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Research Finds Elevated Mercury Levels in the Skin of Dolphins in Southeast U.S.

Food Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	6/28/2024
Author	Nicholas Pontoriero
Title	Research Finds Elevated Mercury Levels in the Skin of Dolphins in Southeast U.S.
Introduction	EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers mercury and other heavy metal testing to identify potential contaminants in food.
Tampa, Florida, June 28, 2024 Scientists in the Southeast U.S. have recently reported elevated mercury levels in dolphins, with the greatest levels coming from the dolphins in Florida’s St. Joseph and Choctawhatchee Bays. As a sentient species that is similar to humans, the mercury levels in the skin of dolphins can often times predict the impact mercury will have on humans when consuming mercury-contaminated fish. Mercury toxicity can lead to reproductive failure, behavioral changes, and even death. Although there is natural occurring mercury in our environment, pollution of mercury usually results from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes such as mining, cement production and chemical manufacturing. Fish become mercury-contaminated once certain bacteria in the water converts mercury to methylmercury, which is eaten or absorbed by small fish, and then gets passed up the food chain. “It is important to understand the potential risks of eating mercury-contaminated fish. For most people, the risk is not a concern. However, some groups of people, like pregnant women, children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, are at a greater health risk” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical. “To assist with identifying potential health risks, EMSL’s Food Division routinely analyzes food samples for heavy metals and microbial contaminants. These services are available to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, regulators, health professionals, and the public. To learn more about mercury or other heavy metals testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.