Health risk associated to dietary intake of mercury in selected coastal areas of Mexico.

A hazard quotient (HQ) was evaluated for Mexican population considering Hg levels and consumption rates. Fish and shrimp were caught in selected coastal areas. HQ's ranged from 0.004 to 0.01 in shrimp; from 0.004 to 1.04 in fish from NW Mexico; and from 0.02 to 0.19 in fish from the Gulf of Mexico. Highest HQ in fish were found in carnivorous fish Caranx caninus (HQ = 0.71) and Sphyrna lewini (HQ = 1.04) from NW Mexico. A more accurate study should be made considering organic Hg, contribution of Hg from other sources, and consumption rates according to age, sex and economic status.