Baltic Sea fish more contaminated than imported fish

According to a recent report submitted by the Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA), fish in the Baltic Sea contain a higher level of toxic tin compounds compared with many species of imported fish.
      EVIRA examined some 50 samples of the fish and seafood imported into Finland.
      Most of the samples contained only a low concentrations of organic tin compounds.
      The finding is especially significant when it comes to the exposure of humans to such contamination, as two-thirds of all fish eaten in Finland are imported, says research professor Anja Hallikainen of EVIRA.
     
High levels of organic tin have been measured in perch caught in Helsinki’s Vanhankaupunginlahti, a bay in the northern part of the capital. The highest concentrations noted were in excess of 500 milligrams per kilogram.
      High concentrations have also been discovered in fish caught in the sea areas off the coast of Helsinki as well as in the sea area off the Port of Naantali.
      Most of EVIRA’s samples of imported fish contained less than one microgram of tin compounds per kilogram. Equally low concentrations have been found in Finland only in fish caught from Lake Oulu. Moreover, farmed fish have also been found to be fairly clean.
      Among imported fish, the highest concentrations were found in the tuna imported from Thailand.
      Tin compounds are extremely poisonous to fish and aquatic organisms, accumulating in the organs and leading to hormonal changes.
     
Humans are exposed to tin compounds primarily when eating fish.
      The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has estimated that the daily exposure of a grown-up person to organic tin compounds should remain below 15 micrograms.
      In Finland, the maximum recommended exposure was exceeded both in Helsinki’s Vanhankaupunginlahti and in the sea area off the Port of Naantali when a number perch were examined.
      In Hallikainen’s view, there is reason to consider setting warning signs in Vanhankaupunginlahti in order that people could avoid eating perch caught in that area.
      Eating fish caught in other areas does not pose any danger.
      In Finland, the concentrations of toxins are ten times higher in the fish caught in sea areas than those in the fish caught in inland waters.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Perch from Helsinki’s Vanhankaupunginlahti have highest tin content of all fish in Finland (14.11.2008)
  Poll: Finns, Swedes, and Estonians very worried about pollution of Baltic Sea (16.5.2008)
  Finland considers more intensive fishing to reduce dioxins in Baltic Sea fish (4.8.2008)
  Baltic Sea needs urgent attention (14.4.2008)

Links:
  Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA): Organic tin compounds in Finnish fresh and salt water fish
  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)