Mercury Intake Research Articles

Public Health and Paediatric Risk Assessment of Aluminium, Arsenic and Mercury in Infant Formulas Marketed in Nigeria.

ObjectivesInfant formulas are useful alternatives to breast milk in many circumstances but may pose health risks to infants and children due to contamination by potentially toxic metals. This study aimed to determine the aluminium, arsenic and mercury concentrations and carry out an exposure health risk assessment in commonly consumed infant formulas in Nigeria.MethodsDifferent brands of both locally manufactured and imported infant formulas were purchased in March 2017 from stores in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Analysis of metals in the samples was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The health risk was assessed by comparing estimated daily intake of aluminium, arsenic and mercury with the provisional tolerable daily intake acceptable by the Joint Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).ResultsA total of 26 infant formulas were analysed. The levels of arsenic were higher in cereal-based formulas compared to milk-based formulas, but the difference was not significant (P >0.05). The intake levels of aluminium, arsenic and mercury in infant formulas were found to be 8.02–14.2%, 437.1–771% and 23.7–41.8% of the provisional tolerable daily intake JECFA threshold values, respectively.ConclusionCommonly consumed infant formulas in Nigeria may add to the body burden of arsenic in children.

Occurrence, distribution and estimated intake of mercury and selenium from sclerotia of the medicinal fungus Wolfiporia cocos from China

The contamination and distribution of mercury and selenium in the Chinese medicinal fungus Wolfiporia cocos was investigated. The sclerotial mercury concentrations ranged from 0.0043 to 0.027 mg kg1 dry biomass (db) in the inner white part and 0.019–0.074 mg kg−1 db in the shell (outer part), while selenium concentrations ranged from < 0.00048 to 0.0040 mg kg−1 db (white) and 0.0034–0.038 mg kg−1 db (shell). Positive correlations were found for mercury, as well as for mercury and selenium but they were not consistent for both morphological parts. Mercury concentrations exceeded selenium in 16 of 17 white part pools (molar quotient 0.53 to > 10) and in 11 of 17 shell pools (quotient 0.37 to 3.2). The estimated maximal exposure to mercury contained in sclerotial products based on 45 g per capita daily intake for a 60 kg individual over one week, was 0.000020 mg kg−1 body mass (bm; white) and 0.000055 mg kg−1 bm (shell) on a daily basis, and 0.00014 mg kg−1 bm (white) and 0.00039 mg kg−1 bm (shell) on a weekly basis. Relative to mercury, the corresponding intake rates of selenium were considered very low, i.e., they averaged on a daily basis at 0.00075 μg kg−1 bm (white) and 0.0097 μg kg−1 bm (shell) with maximum intake at 0.0030 μg kg−1 bm (white) and 0.028 μg kg−1 bm (shell).

The dietary intake of mercury from rice and human health risk in artisanal small-scale gold mining area, Indonesia

The dietary intake of mercury from rice and human health risk in artisanal small-scale gold mining area, Indonesia

Mercury concentration in shark meat from traditional markets of Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea.

BackgroundAlthough unusually high levels of blood mercury have been reported in the North Gyeongsang Province (Gyeongsangbuk-do), mercury contents from shark meat distributed in this region have not been assessed yet. Thus, this study aims to identify the hazard by evaluating the mercury contents of the shark meat sold in the traditional market of Gyeongsangbuk-do.MethodsThe shark meat in the form of muscle meat was obtained from 15 traditional markets of Gyeongsangbuk-do in the summer and winter of 2013. Out of 105 samples in total, 49 were collected in the summer and 56 in the winter. The total mercury concentration was measured by the combustion-gold amalgamation method using an automatic mercury analyzer (Milestone DMA-80, Milestone).ResultsThe average mercury concentration of shark meat was 2.29 ± 1.77 µg/g, ranging between 0.06–8.93 µg/g with a geometric mean of 1.44 µg/g, which is higher than those reported in many countries. The mercury concentration in 77 of 105 shark meat samples exceeded 1 µg/g. Mercury concentration ranged between 0.09–8.93 µg/g (geometric mean: 1.45) in the summer and 0.06–6.73 µg/g (geometric mean: 1.48) in the winter.ConclusionsShark meat sold in the market contained a substantial amount of mercury. This suggests that it is difficult to reduce mercury intake by simply strengthening the standard level of mercury concentration in shark meat. Therefore, it is need to communication and awareness programs with consumers about hazardous effects of mercury inherent in shark meat.

