Why is eating some fish, such as largemouth bass, a problem?
A. Methylmercury bioaccumulates in the muscles of fish (not the fat). It becomes progressively more concentrated as it moves up the food chain and can pose a health risk to humans and wildlife that consume large quantities of mercury-contaminated fish. Because mercury does not accumulate in the fat, trimming the fat or grilling will not reduce mercury levels in food. Q. What are the health risks associated with mercury? A. Mercury poisoning can damage the central nervous system, kidneys and liver in humans and impair child development. Q. How are people exposed to methylmercury? A. The primary environmental route of exposure to methylmercury is from eating contaminated fish. Q. Is any segment of the population more at risk from exposure to methylmercury? A. Unborn and young children are most at risk to methylmercury poisoning. Therefore, pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children 12 years of age and younger should follow Missouri’s fish consumption adv
