The latest debate buzzing around the world is whether to include fish in our daily diet or not.

Mercury concentrations have been detected in fish-eating species in different parts of the world.

Mercury specialists in the journal Ambio have warned against the risk of eating mercury-contaminated fish. Children and women of childbearing age are worst affected by toxic nature of mercury. Madison Declaration on Mercury Pollution presents 33 key findings from four expert panels.

Surprisingly the findings are contrary to that of British scientists. 9,000 families were studied. The research found that pregnant women who ate more fish had children who were more strong, both physically and mentally. The study concluded that risks of eating fish were outweighed by the benefits. They supported the findings saying that apart from mercury fish contains omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for brain development.

But there are enough evidences which show that Mercury has a bad effect on brain, human foetus, heart. Thus, it is quite alarming that three times more mercury is falling from the sky today than before the Industrial Revolution.

Unfortunately, the reduction of mercury emission by developed countries have been outweighed by developing countries. In most cases, small-scale gold mining plays an important role in contribution of mercury emission in the atmosphere.

Both developed and developing countries need to form policies to combat this global issue. Like, US government advices pregnant women to limit consumption of seafood to 340g a week. UK Food Standards Agency advises expectant mothers to avoid shark, swordfish, marlin, tuna as these carry highest levels of mercury.

Image Credit: EPA, CAYUGANET, BBC

VIA: The Independent