Researchers from universities in the US say they have found a link showing coal-fired power stations are responsible for high levels of mercury in some ocean fish.

In high concentrations, Mercury is a very dangerous substance for humans. Mercury can affect the nervous, vascular and immune systems.

A collaborative team from the University of Michigan and the University of Hawaii say emissions from coal fired power stations in China and India are the most likely source of mercury found in certain types of Pacific Ocean fish. University of Michigan Professor Joel Blum says people should not completely cut off the healthy source of sustenance, but may consider limiting some varieties to one or two serves a week.

“People can limit their exposure to mercury by limiting their consumption of certain number of types of fish such as swordfish, tuna, shark and tilefish which have the highest levels of mercury,” he said.

Professor Blum has predicted mercury amounts in Pacific fish will rise in coming years unless emissions are reduced: “China and India have rapidly increased their use of coal and their share of the global mercury emissions has gone up relative to other countries or other continents that used to be the most important sources such as North America and Europe which have actually reduced mercury emissions,” he said.

A media release with further details is available from the University of Michigan.