Poorva Chavan
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Written By: Poorva Chavan | Published : February 12, 2015 11:43 AM IST
Do we really know where our fish comes from? What are the chances that many industries don't let out their effluent which are full of chemicals directly into the sea where fish is caught? While the need for stringent regulation for discarding the effluent is needed, a new study has revealed that fish contaminated with mercury can have disastrous effects on developing foetus if consumed by pregnant women. (Read: Scientists find key to end autoimmune diseases)
The study performed by the researchers of the gynaecology and obstetrics department of the University of Michigan Medical and Public Health Schools , says that mercury may contribute to increased risk of autoimmune diseases among women if they ingest mercury even within the safe limits. Mercury forms many compound when it comes in contact with other metals and elements, methylmercury is one of the major concerns that enter the food chain from fish. Effects of methylmercury on humans depend upon the length and time of exposure, if fish contaminated with this compound is ingested by pregnant women, it has shown to have adverse neurological effects on the baby. Mercury poisoning is also another concern which causes tingling sensation particularly on the limbs and impaired vision and can permanently damage kidneys.
The research says that mercury can affect your health if you are in the child bearing age and renders you vulnerable to autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. the study was carried out on 1300 women from the ages 16 to 49 with presence of mercury. It was found that autoantibodies, which are created when the body forgets to differentiate harmful from good tissues and cells are related to level of mercury and higher the levels of mercury more the number of autoantibodies make the occurrence of autoimmune disorder a possibility. (Read:It s official, mercury in fairness products is really bad for you!)
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