The level of mercury in albacore and yellowfin has been estimated to be 0.358 ppm and 0.354 ppm, respectively 16). In 2015, after a new vessel chef was employed, he consistently consumed albacore or yellowfin tuna twice a day, almost every day (over 500 g daily), while on board. His professional responsibilities were driving a 45-ton skiff and maintaining and repairing the engine. On his last job onboard a tuna fishing vessel, he embarked in February 2015 and disembarked in February 2016. Typically, he worked for a year once on board and took a 3-6-month break after arriving on land. He had worked on pelagic fishing vessels since 2000. When investigating his occupational history, it was found that the patient had worked in the pelagic fishing industry for approximately 15 years and consumed an excessive amount of tuna while at sea. Nerve conduction velocity findings were normal except for a prolonged F-wave latency in the right peroneal and tibial nerves. However, lesions or findings that could be linked to the aforementioned symptoms were not identified on physical examination or magnetic resonance imaging. After admission, the patient was treated in the departments of neurosurgery and rehabilitation as a musculoskeletal disease was suspected, such as herniation of the nucleus pulposus. He quit smoking in 2000 with a 10-year smoking history of smoking a pack per day, and he drank 700 m l of beer once weekly. He had no significant past medical history. Because the symptoms continued to deteriorate, the patient returned to land (February 2016). Symptoms worsened mainly during nighttime or when he was physically tired. The patient complained that the symptoms were more severe on the right side, and they were felt under the right thigh and left knee. In the present study, we report the case of a fisherman who developed chronic mercury poisoning following excessive consumption of tuna while working on a pelagic fishing vessel for 2 years.Ī 48-year-old man experienced paresthesia and pain in both legs for 6 months before presenting to the hospital (October 2015). However, overconsumption of fish with high levels of organic mercury, such as tuna, can cause methylmercury poisoning and a variety of abnormal central nervous system-related symptoms such as paresthesia, ataxia, hearing impairment, and progressive constriction of the visual fields 12 - 15). Furthermore, dietary fish intake may be a lifestyle factor that can serve as a resource for work engagement 11). Tuna consumption also promotes the health of a baby if a pregnant or breastfeeding woman consumes a suitable amount of fish 9, 10). Fish is an excellent source of protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium, which are reported to help lower the prevalence and mortality of cerebrovascular and coronary heart diseases 3 - 8). There are approximately 3,000 deep-sea commercial fishing vessels for tuna fishing tuna is consumed worldwide as raw or cooked fish, or after being processed and canned 2). Crew members should also be aware that fish and shellfish may contain mercury, and hence, they should consume only an appropriate amount.Īccording to a 2012 report, 158 million tons of fish, including 7 million tons of tuna, are caught annually 1). The person responsible for preparing meals on a pelagic fishing ship should be aware that fish may contain high levels of heavy metals and should prepare meals for crew members according to the recommended levels. Four months after discontinuing tuna consumption, his BML decreased to 14.18 μg/ l, and the symptoms were almost ameliorated. Based on the half-life of mercury, the BML was evaluated as 38.70-53.20 μg/ l when he was on board. The result showed an elevated blood mercury level (BML) of 21.79 μg/ l. Two months after discontinuation of tuna consumption, he was tested for mercury. An examination of his occupational history revealed that he had worked as a crew member on a pelagic fishing vessel catching tuna for the last 2 years and consumed tuna for two or more meals per day, every day. Upon arrival on land, he received specialist treatment, including imaging studies, for 2 months however, the cause of the symptoms was not identified. He continued working for over 4 months on a pelagic fishing vessel but was eventually unable to function normally as his condition deteriorated. A 48-year-old male deep-sea fisherman developed paresthesia and pain in both legs while working at sea.

Will i get mercury poisoning from tuna