Exposure to mercury and consumption of fish during pregnancy: A confusing picture

摘要

One dietary recommendation during pregnancy is to avoid foods with mercury. Mercury is a liquid metal that is a naturally occurring element released by volcanoes and rocks. Much of the mercury that is in bodies of water—and the fish that live in them—comes from air pollution. Exposure to mercury mostly happens in certain types of work, often called "occupational exposure." Eating fish is the main way that people are exposed to mercury outside of the workplace.