Many consumers today are confused about the controversy surrounding fish and its health effects. Researchers have found that fish contains methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins which can pose health risks (“Harvard College”). Industrial processes cause mercury to be released into the air, which then ends up in lakes. Therefore, the contaminants come from bacteria living in the lakes which are then absorbed into the species. When people consume fish, they also indirectly take in bacteria from non-specialized lakes through their consumption of fish. Although people could be harmed by eating contaminated fish, a diet that includes fish can also benefit the body. Fish has become especially popular because the omega-3 fatty acids it contains support cardiovascular health. Omega-3s are essential for the development of brain function and normal growth. Eating safe amounts of fish can reduce the risk of stroke, arthritis and chronic disease. Although fish contains mercury and dioxins that can damage nerves in humans, the benefit of getting omega-3s from fish may outweigh the risks. Concerns about contamination found in fish can pose a threat to its consumers and put their bottom line at risk. risk. Fish are known to contain chemicals mercury, dioxins and PCBS which can be harmful to individuals. These chemicals can build up in a person's body after years of eating highly contaminated fish, resulting in health problems. “In America, one in six children born each year has been exposed to levels of mercury so high that they are potentially at risk for learning disabilities, impaired motor skills and short-term memory loss” (“Mercury in”). This statistic shows that inf...... middle of paper ......ted. Ed. Cristina Roache. Harvard Public Health, March 2006. Web. October 30, 2011. Ehrlich, Steven D. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, May 5, 2011. Web. October 28, 2011. "Experts Say Benefits of Eating Fish Outweigh Possible Risks." Harvard Women's Health Watch 14.6 (2007): 6-7. Academic research completed. EBSCO. Network. 25 October 2011 “Pisces: friends or enemies?” Harvard School of Public Health. The President and Fellows of Harvard College, 2011. nd Web. October 30, 2011.Gardner, Amanda. "Study: Mercury in fish poses no risk to the heart." CNN.com. CNN, March 23, 2011. Web. October 26, 2011. “Mercury in Fish.” Science and health. Public Affairs Television, January 21, 2005. Web. October 30, 2011.Squires, Sally. The benefits of fish outweigh the risks, according to studies. Washingtonpost.com. The Washington Post, October 18, 2006. Web. October 30. 2011.