What Do You Know About Mercury in Fish?

Nearly all fish and shellfish have some mercury in them, the federal government says. Find out how much you know about mercury in fish by taking this quiz.

1. Mercury in the environment can cause health problems when it is in which form?

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Mercury is an element that is usually not harmful. But in the environment, mercury changes to methylmercury. This organic form is easily absorbed by living things. It builds up in fish and animals. The more mercury in a fish or animal, the more harm it can cause.

A. Aquatic mercury B. Mercury vapor C. Methylmercury D. Mercury salt

2. Which of these ocean creatures have the highest amount of methylmercury in them?

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Tuna is a large predatory fish at the top of the food chain. It has the most methylmercury. Plankton is tiny food for almost all small and some large marine animals. Smaller marine animals are food for bigger marine animals. As mercury moves up the chain, the larger fish and the longest-lived fish end up with the mercury that has been absorbed by the smaller plants and animals.

A. Plankton B. Krill C. Oysters D. Shrimp E. Tuna

3. People are more likely to get the most methylmercury by eating:

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Because tuna is at the top of the food chain, it has the most mercury.

A. Seaweed B. Clams C. King crab D. Lobster E. Tuna

4. Mercury is most harmful to:

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The fetus is very sensitive to the harmful effects of mercury. The harm done cannot be reversed even when the fetus is no longer exposed to the mercury. Mercury is always harmful. But it causes less harm as you get older. An adult seems to be less harmed by higher amounts of mercury, compared with a fetus, child, or adolescent.

A. A fetus B. A baby C. A child 2 to 12 years old D. A teen E. An adult

5. Which agency is responsible for watching mercury levels in bodies of water?

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State and tribal health programs regularly post information about mercury in area fish. They offer guides on how much fish from certain lakes, rivers, and coastal waters a person can safely eat.

A. Federal government B. State government C. Tribal groups D. B and C E. None of the above

6. High levels of methylmercury can cause:

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Mercury harms the brain. It can cause a wide range of brain and nerve problems.

A. Severe thinking problems B. Cerebral palsy C. Behavior problems D. Low birth weight E. Slower development in children F. All of the above

7. Which fish should NOT be eaten by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children?

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The FDA says that shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tile-fish have such high levels of mercury that pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, and young children should not have even a single serving of these types of fish. All of these fish are higher up the food chain.

A. Tuna B. Swordfish C. King mackerel D. Salmon E. A and D F. B and C

8. How much ocean fish should a pregnant woman limit herself to each WEEK?

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The FDA made this recommendation to lower the effects of mercury on the fetus.

A. 1 ounce B. 6 ounces C. 12 ounces D. 16 ounces E. No limit on intake

9. How much freshwater fish should a pregnant woman limit herself to each WEEK?

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Freshwater fish include fish from rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Six ounces is about half the amount allowed for ocean (marine) fish. It is important to take into account the type of fish and where they were caught. Some areas are so polluted that fishing is not allowed. You should check with your state health department if you are unsure about the pollution status of the area where the fish were caught.

A. 1 ounce B. 6 ounces C. 12 ounces D. 16 ounces E. No limit on intake

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Online Medical Reviewer: Horowitz, Diane, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Novick, Tara, BSN, MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Poulson, Brittany, MDA RDN CD CDE

Date Last Reviewed: 6/1/2021

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