Go F.I.S.H. (Fish consumption), (Investigation), (Screening), and (Health education): Assessing and communicating risk to at-risk populations

Dietary fish intake is the most important source of human exposure to methylmercury. Because of the increased popularity of fish as a source of dietary protein, a significant percentage of the U.S. population may be at risk of methylmercury-induced health problems. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) offer a community-based approach to educating and screening at-risk populations for mercury-related health effects. The Nursing Centers Research Network (NCRN) is comprised of 20 nursing centers across the U.S. and will be conducting a study in four of these sites, based on a pilot study to evaluate: a) methylmercury body burdens associated with reported fish consumption, including quantity, type of fish, and frequency (measured by hair sampling), b) any neurological health effects (self-reported) and c) any cardiovascular effects associated with fish consumption (measured by blood pressure and self-reported symptoms). Nurses will be educated using web-based technologies in a variety of areas including: basic risk communication skills (using the Seven Cardinal Rules of Risk Communication, Covello and Allen, 1988), hair testing techniques, basics of assessment for methylmercury toxicity, and case management techniques for clients complaining of symptoms possibly related to toxicity.