Mercury in seafood: a preliminary assessment for Kuwaiti customers

Fish and shrimp consumption data and mercury residues in commercially available seafood were analysed to evaluate the potential health hazard of mercury ingestion in Kuwait. The minimal daily intake producing adverse effects was set at 30 ug methylmercury per d to account for possible foetal hypersusceptibility. Mercury residues in edible portions of fish ranged from nondetectable (Pampus argenteus) to 1.57 mg per kg (Lutjanus coccineus), but monthly consumption was lowest for the most highly contaminated species. Estimated intakes of mercury were 1.5, 2.9 and 8.1 ug per d.person for average, above average and particularly selective consumption respectively, indicating that restriction of fish consumption was unnecessary but continuous monitoring and control of industrial pollution were recommended.