4. RISK CHARACTERIZATION FOR METHYLMERCURY EXPOSURE

What is known (Cont'd)

• Far higher blood levels found in: 1) fishermen, 2) people eating fish for health reasons, and 3) people with a cultural or ethnic preference for fish

• Average U.S. fish consumption 15 pounds per year; Average Florida fish and shellfish consumption (statewide) was about 37 pounds with 91% of the seafood being saltwater species

• Coastal areas have a higher percentage of a high-risk sub-population as residents because they may consume quantities of seafood above the national and Florida coastal averages