What Do You Know About Mercury in Fish?
Nearly all fish and shellfish have some mercury in them, the federal government says. Find out how much you know about mercury in fish by taking this quiz.
1. Mercury in the environment can cause health problems when it
is in which form?
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correct answer is
Mercury is an
element that is usually not harmful. But in the environment, mercury changes to
methylmercury. This organic form is easily absorbed by living things. It builds up
in
fish and animals. The more mercury in a fish or animal, the more harm it can cause.
2. Which of these ocean creatures have the highest amount of
methylmercury in them?
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correct answer is
Tuna is a large
predatory fish at the top of the food chain. It has the most methylmercury. Plankton
is
tiny food for almost all small and some large marine animals. Smaller marine animals
are
food for bigger marine animals. As mercury moves up the chain, the larger fish and
the
longest-lived fish end up with the mercury that has been absorbed by the smaller plants
and animals.
3. People are more likely to get the most methylmercury by
eating:
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correct answer is
Because tuna is
at the top of the food chain, it has the most mercury.
4. Mercury is most harmful to:
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correct answer is
The fetus is very
sensitive to the harmful effects of mercury. The harm done cannot be reversed even
when
the fetus is no longer exposed to the mercury. Mercury is always harmful. But it causes
less harm as you get older. An adult seems to be less harmed by higher amounts of
mercury, compared with a fetus, child, or adolescent.
5. Which agency is responsible for watching mercury levels in
bodies of water?
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correct answer is
State and tribal
health programs regularly post information about mercury in area fish. They offer
guides
on how much fish from certain lakes, rivers, and coastal waters a person can safely
eat.
6. High levels of methylmercury can cause:
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correct answer is
Mercury harms the
brain. It can cause a wide range of brain and nerve problems.
7. Which fish should NOT be eaten by pregnant or breastfeeding
women, or children?
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correct answer is
The FDA says that
shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tile-fish have such high levels of mercury that
pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, and young children should not have even
a
single serving of these types of fish. All of these fish are higher up the food chain.
8. How much ocean fish should a pregnant woman limit herself to
each WEEK?
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correct answer is
The FDA made
this recommendation to lower the effects of mercury on the fetus.
9. How much freshwater fish should a pregnant woman limit herself
to each WEEK?
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correct answer is
Freshwater fish
include fish from rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Six ounces is about half
the
amount allowed for ocean (marine) fish. It is important to take into account the type
of
fish and where they were caught. Some areas are so polluted that fishing is not allowed.
You should check with your state health department if you are unsure about the pollution
status of the area where the fish were caught.
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