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[[Fish]] and [[shellfish]] concentrate mercury in their bodies, often in the form of [[methylmercury]], a highly toxic organic compound of mercury. Fish products have been shown to contain varying amounts of heavy metals, particularly [[mercury (element)|mercury]] and fat-soluble pollutants from [[water pollution]]. Species of fish that are [[longevity|long-lived]] and high on the [[food chain]], such as [[marlin]], [[tuna]], [[shark]], [[swordfish]], [[king mackerel]] and [[tilefish]] (Gulf of Mexico) contain higher concentrations of mercury than others.<ref name=FDA />
[[Mercury (element)|Mercury]] is known to [[bioaccumulate]] in [[human]]s, so bioaccumulation in [[seafood]] carries over into human populations, where it can result in [[mercury poisoning]]. Mercury is dangerous to both natural [[ecosystem]]s and humans because it is a [[metal]] known to be highly [[toxic]], especially due to its ability to damage the [[central nervous system]].<ref name="park">{{cite journal|last=Park|first=K. S.|title=Emission and Speciation of Mercury from various Combustion Sources|journal=Powder Technology|volume=180|pages=151–156|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032591007001192#|date=2008|accessdate=17 Apr 2014|doi=10.1016/j.powtec.2007.03.006|last2=Seo|first2=Y.-C.|last3=Lee|first3=S.J.|last4=Lee|first4=J.H.}}</ref> In human-controlled ecosystems of fish, usually done for market production of wanted [[seafood]] [[species]], mercury clearly rises through the food chain via fish consuming small [[plankton]], as well as through non-food sources such as underwater [[sediment]]
The presence of mercury in fish can be a particular health concern for women who are or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children.
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