Environmental Working Group’s new study of over 250 women indicates that “US fish advice may expose babies to too much mercury.”
This study was initiated to test the 2014 draft recommendations by federal agencies that women of childbearing age and young children eat more fish that is lower in mercury, advice based on the fact that fish consumption is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients.
EWG’s newly completed study enrolled 254 women who eat at least two meals of seafood, fish or shellfish every week and measured the amount of mercury in their hair to assess how much mercury was in their bodies.
EWG’s study found that almost 30 percent of their participants had too much mercury exposure according to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for pregnant women. Much of their exposure was tied to fish species like tuna steaks and sushi that are not included in the government’s warning.
Click here to go to EWG’s website where you can watch a short video including findings and recommendations of the study, read the full report, and find tools to help reduce your mercury exposure.