In light of Jeremy Piven’s recent hospitalization for mercury poisoning, I thought I’d dish on fish today. The health benefits of fish are widely recognized, but it is important to understand the dangers as well.

What we know about Jeremy’s situation is that he was eating sushi twice a day, which undoubtedly contributed to the excess mercury levels in his system.

According to the FDA and EPA, it is safe for the average adult to consume 12 oz. (2 meals) of low mercury fish, and 6 oz. (1 meal) of high mercury fish per week. If the fish is locally caught by friends or family (non-inspected, non-regulated) then it is even more important to stick to these weekly quantity limits. 

The fish that are most likely to contain high levels of mercury are Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, Tilefish, and Albacore tuna. For pregnant women, women trying to conceive, nursing women, and children, it is best to avoid high mercury fish all together. Fish that are low in mercury are salmon, pollock, shrimp, and catfish.

Back in January, in New York, (where Piven has been acting on Broadway) reports exposed a serious problem with tuna sushi found in both stores and restaurants. The reports indicate that even just six pieces would put a person’s levels above what is considered safe. Other reports have surfaced in the last few years about other cities’ mercury levels in tuna. Moral of the story: no matter what city you live in, eat wisely.

For a list of symptoms of mercury poisoning, go to Buzzle.com

For information on detoxifying your body when mercury poisoning in suspected, go here.

For more cartoons like the mercury fish, go to Culture Life News.