The association between mercury concentrations and lipid profiles in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3.

BackgroundHigh concentrations of mercury intake from seafood are known to cause various side effects in humans, including on the nervous system. Various studies have reported the effects of mercury concentrations in humans; however, the association between dyslipidemia, a cardiovascular disease risk factor, and mercury remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between mercury accumulation and cholesterol concentrations in a Korean population.MethodsWe analyzed data of a sample of 3,228 respondents obtained from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey cycle 3, surveyed between 2015 and 2017, to determine how lipid profiles changed according to the blood mercury concentrations (BHg) and urine mercury concentrations (UHg). Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effects of mercury concentrations among various factors affecting blood cholesterol levels.ResultsThe arithmetic mean (AM) of BHg was 2.91 (2.81–3.02) μg/L, and the geometric mean (GM) was 2.71 (2.59–2.85) μg/L. The AM of UHg was 0.52 (0.48–0.56) μg/L, and the GM was 0.35 (0.33–0.38) μg/L. Lipid profiles were more related to the BHg than to the UHg. Total cholesterol (total-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increased significantly as BHg increased in males, and total-C, triglyceride, and LDL-C levels increased significantly in females. Multiple regression analysis indicated that BHg were significantly associated with total-C, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels.ConclusionsWe found an association between mercury exposure and the risk of dyslipidemia; however, further studies are required to elucidate a causal association.

Determination of the Toxic Level of Dietary Mercury and Prediction of Mercury Intake and Tissue Mercury Concentrations in Broiler Chickens Using Feather Mercury Concentrations

SUMMARY The current experiment was conducted to determine the toxic level of dietary mercury (Hg) and to predict Hg intake and tissue Hg concentrations in broiler chickens from feather Hg concentrations. A total of 800 3-d-old broiler chickens (400 male and 400 female birds) were allotted to one of 80 battery cages in 2 × 5 factorial arrangements of sex and 5 concentrations of Hg in diets with 0, 50, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg. The mercury chloride was used to increase Hg concentrations in diets. Experiment lasted for 32 d. There were no interactions between sex and dietary treatments for all measurements. A greater than 250 mg/kg Hg had negative effects on broiler performance. The one-slope broken-line analysis with dietary Hg concentrations and BW gain revealed that a greater than 209 mg/kg Hg in diets was toxic to broiler chickens. Feather Hg concentrations were greater than liver and breast Hg concentrations across all treatments, indicating that the feather is the most responsive tissue to dietary Hg concentrations. Accordingly, the equations for predicting daily Hg intake and Hg concentrations in the liver and breast were generated from Hg concentrations in the feather. Resulting equations indicated that feather Hg concentrations are good predictors of both Hg intake and Hg concentrations in the liver and breast. In conclusion, the toxic level of Hg is near to 200 mg/kg in broiler diets. The Hg intake and Hg concentrations in the liver and breast can be precisely predicted from Hg concentrations in the feather.

Risk assessment of mercury and methyl mercury intake via sardine and swordfish consumption in Algeria

Total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in the flesh of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius) fished in three Algerian coasts were determined by a direct mercury analyzer (DMA). We also assessed the risk to which the consumer was exposed to by calculating the estimated daily intakes (EDIs), target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). The average concentrations of Hg and MeHg in the flesh of sardine were similar (0.04 mg/kg wet weight) and in swordfish were 0.61 mg/kg wet weight; 0.57 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. These concentrations have not surpassed the thresholds set by the Algerian and European regulations. The estimated daily intakes for Hg and MeHg were similar in sardine (0.0064 μg/kg/day) and were 0.098 μg/kg/day and 0.092 μg/kg/day for Hg and MeHg, respectively, in swordfish. These values did not exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI) calculated were &lt; 1. Consequently, consumption of these fishes does not pose any risk for the adult groups of the Algerian population regarding mercury, and methylmercury studied.

