Mercury: Light tuna better than albacore

The Washington state Department of Health recently analyzed the mercury content of 300 cans of tuna from 83 randomly selected stores across the state.

As in previous similar studies, the albacore tuna had three times more mercury than the light tuna.

Albacore had an average of 215 parts per billion of mercury; light tuna had an 57 parts per billion. Light tuna is usually labeled "chunk light" or "solid light." It can be a mix of several types of tuna.

The study was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mercury consumption has been linked to developmental problems in children. The health department advises women who are pregnant, or considering pregnancy, to avoid fish high in mercury.

The National Resources Defense Council provides a chart where you can find your body weight and see how much tuna is too much for your safety. For example, a 132-pound person should eat no more than one six-ounce can of albacore every 10 days, or no more than one six-ounce can of light tuna every four days. The guidelines are based on Environmental Protection Agency levels.