What Are the Dangers of Mercury in Fish?

You constantly hear that you should eat more fish because it contains omega-3 fatty acids which do a body good. Unfortunately, you also hear that eating fish can cause mercury poisoning. The dangers of mercury are many. However, by eating fish in moderation you reap the benefits of the omega-3s and avoid the dangers of mercury.

Neurological Development Problems

• Neurological development problems can affect unborn children, babies and young children. The mercury that is high concentration in some fish can negatively impact the development of the brain in the young. Nursing mothers are also advised not to eat fish since the mercury can be passed through breast milk.

Seizures

• In extreme cases, such as those who live on a diet primarily made up of mercury-filled fish, people have been known to experience seizures.

Vision Problems

• A person exposed to large amounts of mercury from fish may find that they have trouble with their peripheral vision.

Muscle Weakness

• Mercury poisoning can lead to weakened muscles. This can later lead to difficulty walking and general coordination problems.

Speech and Hearing

• Along with physical coordination, the body can begin to have trouble speaking and hearing.