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Petali JM, Pulster EL, McCarthy C, Pickard HM, Sunderland EM, Bangma J, Carignan CC, Robuck A, Crawford KA, Romano ME, Lohmann R, von Stackelburg K. Considerations and challenges in support of science and communication of fish consumption advisories for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024. [PMID: 38752651 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Federal, state, tribal, or local entities in the United States issue fish consumption advisories (FCAs) as guidance for safer consumption of locally caught fish containing contaminants. Fish consumption advisories have been developed for commonly detected compounds such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls. The existing national guidance does not specifically address the unique challenges associated with bioaccumulation and consumption risk related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). As a result, several states have derived their own PFAS-related consumption guidelines, many of which focus on one frequently detected PFAS, known as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). However, there can be significant variation between tissue concentrations or trigger concentrations (TCs) of PFOS that support the individual state-issued FCAs. This variation in TCs can create challenges for risk assessors and risk communicators in their efforts to protect public health. The objective of this article is to review existing challenges, knowledge gaps, and needs related to issuing PFAS-related FCAs and to provide key considerations for the development of protective fish consumption guidance. The current state of the science and variability in FCA derivation, considerations for sampling and analytical methodologies, risk management, risk communication, and policy challenges are discussed. How to best address PFAS mixtures in the development of FCAs, in risk assessment, and establishment of effect thresholds remains a major challenge, as well as a source of uncertainty and scrutiny. This includes developments better elucidating toxicity factors, exposures to PFAS mixtures, community fish consumption behaviors, and evolving technology and analytical instrumentation, methods, and the associated detection limits. Given the evolving science and public interests informing PFAS-related FCAs, continued review and revision of FCA approaches and best practices are vital. Nonetheless, consistent, widely applicable, PFAS-specific approaches informing methods, critical concentration thresholds, and priority compounds may assist practitioners in PFAS-related FCA development and possibly reduce variability between states and jurisdictions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-20. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Michael Petali
- Environmental Health Program, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Concord, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Erin L Pulster
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Heidi M Pickard
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacqueline Bangma
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Courtney C Carignan
- Department Food Science and Human Nutrition, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Anna Robuck
- Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kathryn A Crawford
- Environmental Studies Programs, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Katherine von Stackelburg
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Wainger LA, Murray EO, Theiling CH, McMurray AM, Cushing JA, Komlos SB, Cofrancesco AF. Broadening Benefits and Anticipating Tradeoffs with a Proposed Ecosystem Service Analysis Framework for the US Army Corps of Engineers. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 71:901-920. [PMID: 36633632 PMCID: PMC10083157 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01777-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Would-be adopters of ecosystem service analysis frameworks might ask, 'Do such frameworks improve ecosystem service provision or social benefits sufficiently to compensate for any extra effort?' Here we explore that question by retrospectively applying an ecosystem goods and services (EGS) analysis framework to a large river restoration case study conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and comparing potential time costs and outcomes of traditional versus EGS-informed planning. USACE analytic methods can have a large influence on which river and wetland restoration projects are implemented in the United States because they affect which projects or project elements are eligible for federal cost-share funding. A new framework is designed for the USACE and is primarily distinguished from current procedures by adding explicit steps to document and compare tradeoffs and complementarity among all affected EGS, rather than the subset that falls within project purposes. Further, it applies economic concepts to transform ecological performance indicators into social benefit indicators, even if changes cannot be valued. We conclude that, for large multi-partner restoration projects like our case study, using the framework provides novel information on social outcomes that could be used to enhance project design, without substantially increasing scoping costs. The primary benefits of using the framework in the case study appeared to stem from early comprehensive identification of stakeholder interests that might have prevented project delays late in the process, and improving the communication of social benefits and how tradeoffs among EGS benefits were weighed during planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Wainger
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, MD, USA.
