• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제39권2호
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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.

• 한국환경보건학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국환경보건학회 2005년도 Proceedings of KSEH.Minamata Forum
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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.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제18권1호
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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.

• 환경위생공학
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• 제15권3호
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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.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제35권4호
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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.

• 약학회지
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• 제23권1호
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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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• 제5권1호
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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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• 제4권3호
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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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• 제27권1호
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• pp.44-58
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• 1994

어패류 섭취양상에 따른 총수은 및 유기수은의 체내 축적정도를 조사하기 위하여 1991년 6월부터 8월 사이에 경북지방의 해안지역, 도시지역 및 산간지역에서 남자국민학생 115명과 남자 성인 131명, 총 246명의 두발중 총수은 및 유기수은 함량을 수은분석장치 (Model IL 440)를 갖춘 원자흡광분광광도계 (Model IL 551)로 선택적 환원기화법에 의해 분석하였다. 학생군의 경우 생선 및 조개류와 생선통조림 및 어묵류를 선호하는 군의 두발중 총수은(각각 7.728ppm, 6.969ppm) 및 유기수은 함량(각각 6.610ppm, 5.885ppm)이 육류(총수은; 4.822ppm, 유기수은; 3.905ppm)나 야채류(총수은; 3.974ppm, 유기수은; 3.224 ppm)를 선호하는 집단보다 현저히 높았다(각각 p<0.01). 생선통조림을 먹는 방법에 따른 두발중 총수은 및 유기수은 함량은 그대로 먹는 경우가 야채사라다와 섞어서 또는 찌개로 먹는 경우보다 높게 나타났다(p<0.01). 생선통조림, 생선 조리반찬 및 생선회 섭취빈도가 많을 수록 두발중 총수은과 유기수은 함량이 많아 거의 매일 먹는 군이 거의 먹지 않는 군에 비해 2배 이상 높게 나타났으며(p<0.01), 생선을 주로 먹는 방법에 따라서는 회로 먹는 경우가 탕이나 구워서 먹는 경우 보다 현저히 높았다(p<0.01). 성인군의 경우 연령에 따른 두발중 수은 함량은 총수은과 유기수은 함량 모두 40대까지는 연령증가에 따라 증가했으나, 50대 이후는 약간 감소하였다. 직업별로는 어업 및 횟집 종사자가 농부에 비해 2배 이상 높았다. 또한 선호반찬 종류에 따라서는 생선 및 조개류를 선호하는 군이 가장 높았으며, 생선을 먹는 방법에 따른 두발중 수은 함량은 회로 먹는 군이 탕이나 구워서 먹는 군보다 2배 이상 높은 수준을 나타내었다. 생선회, 생선조리반찬 섭취빈도에 따른 두발중 총수은 및 유기수은 함량은 섭취빈도가 증가함에 따라 높아지는 경향을 보였다(각각 p<0.01). 이상의 결과로 보아 두발중 수은 함량은 어패류와 생선통조림의 섭취 빈도가 높을 수록 증가하였으나 중독증상을 나타낼 수 있는 농도에는 크게 못 미쳤다.

• 한국조리학회지
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• 제19권5호
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• pp.100-109
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• 2013

본 연구는 성인 311명 탈모 모발의 19가지 미네랄 함량을 평균, 성별, 연령별, 모발의 화학적 시술 여부 등으로 나뉘어 분석하였다. 연구결과 모발 내 미네랄 원소의 평균함량은 모두 권장기준치 범주 안에 있었으므로 탈모에 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 나타났으며, 남녀간 모발의 미네랄 함량 분석 결과 영양원소 중 나트륨(p<.01), 칼륨(p<.01), 세레륨(p<.001)은 남성이, 칼슘, 마그네슘, 구리, 망간은 여성이 높게 나타났다. 독성원소의 경우 수은(p<.001) 비소(p<.01) 안티몬(p<.001)은 남성에게서 더 많은 함량이 검출되었다. 연령별 미네랄 함량을 분석한 결과 칼륨(p<.05), 철(p<.01), 망간(p<.05), 크롬(p<.01), 수은(p<.01)이 연령이 증가할수록 함량이 통계적으로 유의하였다. 특히 수은의 경우 50대 이상의 연령에서 축적함량(1.2904ppm)이 권장 참고수치(<1.1ppm)보다 초과하여 나타났다. 또 자연 상태 모발과 화학적 시술(펌, 염색) 모발 간의 미네랄 함량 분석 결과 셀레늄(p<.01), 납(p<.05), 알루미늄(p<.05), 비소(p<.01)등이 자연 상태 모발에서 함량이 높았으며, 칼슘(p<.001), 마그네슘(p<.001), 망간(p<.01)등은 염색이나 퍼머넌트를 한 모발에서 함량이 높게 나타났다. 이러한 연구 결과를 토대로 미네랄 함량의 과다 축적 및 미달이 탈모에 직접적인 영향을 미치지 않았으나 일부 중금속 경우는 남성들의 탈모에 다소 영향을 미치는 것을 알 수 있었으며, 이러한 선행 연구를 바탕으로 한 다음 연구에서는 이 자료가 비교분석 기초 자료로 활용될 것으로 사료된다.