Heavy metal content of herbal health supplement products in Dubai \u2013 UAE: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundLead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic intoxication have been associated with the use of health supplement (HS) products. The aim of this study is to estimate the concentration of heavy metals in HS products that are on sale in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, premises and to compare estimated daily metal intake with regulatory standards.MethodsDubai-area premises selling HS products were identified by searching the Dubai Municipality database to identify all pharmacies, para-pharmacies and nutrition and healthcare shops. A total of 859 premises were identified in the Deira and Bur-Dubai areas. Data collection was performed between September 1 and December 12, 2016. During that period, all premises that had been identified within Dubai were visited and samples for laboratory testing were collected.ResultsA total of 200 HS products were tested for lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and arsenic. High proportion of samples were found to contain metals less than the limits of the detection (LOD) of the method. It was found that 93% of products contained Arsenic (As) < LOD, 94.5% of lead (Pb) < LOD, 100% of Cadmium (Cd) < LOD, 99% of Mercury (Hg) < LOD and 23.5% of Chromium (Cr) < LOD. Using the single imputation method to account for LOD, estimates for the average daily intake of lead was 0.88 μg compared to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 20 μg, daily intake of mercury was 0.09 μg (TDI = 20 μg), daily intake of cadmium was 0.83 μg (TDI = 6 μg) while for arsenic it was 0.92 μg compared to the tolerable daily intake of 10 μg. The average daily intake of chromium was 7.57 μg with no internationally established TDI. Assuming users followed the manufacturers’ instructions, daily intake of arsenic, lead and mercury would not exceed TDI for any of the 200 products. However, the daily intake of cadmium exceeded or approximated the TDI for three products.ConclusionsIn this study we found low levels of metals in the products that were available for sale in Dubai. With few exceptions, if the products were used according to the suppliers’ instructions, average daily intake of heavy metals will be well below the recommended tolerable daily intakes.

Dietary mercury intake and colorectal cancer risk: A case-control study.

The main source of mercury exposure is food such as fish and shellfish. Mercury is a growing concern due to its associations with a number of harmful health effects, including cancer. The objectives of this study were to examine the association between dietary mercury intake and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk and to determine whether this association differs by anatomical site and menopausal status. A case-control study was conducted with 2769 participants (923 cases and 1846 controls) in Korea. Dietary mercury intake and fish and shellfish consumption were assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. A high intake of dietary mercury was associated with an increased risk of CRC (in the group with lower fish and shellfish consumption; odds ratio (OR): 3.13; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.33, 4.71, in the group with higher fish and shellfish intake; OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 2.20, 7.30) after adjusting for all potential confounders by anatomic site in men. Among women, the results differed by fish and shellfish consumption and menopausal status. Regarding the amount of fish and shellfish intake, a positive association was found only in the group with lower intake (CRC; OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.36, 3.72, colon cancer; OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.22, 4.16, rectal cancer; OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.13, 4.57). In the stratified analysis by menopausal status, the elevated risk of CRC was still observed among both pre- and postmenopausal women depending on anatomical site, except for the colon cancer patients with premenopausal status. A high intake of mercury was associated with an elevated risk of overall CRC. Future large-scale prospective cohort studies are recommended to investigate the causal effects of dietary mercury intake by fish and shellfish consumption on CRC risk depending on anatomical site and menopausal status.

Dietary intake of arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead by the population of Catalonia, Spain: Analysis of the temporal trend

In 2017, a monitoring study was conducted in Catalonia (Spain) to analyse, in widely consumed foodstuffs, the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb), as well as those of inorganic As (InAs) and methylmercury (MeHg). Health risks were estimated for various population groups, classified according to age. A continued reduction of dietary exposure to these elements was observed when comparing the results from the current and previous studies performed during the last 17 years. This reduction would be associated to a decrease of As, Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations in food, as well as by changes in dietary habits. None of the adult groups exceeded the safety threshold established by the EFSA, but toddlers, infants and children exceeded the PTWI for Cd and MeHg. The greatest intake of Cd and MeHg corresponded to infants, being due to the consumption of cuttlefish and hake. The consumption of these species should be reduced to two or three weekly portions, being combined with the intake of other non-predator species. Anyhow, the current results indicate that is necessary to conduct further periodical surveys, paying special attention to the trend in the intake of Cd and MeHg.

