Using human hair as an indicator for exposure to mercury.
OBJECTIVE
Exposure to mercury, a risk factor for neuro-developmental toxicity, was evaluated in the Czech Republic by performing mercury determination using human hair as an indicator.


METHODS
Hair samples from Czechs (n=311; 2-66 years old) were analyzed for mercury content. Total mercury was analysed by mercury analyzer AMA 254.


RESULTS
The highest total mercury content found in sampled hair was 3.55 microg/g and the lowest content was 0.015 microg/g. No correlation was found between the mercury levels in the sampled hair and the subject's age, gender, and the amount of amalgam fillings. A total of 38 hair samples were analyzed for methylmercury content.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show a positive correlation between the total mercury content in human hair and the consumption of marine and freshwater fish. Hair are a very good indicator of fish consumption.
Kruzikova
Kamila
K
Department of Veterinary Public Health and Toxicology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic. kruzikovak@vfu.cz
Kensova
Renata
R
Blahova
Jana
J
Harustiakova
Danka
D
Svobodova
Zdenka
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D004032:Diet; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D055815:Young Adult
D003723:Dental Amalgam; D008628:Mercury