Published: 8/6/2020 3:21:51 PM
Fish is often touted as a health food, but there are many health concerns associated with its consumption.
Over 80% of the fish eaten globally have unsafe mercury levels and many are tainted with a carcinogen, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). For this reason, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises residents to avoid consuming fish from the Connecticut River, especially children under 12 years of age, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Residents are advised to not consume four species of fish (for example, yellow perch). PCBs can cause a variety of ill health effects, including rashes and coughing.
On a broader basis, there are also animal welfare concerns regarding seafood consumption.
Scientific evidence has conclusively demonstrated that fish are capable of feeling pain, but they are excluded from the Humane Slaughter Act that governs how animals killed for food are treated during slaughter. Consequently, fish are killed in barbaric ways including decapitation and bludgeoning.
Aug. 1 was Respect for Fish Day, which is a national event to raise awareness about the fact that fish are sentient and inspire compassion for them. I urge others to abstain from seafood for at least one day to mark the event and to sample the many delicious plant-based alternatives on the market.
If people want to reduce their risk of cancer and other serious health issues – and help prevent future pandemics, which often originate in animals used for food — I urge them to opt for plant-based foods.
Animal suffering leads to human suffering. It is time to wake up to the facts. Our lives are at stake.
Sheryl Becker
Agawam
The writer is with the Western Mass. Animal Rights Activists.August 07, 2020 at 02:22AM
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Sheryl Becker: Remember Respect for Fish Day - GazetteNET
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