Mercury and Po-210 in mollusc species in the island of Gökçeada in the north-eastern Aegean Sea: Bioaccumulation and risk assessment for human consumers

Among the radioactive pollutants 210Po is the most substantial one in terms of seafood safety due to its efficient accumulation in marine animals and high irradiation of its alpha emission. Mercury is a highly toxic metal for both marine organisms and human beings. Biomagnification of MeHg (methylmercury) through marine food chains has made Hg concern of ecotoxicology and seafood safety. In the current study, the bioaccumulation of 210Po and THg (total mercury) were determined in 20 mollusc species, including 8 bivalves, 7 gastropods and 5 cephalopods collected from the island of Gökçeada in the north-eastern Aegean Sea. The highest accumulation of 210Po and Hg was seen in bivalves and cephalopods, respectively. Elevated Hg concentrations in all body parts (arms, mantle and viscera) were observed in octopus’ species. The results of this study suggests that filter feeder bivalves and gastropods have a capacity to concentrate 210Po in their bodies, whereas predator gastropods and cephalopods have a capacity to concentrate Hg in their bodies. 7.0 kg (3.2–14.2) bivalve flesh intake is adequate due to 210Po ingestion in the studied region to reach 1 mSv which is the annual committed effective dose. Octopus consumption of 705 g in a week alone is needed to reach Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) of mercury, 5 μg kg−1 body weight. Due to very low non-fish seafood consumption in Turkey there is no risk of Hg intake and alpha radiation of 210Po above the limit values through mollusc consumption.

Food Intake and Blood Levels of Mercury, Lead, and Cadmium Among Healthy Reproductive Aged Women (P18-024-19)

ObjectivesExposure to toxic metals mostly occurs via contaminated food intake. Though toxic metals adversely affect reproductive health, common food sources among reproductive aged women are less understood. We addressed this gap among healthy premenopausal women, residing in western New York, 2005–2007. MethodsWomen enrolled in the BioCycle Study (n = 249, mean age 27.4 years and body mass index [BMI] 24.1 kg/m2) completed a baseline food frequency questionnaire and provided blood samples to measure levels of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). We used linear regression to examine associations between food intake and log-transformed toxic metals, adjusted for age, BMI, race, smoking, physical activity, and intakes of total energy, protein, fat, and fiber. Models were adjusted for false discovery rate. ResultsTotal fish intake ≥ 1 serving per day was associated with 54.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 36.1, 75.9) higher Hg levels, compared to <1 serving. Specific fish intakes (i.e., canned tuna, fried fish, shellfish, white fish, and dark fish) were also associated with higher Hg levels. Though total meat intakes were not associated with Hg, intakes of lunch meat (28.1%), beef, pork, and lamb (21.0%), and chicken and turkey (43.5%) were associated with higher Hg levels, compared to no intake. Intakes of specific vegetables, including red pepper (17.4%), green beans (20.1%), summer (24.7%) and winter squash (19.3%), and garlic (18.5%) were associated with higher Hg. Total fruit intake ≥ 1 serving per day was also positively associated with Hg (18.7%, 95% CI 4.8, 34.5), compared to <1 serving, particularly with bananas (21.6%, >0 versus no intake). Compared to no intake, green pepper (11.8%) and cauliflower (9.9%) were positively associated with Pb, whereas apples were inversely associated with Pb (−14.6%). No associations were found between food intakes and Cd in our data. ConclusionsWe found that intakes of certain foods are related to a higher blood level of toxic metals among reproductive aged women with metals level typical of the US population. Given the nutritional values of these food items, further research on food preparations (e.g., washing, packing) to reduce toxic metals exposure is needed. Funding SourcesIntramural Research Program, DIPHR, NICHD.

Regional Aspects of Assessing Dietary Effect of Mercury on Vulnerable Populations

Analysis of mercury (Hg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) intake with the diet of children aged 3-6 years old from the city of Kazan was carried out. Meat and meat products, poultry, eggs (36.86 % and 28.84 % correspondingly), cereals and bakery goods (18.45 % and 42.74 % correspondingly), fish, non-finfish (28.79 % and 19.80 %) contributed most to Hg exposure at the median and the 95th perc levels. The value of exposure to MeHg in children at the median (0.1 μg / kg of body weight per week) and the 95th perc (0.33 μg / kg of body weight per week) levels did not exceed the recommendations of USEPA and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to Hg with the main food groups at the median and the 95th perc levels was acceptable (HQ<1). Non-carcinogenic risk in children on MeHg intake at the level of the 95th perc made 2.29, that fact being unacceptable (HQ >1) and indicating the risk of neuropsychological disorders for younger children from the city of Kazan due to fish and seafood consumption.

