Florida Health Advisory - Mercury in Florida Freshwater Fish
This article originally from a brochure distributed by the State of Florida's Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services.
Mercury in Florida's Fish - Florida is known for the beauty of it's many lakes and streams. Sport fishing has brought people from all over the country to this state. Our waterways provide a place for swimming and fishing, but now that are also a source of concern. Mercury has been found in many lakes and streams, and has contaminated several species of fish. Because of this, people who fish in Florida must be careful about the fish they eat. Depending on the location and the type of the fish, people may have to limit how much fish they eat, or not eat the fish at all.
Since 1989, a series of health advisories have been issued to warn people about eating freshwater fish contaminated with mercury. The fish infected include largemouth bass, bowfin, gar, mayan cichlid, oscar, spotted sunfish, warmouth, and yellow bullhead catfish.
The advisories say that fish caught in contaminated fresh water should not be eaten more than once a week by adults. If you are pregnant, a nursing mother, a woman who intends to have children, or a child under 15 years old, you should not eat those fish more than once a month (one portion equals 8 ounces or one-half pound of fish). Fish caught in some parts of the state should not be eaten at all.
What is Mercury? - Mercury is a chemical element called a "heavy metal". It occurs in several forms and all can affect human health. Methylmercury is the form that can occur in fish from contaminated waters.
Where Does Mercury Come From? - Mercury occurs in nature. It is part of the earth's rock and soils. It is also found in the air. Some mercury enters the air naturally from the land or oceans. Acid rain can release mercury from soil and wash it into lakes and streams.
Mercury is used in many ways by industry. Mercury has been used in making chlorine, lye and paper. In the past, it was added to seeds to prevent fungus from growing on them. Mercury also comes from the air, due to burning coal and from burning trash with mercury batteries in it. These sources release much more mercury into the environment than natural sources.
How Does Mercury Get into Fish? - Over time, mercury in the air and in soil will end up in waterways. Once it is released into the water, it enters the food chain. This means that mercury moves from the water into small animals, which are eaten by fish. Mercury will also enters fish through through their gills. Since mercury leaves tissue very slowly, it can build up to high levels in the fish.
What Are the Health Effects of Mercury? - The levels of mercury in water are too small to be harmful to drink. However, if you eat fish with high levels of mercury, you will end up with mercury in your system. Your body will slowly get rid of the mercury, but if you eat more than you can get rid of, it will build up in your system. Levels of mercury in Florida fish are not high enough to make you sick right away. But if you eat a lot of fish with low levels of mercury in them, the mercury will accumulate and you may start to have some health effects.
Symptoms may include nerve and brain damage, sight and hearing problems or birth defects. Unborn and very young children are affected more than adults.
What Levels of Mercury are of Concern? - When fish in a certain lake or stream have more than 0 parts per million (ppm) of mercury in their tissue, the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services (HRS) issues a health advisory. If mercury levels are between 0.5 and 1.5 ppm, that amount of that fish eaten should be limited. If the levels are more than 1.5 ppm, the fish should not be eaten at all.
What parts of Florida are Affected? Which Fish Should I be Concerned About? - The information below tells you which lakes and streams are affected in Florida. A list of the fish to be concerned about in areas of Florida is included, along with information on whether you should limit the amount you eat or avoid eating that species of fish.
Can Mercury Be Removed From the Fish Before I Eat It? - There is no way to remove mercury from fish. Cooking the fish does not reduce the mercury level.
How Long Will the Fish Advisories Last? - Mercury stays in the environment for a very long time. The advisories will be in effect as long as mercury is in Florida's fish at current levels.
How Serious is the Mercury Problem in Florida? - Mercury is a very toxic substance. These advisories should be taken very seriously, especially for children and pregnant women.
What is Being Done Now? - HRS and other state agencies are working together to find the sources of mercury in Florida. More fish are being tested and experts are helping to find answers.
Where Can I Get More Information? - You can get more information from the HRS State Health Office at (904) 488-3370, (904) 488-3385 or from the Department of Environmental Protection Mercury Coordinator at (904) 487-0472.
6900 S.W. 21st Court . Building 9 . Davie, FL 33317
(954)382-9766 · FAX (954)382-9770
Copyright · ©2007 · Allstate Resource Management · All Rights Reserved