WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- Two U.S. health groups released guides Friday to help consumers choose safer fish to buy and eat.
Their aim is to lower intake of mercury and other contaminants that may exist in seafood.
The two guides, released by Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, urge young women and children to avoid eating fish high in mercury or PCB levels, which pose health risks to the proper brain development of children.
Last year, a U.S. government study found nearly 8 percent of American women have blood levels of mercury potentially damaging to unborn children.
The new guides indicate what types of fish are safe to eat and recommend weekly servings.
Large, long-lived fish such as sharks and swordfish are particularly susceptible to mercury contamination, the guides authors said.
The guides not only provide healthier eating tips, but aim to raise environmental awareness, said Karen Perry, deputy director of PSR's environment and health program.
"Tips on food consumption is just a Band-Aid -- it's not a solution," Perry told United Press International. "We're hoping this will help people in their daily lives and also raise general concern."
