Swordfish have above federal limit levels of mercury in many supermarkets in the USA

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Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 16 Sep 2005 - 14:00 PDT

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According to environmental groups, levels of mercury in swordfish at many US supermarket chains have, on average, 10% more mercury than federal authorities' limit. The average, out of 24 samples tested, was 1.1 parts per million - limits are set at 1 part per million.

In fact, 9% of the samples had double the limit.

The samples were tested at the University of North Carolina laboratories. Mercury was detected in swordfish being sold at Safeway, Albertsons and Whole Foods.

Environmental groups are asking for more widespread government testing. They would also like to see warning labels placed on the merchandise in all stores. Some retail outlets already do place warning labels.

Dangers of Mercury (methylmercury) for Human Health
(methylmercury is the mercury found in some fish)

Exposure to too much mercury is bad for human health. If the exposure is higher than the human can safely tolerate, the patient may experience:

-- Damage to the nervous system
-- Damage to the brain
-- Damage to the developing fetus
-- Damage to the kidneys (changes in kidney function)
-- Tremors
-- Loss of sensation
-- Problems with memory
-- Irritability
-- Skin rashes
-- Eye irritation

If you stick to the safety limit of 1 part per million (food and drink) you should have nothing to worry about. We are all exposed to a certain amount of mercury (in its various forms and compounds).

Serious mercury poisoning usually occurs when you breathe the vapour or handle (or are near) a spillage. When mercury spills it forms tiny droplets that fit into any crack in the ground or on a table. These droplets start giving off a vapour. If you spill mercury on the floor do not use a vacuum cleaner as it will cause the vapours to fly around. Click Here for Clean-up Instructions.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Editor - Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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