Blood Test Results = High Mercury

Last Monday I got myself tested at Kaiser for a multitude of conditions. All came back normal except for mercury. It says the standard level is less than 11 mcg/L, and mine is 56.
I don't know exactly what these levels or numbers mean, but I plan on calling my doctor tomorrow. I know other members have posted about this subject in the past.
I've also heard from many people that blood mercury levels are overhyped, and that mercury doesn't actually affect adults that much, and is more critical for children and pregnant women.

Any thoughts?
-Andrew

I wouldn't take elevated levels of heavy metals lightly.

Andrew, If you have symptoms of mercury poisoning, it may be relevant. The problem with mercury is that there isn't a known threshold as far as adult males. It is more of a concern with the fetus and children. I caught over 200 lbs of tuna this year and have eaten a lot of it. I am sure my mercury level is pretty high but at my age, I am not that concerned. Scott

Thanks for the post and reply from gb2.
Sounds scary.
I too recently asked my internist this past Monday re whether testing for mercury was warranted..
The reply I got from her was that unless I was showing abnormal symptoms or ailment, she didnt think testing was warranted.

The reply I got from her was that unless I was showing abnormal symptoms or ailment, she didnt think testing was warranted.

That sounds typical of US doctors; reactive vs proactive. Get tested anyway.

from what I remember the last go around, the three primary questions are 1) is your exposure work related 2) do you eat lots of fish, 3) what kind of fish do you eat. My wife Robin was tested a year or so ago along with everything else and we were surprised that she showed elevated mercury. She eats very little fish, maybe a small portion of ling or halibut a few times a month.  No tuna, no work exposure, no fillings. Never tested again, but she has gone vegan since.

Thanks for the post and reply from gb2.
Sounds scary.
I too recently asked my internist this past Monday re whether testing for mercury was warranted..
The reply I got from her was that unless I was showing abnormal symptoms or ailment, she didnt think testing was warranted.

Maybe you should have told the doctor you eat a lot of fish.