Using human hair as an indicator for exposure to mercury
| Title in English | Using human hair as an indicator for exposureto mercury |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2009 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Neuroendocrinology Letters |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Water pollution and control |
| Keywords | total mercury; methylmercury; fish intake; marine fish; freshwater fish |
| Description | The acquired data relating to mercury concentration in hair samples taken from Czech citizens indicates that the characteristics of the environment in which the testing took place are relatively free from harmful levels of this element. Our results confirm the influence of a diet rich in fish on people exhibiting high levels of mercury content. People who prefer marine fish instead of freshwater fish statistically have more mercury in their hair. However, the consumption of fish in the Czech Republic is very low compared to other countries, and the data indicates a low exposure to mercury in the Czech population. Our results also confirm that hair is an excellent indicator for mercury exposure and is sufficient for the monitoring of mercury over an extended period of time. |
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