| | - Elizabeth O Murray
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd., Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | - Charles H Theiling
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd., Vicksburg, MS, USA
| | | | - Janet A Cushing
- National Climate Adaptation Science Center, US Geological Survey, Reston, VA, USA
| | - Shawn B Komlos
- Institute for Water Resources, US Army Corps of Engineers, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Alfred F Cofrancesco
- Engineer Research and Development Center, US Army Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Rd., Vicksburg, MS, USA
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Minnens F, Marques A, Domingo JL, Verbeke W. Consumers’ acceptance of an online tool with personalized health risk-benefit communication about seafood consumption. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 144:111573. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Minnens F, Marques A, Domingo JL, Verbeke W. Consumers’ acceptance of an online tool with personalized health risk-benefit communication about seafood consumption (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2019. [DOI: 10.2196/16659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Zamora-Arellano NY, Betancourt-Lozano M, Ilizaliturri-Hernández C, García-Hernández J, Jara-Marini M, Chávez-Sánchez C, Ruelas-Inzunza JR. Mercury Levels and Risk Implications Through Fish Consumption on the Sinaloa Coasts (Gulf of California, Northwest Mexico). RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2018; 38:2646-2658. [PMID: 30229961 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fish consumption is the major source of mercury to humans. Fetuses and children are the most sensitive groups of populations to the effects of mercury. Consequently, fish consumption by pregnant women, children, and women of childbearing age is of concern because of the effects of mercury exposure on human health. To assess mercury exposure in a population in northwest Mexico, the allowed daily consumption of fish (which indicates the maximum daily amount of fish that can be consumed without causing adverse noncarcinogenic effects) was calculated for the general population (GP) and fishing-related population (FRP). The studied groups for both sectors of the population were children A (3-10 years old), children B (11-15 years old), women of childbearing age (16-40 years old), and the rest of the population (men ≥16 years old, and women ≥41 years old). Mercury content in canned and frozen tuna, smoked marlin, tilapia, Pacific sierra, dolphinfish, and bullseye puffer ranged from 0.01 to 0.23 μg/g wet weight; none of the values were above the limit set by Mexico. Regarding mercury concentrations and rates of fish consumption, the GP consumes 1.7-2.7 times the allowed daily consumption, and the FRP consumes 1.6-3.9 that limit. The risk analysis showed the children A and B groups from the GP and adults of FRP to be the highest percentage of the population at risk (approximately 35%). These results highlight the need for adequate strategies that consider mercury exposure as part of public health policies associated with fish consumption in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Betancourt-Lozano
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Center for Research in Food and Development, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | | | | | - Matín Jara-Marini
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Center for Research in Food and Development, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Cristina Chávez-Sánchez
- Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, Center for Research in Food and Development, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
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Jacobs S, Sioen I, Marques A, Verbeke W. Consumer response to health and environmental sustainability information regarding seafood consumption. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 161:492-504. [PMID: 29223111 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Seafood consumption has an impact on both consumers' health and on the marine environment, making the integration of health and sustainability aspects in information and recommendation messages for consumers highly topical. This study presents the results of a consumer study in terms of the impact of exposure to a message about health and sustainability aspects of seafood on 986 participants from Belgium and Portugal. Possible drivers for behavioural change regarding seafood consumption frequency and sustainable seafood buying frequency are studied following exposure to the message. Initial behaviour emerges as the most important factor triggering a change in the intention to consume seafood twice per week and a change in the intention to buy sustainable seafood. A higher health benefit perception resulted in an increased intention to consume seafood twice per week. Attitude towards the message and the option to optimise consumers' choice of seafood species favouring sustainability were significant determinants of change in the intention to buy sustainable seafood. Different stakeholders may take the results of this communication strategy into account and, consequently, contribute to a seafood supply and related communication that supports public health and the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Jacobs
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Public Health, Ghent University, UZ 4K3, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Isabelle Sioen
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, UZ 4K3, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - António Marques
- Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading (DivAV), Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), Avenida de Brasilia, 1449-006 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Wim Verbeke
