Scientists consider fish with less than 0.1 parts per million of mercury (ppm/Hg) to have low levels of mercury; moderate to high levels range from 0.16 to .5 ppm/Hg or higher. "Highest" mercury Here are some low-mercury fish choices and fish to avoid. In the United States the limit for methyl mercury in commercial marine and freshwater fish is 1.0 parts per million (ppm). American/Maine lobster is in the "high mercury" category. Mercury is a toxic metal that poses a serious health risk to developing fetuses, babies and children, who can suffer brain damage and learning disabilities from prolonged or repeated exposure to even small amounts of mercury. These guidelines state no more than 12 oz of low mercury ish should be consumed weekly. And compared with some other foods, it is. For men, the recommendation is to eat no more than one serving a month. Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week … It depends on the kind of lobster. The amount of mercury in fish and other seafood depends on the species and the levels of pollution in its environment. Although the metal occurs naturally in the environment, mercury levels in our air, land and water have increased dramatically since the … Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Here are the fish with the highest amounts of mercury: Tilefish (Gulf of Mexico) – Containing a whopping average 219 micrograms of mercury, the tilefish native to the Gulf of Mexico, tops the list of mercury-tainted seafood. Lobster can contain a moderate level of mercury and should be consumed six times or less per month. The FDA has released guidelines for children, women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant. Lobster gets a bad rap for being high in cholesterol. Mercury is a contaminant found in ish which can affect brain development and the nervous system. Most types of shellfish also have low levels of mercury, although North American lobster is an exception. This large, predatory fish contains elevated levels. In Canada the limit for total mercury … In fact, the mercury in this fish is so high that the Environmental Defense Fund recommends women and children avoid it altogether. Large, long-lived, larger fish that feed on other fish (high in the food chain) accumulate the highest levels of methylmercury . Spiny/Rock lobster is in the "lowest mercury" category. Do not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico because they contain high levels of mercury. In general, smaller fish of a given species are lower in mercury. Do not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury. 2. Mercury is the main concern when it comes to avoiding swordfish. Before shopping for seafood, familiarize yourself with the levels of mercury in fish. 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