51
|
van Wijngaarden E, Harrington D, Kobrosly R, Thurston SW, O'Hara T, McSorley EM, Myers GJ, Watson GE, Shamlaye CF, Strain JJ, Davidson PW. Prenatal exposure to methylmercury and LCPUFA in relation to birth weight. Ann Epidemiol 2014; 24:273-8. [PMID: 24525104 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies have been inconclusive regarding the impact of coexposure to long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) and methylmercury (MeHg) from fish consumption during pregnancy on measures of fetal development. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the association between birth weight and prenatal maternal LCPUFA status and MeHg exposure in the Republic of Seychelles. METHODS We measured LCPUFA in maternal whole blood collected at 28 weeks of gestation and following delivery and MeHg in maternal hair obtained at delivery. There were 230 births with complete data on birth weight and covariates. Multiple linear regression models controlled for infant sex, gestational age, maternal age, smoking during pregnancy, intrapartum weight gain, prepregnancy body mass index, maternal socioeconomic status, parity, gestational diabetes, and alcohol use during pregnancy. RESULTS The average birth weight was 3252 g (range 1654-4450) and the average gestational age was 39 weeks (range 34-41). Prenatal MeHg exposure and maternal LCPUFA status were not associated with birth weight. Infant sex and length of gestation were the only predictors, with male sex and increased gestational age consistently associated with greater birth weight. CONCLUSIONS These findings do not support a relationship between prenatal exposure to LCPUFA and/or MeHg from fish consumption and birth weight.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin van Wijngaarden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY.
| | - Donald Harrington
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Roni Kobrosly
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Sally W Thurston
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Todd O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Alaska Fairbanks, AK
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Gary J Myers
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY; Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY; Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Gene E Watson
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY; Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY; Eastman Department of Dentistry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | | | - J J Strain
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Philip W Davidson
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY; Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Rea LD, Castellini JM, Correa L, Fadely BS, O'Hara TM. Maternal Steller sea lion diets elevate fetal mercury concentrations in an area of population decline. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 454-455:277-282. [PMID: 23545490 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.02.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury concentrations ([THg]) measured in western Aleutian Island Steller sea lion pup hair were the highest maximum [THg] documented in this endangered species to date. Some pups exceeded concentrations at which other fish-eating mammals can exhibit adverse neurological and reproductive effects (21% and 15% pups above 20 and 30 μg/g in hair, respectively). Of particular concern is fetal exposure to mercury during a particularly vulnerable stage of neurological development in late gestation. Hair and blood [THg] were highly correlated and 20% of pups sampled in the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska exceeded mammalian risk thresholds established for each of these tissues. Higher nitrogen isotope ratios suggested that pups accumulated the highest [THg] when their dams fed on higher trophic level prey during late gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorrie D Rea
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
53
|
Dallaire R, Dewailly É, Ayotte P, Forget-Dubois N, Jacobson SW, Jacobson JL, Muckle G. Exposure to organochlorines and mercury through fish and marine mammal consumption: associations with growth and duration of gestation among Inuit newborns. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 54:85-91. [PMID: 23422685 PMCID: PMC3632409 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have reported negative associations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and mercury (Hg) with duration of gestation and fetal growth in fish eating populations. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish, seafood and marine mammal intake has been reported to be positively related with pregnancy duration and fetal growth. So far, it remains unclear, however, if the associations of environmental contaminants (ECs) with growth are direct or mediated through their relation with the duration of gestation and the degree to which DHA intake during pregnancy attenuates the negative association of ECs with fetal growth. OBJECTIVES To investigate direct and indirect associations of in utero exposure to ECs with fetal growth and pregnancy duration while taking into account the possible positive effects of DHA. METHODS Pregnant Inuit women (N=248) from Arctic Quebec were recruited and cord blood samples were analyzed for PCBs, HCB, Hg and DHA. Anthropometric measurements were assessed at birth. Path models were