Abstract
ABSTRACT Risk to children of women who choose a favorite fish without regard to its methylmercury or omega-3 content was estimated under three consumption scenarios: (1) current fish consumption rate by U.S. women if limited to orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus), (2) 12 oz of roughy per week, and (3) roughy consumption to meet docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) requirements. Risks were similarly assessed if king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) were eaten. Based on mercury concentrations in fillets purchased from 2004–2007 (0.73 ± 0.29 mg Hg/kg; n = 45), women would have an 85% probability of exceeding USEPA's reference dose (RfD) if they ate only roughy. Based on literature-derived concentrations, they would have a 91% probability of exceeding the RfD if they ate only mackerel. Increasing consumption of either fish to 12 oz per week would increase their probability of exceeding the RfD to 100%. Attempting to meet DHA requirements through eating these fish also results in a 100% probability of exceeding the RfD; however, owing to its very low DHA content, roughy consumption would result in exceedance by 100-fold. These results highlight recommendations of others that benefits and risks of fish consumption should be presented together to enable consumers to make informed decisions.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
