Methylmercury in Fish
Inorganic mercury is released into the atmosphere through natural and man-made means, as described in the Coal and Other Sources of Atmospheric Mercury. Additionally, inorganic mercury in contained in waste water from certain manufacturing plants (see Chlor-Alkali section). Bacteria in the soil and water ‘methylate’ (convert) inorganic mercury into merthylmercury. These bacteria are eaten by predators that in turn are eaten by larger predators (e.g. tuna) in a process called bioaccumulation. Since large predators such as tuna cannot excrete mercury, a mature fish predator can contain a high amount of methylmercury.
The primary source of human methylmercury exposure is through consumption of predator fish such as tuna and swordfish. As of today, methylmercury has not been definitively linked with autism. However, it is generally accepted that methylmercury exposure can cause neurodevelopmental delay in a fetus or infant; thus, both the EPA and FDA have advisories regarding fish consumption. Methylmercury contamination of fish is the most-studied aspect of mercury toxicity, and there are many organizations, medical doctors, and researchers who are working in this field.
References on Methylmercury in Fish
“Diagnosis: Mercury. Money, Politics, & Poison” book by Jane M. Hightower, MD Book can be purchased through SafeMinds Amazon Store
How to Tell If You’re Poisoning Yourself With Fish, 3/19/09, Discover Magazine
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