Hair mercury and fish consumption in residents of O'ahu, Hawai'i.
Recent studies have established that men are susceptible to cardiotoxicity from methylmercury exposure, which also poses risks to the pregnant woman. Hair samples were obtained and questionnaires for methylmercury exposure assessment were administered to 110 adults (57 men, 53 women) throughout O'ahu, Hawai'i during December 2010 to January 2011. Hair samples were analyzed for total mercury with a direct mercury analyzer. Men ≥ 46 years had a median of 2.0 µg/g, which was above the reference dose of 1 µg/g, as compared to younger men with a median 1.0 µg/g (P < 0.05). Hair concentrations from older women had a median of 1.2 µg/g of mercury compared to 0.6 µg/g for younger women. Additionally, 38% of women of childbearing age had a Hazard Index > 1.0. This indicates that both men and women were at risk for excessive methylmercury exposure. In the final regression model, male gender, age > 45 years, length of residency > 10 years in Hawai'i, and fish consumption frequency > 1 meal per week were significant factors in increased hair mercury levels. Following safe fish consumption practices allows residents to reap health benefits of fish consumption without excessive toxicant exposure.
San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA.
Alethea
A
Ramos
San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA.
Penelope J E
PJ
Quintana
San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA.
Ming
M
Ji
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D005506:Food Contamination; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry*; D006254:Hawaii; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis*; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017747:Seafood; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D008628:Mercury
Hawai‘i; biomarkers; cardiotoxicity; fish consumption; hair mercury; hazard index; methylmercury; risk