age of the fish and the type of fish food, whether the fish eat other marine animals or plants. Generally, the higher the position of a type of fish in the food chain, the higher the levels of mercury. This is because the mercury in the body of the prey will settle in the body.
The following are some types of fish that contain lots of mercury:
- Mackerel
- Tuna fish
- Shark
- Swordfish
- Marlin fish
- Parrot fish
How to Avoid the Danger of Mercury in Fish
Apart from the dangers of mercury, the nutrients in seafood are not to be missed. Although fish can contain mercury, that does not mean we should not eat fish at all.
There are several ways you can do to avoid the danger of mercury in fish, including:
- Avoid or limit the consumption of fish that contain high levels of mercury. Women who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants and children, are advised not to consume high-mercury fish species, and be more careful in choosing fish species that are safe for consumption.
- Choose fish or other nautical dishes with lower mercury content, such as catfish, shrimp, salmon, anchovies, and snapper. To meet the needs of protein and good fat, you can eat these fish at least 200-350 grams a week, which is divided into 2-3 servings.
- Limit or avoid eating raw fish, especially for pregnant women.
- Be careful in buying fish and processed products. Make sure the product has the logo of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM). BPOM Regulation number 23 of 2017 has set the maximum limit of heavy metal contamination, including mercury, in every food product.
Avoiding the consumption of types of fish that contain lots of mercury and how to cook properly can minimize the risk of exposure to mercury, so that the danger of mercury to health can be prevented. If you feel a complaint that is suspected as a symptom of mercury poisoning, immediately see a doctor to get an examination and treatment.
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