Fish is one of the main constituents of human food owing to its content of protein, fats, vitamins and macro- and micronutrients. Some of the chemicals, inter alia, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and specific trace elements, e.g. Ag, Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn, accumulate at the particular links of the food chain when they enter the aquatic ecosystem. In the event of exceeding the doses of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), they can lead to lesions that pose a real threat to health and life of consumers. The objective of the study: The aim of this publication is to present possible negative health effects associated with exceedance of the PTWI of fish as well as to systematize knowledge and complement it with the latest research findings. Research methods: Epidemiological studies concerning the possibility of occurrence of adverse health effects associated with exceedance of the PTWI of fish have been reviewed. Bibliometrics covering the years 2017-2022, including fish consumption and possible adverse health effects, have been applied. The literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed database. The criterion of selected subject classification entries has been used to analyse the bibliographic data. Results: The current state of knowledge indicates that fish constitute valuable bioindicators for assessment of chemical pollution. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm contamination of fish with xenobiotics. Their consumption should not abandoned with maintaining the proper dietary regime. The benefits of their consumption outweigh the possible potential health risks. In order to  minimize negative health effects, consumption of marine and aquaculture fish is recommended. Consumption of long-lived and predatory fish and fish from Asian farms should be avoided.

27.4.2022