used to evaluate direct and indirect associations. RESULTS Cord concentrations of PCB 153, HCB and Hg were significantly associated with shorter duration of pregnancy (β varying from -0.17 to -0.20, p<0.05). Path models indicated that the associations of PCBs, HCB and Hg with reduced fetal growth (β varying from -0.09 to -0.13, p<0.05) were mediated through their relations with shorter gestation duration. Cord DHA was indirectly related to greater growth parameters (β varying from 0.17 to 0.20, p<0.05) through its positive association with gestation duration. CONCLUSION Prenatal exposure to ECs was associated with reduced gestation duration, which is a recognized determinant of fetal growth. DHA intake during pregnancy appeared to have independent positive association with fetal growth by prolonging gestation. Whether these associations are causal remains to be elucidated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renée Dallaire
- School of Psychology, Laval University and CHUQ Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Éric Dewailly
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Laval University and CHUQ Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Laval University and CHUQ Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sandra W. Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Joseph L. Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Laval University and CHUQ Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Danileviciute A, Grazuleviciene R, Paulauskas A, Nadisauskiene R, Nieuwenhuijsen MJ. Low level maternal smoking and infant birthweight reduction: genetic contributions of GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2012; 12:161. [PMID: 23268570 PMCID: PMC3562502 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-12-161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic susceptibility to tobacco smoke might modify the effect of smoking on pregnancy outcomes. METHODS We conducted a case-control study of 543 women who delivered singleton live births in Kaunas (Lithuania), examining the association between low-level tobacco smoke exposure (mean: 4.8 cigarettes/day) during pregnancy, GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms and birthweight of the infant. Multiple linear-regression analysis was performed adjusting for gestational age, maternal education, family status, body mass index, blood pressure, and parity. Subsequently, we tested for the interaction effect of maternal smoking, GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes polymorphisms with birthweight by adding all the product terms in the regression models. RESULTS The findings suggested a birthweight reduction among light-smoking with the GSTT1-null genotype (-162.9 g, P = 0.041) and those with the GSTM1-null genotype (-118.7 g, P = 0.069). When a combination of these genotypes was considered, birthweight was significantly lower for infants of smoking women the carriers of the double-null genotypes (-311.2 g, P = 0.008). The interaction effect of maternal smoking, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes was marginally significant on birthweight (-234.5 g, P = 0.078). Among non-smokers, genotype did not independently confer an adverse effect on infant birthweight. CONCLUSIONS The study shows the GSTT1-null genotype, either presents only one or both with GSTM1-null genotype in a single subject, have a modifying effect on birthweight among smoking women even though their smoking is low level. Our data also indicate that identification of the group of susceptible subjects should be based on both environmental exposure and gene polymorphism. Findings of this study add additional evidence on the interplay among two key GST genes and maternal smoking on birth weight of newborns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asta Danileviciute
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Donelaicio st, 58, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
55
|
Scientific Opinion on the risk for public health related to the presence of mercury and methylmercury in food. EFSA J 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
|
56
|
Karagas MR, Choi AL, Oken E, Horvat M, Schoeny R, Kamai E, Cowell W, Grandjean P, Korrick S. Evidence on the human health effects of low-level methylmercury exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:799-806. [PMID: 22275730 PMCID: PMC3385440 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 448] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylmercury (MeHg) is a known neuro-toxicant. Emerging evidence indicates it may have adverse effects on the neuro-logic and other body systems at common low levels of exposure. Impacts of MeHg exposure could vary by individual susceptibility or be confounded by beneficial nutrients in fish containing MeHg. Despite its global relevance, synthesis of the available literature on low-level MeHg exposure has been limited. OBJECTIVES We undertook a synthesis of the current knowledge on the human health effects of low-level MeHg exposure to provide a basis for future research efforts, risk assessment, and exposure remediation policies worldwide. DATA SOURCES AND EXTRACTION We reviewed the published literature for original human epidemiologic research articles that reported a direct biomarker of mercury exposure. To focus on high-quality studies and those specifically on low mercury exposure, we excluded case series, as well as studies of populations with unusually high fish consumption (e.g., the Seychelles), marine mammal consumption (e.g., the Faroe Islands, circumpolar, and other indigenous populations), or consumption of highly contaminated fish (e.g., gold-mining regions in the Amazon). DATA SYNTHESIS Recent evidence raises the possibility of effects of low-level MeHg exposure on fetal growth among susceptible subgroups and on infant growth in the first 2 years of life. Low-level effects of MeHg on neuro-logic outcomes may differ by age, sex, and timing of exposure. No clear pattern has been observed for cardio-vascular disease (CVD) risk across populations or for specific CVD end points. For the few studies evaluating immunologic effects associated with MeHg, results have been inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Studies targeted at identifying potential mechanisms of low-level MeHg effects and characterizing individual susceptibility, sexual dimorphism, and non-linearity in dose response would help guide future prevention, policy, and regulatory efforts surrounding MeHg exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R Karagas
- Section of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
57
|
Kim BM, Lee BE, Hong YC, Park H, Ha M, Kim YJ, Kim Y, Chang N, Kim BN, Oh SY, Yoo M, Ha EH. Mercury levels in maternal and cord blood and attained weight through the 24 months of life. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 410-411:26-33. [PMID: 22000783 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Birth weight is a strong determinant of attained weight at early ages. Until now, many studies have reported that low birth weight corresponds with high mercury levels. However, the relationship between mercury exposure and attained weight of infant has not been well studied. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the degree of prenatal exposure to mercury by measuring the total mercury levels in maternal and cord blood, and examine the relationship between the mercury level during pregnancy and the attained weight of infant during the first 24 months of life. The prospective cohort study of Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) was built up in 2006, and 921 mother-infant pairs were recruited. Information on the socio-demographic characteristics, health behavior and environmental exposure were collected from an interview with trained nurses. After delivery, infants and mothers were followed up at 6, 12 and 24 months and the weights of the infants were measured. The mercury concentrations in the late maternal blood (β=-0.19. p=0.05) and cord blood (β=-0.36. p=0.01) were negatively associated with the infants' attained weight over the first 24 months of age. The infants' attained weight in the small for their gestational age (SGA) group was lower than the normal birth weight group at the highest quartile of the mercury level. Therefore, efforts should be made to reduce the mercury level in the maternal blood at late pregnancy and cord blood. Further research on the possible harmful effects of prenatal mercury exposure on postnatal growth is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byung-Mi Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Medical Research Center, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
58
|
Chan C, Heinbokel JF, Myers JA, Jacobs RR. Development and evaluation of a dynamic model that projects population biomarkers of methylmercury exposure from local fish consumption. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2011; 7:624-35. [PMID: 21538834 PMCID: PMC5826604 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
A dynamic model was developed to project Hg concentrations in common biomarkers of exposure in response to changes in Hg concentrations in predatory fish from local waters. The model predicts biomarkers in susceptible populations for intake rates representing the mean, 90th, 95th, and 99 th percentiles of populations of interest. The biomarkers the model calculates are blood methylmercury, total hair Hg, and fetal blood methylmercury. Decision makers can use the model to determine the degree of reduction in fish tissue Hg levels necessary to protect the health of susceptible populations. Biomarker output was calibrated with literature sources. Output was then compared to additional literature sources to evaluate model function. Projected biomarkers were not different from literature sources. The model can be used as a tool to understand the impact of local fish consumption on susceptible populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Chan
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
59
|
Goodrich JM, Wang Y, Gillespie B, Werner R, Franzblau A, Basu N. Glutathione enzyme and selenoprotein polymorphisms associate with mercury biomarker levels in Michigan dental professionals. