Risk-Benefit Assessment for Total Mercury, Arsenic, Selenium, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Exposure from Fish Consumption in Jamaica.

Abstract

Fish is important in the traditional diet of Jamaicans, and the fishing industry contributes to social and economic development, as well as food security in Jamaica. However, there are associated health risks from contaminant exposure. The aim of this paper was to use risk-benefit analysis methods to determine the best fish species for consumption. Composite samples consisting of 14 fish species were collected from major fishing villages in 2016 and measured for total mercury, arsenic, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Food frequency questionnaires were randomly distributed to 400 participants from different locations on the island. Participants were asked to identify the types of fish, portion size, and the frequency of consumption. An estimate of their weight was also recorded. Total mercury concentrations in fish samples ranged from 0.003 to 0.215 μg/g. The range of arsenic concentrations was 0.11 to 7.8 μg/g. The range of selenium concentrations was 0.302 μg/g to 1.08 μg/g. The mean omega-3 fatty acid concentration was 123.1 ± 93.6 mg/100 g. The fish consumption rates range from 3.2 to 1132.8 g/day. Cod fish was the most consumed species at 23.2 g/day. Four risk-benefit analysis methods were able to recommend four fish species that were best for consumption based on the levels of mercury, arsenic, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. They were doctorfish, parrotfish, snappers, and cod fish. The results of this study concluded that there was a low risk of mercury exposure from fish consumed in Jamaica.