Eating fish is good for you ... sort of ...

• Position: On First Reading - Brief Article

If you purchase fish at a California grocery store, you'll see a sign that says: "WARNING! Pregnant and nursing women, women who may become pregnant, and young children should not eat the following fish: SWORDFISH, SHARK, KING MACKEREL, TILE FISH. They should also limit their consumption of other fish, including fresh or frozen tuna."

It's confusing--given that experts agree fish is a healthy source of protein and nutrients and is low in fat. The problem is the mercury. And the posting is the result of a California law that requires businesses to warn consumers if their products contain hazardous substances.

Mercury enters the environment from both natural and industrial sources, although most of it comes from coal burning power plants and waste incinerators. Mercury ends up in water and becomes more and more concentrated as it moves up the food chain. The liquid metal becomes highly concentrated when it reaches certain types of fish.

Women of childbearing age and children are particularly susceptible since mercury is most toxic to the developing brain. Recent data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that approximately one in 12 women...