35/100

Food

Swordfish (High Mercury)

High burden — Swordfish (High Mercury) is a significant avoidable exposure.

A large, long-lived predatory fish high on the food chain.

The breakdown

Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)

Chemical hazard
8
Everyday exposure
3
Persistence
7

Evidence strength: strong · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.

What this means for you

A Detox Score of 35 places swordfish (high mercury) in the High band. The persistence rating is the standout concern here — these compounds linger in the body and environment for years. Swordfish is on the FDA/EPA 'avoid' list for its high methylmercury content, which accumulates in the body. Pregnant people and young children are advised to skip it.

Cleaner swap → Lower-mercury fish like salmon, sardines or trout.
See where your whole exposure load is highest — free Exposure Score →

Frequently asked questions

Is swordfish (high mercury) a toxic exposure?

Swordfish (High Mercury) has a Detox Score of 35 out of 100 (High burden), which means it is a significant avoidable exposure. Swordfish is on the FDA/EPA 'avoid' list for its high methylmercury content, which accumulates in the body. Pregnant people and young children are advised to skip it.

What is a safer alternative to swordfish (high mercury)?

A lower-exposure swap for swordfish (high mercury) is: Lower-mercury fish like salmon, sardines or trout. Swordfish is on the FDA/EPA 'avoid' list for its high methylmercury content, which accumulates in the body. Pregnant people and young children are advised to skip it.

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