Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should exercise caution while consuming seafood, such as lobster, tuna, and prawns.
These marine foods may contain increased amounts of mercury and other heavy metals, which may have an influence on newborn cognitive development.
The majority of Ghanaians, according to Professor Richmond Aryeetey, dean of the University of Ghana School of Public Health, are now exposed to mercury, which enters water bodies and then builds up in fish and shellfish that are often consumed by the populace.
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“Presently, there is no policy related to fish and mercury, but there is evidence that when small fishes consume methylmercury, they get eaten by bigger fishes, which accumulate a lot more mercury. I would advise pregnant women to opt for smaller fish,” he emphasised.
In the lack of appropriate containment measures, Prof. Aryeetey expressed concern to the media about the significant amounts of mercury being released into the environment, soil, and river silt. He underlined that children who come into contact with mercury are more prone to experience serious effects on their neurological systems.
According to him, the harm caused by heavy metals entering an infant’s body during pregnancy or nursing is irreversible.
“Mercury is a metal, but when it’s burnt and released into the air and water, it is converted into a poisonous substance called methyl mercury, which is consumed by fish and other seafood. The small fishes cannot absorb as much as the big fishes, which later consume the smaller ones,” he explained.
Prof. Aryeetey stated that around 81 tonnes of mercury are discharged into the environment each year, mostly through processes such as amalgamation and amalgam combustion.
He went on to say that illegal mining releases dangerous chemicals into the air, endangering the long-term health of nearby residents and miners.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified mercury as one of the top 10 substances or groupings of chemicals of serious public health concern. Exposure to even trace levels of mercury can cause major health concerns, particularly during pregnancy and the early stages of life.
Mercury poisoning can harm several physiological systems, including the neurological, digestive, immunological, respiratory, and renal systems. Tremors and sleeplessness are common symptoms, as are memory loss, neuromuscular effects, headaches, and cognitive and motor impairment.