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 257:301-8. [PMID: 21967774 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mercury is a potent toxicant of concern to both the general public and occupationally exposed workers (e.g., dentists). Recent studies suggest that several genes mediating the toxicokinetics of mercury are polymorphic in humans and may influence inter-individual variability in mercury accumulation. This work hypothesizes that polymorphisms in key glutathione synthesizing enzyme, glutathione S-transferase, and selenoprotein genes underlie inter-individual differences in mercury body burden as assessed by analytical mercury measurement in urine and hair, biomarkers of elemental mercury and methylmercury, respectively. Urine and hair samples were collected from a population of dental professionals (n=515), and total mercury content was measured. Average urine (1.06±1.24 microg/L) and hair mercury levels (0.49±0.63 microg/g) were similar to national U.S. population averages. Taqman assays were used to genotype DNA from buccal swab samples at 15 polymorphic sites in genes implicated in mercury metabolism. Linear regression modeling assessed the ability of polymorphisms to modify the relationship between mercury biomarker levels and exposure sources (e.g., amalgams, fish consumption). Five polymorphisms were significantly associated with urine mercury levels (GSTT1 deletion), hair mercury levels (GSTP1-105, GSTP1-114, GSS 5'), or both (SEPP1 3'UTR). Overall, this study suggests that polymorphisms in selenoproteins and glutathione-related genes may influence elimination of mercury in the urine and hair or mercury retention following exposures to elemental mercury (via dental amalgams) and methylmercury (via fish consumption).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
60
|
Garrecht M, Austin DW. The plausibility of a role for mercury in the etiology of autism: a cellular perspective. TOXICOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY 2011; 93:1251-1273. [PMID: 22163375 PMCID: PMC3173748 DOI: 10.1080/02772248.2011.580588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Autism is defined by a behavioral set of stereotypic and repetitious behavioral patterns in combination with social and communication deficits. There is emerging evidence supporting the hypothesis that autism may result from a combination of genetic susceptibility and exposure to environmental toxins at critical moments in development. Mercury (Hg) is recognized as a ubiquitous environmental neurotoxin and there is mounting evidence linking it to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Of course, the evidence is not derived from experimental trials with humans but rather from methods focusing on biomarkers of Hg damage, measurements of Hg exposure, epidemiological data, and animal studies. For ethical reasons, controlled Hg exposure in humans will never be conducted. Therefore, to properly evaluate the Hg-autism etiological hypothesis, it is essential to first establish the biological plausibility of the hypothesis. This review examines the plausibility of Hg as the primary etiological agent driving the cellular mechanisms by which Hg-induced neurotoxicity may result in the physiological attributes of autism. Key areas of focus include: (1) route and cellular mechanisms of Hg exposure in autism; (2) current research and examples of possible genetic variables that are linked to both Hg sensitivity and autism; (3) the role Hg may play as an environmental toxin fueling the oxidative stress found in autism; (4) role of mitochondrial dysfunction; and (5) possible role of Hg in abnormal neuroexcitory and excitotoxity that may play a role in the immune dysregulation found in autism. Future research directions that would assist in addressing the gaps in our knowledge are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Garrecht
- Swinburne Autism Bio-Research Initiative, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| | - David W. Austin
- Swinburne Autism Bio-Research Initiative, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Ramon R, Murcia M, Aguinagalde X, Amurrio A, Llop S, Ibarluzea J, Lertxundi A, Alvarez-Pedrerol M, Casas M, Vioque J, Sunyer J, Tardon A, Martinez-Arguelles B, Ballester F. Prenatal mercury exposure in a multicenter cohort study in Spain. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2011; 37:597-604. [PMID: 21239061 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a ubiquitous heavy metal that may negatively affect human health. It is desirable to investigate mercury exposure in vulnerable populations. OBJECTIVE To determine the concentrations of total mercury (T-Hg) in cord blood and to evaluate the role of maternal fish consumption in a Spanish mother and child cohort. METHODS A total of 1883 mother and child pairs from a population-based cohort were included between 2004 and 2008. T-Hg concentrations were measured in whole cord blood and maternal seafood consumption was ascertained by means of a food-frequency questionnaire. Linear regression was used in stratified analyses, while a joint model was adjusted using a mixed-effects linear model. RESULTS Maternal daily seafood consumption was 78g/d and the geometric mean for T-Hg was 8.2μg/L. Maternal fish intake during pregnancy, mother's age, country of origin, educational level, employment status and parity, as well as area of study and season of delivery, were associated with cord blood T-Hg levels. A doubling in consumption of large oily fish was associated with an increase of 11.4% (95%CI: 3.8 to 19.6%) in cord blood T-Hg levels, followed by an increase of 8.4% (95%CI: 5.7 to 11.2%) in the case of canned tuna and 8.3% (95%CI: 5.5 to 11.1%) in that of lean fish. CONCLUSION A high proportion of newborns had elevated concentrations of cord blood T-Hg according to the current US-EPA reference dose (5.8μg/L for methylmercury). Mercury concentrations were related to maternal fish consumption, with large oily fish being the main contributor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Ramon
- Dirección General de Salud Pública, Conselleria de Sanitat, Valencia, Avda Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|