Although it is one of the healthiest foods, part type fishrisky contain high levels of mercury, which can be hazardous to health. To avoid the dangers of mercury to fish, look at the following discussion this.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states mercury as a substance that can cause health problems. Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal that is naturally found in soil, water and air. Mercury is also usually found in factory waste, which will then pollute the water. The mercury content in the water is what will settle in the bodies of fish, fish-eating animals, and shellfish which are then consumed by humans.
Mercury Hazards for Health
Mercury can enter the human body through direct exposure to the skin, inhaled air, and food or drink consumed.
In high levels, mercury exposure can harm the immune system, brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys. In fetuses, infants, and children, exposure to metallic mercury can damage the nervous system and interfere with brain function, which can reduce their ability to learn and think. Birth defects and death are other risks from exposure to mercury, which the fetus is prone to.
The higher the amount of mercury that enters the body, the greater the possibility of health problems. The dangers of mercury to humans can be recognized from the signs below:
- Weak muscles.
- Nerve disorders, such as tingling, numbness, and difficulty or inability to walk, hear, and speak.
- Impaired body coordination.
- Body shaking (tremor).
- Impaired vision, even blindness.
- Barriers to growth.
- Mental disorders.
- Lung damage.
The Minamata tragedy in Japan is the most famous case of mercury poisoning in history. People who were exposed to mercury in the tragedy experienced neurological disorders, such as loss of hearing and vision, body shaking, and mental disorders.
Types of Fish That Contain a Lot of Mercury
The levels of mercury in the body of fish 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 mercury content. This is because the mercury in the body of its prey will settle in its body.
The following are some types of fish that contain a lot of mercury:
- Mackerel
- Tuna fish
- Shark
- Swordfish
- Marlin fish
- Parrot fish
How to Avoid the Danger of Mercury in Fish
Despite the dangers of mercury, the nutrients present in seafood are not to be missed. Although fish can contain mercury, that doesn't mean we shouldn't eat fish at all.
There are several ways you can do to avoid the dangers of mercury in fish, including:
- Avoid or limit the consumption of fish that have the potential to contain high levels of mercury. Women who are planning a pregnancy, pregnant women, nursing mothers, as well as infants and children, are advised not to consume high-mercury fish species, and to be more careful in choosing types of fish that are safe for consumption.
- Choose fish or other seafood with lower mercury content, such as catfish, tilapia, shrimp, salmon, anchovies, and snapper. To meet the needs of protein and good fats, 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 Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) logo. BPOM regulation number 23 of 2017 has regulated the maximum limit of heavy metal contamination, including mercury, in every food product.
Avoiding consumption of types of fish that contain a lot of mercury and proper cooking methods can minimize the risk of exposure to mercury, so that the dangers of mercury to health can be prevented. If you feel complaints that are suspected to be symptoms of mercury poisoning, immediately see a doctor for examination and treatment.
