EPA Mercury Calculator

This calculator is designed to help individuals understand potential mercury exposure associated with consuming various types of seafood. The calculator's calculations are based on the guidelines established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These agencies have set forth different recommended mercury intake levels, known as reference doses, which are expressed in micrograms of mercury per gram of body weight per day (µg/g/day).

The reference doses reflect the estimated daily mercury intake that is likely to be without significant risk over a person's lifetime. They are based on comprehensive scientific studies and analyses conducted by these authoritative agencies. The different reference doses aim to account for varying potential health risks faced by different demographic groups.

Please note that while this tool uses official EPA and FDA data to calculate potential mercury exposure, the results should be used for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide or replace medical advice or personalized heavy metal testing recommendations. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional for health-related inquiries or concerns. Seatopia is providing this calculator as a public service, and the use of this tool does not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation by Seatopia.

Estimated Safe Seafood Consumption

Select a Risk Group

General population: Children above 7, males & females not of childbearing age. Reference dose of 0.1 µg/kg/day. This is the standard reference dose for most people and is designed to keep mercury intake at safe levels for general health.
Females of childbearing age: This group has a reference dose of 0.057 µg/kg/day. This lower dose takes into account the potential for mercury to harm a developing fetus if the woman becomes pregnant.
Pregnant females, nursing mothers, and children up to age 7: This group has the most conservative reference dose at 0.0002 µg/kg/day. This is to protect the most vulnerable individuals, as mercury can have more serious effects on young children and developing fetuses.

Enter your weight in lbs, select the seafood, and choose how many times per week you plan to consume:

Your Weight (in lbs):
Select the Seafood:
Times Per Week:

Additional Disclosure: It's important to remember that the relationship between nutrients and contaminants like mercury in fish is complex and still being studied. Here are a few studies and articles that have presented views differing from or adding nuance to the EPA and FDA's guidelines:

1. Selenium's Role in Protecting Against Mercury Toxicity - A Review: This review study discusses selenium's protective role and limitations against mercury toxicity.

2. Fish Consumption: A Review of Its Effects on Metabolic and Hormonal Health: This study discusses the effect of the regular consumption of fish, or its nutritional constituents, on the risk of developing metabolic or endocrine disturbances in humans.

3. Selenium and mercury molar ratios in saltwater fish from New Jersey: Individual and species variability complicate use in human health fish consumption advisories: The variability in selenium:mercury ratios within a species suggests that mercury toxicity may vary for the fish themselves, that the selenium:mercury ratios in muscle tissue reflect storage and are not related to relevant levels in fish brains, and that exposure and the selenium:mercury ratios vary in the muscle tissue eaten by eco-receptors such as predatory birds, fish and mammals, as well as humans. .

4. [Methylmercury, Fish Consumption, and the Precautionary Principle: This article provides a different perspective on the issue, suggesting that the health benefits of fish consumption may outweigh the potential risks from mercury exposure.

Please note that these articles do not necessarily contradict the guidelines by the EPA and FDA but provide a more nuanced perspective on the topic. It's important to remember that each individual's health situation is unique, and dietary decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.