Some Canadian women at risk for mercury

LONDON, Ontario, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Some Canadian women have levels of mercury -- most likely from fish -- high enough to damage the brain of a developing baby, researchers found.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Western Ontario's Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry found between 20 percent to 30 percent of Canadian women of reproductive age had high enough levels of mercury that can cause congenital damage, the London (Ontario) Free Press reported Wednesday.

The study involved more than 100 women tested for mercury levels using hair samples. There was a strong correlation between the amount of fish consumed and the mercury levels in the body.

The university's Dr. Gideon Koren said although developing babies won't be hurt in many cases, the study is a concern because the women said they thought their fish consumption was within health guidelines.

Health Canada recommends women eat only two servings of fish a week.

Koren said this recommendation may be of little use because the mercury levels in fish can vary widely.

Japanese-Canadian women, who as a group consume much more fish than other Canadians, had the highest concentrations, well above the level where harm might occur, the study said.