• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.117-129
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• 2013

Background: This study was carried out for the purpose of comprehensively evaluating the mercury exposure level of residents in several areas and the correlation between hair mercury concentration and blood mercury concentration. Method: One thousand one hundred ninety seven subjects were sampled from 30 sites using random assignment sampling. We performed a questionnaire survey and measured the level of total mercury in hair and blood samples from all subjects. Results: The geometric mean concentrations of hair and blood mercury in all subjects were 1.27 mg/kg [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23-1.32 mg/kg] and 5.24 ${\mu}g/L$ [95% CI: 5.07-5.41 ${\mu}g/L$], respectively. Male (1.56 mg/kg in hair, 6.00 ${\mu}g/L$ in blood) was significantly higher than that of female (1.03 mg/kg in hair, 4.56 ${\mu}g/L$ in blood), and the concentrations were elevated as age increased up to the 50s. Education, smoking, alcohol drinking, and using of pesticides were also shown to influence mercury concentrations in hair and blood. The ratio of hair/ blood mercury concentration was 261.3. The total mercury concentration in hair was identified to be significantly related with total mercury concentration in blood (r=0.814, p<0.001). Conclusion: The geometric mean concentrations of hair and blood mercury were higher than the levels provided in international recommendations. The total mercury concentration in hair was positively correlated with the concentration in blood. The results of this study suggest that hair mercury be considered as a useful tool for the evaluation of mercury exposure.

• Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Health Society Conference
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• 2005.12a
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• pp.4-15
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• 2005

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant with neurotoxic effects on the central nervous system. The major exposure route of MeHg to humans is via consumption of fish and shellfish which accumulate the chemical through the food web in an aquatic environment. Hair mercury level is an excellent marker for MeHg exposure. We have been conducting a survey on hair mercury contents among general populations from 14 districts to estimate the current Japanese MeHg exposure level. Total mercury levels of all hair samples collected (12923 in total) were analyzed by the oxygen combustion-gold amalgamation method using an atomic absorption mercury detector. Multiple regression analysis revealed that mercury levels were significantly correlated with several covariates, such as sex, age, the amount of daily intake of total fish/shellfish, a preference for certain fish such as tuna or bonito, and artificial waving. The geometric means for the population without artificial waving were 2.47 and 1.65 ${\mu}g/g$ for males (n = 5623) and females (n = 3470), respectively. Hair mercury levels varied with age, and the variations were more significant in males. Since the difference between sexes was not evident at younger ages, some hormonal control might also be involved in the mercury uptake by human hair. The average mercury levels in our hair samples varied among the sampling districts. Tuna is a major carnivorous fish with high mercury accumulations that is often consumed in Japan. The amount of fish consumption and the preference rate far tuna would appear to be responsible far the regional variation in hair mercury levels in Japan. Recently, a provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of MeHg was revised by 61st JECFA to 1.6 ${\mu}g/kg/week$, which was about half that of the Japanese standard, and corresponded to a hair level of 2.2 ppm. The distribution of hair mercury levels in Japanese populations in the present study indicated that 25% of the Japanese females of child-bearing age were estimated to be exposed to MeHg over the PTWI level. This would reflect the high Japanese consumption of marine products. However, not only mercury contamination, but also the nutritional benefit may have to be considered when discussing the risk involved in the current level of fish and shellfish consumption in Japan.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.105-111
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• 1992

Fifty samples of pregnant women's hair during December 1990~April 1991 in the Seoul area were analyzed for mercury. Mean mercury concentrations for pregnant women were 0.65$\mu$g/g and varied from 0.21$\mu$g/g to 2.44$\mu$g/g. The differences were believed to be due to diet, living area, and personal activity. Mean mercury concentrations were significantly different for the group that at twice a week(0.67$\mu$g/g) and once or less a week(0.55$\mu$g/g). Mean mercury concentrations were compared with the THI (Todai Health Index) Scores. The THI results suggested that the higher scores in MENT(Mental irritability) item had the higher mean mercury concentrations. The factors affecting mercury concentrations of pregnant women's hair must be considered further study. However, hair analysis seemed potentially useful in environmental medicine but its use in clinical investigation for basic diagnosis of mercury poisoning.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.8-14
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• 2000

