Mercury is a useful element found in such household items as thermometers and batteries. When converted to an organic form such as methylmercury, however, it can become hazardous.

Mercury Poisoning from Fish Examined Contamination Seen As Global Problem Lasting for Centuries

Fish consumption advisory still posted for upper Ouachita River In August 1992, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and DEQ issued a health advisory regarding consumption of fish from the Ouachita River. That advisory remains in effect. State Health Officer Dr. Eric Baumgartner of DHH recommended the following guidelines for fish caught in the 100 mile stretch of the Ouachita River from the Louisiana-Arkansas border to the Columbia lock and Dam: Children under 17 years old and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid consuming largemouth bass, They should limit consumption of other fish species to two meals per month. The general population should limit consumption of largemouth bass to two meals per month. Consumption of other species need not be limited. For an adult, a meal is considered to be one-half pound of fish.

"WILL MY GRANDCHILDREN GET sick if they swim in the Ouachita River?" - "How does mercury get into fish?" - "Is it safe to eat catfish from bayous in south Louisiana?" - "How can I tell if I have mercury poisoning?"

These and other questions are being asked by people across the state following recent news media coverage about mercury contamination in fish from north Louisiana waters. In reality, however, the problem is not new and is not limited to Louisiana or even North America.

For clarification purposes, it should be noted that the risk of mercury poisoning in humans is associated with eating contaminated fish, rather than drinking or swimming in the waters where the fish are caught.

	An oil burn-off in the marsh is an example of how mercury can get into the air. Click "here" for full size photo.

"Mercury contamination in fish has existed for centuries, although it probably has been made worse by man's activities," explains Emelise Cormier, Program Manager in DEQ's Water Quality Management Division. "It's a global problem. Studies done in Canada, Sweden, and other parts of the world indicate they also have mercury contamination. Small children and developing fetuses are most susceptible to the health effects of mercury poisoning from eating contaminated fish, but there is less danger to adults whose nervous systems are already formed."

While DEQ continues to test for mercury in fish samples taken from the state's waterways, a health advisory issued in August 1992 by DEQ and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals regarding consumption of fish from the Ouachita River remains in effect. Environmental and health officials recommend precautions in eating certain types of fish, especially by children under age 7 and pregnant or breast-feeding women.(See advisory details.)