APRIL 10, 2013

NR # 3069B

Solon underscores danger of eating mercury-contaminated fish

People who are eating fish and other marine products that were exposed to mercury are vulnerable to coronary heart disease and other related illnesses, Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito (Lone District, San Juan City) said today. Fish and seafood caught or sold in the Philippines are possibly contaminated with methyl-mercury, a toxic element that may cause neurological damage and other health related problems as a result of fish or seafood consumption, Ejercito, author of House Bill 4541 said. Ejercito said evidence is continuing to emerge linking increased risk of coronary heart disease to mercury exposure, as stated in recent studies. The lack of awareness potentially threatens millions of Filipinos who may unknowingly ingest harmful amounts of mercury because they are not aware of exposure risks from consumption of freshwater fish and seafood, Ejercito said. Ejercito also cited the report of the World Health Organization (WHO) stating that substantial evidence is accumulating that exposure to methyl-mercury is widespread in the general public and occurring at higher than health-based levels of concern. Under the bill, the business establishments where fish and other seafood are sold are required to post health advisories. Violators face a fine of P4,000 to P8,000. Likewise, a fine of P5,000 to P10,000 shall be imposed upon the head or official of any maternal and child hospital, clinic, center, or similar office who fails to post the consumer advisory on the hazards of mercury. Citing the studies of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ejercito said mercury could change into a highly toxic form called methyl-mercury that builds up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish. Ejercito said the levels of methyl-mercury exposure in fish and other seafood depend on what they eat, how long they live and how high they are in the food chain. Exposure of methyl-mercury to humans are through fish and shellfish that can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages, Ejercito said. Ejercito said high levels of methyl-mercury in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system, making the child less able to think and learn. The co-authors of the bill are Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (2 nd District, Cagayan de Oro), Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. (Party List, Abante Mindanao) and Alfredo Maraon III (2 nd District, Negros Occidental). (30) jc