Risk assessment and management interface-Example of methylmercury in fish

Abstract

Fish and other seafood have worldwide nutritional importance. However, fish can be also a source of dietary exposure for a variety of environmental pollutants, most notably methylmercury. The Czech total diet study (TDS) found significant levels of mercury only in the food groups: marine fish, freshwater fish, smoked fish, marinated fish, and canned fish. However, the present state of science does not allow a clear public health policy to be formulated. Further refinement to risk management of methylmercury will require better data on exposure as well as a better understanding of both the healthy risk and nutritional benefits of fish consumption.