Fish Mercury Calculator
Calculate mercury levels in your fish consumption and determine safe intake limits
Mercury Level Calculator
Select Fish Type
Tuna (Average)
General tuna average, moderate consumption
Serving Size
Common serving sizes:
Your Body Weight
Need to convert? 1 lb = 0.453 kg (divide pounds by 2.2)
Mercury Analysis Results
Mercury per Serving
Weekly Limit Usage
Safety Assessment: High Risk
This serving exceeds your weekly mercury limit. Consider smaller portions or choose lower-mercury fish.
🍽️ Safe Weekly Consumption
Based on EPA guidelines, you can safely consume up to 1.0 servings of this fish per week (113g servings).
Understanding Mercury in Fish
How Mercury Gets Into Fish
Mercury enters aquatic ecosystems primarily through atmospheric deposition from coal burning and industrial processes. Aquatic bacteria convert mercury to methylmercury, which bioaccumulates as it moves up the food chain. Large predatory fish that live longer and eat many smaller fish accumulate the highest levels.
Health Effects of Mercury
High-Level Exposure
- • Neurological damage
- • Vision and hearing problems
- • Muscle weakness
- • Developmental delays in children
Vulnerable Groups
- • Pregnant and nursing women
- • Children under 6 years
- • Women of childbearing age
- • Frequent fish consumers
EPA/FDA Safety Guidelines
The EPA recommends limiting mercury intake to 0.7 µg per kg of body weight per week. This calculator uses this guideline to assess your mercury exposure and provide safe consumption recommendations.
Benefits vs. Risks: Why Fish is Still Important
✅ Health Benefits
- • High-quality protein source
- • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA)
- • Heart health and brain function
- • Vitamin D and B12
- • Lower risk of heart disease
- • Important during pregnancy for fetal development
🎯 Smart Choices
- • Choose smaller, shorter-lived fish
- • Vary your fish selections
- • Follow the 2-3 servings per week guideline
- • Pregnant women: focus on low-mercury options
- • Consider sustainable fishing practices
- • Remove skin and fat before cooking
💡 Recommended Weekly Fish Intake
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 8-12 oz (226-340g) of seafood per week for adults, with pregnant and breastfeeding women at the higher end. Focus on variety and low-mercury choices.
Mercury Levels Quick Reference
🚨 High Mercury (>0.5 ppm)
⚠️ Medium Mercury (0.15-0.5 ppm)
✅ Low Mercury (<0.15 ppm)
Popular Fish Comparison
Pregnancy & Children Guidelines
How This Calculator Works
Data Sources & Methodology
This calculator uses mercury concentration data from peer-reviewed scientific studies, FDA/EPA databases, and the comprehensive review by Karimi, Fitzgerald, and Fisher (2012). Mercury levels represent mean values across multiple studies and may vary by location, season, and whether fish are wild-caught or farm-raised.
Calculation Methods
- • Mercury per serving: Mercury concentration (ppm) × serving weight (g) = µg mercury
- • Weekly safe limit: 0.7 µg/kg body weight/week (EPA guideline)
- • Percentage of limit: (Mercury per serving ÷ weekly limit) × 100
- • Safe servings: Weekly limit ÷ mercury per serving
Important Considerations
Mercury levels can vary significantly within the same species based on factors like geographic location, fish size and age, and environmental conditions. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children should be especially cautious and consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
Benefits Still Outweigh Risks
Fish consumption provides numerous health benefits including omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients. The key is making informed choices about species and portion sizes to minimize mercury exposure while maximizing nutritional benefits.
Medical Disclaimer: This calculator provides general guidance based on EPA/FDA recommendations and should not replace professional medical advice. Mercury levels in fish can vary significantly based on multiple factors. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and parents of young children should consult healthcare providers for personalized dietary recommendations.
Last Updated: September 2024 | Guidelines: Based on current EPA/FDA recommendations