The Dark Side of Farm-Raised Salmon: How a Petroleum-Derived Chemical Taints Your Fish
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Hi, and thanks for visiting my blog! I’m going to discuss a topic that may surprise you today: the negative aspects of salmon that are farmed. You may believe that eating salmon is healthy, and it is—but only if you select the appropriate variety. Sadly, a large portion of the salmon that you find at restaurants or stores is farmed rather than wild. This implies that they are subjected to numerous toxins and contaminants that may be harmful to your health. Among these substances is phenanthrene, a chemical produced from petroleum that is present in coal tar and crude oil. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, include phenanthrene, which is recognised to be harmful to both people and marine life. PAHs can result in birth abnormalities, cancer, immune system damage, and hormonal disruption. They can also interfere with the normal development and function of the heart, especially in fish embryos.
How does phenanthrene affect fish?
Among the most prevalent PAHs in the environment, phenanthrene is easily absorbed by fish and builds up in their tissues. Phenanthrene has the ability to interfere with the chemical route that permits fish heart cells to beat efficiently, according to a study conducted by experts from the University of California, Davis and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Specialised ion channels that regulate the movement of chemicals into and out of the heart cells make up this pathway. Potassium channels are crucial for controlling heart rate and contraction, and phenanthrene inhibits them. Sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and cardiac edema may result from this. The researchers discovered that even extremely low phenanthrene concentrations (ng/L) can result in minute modifications to heart function of fish, which can impair their swimming performance and survival.
Where does the phenanthrene in the water come from?
Natural seeps, oil spills, industrial effluents, urban runoff, and atmospheric deposition are a some of the places where phenolphthalein might appear. But the feed fed to salmon reared on farms is one of the primary sources of phenanthrene in the water. Small fish that are caught in the ocean are the source of fish oil and fish meal used in the diet. Particularly if they reside in regions where oil exploration or extraction is occurring, these little fish may be contaminated with PAHs by the feed, the farm-raised fish can subsequently absorb the PAHs, and subsequently so can the people who consume them.
How does phenanthrene affect humans?
Perhaps you’re wondering, what impact does this have on me? That being said, eating salmon that has been farmed may expose you to phenanthrene and other persistent aromatic hydrocarbons. Because PAHs are fat-soluble, they can build up in fish and human fatty tissues. While certain PAHs can be broken down and eliminated by the human body, others might linger and pose health risks for an extended period of time. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that PAHs can raise the risk of stomach, bladder, lung, and skin cancers in addition to being carcinogenic to humans. The immunological, pulmonary, neurological, and reproductive systems can all be impacted by PAHs. Some studies have suggested that PAHs can cross the placenta and affect the development of the fetus, causing low birth weight, premature delivery, and congenital malformations.
How can I reduce my exposure to phenanthrene and other PAHs?
Going wild for salmon instead of farm-raised is the greatest method to minimise your exposure to phenanthrene and other PAHs. In addition to having higher quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the health of your heart and brain, wild salmon are also less likely to be contaminated with PAHs and other pollutants. Avoiding meals that have been grilled, smoked, or scorched will also help lower your exposure to PAHs because these cooking methods can release PAHs into the air. Inhaling PAHs from automobile exhaust, industrial pollutants, and cigarette smoke can also be prevented. Finally, since oil spills are a major cause of PAHs in the sea, you may assist the efforts to protect the environment and marine life.
In summary
I hope that you are now more aware of the negative aspects of salmon raised on farms as well as the risks associated with phenanthrene and other PAHs. Keep in mind that not all salmon are made equal, therefore before you purchase or consume salmon, you should carefully read the label and the source. When feasible, opt for wild-caught salmon to reap the health advantages of this flavorful and nourishing seafood. Thank you for reading,
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