Nonessential metals in striped marlin and indo-Pacific sailfish in the Southeast Gulf of California, Mexico: Concentration and assessment of human health risk

Specimens of sailfish and striped marlin from the Gulf of California were analyzed for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb concentrations. More than 20% of the As and Cd levels exceed the guideline levels of the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the European Union. About 65-90% of the specimens exceeded the limit value for Hg. Pb levels in billfish were significantly lower than guideline values. The intakes of As and Cd through billfish consumption by the population represented 20–40% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values as recommended by the WHO. Levels of Hg exceeded the PTWI value. The target hazard quotients (THQs) for Cd and Pb were<1 in each group of interest. In contrast, THQ values based on As and Hg showed large variations, with the highest values for children, then pregnant women, and, finally, adults. Values of THQ>1 indicate risk for As and Hg; the risk from As was estimated assuming that 20% of the total As was inorganic. These metals can affect unborn children and infants. A national moratorium on billfish consumption in Mexico is recommended for children (0–6 years old), pregnant women, and women planning pregnancy.