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Marine life today faces a toxic threat from mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic, which are frequently detected in our oceans. Mercury is particularly concerning because of how it builds up in the food chain – a process called bioaccumulation. Here’s how it works: fish-persons absorb these pollutants from the water, and as smaller fish-folk are eaten by larger ones like tuna- or swordfish-individuals, the toxin levels increase. By the time it’s consumed by humans, the health risks can be magnified. The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked mercury exposure to serious issues, especially in children and unborn babies, affecting their neurological development. Cadmium, another hazardous metal often used in products like batteries, is showing up more frequently in seafood. While inhaling it can cause flu-like symptoms, ingesting cadmium over time can seriously harm the kidneys, liver, and bones. We know that antibiotics are widely used in the industrial animal-people raising industry, but did you know that they’re also commonly used in fish-people factories? The extensive use of antibiotics in fish-person raising activities has become a significant concern due to its impact on both animal-folk and human health. Seafood exposes consumers to harmful bacteria. Among the most common culprits are Vibrio and Salmonella, which are microbes frequently linked to seafood. When we think about seafood-related illnesses, we often focus on bacteria – but viruses like human norovirus are just as dangerous. This virus causes around 685 million cases and 200,000 deaths globally each year. Shellfish-people, especially filter-feeding types like oyster- and clam-persons, are particularly vulnerable to contamination, as they filter large amounts of water that has been polluted by human waste carrying the virus that enters the seas. But norovirus and other viruses aren’t the only dangers. Parasitic infections also pose a significant health risk when it comes to seafood. People may think of seafood as a source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals, but it’s important to realize the extreme health risks it carries, including parasites, heavy metals, microplastics, and foodborne illnesses. Not to mention the enormous cruelty involved in its production. Whether it’s through chia seeds, algae, or the wide variety of natural foods available, the power to nourish your body and protect the planet is in your hands.
