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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Mercury in Tuna Is More Dangerous Than You Think

Consumer Reports is sounding the alarm about mercury in tuna, following a new study showing levels of the toxic heavy metal in tuna have increased dramatically over the last 15 years.

That means current federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans may be advising consumers to eat more than they should — particularly pregnant women and children. Consumer Reports is challenging federal health officials’ position that the benefits of eating tuna outweigh the risks.

Using the current safety limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a new analysis by the magazine's health experts indicates that a 48-pound child who eats more than 1.4 ounces of tuna per week — about one-third of a can, or the amount in a single sandwich — could be at risk for brain-damaging mercury exposure.

A woman weighing about 140 pounds would exceed it by eating more than 4.5 ounces weekly.

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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mercury in tuna, arsenic in rice

We don't need no stinkin' regulations

Anonymous said...

They drink liquid Mercury in some countries for stumic problems, and it cures it!

Anonymous said...

no worries.. See the size of the cans now? lol

Anonymous said...

The swordfish hanging in the Smithsonian was caught in the mid 1800's.A recent test of the preserved outer layer revealed a mercury level comparable to current levels.I realize that a swordfish is not a tuna,but a comparison is fair because they inhabit the same oceans.160+ years apart but the same oceans.Very little change for such a long time.

Anonymous said...

This is mainly canned tuna, specifically Albacore. I will continue eating my fresh caught bluefin, yellowfin and bigeye, thank you.