Source ATSDR on-line ToxFAQs: Mercury at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts46.html) What happens to mercury when it enters the environment?
• Methylmercury builds up in the tissues of fish. Larger and older fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury • People can breathe in small amounts of mercury metallic if a spill occurs at home or at work. (Source: ATSDR ToxFAQs) What is the difference between “light” and “white” canned or packaged tuna? Canned or packaged tuna was found to be lower in mercury than fresh or frozen tuna. There are two kinds of canned or packaged tuna on the market, labeled as light and white (albacore). Light tuna: • Also called “chunk light”Soft textureLower mercury • Women of child-bearing age should not eat more than one meal* of light tuna fish per week, and young children should not eat more than 2-3 ounces per week.
