Keskustelu:Silakan hyöty-riskiarvio / raportti

Kohteesta Opasnet Suomi
Loikkaa: valikkoon, hakuun

Abstract to ISES 2015

Based on the summary of the report. Submitted 26 March 2015.

Jouni Tuomisto, Arja Asikainen, Marjo Niittynen, THL, Finland.

Fish consumption and dioxin exposure: age-specific benefit-risk analysis of Baltic herring

The objective of this study was to determine whether the benefits of eating Baltic Sea herring exceed the risks of dioxin exposure in Finland, and what the situation is in different age groups. In general, eating fish is healthier than not eating fish, especially due to omega 3 fatty acids. However, the benefits are largely enjoyed by adults with an elevated risk of heart disease, while children suffer the majority of the risks in the form of dental and other developmental disorders. We looked at different age groups separately in the light of current herring consumption. The results are based on a survey of the consumption in 2013. The results were expressed as disability-adjusted life years (DALY) per year.

Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as well as vitamin D were analysed as beneficial nutrients, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like biphenyls as toxins. The results show that the consumption of Baltic herring has decreased in Finland. Based on current exposure concentrations and intakes of compounds, it causes ca. 11 (95% confidence interval, CI 0-54) DALY/a resulting from developmental disorders (dental damage); these affect children via the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, herring causes a ca. 12 (95%, CI 2–56) DALY/a cancer risk due to dioxins in the entire population. The health benefits (mainly to heart) of eating herring clearly exceed risks to health for women and particularly men after the age of 50 years, ca. -688 (95%, CI -2130 – -41) DALY/a.

In conclusion, the health benefits in older age groups are clear, but the risks of dioxin exposure are low also in fertile females with current herring intake. Also other pollutants should be assessed simultaneously, especially methylmercury. This will be done in an EU-funded project GOHERR, which looks at ecological, economical, and health aspects of the Baltic Sea and especially herring.