Health problems caused by mercury are most severe for a developing fetus and for young children. Babies whose mothers, during pregnancy, eat fish contaminated with large amounts of mercury are at greater risk for changes in their nervous systems, and possibly in their heart or blood vessels. Nervous system changes can affect their baby's ability to learn. In adults, methylmercury can lead to problems of the central nervous system and possible adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This means that mercury has been found to produce cancer in two animal species, but that evidence is not adequate to say that it causes cancer in humans.
Fish is a healthy food.
Eating fish provides tremendous health benefits. The oils in fish are important for unborn and breastfed babies. Eating a variety of fish helps to reduce your chances of stroke or heart attack. DOH recommends that you follow the guidelines in this advisory, which include eating a variety of fish and shellfish as a part of a healthy, balanced diet. I hope to start a family soon.