Mercury and methylmercury exposure in the New Jersey pregnant population.
Methylmercury is a known fetal developmental neurotoxicant. The only significant source of fetal exposure is maternal fish consumption; however, few recent data on exposure of the pregnant population are available. The authors undertook a study of methylmercury exposure in the New Jersey pregnant population to investigate the distribution of exposure and to identify predictors of elevated exposure. Mainly first-trimester pregnant women were recruited through six New Jersey obstetric practices. Hair and blood samples were analyzed for total mercury, and a subset was analyzed for methylmercury. A questionnaire on demographics, life style, and fish-consumption practices was also administered. Although 85-90% of the pregnant population had hair mercury levels that were less than 1.0 microg/gm, 1-2% had levels in a range of possible concern for adverse developmental effects (> 4.0 microg/gm). Regression analysis suggested that blacks and individuals with some college education experienced lower exposures to methylmercury.
Stern
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AH
Division of Science, Research and Technology, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton 08625-0409, USA.
Gochfeld
M
M
Weisel
C
C
Burger
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D004522:Educational Status; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D009515:New Jersey; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D044469:Racial Groups; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D008628:Mercury