Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring element that has metallic, inorganic and organic forms, each with their own implications for human health. Exposure to mercury primarily occurs by inhalation of metallic mercury vapors and by dietary intake of organic mercury. Early health effects are often not well detected. Therefore, determination of the internal dose is a valuable approach in primary prevention. With this review, we aim to give an overview of the different human biological monitoring (HBM) approaches for short- and long-term exposure to different chemical forms of mercury. We performed a literature search in PubMed using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms as well as free text words. From 417 reviews found, we selected 8 reviews. In addition, online information from national and international health authorities was used. The format of the biological application datasheets from the BIOMONECS project was used to provide an overview of the different biological media for HBM of mercury and methyl mercury. Recent exposure to metallic mercury can be assessed by blood sampling within 24 h after exposure. If children are involved, breath sampling can be considered as a less invasive alternative. Urinary mercury levels mainly reflect long-term inhalation exposure to elemental mercury vapors and divalent mercury. Mercury in blood and hair reflects mid- and long-term exposure to methyl mercury, whereas analysis of a hair segment close to the scalp indicates recent exposure. A flow chart was developed to support the selection of the most suitable HBM approach. For each of the different biological matrices, we provided an overview of advantages and limitations. Depending on the source and duration of exposure, blood, exhaled air, urine or hair can be used for mercury exposure assessment.
Highlights
We used the format of the biological monitoring application datasheets (BADS) originally developed during the EU/FP7 BIOMONECS project to provide an overview of the different biological media for human biological monitoring (HBM) of Hg and MeHg [23]
The duration of exposure has implications for the time window for collection of biological materials, e.g., blood or exhaled breath are associated with the fast elimination half-life of Hg0 from the circulation and are most useful when collected within 24 h following exposure [24]
Cord blood Hg levels are higher than maternal blood levels, due to an active transport system, and cord blood THg is a better biomarker to study fetal exposure
Summary
Mercury (Hydrargyrium = Hg) is highly toxic to humans and the environment and poses a particular threat to the development of fetuses and young children [1,2]. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) started supporting an intergovernmental negotiating committee in drawing up a global mercury treaty. This resulted in the Minamata Convention on Mercury which was adopted in 2013. The main purpose of this convention is to protect human health and the environment from the anthropogenic emissions of Hg and Hg compounds. Hg is still being used globally it is considered as one of the top ten chemicals or group of chemicals of major public health concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) [4]
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