Abstract
ISEE-555 Introduction: Mercury exposure in young children may occur from a variety of sources containing mercury in different forms (elemental mercury, inorganic mercury salts, and organic mercury compounds). This presentation describes the methods and preliminary results of a study designed to examine dietary (organic mercury), medicinal (inorganic or elemental mercury), or traditional (elemental mercury) exposure among children living in New York City (NYC) by collecting questionnaire data and measuring mercury in biological samples. The study is focusing on communities where mercury exposure from various sources is suspected. Methods: A cross-sectional study design is utilized. Blood and/or urine samples are collected from children (<10 years of age) seen in community-based health clinics in neighborhoods where mercury may currently or historically have been used in residential settings. Standardized questionnaires are administered to parents of participating children. Individual blood and urine mercury concentrations are directly reported to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child, and to the child’s health care provider. Excess urine samples, routinely provided for other diagnostic purposes, are collected anonymously at the clinic to assess the potential for participation bias to influence the study results. A door-to-door pilot study to assess mercury exposure in children living in neighborhoods with Botanicas (stores selling items used for religious purposes, e.g., mercury) is also conducted. Urine samples (only) and questionnaire data are collected in the door-to-door study. Study blood and urine mercury levels are compared to levels found in previous studies and national assessments (background). Results: We compare the background levels of mercury to the mercury levels of children in all three study populations. Using the sampling results, we also assess whether mercury concentrations for the children can be predicted by parent-reported mercury exposures; are consistent with values reported for other pediatric populations; and are associated with demographic or environmental factors. Comparison of the anonymous residual urine sample results to those obtained with parental consent and interview allows an assessment of selection bias, potentially introduced through the consent process. Discussion: The data obtained by this study will be used to determine if mercury exposure above background is occurring in the study population. If so, then guidance on ways to reduce future exposure will be provided to parents and guardians. Community outreach and programs for monitoring childhood exposure to mercury will be developed depending upon study findings.
Published Version
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