Fish toxins at lowest levels in decades
For years, pollutants in our oceans and the fish that inhabit have been a concern for Americans. Everything from mercury levels, to DDT, and other toxins have been at the forefront of environmentalists and consumers’ minds. According to a recent report though, things may be improving. Scripps Institution of Oceanography in Lo Jolla recently released a report that shows toxins in our oceans may be at lower levels than any time “in the past 4 decades”. The analysis examined nearly 3,000 studies conducted from 1969 – 2012. The study showed decreases in mercury by roughly 50 percent, and almost 90 percent for polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. The toxins have been linked to cancer, neurological disorders, birth defects, and more. While the results of the study are promising, the concerns for those who consume fish still persist, especially considering that millions worldwide still rely on fish as their main source of protein. It’s important to keep in mind though, that while these numbers are promising, more studies need to be conducted. Furthermore, with the levels of toxins finally appearing to decrease now is not the time to let up.
To learn more about the Scripps Institution of Oceanography study, follow the link: http://bit.ly/1Q72UKk