Original Air Date: Aug. 30, 2006

The number of species of fish the state considers unsafe to eat because of high levels of mercury more than tripled in 2006, but doctors also say fish is full of nutrients that are good for our hearts and brains. Hosted by Valonda Calloway, WRAL's Focal Point documentary, "Mercury Falling," looks at which fish contain unsafe mercury levels, the risk associated with eating them, where the mercury comes from and what's being done about it.

Watch the Documentary

Part 1: Which fish are on the state's high-mercury list, who should avoid eating them and just how does mercury get into the fish to begin with?

Part 2: There is no question that mercury is dangerous, but how dangerous are the levels in fish? Not everyone agrees on the risk.

Part 3: Much of the mercury in fish comes from pollution from coal-fired power plants. Is anything being done about that?

Part 4: Doctors say fish is good for you, but health officials say you should avoid fish with high levels of mercury. Some say the risk is exaggerated. Others say consumers just need to make an informed choice and use common sense.

Online Resources

• North Carolina Division of Public Health Fish Consumption Advisories
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Web links are provided for informational purposes only. Views and opinions expressed on the Web sites of these organizations do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of WRAL-TV and its parent company Capitol Broadcasting Co.

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