As if mercury pollution hasn’t caused a large enough dent in the United States, studies have found yet another negative effect: Mercury exposure in the womb results in lower IQ levels, costing the United States a nearly $9 billion a year in lost earning potential.
A number of previous studies were combined in order to determine that hundreds of thousands of babies are born each year with compromised IQ linked to mercury exposure.
Researchers concluded that even a 1.6-point drop in IQ could cost a person almost $32,000 in lifetime earnings due to missed educational and occupational opportunities. Findings were derived in part from statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which analyzed the frequency of high mercury levels in women of childbearing age. Other major organizations have taken notice of the growing mercury concern as well:
The Food and Drug Administration warned high levels of mercury in albacore tuna and other fish could pose a health risk for pregnant women.
It was estimated by the Environmental Protection Agency that about eight percent of childbearing-age women in America have enough mercury in their blood to put a fetus at risk.
Mercury’s Influence
One scientist explained how being affected by mercury is simply based on a person’s genetic disposition, in that some people are not going to be affected by mercury while others are. Yet the statistics regarding children who were adversely affected by mercury exposure are nonetheless startling:
It is estimated anywhere from 316,000-637,000 children are born each year with umbilical cord blood mercury levels correlated with IQ loss.
IQ losses associated with mercury exposure range from one-fifth of an IQ point to as much as 24 points. For example, blood mercury levels between 7.13-15 micrograms per liter causes a loss of 1.6 IQ points.
Efforts are being made to change how the government regulates mercury emissions from power plants and other sources in hopes of reducing the amount of mercury polluting the air and the environment.
Center for Children's Health and the Environment February 28, 2005 (free PDF article).
Environmental Health Perspectives February 25, 2005 (free full-text PDF article)
ABC News March 1, 2005
The numbers in this study match the ones cited by the CDC in that great Discover article on the growing attention mercury is attracting these days. Unfortunately, many “experts” continue to convey inaccurate information on mercury.
No one would dispute that mercury is a potent central nervous system toxin. What most people don’t understand is that every year in the United States alone we pollute the atmosphere with 40 tons, or 80,000 pounds, of mercury. Most of this mercury goes directly into our water system and tends to bioaccumlate to high concentrations in fish. This is why nearly all fish, whether they come from the ocean, lakes, rivers or streams, are contaminated with mercury, making them unsafe to eat.
Additionally, as the article highlighted, and as the FDA and EPA both strongly state, pregnant women should avoid fish, as most are contaminated with mercury that can cause neurodevelopmental delays in about 10 percent of children.
If you ate many fish while you were pregnant and your pregnancy was in the last 30 years it is highly likey that your child was exposed to a significant amount of mercury. Additionally, silver fillings have far more mercury (50%) than they do silver. So if you had a large amount of amalgam fillings in your pregnancy, or worse yet, any drilling on amalgam fillings while you were pregnant, your child will likely have received significant mercury exposure.
If you believe your child was affected it will be even more important to optimize their nutrition with low sugar and grain intakes and optimal omega-3 fats, as they will dramatically enhance their body’s ability to detoxify mercury.
Hope Found in Fish Oil
It is even more important for pregnant women to make certain they are receiving the optimal amount of omega-3 fats, as the health of their unborn baby is a major concern. As mentioned above, for most of us, consuming fish it just isn't a wise option; therefore, we will need to seek some clean alternative sources.
Fish oil or cod liver oil makes the best sense for most of us. One brand I particularly recommend is the Carlson brand of fish oil or cod liver oil, as they perform a molecular distillation process designed to remove the mercury. I recommend this brand because it is routinely tested using standard international protocols in an independent, FDA-registered laboratory--this testing ensures freedom from detectable levels of mercury. I have also done independent tests to confirm this and it has always come out very clean.
You can find Carlson fish oil or cod liver oil at your local health food store. If you are unable to find it there, for your convenience we offer it in our store in my "Recommended Products" section.
Also, there are two great additional reasons why pregnant women should make sure they are getting enough fish oil or cod liver oil:
Related Articles:
Mercury From Chlorine Plants Pummels You & the Environment Mercury Levels Among Women Climbing Pregnant Women Warned--Mercury in Fish can Damage Infants' Brains More Than 300,000 Newborns Get Mercury From Fish Every Year Mercury Pollutes Nation's Rivers, Lakes You Can Help Stop Toxic Mercury Emissions Before it's Too Late!
Mercury From Chlorine Plants Pummels You & the Environment
Mercury Levels Among Women Climbing
Pregnant Women Warned--Mercury in Fish can Damage Infants' Brains
More Than 300,000 Newborns Get Mercury From Fish Every Year
Mercury Pollutes Nation's Rivers, Lakes
You Can Help Stop Toxic Mercury Emissions Before it's Too Late!