Hutter, Graber, Wallner et al. 2011
Hutter, Graber, Wallner et al. 2011
HUTTER, H.-P., G. GRABER, P. WALLNER, K. WITTMANN, K. PIEGLER, P. HOHENBLUM, M. UHL, S. SCHARF, B. VALLANT, C. GUNDACKER, P. TAPPLER & M. KUNDI, 2011. Middle European data on mercury exposure: biomonitoring results of human and aquatic vertebrates’ samples. In: Joint International Toxicology Conference (Cameroon Society for Toxicolgical Sciences, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry): Searching for African solutions to human and environmental toxicological challenges (Buea, Cameroon, 31 May – 3 June 2011): 31.
Introduction: Due to its high toxicity mercury is regarded as a significant health risk to the population. We conducted two cross-sectional studies investigating, inter alia, mercury levels in hair of children. One further study examined mercury levels in different fish species.
Objective: We summarize our findings to characterize the environmental exposure to mercury in Austria.
Methods: The project “Air and Children” (LuKi) aimed at evaluating indoor pollution in nine elementary schools. Additionally concentrations of mercury in hair of school children were assessed. The Austrian Human Biomonitoring Survey (HBMOe) determined exposure of the population to industrial chemicals and methylmercury. Fifty women-children-men pairs living in one household were recruited randomly. Hair samples of mothers and their children were analyzed for methylmercury. Within the QUESEFI-study mercury was analysed in 965 fish-samples (aquaculture, wild caught).
Results: In the Luki-study mercury levels (median 149 µg/kg) correlated mainly with fish consumption. Further influencing factors were children’s age and parents education. In the HBMOe-study mothers had significant higher levels (median: 64 μg/kg) than their children (median: 6 μg/kg). Higher methylmercury levels correlated with CNS-symptoms and fish consumption. In the QUESEFI-study wild fish showed significantly higher mercury levels than cultured fish.
Conclusions: Our data showed a relatively low internal exposure of participants. Fish consumption was main reason for higher mercury levels. However, even at these low levels correlations with CNS-symptoms were demonstrated. It is reasonable to continue improving waste management (e.g. energy-saving bulbs) and to promote local fish, which is warranted for Europe as well as for Africa.
mercury metabolism; mercury exposition; heavy metals; human biomonitoring
Homo sapiens; Pisces