Fish consumption patterns, knowledge and potential exposure to mercury by race.

Objective: Compared fish consumption patterns, fish advisory/benefit awareness and risk factors of consuming high-mercury (Hg) fish between Chinese and non-Chinese adults.

Methods: 301 Chinese and 120 non-Chinese participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants self-reported demographics, fish consumption behavior, and awareness of warnings/benefits of fish consumption.

Results: non-Chinese (62.5%) ate more high-Hg fish than Chinese (35.9%) although more Chinese ate fish in the last year. Over 90% of both groups knew general benefits of consuming fish; fewer knew specific benefits. Chinese were less aware of fish warnings (49.8%) than non-Chinese (86.7%); knowledge did not appear to affect their fish consumption.

Conclusions: There were significant differences in fish consumption patterns and fish benefit/warning knowledge between the two groups. A higher proportion of non-Chinese reported consumption of high-Hg fish. Fish knowledge did not affect fish consumption behavior for either group. Public education efforts regarding fish consumption should emphasize details such as species and amounts.