The Effect of Canned Tuna on Future Wages

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM · October 6, 2011 · Volume 5

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The mercury contamination in tuna and other fish may adversely impact future earnings by impairing brain function, and leading to a loss of intelligence (IQ).

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Transcript

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

Earlier this year, Consumer Reports published some new tests on tuna, confirming that just a single serving—like half a can of white tuna—would put women of childbearing age over the EPA mercury safety limit. Light tuna tends to have less than white tuna, but they found sometimes it can have twice as much.

Bottom line? They recommend children and premenopausal women eat no more than a can a week, and pregnant women should avoid canned tuna entirely.

Last year, scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health attempted to calculate what effect a reduction of mercury intake might have for our population, given that methyl mercury is “a known human developmental neurotoxicant, as well as may increase fatal heart attack risks.” They calculated that if we could just drop our mercury exposure down 10%,we could save our country $860 million a year, most of which would be associated with reductions in fatal heart attacks, and the rest with IQ gains.

The CDC estimates that every extra IQ point we have translates into about 1% future higher earnings in life, in terms of hourly wages. So, lowering our mercury intake is healthy for our brain and bank account.

On a practical level, what does reducing our exposure mean? Well, we can try not to live next to a volcano or coal-fired power plant, but: “Fish consumption is the major source of methyl mercury intake.”

Please consider volunteering to help out on the site.

Sources

Acknowledgements

Topics

Below is an approximation of this video’s audio content. To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring, watch the above video.

Earlier this year, Consumer Reports published some new tests on tuna, confirming that just a single serving—like half a can of white tuna—would put women of childbearing age over the EPA mercury safety limit. Light tuna tends to have less than white tuna, but they found sometimes it can have twice as much.

Bottom line? They recommend children and premenopausal women eat no more than a can a week, and pregnant women should avoid canned tuna entirely.

Last year, scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health attempted to calculate what effect a reduction of mercury intake might have for our population, given that methyl mercury is “a known human developmental neurotoxicant, as well as may increase fatal heart attack risks.” They calculated that if we could just drop our mercury exposure down 10%,we could save our country $860 million a year, most of which would be associated with reductions in fatal heart attacks, and the rest with IQ gains.

The CDC estimates that every extra IQ point we have translates into about 1% future higher earnings in life, in terms of hourly wages. So, lowering our mercury intake is healthy for our brain and bank account.

On a practical level, what does reducing our exposure mean? Well, we can try not to live next to a volcano or coal-fired power plant, but: “Fish consumption is the major source of methyl mercury intake.”

Please consider volunteering to help out on the site.

Doctor's Note

For more on the dangers of mercury contamination, check out these videos:
Mercury vs. Omega-3s for Brain Development
Nerves of Mercury
Hair Testing for Mercury before Considering Pregnancy
How Long to Detox from Fish before Pregnancy?
Fish Intake Associated with Brain Shrinkage

Be sure to check out my other videos on tuna.

For more context, check out my associated blog posts: Mercury Testing Recommended Before Pregnancy ; Best Nutrition Bang for Your Buck; and Tarragon Toxicity?

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