![]() How might mercury affect breastfeeding mothers and babies? People who work in recycling plants, who manufacture items with mercury, and who handle dental amalgam might have some mercury exposure on the job. Small amounts of mercury are also used in making common household items like fluorescent bulbs and some thermometers. Mercury collects in streams, lakes, and oceans, where fish and other animals are exposed. Mercury is a naturally-occurring element in the environment and is also released into the environment through human activities such as burning coal and oil. Breastfeeding mothers should minimize exposure to mercury in their diets, at home, and at work. In general, smaller fish like sardines and scallops contain less mercury. Larger fish that have lived longer (swordfish, tuna, shark, king mackerel and tilefish) have the highest levels of mercury because they have had more time to accumulate it. ![]() The best way to reduce mercury exposure from fish is to eat mostly small fish, which naturally contain less mercury. ![]() Because mercury accumulates in the muscle tissue (filet) of the fish, neither preparation (trimming skin or fat) nor cooking method reduce mercury exposure.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |