Using human hair as an indicator for exposure to mercury.

Author: Kruzikova K, Kensova R, Blahova J, Harustiakova D, Svobodova Z.

Source: Neuro Endocrinol Lett.

Year: 2009

Comment:

This study is about using hair to test for mercury levels and focuses on fish consumption. The authors note that hair testing is "a good indicator of fish consumption" and do not find a correlation of hair mercury with the number of dental amalgam fillings.

Abstract / Excerpt:

“OBJECTIVES:

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.

CONCLUSION:

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.”

Citation:

Kruzikova K, Kensova R, Blahova J, Harustiakova D, Svobodova Z. Using human hair as an indicator for exposure to mercury. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2009; 30(Suppl 1):177-81.