Fishing for answers: Article leaves out nuances about mercury.
An AP article should consider the importance of other diseases linked to mercury.
A recent Associated Press story reported on a study that examined the relationship between mercury exposure and heart disease. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, did not find a link between levels of mercury measured in toenails and risk of heart disease.
The AP article did a commendable job presenting the complex relationship between fish consumption, mercury exposure and health risks. The AP article neglected to mention that there is controversy surrounding the health effects of mercury on other diseases.
While this study did not find that mercury exposure affects the risk of heart disease, mercury might increase the risk of other adult diseases. In general, some disease endpoints might be unaffected by a toxic agent, but others might be more sensitive.
Mercury is a well known nervous system toxin (think Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter). Several studies have demonstrated that mercury is toxic to the infant and child's nervous system. Some experts suggest that mercury may be a risk factor for adult nervous system disorders like Alzheimer's.
The potential toxicity of a substance like mercury does not lie with one study or in one health outcome. Its toxicity should be weighed in light of its potential to impact multiple health endpoints.
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Based on a work at www.environmentalhealthnews.org.