This paper was conducted to examine the level of total and organic mercury in the scalp hair by the consumption pattern of fish. The scalp hair samples were collected from the occipital part of 101 in coastal, 106 in rural. The total and organic mercury contents of adult scalp hair increased with age up to the forties and slightly decreased in the fifties. (p<0.01) The mercury contents of the persons who were favorite dishes of fish were most high, and who prefer fish were 2 times higher than those of the persons who prefer vegetables and broiled. The contents of total and organic mercury in scalp hair showed a increasing tendency with the intake frequency of raw and cooked fish. (p<0.01) The total and organic mercury contents in the raw fishes were over 2 times higher than those in the boiled fishes.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.287-294
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• 2009

This study analysed the mercury concentration in the hair of 62 students (male : 21, female : 41) of D university in Najusi, Jeon-Nam area. Also, questionnaire, which developed by NIES, were completed by the students. According to the questionnaire, most of the students had a higher intake of meat than that of fish. Also, among the students, there were many smokes and many had dental treatment with amalgam. Based on the gender, female showed 1.024 ${\mu}g/g$ and male showed 0.882 ${\mu}g/g$ of the mercury concentration. This means that female students had higher level of mercury in their hair, but it was not a significant statistic difference. Comparing by the intake frequency of meat, processed food stuffs, protein foods, it shows the more they at the higher mercury concentration was observed. According to the intake frequency of fish, when the number of times they intake increased, the mercury concentration was higher. Under one time was 0.857 ${\mu}g/g$ and twice or more times were 1.152 ${\mu}g/g$, which showed a significant statistical difference (p<0.05). Depending on the Life style, the mercury concentration in the hair was high with workout, outdoor activities, and direct smoking. The mercury concentration in the hair showed no difference for whether they received amalgam treatment but the personal dietary habit and the Living condition affects strongly on the mercury concentration level.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.17-29
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• 1979

The total mercury content in the head hair of 87 dental personnel and 210 Seoul citizens as control was determined. 1) The mean value of mercury content in dentists (8.57ppm) was 3.3 times of Seoul male citizens (2.57ppm) and the median of the former (5.92 ppm) was higher than that of the latter (2.39ppm) by approximately 2.5 times. 2) The mean value of mercury content in dental nurses (5.79ppm) was 2.8 times of Seoul female citizens(2.11ppm) and the median of the former(4.62ppm) was higher than that of the latter (1.86ppm) by approximately 2.5 times. 3) The mean value of mercury content in Seoul citizens was 2.29ppm and the median was 1.98ppm. 4) There was no correlationship between the mercury content in the head hair of dentists and the length of dental surgery experience or the frequency of amalgam fiillings per day. 5) The mercury content of Seoul citizens was higher in the male than in the female. 6) It appears more meaningful to employ median values than mean values when the environmental pollution is considered.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 1989

The average value of total mercury contents in scalp hair of Korean male was found to be 1.66+1.10 ppm (S.D.) and that of methylmercury was 1.02+0.72 ppm (61.0% of the total mercury). In case of total mercury contents of female was 1.06+0.46 ppm and that of methylmercury was 0.51+0.27 ppm (48.4% of total mercury level). When compared with data reported by Japanese, the levels were about half. The levels of mercury in scalp hair of male subjects were significantly different with their occupations, but in case of female, the variation was not so much.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.235-245
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• 2008

