Mercury levels in fish may mean more advisories

Mike Dunne of The (Baton Rouge, La.) Advocate uses state date on fish containing "action levels" of mercury to "show that about 19 lakes and streams in Louisiana may need advisories to warn pregnant women and children under 7 to limit their fish consumption."
Last year the state offered to test residents who ate fish from Bayou Bartholomew or the Ouachita River. "Of the 77 people tested, 25 percent had blood levels of mercury greater than what might be considered "background" and were advised to limit their fish consumption. Seven percent, or about five of those tested, had elevated blood mercury levels and were advised to be evaluated by a physician."