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Gribble MO, Deshpande A, Stephan WB, Hunter CM, Weisman RS. Calls to Florida Poison Control Centers about mercury: Trends over 2003-2013. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 159:422-426. [PMID: 28858755 PMCID: PMC5623635 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this analysis was to contrast trends in exposure-report calls and informational queries (a measure of public interest) about mercury to the Florida Poison Control Centers over 2003-2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS Poison-control specialists coded calls to Florida Poison Control Centers by substance of concern, caller demographics, and whether the call pertained to an exposure event or was an informational query. For the present study, call records regarding mercury were de-identified and provided along with daily total number of calls for statistical analysis. We fit Poisson models using generalized estimating equations to summarize changes across years in counts of daily calls to Florida Poison Control Centers, adjusting for month. In a second stage of analysis, we further adjusted for the total number of calls each day. We also conducted analyses stratified by age of the exposed. RESULTS There was an overall decrease over 2003-2013 in the number of total calls about mercury [Ratio per year: 0.89, 95% CI: (0.88, 0.90)], and calls about mercury exposure [Ratio per year: 0.84, 95% CI: (0.83, 0.85)], but the number of informational queries about mercury increased over this time [Ratio per year: 1.15 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.18)]. After adjusting for the number of calls of that type each day (e.g., call volume), the associations remained similar: a ratio of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.87, 0.89) per year for total calls, 0.85 (0.83, 0.86) for exposure-related calls, and 1.17 (1.14, 1.21) for informational queries. CONCLUSION Although, the number of exposure-related calls decreased, informational queries increased over 2003-2013. This might suggest an increased public interest in mercury health risks despite a decrease in reported exposures over this time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Gribble
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Aniruddha Deshpande
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wendy B Stephan
- Florida Poison Information Center - Miami, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Candis M Hunter
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richard S Weisman
- Florida Poison Information Center - Miami, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
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Tamale A, Ejobi F, Muyanja C, Naigaga I, Nakavuma J, Drago CK, Amulen DR. Sociocultural factors associated with fish consumption in Lake Albert fishing community: Guidelines for lead and mercury. COGENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 2017; 3:1304604. [PMID: 30854410 PMCID: PMC6390268 DOI: 10.1080/23311843.2017.1304604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Fish consumption in subsistence fishing community is a life style associated with lead and mercury uptake for humans. Fish consumption is influenced by sociocultural factors, exposure and health risks. Unfortunately, no sociocultural study in the Lake Albert fishing community in light of lead and mercury exists. A cross-sectional sociocultural study was carried out between March and June 2015. A total of 270 household heads in four landing sites in Hoima district completed structured questionnaires and data analyzed using SPSS version 20. The majority of the households (74.8%) had primary education or below, 51.1% drank unboiled water, and 30% perceived lake water safe for drinking. Children under five ate soup (15%) and middle piece of the fish (29%). The Poisson general linear model predicting weekly fish consumption amounts against sociocultural factors showed that household size (p = 0.047), male child presence (p = 0.007), methods of preparation i.e. salting (p < 0.0001), fish parts consumed by adults (p < 0.0001), fish preference (p < 0.0001), awareness about the beach management unit (p < 0.0001), and income from charcoal selling (p < 0.0001) were positive predictors. The negative predictors of weekly fish consumption amounts were awareness about fish consumption benefits (p < 0.0001), eating young fish (p = 0.002), donor agency presence (p < 0.0001), and frying as the method of fish preparation (p = 0.002). In conclusion, knowledge of the sociocultural factors associated with fish consumption determines the amounts and frequency of the predominant fish eaten. Therefore, to establish and adopt fish consumption guidelines for lead and mercury in the Lake Albert, the sociocultural factors should be integrated in the message disseminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Tamale
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Francis Ejobi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Muyanja
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Naigaga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jessica Nakavuma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Kato Drago
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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Andrew T, Francis E, Charles M, Naigaga I, Jesca N, Micheal O, Anne K, Deborah A. Perceptions about mercury and lead in fish consumed in Lake Albert fishing communities Uganda. COGENT FOOD & AGRICULTURE 2016; 2:1220344. [PMID: 27722182 PMCID: PMC5036227 DOI: 10.1080/23311932.2016.1220344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Fish consumption is a lifestyle in fishing communities influenced by individual and communal perceptions. However, information about individual perceptions about fish consumption in the vulnerable fishing community in a developing country is lacking. Without this study, the benefits of fish consumption in a vulnerable community may not be realized. Data collection was executed using key informant interviews and survey structured questionnaires. The key informants include fisheries, community development, veterinary, community and environmental officers. The household heads were the respondents. The Qualitative data was organized and queried using QSR Nvivo 10 and quantitative data analyzed with SPSS version 22. The perceived benefits of eating fish are health, income, nutrition and manhood. The perceived risks are Stigma and ill health. The factors increasing fish consumption are heedless of fish consumption benefits (p = 0.041) and household size i.e. number of adults more than seven (p = 0.020). Those decreasing are methods of preparation of fish i.e. boiling and frying (p = 0.019 and p = 0.010) and oblivious about organizations dealing with fishing activities (p = 0.029). An awareness campaign is needed to demystify the health benefits and fallacies of fish consumption. The knowledge on individual perceptions associated with fish consumption will increase fish consumption but with fewer risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamale Andrew
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ejobi Francis
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Muyanja Charles
- Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, MakerereUniversity, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Naigaga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nakavuma Jesca
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ocaido Micheal
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Katuhoire Anne
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amulen Deborah
- Department of Crop protection, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Andrew T, Francis E, Charles M, Naigaga I, Jessica N, Micheal O, Drago KC, Celsus S. Mercury concentration in muscle, bellyfat and liver from Oreochromis niloticus and Lates niloticus consumed in Lake Albert fishing communities in Uganda. COGENT FOOD & AGRICULTURE 2016; 2:1214996. [PMID: 27774497 PMCID: PMC5059776 DOI: 10.1080/23311932.2016.1214996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Without surveillance studies on mercury (Hg) levels in predominant fish species and parts eaten in a fishing community, the FAO/WHO guidelines might be surpassed, hence health risk. A monitoring study in a developing country with 29 Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) and 34 Lates niloticus (Nile perch) from landing sites provided muscle, bellyfat and liver samples for Mercury detection using Inductive Couple Plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The study shows that fish eaten in the fishing community are small with fewer risks from mercury. Tilapia accumulated more mercury in muscle and liver than Nile perch. Fish consumed has mercury levels higher than FAO/WHO guidelines, and the bellyfat of Nile perch bioaccumulated more mercury than Tilapia. Based on the above, it is clear that some fish species should not be eaten by the vulnerable groups due to levels of Hg found in the muscle and bellyfat. This research will serve as a base for future studies, sensitization campaigns and policy design on mercury uptake through fish in fishing communities of developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamale Andrew
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ejobi Francis
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Muyanja Charles
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Naigaga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nakavuma Jessica
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ocaido Micheal
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kato Charles Drago
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sente Celsus
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box. 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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Christensen KY, Raymond MR, Thompson BA, Schrank CS, Williams MCW, Anderson HA. Comprehension of Fish Consumption Guidelines Among Older Male Anglers in Wisconsin. J Community Health 2016; 41:157-64. [PMID: 26306781 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-015-0081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Although awareness of Wisconsin's fish consumption guidelines is high among older male anglers, little is known about comprehension of guideline content, and many anglers have levels of contaminants high enough to be associated with adverse health outcomes. The Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Restoration Initiative supported evaluation and revision of Wisconsin's fish consumption guideline program, using a web based survey of male Wisconsin anglers over the age of 50. A total of 3740 men completed the online survey; the median age of respondents was 62 years, and nearly all had lived and fished in Wisconsin for over 10 years. Comprehension of guideline content was relatively high, although two knowledge gaps were identified, one relating to mercury exposures and fish preparation, and the other to polychlorinated biphenyl content of certain fish species. The fishing regulations booklet distributed with annual fishing licenses and warning signs posted at fishing locations were commonly reported sources of guideline information in Wisconsin. Residents of coastal counties and consumers of Great Lakes fish were more likely to report guideline knowledge and behavior changes reflective of guideline knowledge, when compared to inland residents and those not consuming Great Lakes fish, respectively. In general, Wisconsin's consumption guidelines do not appear to discourage men from eating the fish they catch; rather, the most common behavioral changes included modifying the species eaten or the water body source of their meals. Continued efforts to educate anglers about the risks and benefits of fish consumption are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Y Christensen
- Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 1 West Wilson Street, Room 145, Madison, WI, 53703, USA.
| | - Michelle R Raymond
- Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 1 West Wilson Street, Room 145, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Brooke A Thompson
- Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 1 West Wilson Street, Room 145, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Candy S Schrank
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 101 South Webster Street, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Meghan C W Williams
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 101 South Webster Street, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Henry A Anderson
- Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 1 West Wilson Street, Room 145, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
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Polak-Juszczak L, Nermer T. Methylmercury and Total Mercury in Eels, Anguilla anguilla, from Lakes in Northeastern Poland: Health Risk Assessment. ECOHEALTH 2016; 13:582-590. [PMID: 27357082 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the aquatic environment, mercury is readily methylated into its most toxic form of methylmercury. In this form, it enters the aquatic food chain and its concentrations increase in subsequent links, which decreases the quality of fish meat and poses risks to consumer health. Concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg) and total mercury (THg) were determined in the muscle tissues of 64 eel specimens measuring from 59 to 95 cm in length as functions of specimen size and weight. Risks posed to consumers by eel from different length classes were also assessed. The mean concentration of THg in all of the eel examined was 0.179 mg kg-1, but the range was from 0.028 to 0.487 mg kg-1. The mean concentration of MeHg was 0.147 mg kg-1, and the range was also wide from 0.023 to 0.454 mg kg-1. Accumulated MeHg and THg increased with eel body length. The percentage share of MeHg in THg also changed with specimen length, and there was a positive correlation between the concentrations of MeHg and THg. Risk assessment was performed based on the doses of THg and MeHg ingested with fish for several specimen length classes. Consuming the meat of eel measuring 80 cm in length increased the estimated weekly intake (EWI) of THg and MeHg twofold in comparison to that from specimens 60 cm in length and fourfold in specimens exceeding 90 cm in length. The percentage shares of the EWI in the tolerable weekly intake and the target hazard quotient coefficient also increased proportionally. Generally, concentrations of MeHg and THg in eel are below current limits and pose no risk to consumer health as long as the consumption of larger specimens is avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Polak-Juszczak
