In early 2004 I found out that I was pregnant. What should have been a time of pure joy was shattered when tests from my doctor revealed that toxic mercury levels surged in my blood.My mercury levels were high enough to require reporting to the Center for Disease Control. I was terrified for my own health and for the future of the baby growing in my womb. I had purchased the majority of my swordfish from the Whole Foods seafood counter, and was never once told about its potential to make me sick. Feeling so frustrated by this, I expressed my concerns both to store management and to the CEO of Whole Foods, John Mackey, and received little or no response. In my research subsequent to learning that I was poisoned by mercury, I found out that swordfish is allowed to be sold in the U.S. even though it contains enough mercury to exceed federal toxic threshold levels.I am calling on a leader who has been silent on this issue to take action.

I am pleading with him to protect the health of innocent children.

- Stacey, Virginia -

I have been physically active and have tried to eat healthy my whole life. As part of my effort to consume low fat foods I began eating lots of tuna. After making tuna a staple in my diet, I began to notice a change in myself. I was tired all the time, gaining weight regardless of exercise, my skin was dull, and my hair was thinning. Several months later my stomach suddenly bloated up like I was pregnant and would not go down no matter what I ate or tried! I pressed my doctor to test me for mercury. I was finally tested and the tests came back with shocking results: my levels were 68 mg/g, or 2300%, over what is considered a safe dose of mercury. I began chelation therapy, the standard treatment for this illness. My mercury levels have gone down but I continue to have chronic thyroid disease and low energy. To compound my problems, my healthcare company refused to pay for my treatment.

I don't want anyone to have to relive my story.

- Kelly, Colorado-

When deciding to pursue a low carb diet, I chose fish as my primary source of protein. Tuna was convenient, and I packed it in my lunch 4-5 times a week. I started noticing a blue-purple discoloration in my hands, steady digestive problems, and a drastic depletion in my daily energy. These were my early symptoms of mercury poisoning. My mental capabilities decreased to the point that I was forced to end my graduate studies. Finally I was tested for mercury. My initial urine samples showed mercury levels more than 7000% higher than the laboratory reference range. My situation grew worse, the treatment left me bedridden for days and no insurance companies would cover the expenses. As a result I have drained all of my financial resources.

I feel betrayed that the government is not ensuring protection for every American from the disabling effects of mercury in seafood.

- Stephanie, New Hampshire