Exposure to mercury was assessed in 125 Korean (Gwangju and Busan) and 373 Chinese primary school students (Xinguang village, Goumen town) using hair mercury analysis from November 2006 to September 2007. The geometric mean concentration of mercury was higher among Korean children with recording 0.73 ${\mu}g$/g, compared to Chinese children of 0.12 ${\mu}g$/g, which indicated statistically difference (P<0.01). The mean concentration of Korean children living near incineration facilities was higher by recording 0.76 ${\mu}g$/g while the average concentration of their counterpart in Korea reached 0.69 ${\mu}g$/g. In case of Chinese children, those who are living near power plants showed higher level with posting 0.16 ${\mu}g$/g while the others recorded 0.10 ${\mu}g$/g (P<0.01). Intake of fish was found to be related to hair mercury level. In case of Korean children, those with high fish intake recorded 0.79 ${\mu}g$/g in terms of the geometric mean concentration while the others with low fish intake posted 0.61 ${\mu}g$/g. Among Chinese children, those who often eat fish recorded 0.13 ${\mu}g$/g compared to the others with low fish intake of 0.11 ${\mu}g$/g. On the other hand, amalgam dental fillings have limited influence on mean hair mercury level. As for vaccination, within a month of vaccination, the geometric mean concentration of Korean children reached 0.76 ${\mu}g$/g, and in case of 15 days after injection, the level was 1.20 ${\mu}g$/g. In China, the level of children at one month after receiving injection stood at 0.15 ${\mu}g$/g while the level within 15 days was 0.13 ${\mu}g$/g. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI, passive smoking, and fish consumption are closely related to hair mercury level among the Korean subjects. In China, hair mercury level was affected by age, location, passive smoking, fish consumption, and vaccination. Explanatory power was 21.6% with $R^2$=0.216.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.1 s.45
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• pp.44-58
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• 1994

This study was conducted to examine the levels of total and organic mercury in the scalp hair of the elementary school children and adults, and their relationship with the consumption pattern of fishes and shellfishes. The scalp hair samples were collected from the occipital part of 115 children and 131 adults in costal, urban and rural areas of Kyungpook province from June to August 1991. The mercury content was analysed by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (model IL. 555) with atomic vapor accessory (model IL. 440). The total and organic mercury contents of hair were significantly higher (p<0.01) among the children who prefer fish and/or shellfish (7.728 ppm, 6.610 ppm), and canned fish and/or fish pastes (6.969 ppm, 5.885 ppm) than those who prefer meat (4.822 ppm, 3.905 ppm) and vegetables (3.974 ppm, 3.224 ppm). The children who prefer to eat the canned fish without cooking showed a higher mercury content than the children who prefer to eat it as stew or mixed with vegetables (p<0.01). There was a dose-response relationship between the intake frequency of canned fish, raw fish and cooked fish and the content of total and organic mercury of hair, the children who eat fish almost everyday showed 2 times higher than those who eat rarely (p<0.01). The mercury content in the hair of the children who eat raw fish was significantly higher than that of the children who eat boiled or broiled fish (p<0.01). The total and organic mercury contents of adult scalp hair increased with age up to the forties and slightly decreased in the fifties. The mercury contents of those who were engaged in the fishery and raw fish restaurant were 2 times higher than those of the farmers. The mercury content of the persons who were favorite dishes of fish and shellfish were most high, and who prefer raw fish were 2 times higher than those of the persons who prefer vegetables and broiled fish. The contents of total and organic mercury in adult scalp hair showed also a increasing tendency with the intake frequency of raw and cooked fish.

• Culinary science and hospitality research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.100-109
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• 2013

This study aims to analyze 19 kinds of mineral contents in hair targeting 311 people in Seoul who suffer from hair loss. The results are as follows: 1. The average contents of all kinds of minerals were within the standards. 2. Sodium, potassium, and selenium were more detected in men than in women; calcium, magnesium, copper, and manganese were more detected in women than in men; toxic elements, mercury, antimony, and arsenic were more detected in men than in women, which was statistically significant. 3. As the age increased, potassium (p<.05), iron (p<.01), manganese (p<.05), chromium (p<.01), and mercury (P<0.01) increased gradually, which was statistically significant. In particular, the content of mercury exceeded its standard in those over fifty. 4. Selenium (p<.01), lead (p<.05), aluminum (p<.05), and arsenic (p<.01) were more detected in natural hair than in permanent or colored hair. Calcium (p<.001), magnesium (p<.001), and manganese (p<.01) were more detected in permanent or colored hair than in natural hair. They were all statistically significant.