Environmental Health Update

So you know how we've all been told that pregnant women and children should limit their consumption of fish toward the top of the food chain, like swordfish and tuna, due to high mercury levels?

Well, you may soon forget it.

This past week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it will urge the government to amend its advisory that women and children should limit how much fish they eat. According to the FDA, the benefits of eating seafood outweigh the health risks and most people should eat more fish, even if it contains mercury.

Mercury is known to damage the neurological development of fetuses and infants. Recent studies suggest that mercury may also pose risks to adults, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The report argues, however, that nutrients in fish could boost a child's IQ by three points and that the greatest benefits would come from eating more than 12 ounces of fish per week, which is the current limit advised for vulnerable populations.
If approved by the White House, the government would take away its policy that certain population groups can be harmed by the mercury in fish and should limit their consumption.

According to an article in the Washington Post, scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency are criticizing the new recommendations. The Environmental Working Group is also working to fight against the FDA's announcement.

Before everyone makes the switch to a diet based entirely on sushi, I'd seriously reconsider the FDA's findings. I mean, doesn't it seem odd to take such a huge step backwards?