Washington Post tells a great fish story.

People have no doubt heard that fish contains mercury, and the case of actor Jeremy Piven has sparked renewed awareness.   But the issue is complex.  Swearing off fish consumption may do more harm than good because of all the heart-health nutrients, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish. 

So how does someone know if they're eating too much or too little?  A generally well written, in-depth article written by Michael Hill at the Associated Press and published in the Washington Post takes a critical look. 

The article begins by citing widely publicized reports that actor Jeremy Piven claims to have mercury poisoning after eating too much sushi.  Is such a thing possible?  The article concludes that it is, but that for most people, mercury poisoning isn't a concern. 

For example, the article points out that Piven claims to have eaten sushi twice a day for more than 20 years, a level of fish consumption that is far higher than what most people eat.  This important fact has been neglected in most popular press articles about the Piven case. 

The "rule of thumb" the article provides is effective and accurate: the lower on the food chain, the lower the mercury level.  The article also gives other advice for people concerned about fish and mercury poisoning without overstating the potential danger of poisoning.  One weakness of the article, however, is that it does not state clearly enough what the consumption guidelines are for "at risk" groups such as children and pregnant women.

Overt poisoning is only one danger of mercury. Other health effects can occur at much lower levels, particularly in the developing brain and nervous system.  Because of these effects, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises women of childbearing age and pregnant women to limit fish to two servings a week and avoid certain types of fish, such as swordfish, shark , tuna and some other predatory fish.

While Mr. Hill includes this important, yet more subtle, aspect of mercury's impact on health, adding FDA's specifics recommendations in this area would have strengthened the article and clarified that mercury can affect health at different levels of consumption.

The article also highlights that fish is generally good for you because it is high in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.  This information tends to get lost in the mercury debate but is a critically important component of it.

In general, the article is an excellent, in depth analysis of a complex issue that has sparked renewed public interest following the Piven case.