- Department of Food and Environmental Chemistry, National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, ul. Kollataja 1, 81-332, Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Nermer
- Department of Monitoring and Logistics, National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, ul. Kollataja 1, 81-332, Gdynia, Poland
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McGuire J, Kaplan J, Lapolla J, Kleiner R. The 2014 FDA assessment of commercial fish: practical considerations for improved dietary guidance. Nutr J 2016; 15:66. [PMID: 27411811 PMCID: PMC4942920 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-016-0182-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released its report: A Quantitative Assessment of the Net Effects on Fetal Neurodevelopment from Eating Commercial Fish (As Measured by IQ and also by Early Age Verbal Development in Children). By evaluating the benefits and potential concerns of eating fish during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the analysis suggests that pregnant women consuming two seafood meals (8–12 oz) per week could provide their child with an additional 3.3 IQ points by age 9. Recent insights from behavioral economics research indicate that other factors, such as concerns about price and methylmercury (MeHg) exposure, appear to reduce fish consumption in many individuals. To assess the net effects of eating commercial fish during pregnancy, we compared the consumption of select fish species necessary to achieve IQ benefits with the amount necessary to have adverse developmental effects due to MeHg exposure. For the species or market types evaluated, the number of servings necessary to reach MeHg exposure to observe an adverse effect was at least twice that the amount estimated to achieve peak developmental benefit. We then reported average costs of fresh and canned or pouched fish, and calculated the cost per week for pregnant women to achieve maximum IQ benefits for their gestating child. Canned light tuna was the least expensive option at $1.83 per week to achieve maximum IQ benefit. Due to their relatively low cost, canned and pouched fish products eaten with enough regularity are likely to provide peak cognitive benefits. Because of its popularity, canned and pouched tuna could provide some of the largest cognitive benefits from fish consumption in the U.S. Future FDA consumer advice and related educational initiatives could benefit from a broader perspective that highlights the importance of affordable and accessible fish choices. These observations underscore the importance of clear public health messaging that address both health benefits and such real-world considerations as cost and convenience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer McGuire
- National Fisheries Institute, 7918 Jones Branch Dr #700, McLean, VA, 22102, USA.
| | - Jason Kaplan
- inVentiv Medical Communications, 450 West 15th Street, Suite 405, New York, NY, 10011, USA
| | - John Lapolla
- inVentiv Medical Communications, 450 West 15th Street, Suite 405, New York, NY, 10011, USA
| | - Rima Kleiner
- National Fisheries Institute, 7918 Jones Branch Dr #700, McLean, VA, 22102, USA
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Karimi R, Fisher NS, Meliker JR. Mercury-nutrient signatures in seafood and in the blood of avid seafood consumers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 496:636-643. [PMID: 24846746 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Dietary recommendations for seafood are confusing due to the desire to balance both benefits from nutrients and risks from contaminants. The overall health value of different fish and shellfish items depends on concentrations of multiple nutrients (e.g., selenium (Se), omega-3 fatty acids) and contaminants (e.g., mercury (Hg)). However, few studies have examined the connections between human exposure to multiple nutrients and contaminants and the consumption of specific types of seafood. Our goals were to compare 1) Hg, Se and omega-3 fatty acid concentrations (Hg-nutrient signatures) among common fish and shellfish items and 2) Hg-nutrient signatures in the blood of avid seafood consumers, based on seafood consumption habits. We compiled nutrient and Hg concentration data for common fish and shellfish items from the literature. We also measured blood concentrations of Hg and seafood nutrients collected from adult, avid seafood consumers on Long Island, NY. Canonical discriminant analyses revealed distinct Hg-nutrient signatures among seafood items, and these signatures were reflected in the blood of consumers based on different consumption habits. For example, consumers with a salmon-dominated seafood diet had relatively high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids in blood, and consumers who tend to eat top predator seafood have higher Hg, but similar blood nutrient concentrations compared to consumers who tend to eat low trophic level seafood. These results provide direct evidence of links between the ecological characteristics of the type of seafood consumed and Hg-nutrient exposure. This approach helps assess the overall human health value of specific seafood types, leads to specific diet recommendations, and can be used to characterize risk:benefit status among seafood consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Karimi
- Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
| | - Nicholas S Fisher
- Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Jaymie R Meliker
- Stony Brook University, Program in Public Health and Department of Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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