Hobbies And Interests
Risks to Fishermen
Lobsters aren't easy to catch, and many fishermen risk their lives every day to bring them to dining room tables all over the world. Lobsters live on the bottom of the ocean, and lobster seasons are commonly restricted to a short period to avoid overfishing, which forces fishermen to work long hard hours. They must brave rough seas that threaten to toss them overboard, as well as hard work that can strain their bodies and lead to cardiovascular problems.
Shellfish Poisoning
Because lobsters are filter feeders, they absorb toxins produced by algae, and lobsters with high levels of these toxins can cause shellfish poisoning in humans who eat them. Restaurants and stores must buy shellfish from growers who are certified, to keep this from happening, but if you catch your own lobsters or buy from an uncertified vendor, you may be at risk of being poisoned. Symptoms include a feeling of paralysis or loss of control in the extremities, as well as difficulty breathing; this type of poisoning can kill you in just hours if you ingested enough of the toxins. Another type of shellfish poisoning can give you vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and even permanent short-term memory loss.
Food Poisoning
Like all seafood, lobster meat must be cooked fresh, because it spoils quickly and can sicken or even kill anyone who consumes it. Lobsters should either be kept alive before cooking or frozen immediately to avoid spoilage. Lobster flesh needs to be cooked until it is an opaque, milky-white color.
Injuries From Lobster Claws
Lobsters themselves can carry a risk of injury to someone who carelessly handles them. Lobsters have powerful claws, one of which is used for cutting and one for crushing. If a lobster gets hold of your finger, it clamps down hard and does not let go, causing a significant amount of pain and potential injury if it breaks the skin. A cut from a lobster claw can also become infected if not treated properly.