DISTRIBUTION OF MERCURY IN NATURAL AND URBAN ENVIRONMENTS OF KARELIA, NORTHWEST RUSSIA

Purpose. We studied accumulation of mercury in the main natural and urban environments of Karelia, Northwest Russia, and assessed potential sources of mercury in a human body. Methods. A total of 200 samples of soil, vegetation, water, surface water, sediments and fish were collected. An analysis of samples was carried out by cold steam atomic absorption method. Diagrams of mercury distribution in soil, birch leaves and lichens were created. Data on fish consumption by the population of Petrozavodsk and Medvezhyegorsk are studied. The concentration of mercury in fish muscles most consumed in Petrozavodsk and Medvezhyegorsk was estimated. Results. Levels of mercury accumulation in soil and vegetation in the studied settings do not exceed the standards adopted in Russia. The same was observed for mercury concentration in water and sediments. Calculation of mercury intake showed that there is a 3-fold difference in the annual intake of mercury in the human body due to differences in the structure of fish consumption in these cities. Summary. External factors do not lead to higher concentrations of mercury in the main natural and urban environments of Karelia. High concentration of mercury in biological samples of pregnant women in the Medvezhyegorsk district is due to the peculiarities of the diet of the local population - the predominance in the diet of freshwater fish (pike, perch, pike perch) caught directly in the Onega lake.

Bioaccessibility and Health Risk of Mercury in Rice of Nonmercury Contaminated Sites Using an In Vitro Method

Abstract Mercury (Hg) intake through rice has been proved as the main pathway for Hg exposure to inland Chinese residents. To evaluate the risk of Hg exposure through rice consumption, 49 rice samp...

Estimated exposure to mercury from fish consumption among women anglers of childbearing age in the Great Lakes region

Women of childbearing age (WCBA) are advised by state, tribal, and federal agencies to limit their consumption of certain fish, in part, because of concerns about the ingestion of methylmercury and its impact on the development of fetuses. We studied the fish-eating habits of WCBA who had a fishing license and lived near the Great Lakes, where mercury in locally-caught fish is a concern, as these women were likely at greater risk of elevated mercury exposure than the general population. We used a web-based diary method to gather fish consumption data from WCBA anglers over a 4-month period in the summer of 2014. We estimated mercury intake based on reported mercury content of species consumed, frequency of consumption, and meal portion size, and calculated percent exceeding the USEPA reference dose (RfD). Based on these calculations, we estimated that study participants (n = 1395) ingested 0.031 ± 0.002 (95% CI) ug/kg/d of methylmercury (arithmetic mean). We also found that 3.4% of study participants exceeded the RfD when we averaged estimated intake over the 4-month study period. While most (82%) of the fish meals WCBA anglers ate were purchased fish meals generally low in mercury, study participants ingested a disproportionate amount of mercury from locally-caught fish meals (18% of meals contributed 37% of mercury intake). We estimated 11% of WCBA anglers who did not follow state and federal guidelines in effect at the time of our study exceeded the mercury RfD, whereas fewer than 1% of WCBA anglers who followed the guidelines exceeded the RfD. These findings highlight the importance of encouraging WCBA to follow guidelines from agencies for locally-caught fish, in combination with guidelines for purchased fish.

Occupational Exposure to Mercury in Dental Professionals Performing Mercury Dental Amalgam Restoration Removal Procedures: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Air Quality Risk Assessment Model Supported by In-Vitro Results

