Mercury in human hair: uncertainties in the meaning and significance of «unexposed» and «exposed» in sample populations

The hair Hg content of several resident groups in Hawaii and of residents in Rotorua, New Zealand was analyzed. The results of analysis were examined on terms of sex, exposure time and ethnic affiliation, and compared with published data, 1965-82, from a diversity of national groups and sources of H...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water, air, and soil pollution air, and soil pollution, 1985-10, Vol.26 (2), p.191-199
Main Authors: SIEGEL, B. Z, SIEGEL, S. M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Epidemiology
General aspects
Medical sciences
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
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Summary:The hair Hg content of several resident groups in Hawaii and of residents in Rotorua, New Zealand was analyzed. The results of analysis were examined on terms of sex, exposure time and ethnic affiliation, and compared with published data, 1965-82, from a diversity of national groups and sources of Hg exposure. Statistically significant discrepancies in alleged baseline Hg concentrations in reported "non-exposed" groups were discovered. Limits on the direct interpretation of "exposure" as a reflection of body burden are proposed. Supporting data for direct uptake of Hg-vapor into hair are presented.
ISSN:0049-6979
1573-2932
DOI:10.1007/BF00292069