Island Press: Take Action: Diagnosis Mercury - What You Can Do to Reduce Mercury Toxicity

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DIAGNOSIS: MERCURY ON FACEBOOK

Why do some fish from supermarkets and restaurants contain such high levels of a powerful poison? Why does the FDA base its recommendations for “safe” mercury consumption on data supplied by Saddam Hussein’s Ba’athist extremists? And why wasn’t the government warning its citizens? You'll find those answers in Diagnosis: Mercury: Money, Politics, and Poison by Dr. Jane Hightower. The author retraces her investigation into the modern prevalence of mercury poisoning, revealing how political calculations, dubious studies, and industry lobbyists endanger our health. While mercury is a naturally occurring element, Hightower finds there’s much that is unnatural about this poison’s prevalence in our seafood. Below, learn what practical steps you can take next to reduce mercury toxicity and advocate for better, more accurate consumption guidelines.

ACTION STEPS

1. Review the warning signs. Think you might be at risk for mercury poisoining? Check our symptoms card, and then find out what fish are safe to consume.

2. Educate yourself on the history of Methylmercury in fish. Why has it taken so long to fix the problem? Find out how far we've come, and how far we need to go to reduce mercury in fish.

3. Review U.S. government safe mercury levels. The EPA, FDA, and other government bodies offer competing mercury consumption guidelines. Download this chart showing conflicting data.

4. Talk to an expert. Invite Dr. Jane Hightower to speak to your organization about the dangers of mercury poisioning.

5. Donate to Island Press. Your donation helps keep environmental health and related issues front-and-center so lawmakers and government agencies can better regulate pollution and keep consumers safe.