Mercury rising
The journal Environmental Research published a study investigating the effects of fish consumption on children’s health. It confirmed that regular fish intake is responsible for increased levels of mercury in the blood. Even though the levels of fish-consuming children were below the potential risk level, researchers found that they had disrupted hormone (adrenocortical) function that may result in the development of physical and psychological disorders. These fish-consuming children also had elevated markers of inflammation, which are a sign of the body’s emergency response in trying to fight infection. The authors also pointed out that children are more sensitive to environmental pollutants than adults and this is a first study of its kind. The results will probably have broad public health implications.
Gump, B.B., MacKenzie, J.A., Dumas, A.K., et al., 2012. Fish consumption, low-level mercury, lipids, and inflammatory markers in children. Environmental Research. 112: 204-211.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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