Government Study Finds Mercury in Every Fish Tested

A new study released concerning information about fish in the U.S. Between 1998 and 2005, the U.S. Geological Survey tested fish from 291 rivers and streams across the United States for mercury. Not one fish had escaped mercury contamination.

One-quarter of the fish tested contained levels of mercury higher than those deemed safe for humans, and over two-thirds of the fish tested had mercury levels that exceeded those safe for fish-eating mammals, according the Environmental Protection Agency.

The USGS study found that some of the highest levels of mercury were in fish taken from “blackwater” streams in the Southeast. High levels of mercury were also found in fish in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, and in waterways in the West that flow near gold and mercury mines.

“This study shows just how widespread mercury pollution has become in our air, watersheds, and many of our fish in freshwater streams,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in a press release accompanying the study’s findings. “This science sends a clear message that our country must continue to confront pollution, restore our nation’s waterways, and protect the public from potential health dangers.”

Fish are an important part of a healthy diet because they contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids.  However, reports like this have many people are concerned about eating fish because of exposure to mercury and toxic substances.

If you are concerned about mercury levels, both krill oil supplements are good alternatives to seafood.

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