I've been aware of the tuna/mercury connection for some time.
Mercury first came to my attention, when I worked in a dental office years ago. When they started making us wear badges to monitor mercury levels in the office, I knew that mercury in the dental office must pose more of a threat that anyone was really stating.
Then the advisement for pregnant women against eating fish, and the mercury connection to certain species.
Now you'll have a hard time finding a dentist who is willing to place an amalgam filling (not sure because of the risk to the dentist's and staff's health from mercury vapor, or risk to the patient.)
But my point is, we went for many years unaware of mercury risks, which makes one wonder if the risk has gotten greater, or if they are just becoming more aware of it now.
There were huge nuclear blasts by Russia and other nations in the 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's. It was only in the 1970's and 1980's that they started to underground nuclear testing.
People have been exposed to a lot worse -- lead was in gasoline for a number of years before they pulled that.
Maybe Chinese coal should be banned...
"Option 2" [...becoming more aware of it...] is correct.
I had all the mercury fillings in my teeth replaced a little at a time. My mouth was full. Wondering if that added to my poor health. We just didn't know about these things years ago when my teeth were getting filled.
Dr. Whitaker, a physician who is into alternative medicines and supplements, claims he has a site where you can buy tuna that doesn't have mercury in it. Probably $50 a can! (LOL) Maryxxx