Aim: To quantify risks associated with exposure to dental amalgam mercury resulting from aerosolization during and following dental fillings removal procedures performed by dental professional over a lifetime of professional practice. Methods: A computational fluid dynamics model was generated using particle size, density, and compositional data obtained from in-vitro aerosolization experiments simulating the environment and breathing conditions of a dental professional performing a dental amalgam restoration removal procedure. Analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry. Data was collected in 2018-2019. Results: Experiments reveal that approximately 58% of mercury contained within the amalgam material is vaporized during removal procedures, and that aerosolized particles, ranging in size from 0.85 to 570 microns, may remain in suspension for nearly two minutes in the area surrounding the working surface. For dental professionals performing on average 9 such restorations per week, the estimated chronic daily intake (CDI) of mercury is 49 micrograms/kilogram-day, which exceed – by more than 20 times – the CDI recommended by the World Health Organization. Data analysis was performed in 2019. Conclusion: Because the CDI exceed recommended safe exposure limits, dental professionals should wear respiratory and personal protective equipment to protect them from exposure to both mercury vapour and mercury-containing particulates for at least two minutes following removal procedures.

Behavioural and brain biomarker responses in yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis) after inorganic mercury ingestion

To assess the effects of inorganic mercury ingestion on fish general behaviour and brain biochemical markers (acetylcholinesterase – AChE; lipid peroxidation – LPO; glutathione S-transferase – GST; catalase – CAT), juvenile yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis) were fed mercury dosed food (low = 0.7 mg kg−1, medium = 2.4 mg kg−1 and high = 6 mg kg−1) or undosed food (control = 0.2 mg kg−1) for up to 16 days (5 replicates per treatment). Behavioural indicators, LPO levels and GST activity significantly changed overtime, but were not affected by mercury concentration. In contrast, CAT activity was higher in exposed fish in comparison to controls after 4 days, but not after 8 and 16 days. An additional depuration treatment was evaluated and fish from this treatment were less active and had significantly lower LPO levels and CAT activity than fish constantly exposed to the medium treatment. Overall, results from the present study indicate that a diet containing inorganic mercury impaired yellowfin bream growth and initially affected fish brain CAT activity, however fish were able to recover even with continuous exposure.

Ultra-trace determination of total mercury in Italian bottled waters

Mercury (Hg) is a widespread, highly toxic persistent pollutant with adverse health effects on humans. So far, concentrations below the method detection limit have always been reported by studies on the concentration of mercury in bottled water when determined using instrumental analytical methods. These are often very expensive and are unaffordable for many laboratories. In this work, a less expensive method based on cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry has been employed to determine total mercury (HgT) concentrations in bottled natural mineral waters. In all, 255 waters representing 164 different typologies were analysed. They came from 136 springs located in 18 Italian regions. In all samples, HgT concentrations were found in the range of sub-nanogram to a few nanograms per litre, well below the National and European regulatory limit (1 μg L−1). Differences in HgT concentrations were related not only to the environmental characteristics of the springs but also to the extent and impact of human activities. Higher concentrations were found in waters coming from regions with former mining and/or natural thermal and volcanic activity. These data allowed us to estimate the mercury intake by population (adults, children and toddlers) from drinkable mineral waters consumption. The mean mercury daily intake was found to be remarkably lower, not only than the provisional tolerable value (1 μg L−1 according to European and Italian legislation) but also than the estimated provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) value (4 μg kg−1 body weight) recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).

Fish Intake, Circulating Mercury and Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients.

Marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are inversely associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Recommendations to increase marine-derived n-3 PUFAs by increasing fish intake may have a drawback in concomitant stimulation of mercury intake, which could lead to higher circulating mercury concentrations and mitigation of otherwise beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs. We aimed to monitor circulating mercury concentrations, and to prospectively evaluate whether it counteracts the potential association between fish intake and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in a cohort of RTRs (n = 604, 53 ± 13 years-old, 57% men) with long-term follow-up (median of 5.4 years; 121 deaths). Circulating mercury concentration (median 0.30 (IQR 0.14–0.63) µg/L) positively associated with fish intake (std. β = 0.21, p < 0.001). Multivariable-adjusted Cox-proportional hazards regression analyses showed that prior to, and after additional adjustment for circulating mercury concentrations, fish intake was inversely associated with both cardiovascular (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58–0.96; and, HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58–0.97, respectively) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72–0.97; and, HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74–0.99, respectively). Secondary analyses accounting for marine-derived n-3 PUFAs intake revealed associations of similar magnitude. In conclusion, we found no evidence of a counteracting effect conferred by circulating mercury concentrations on the associations between fish and marine-derived n-3 PUFAs intake and the risks of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in RTRs.