Andrea 't Mannetje1, Jonathan Coakley2, Jeroen Douwes2. 1. Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand. a.mannetje@massey.ac.nz. 2. Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mercury is a widespread persistent environmental pollutant associated with adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE: This first national biomonitoring survey of blood total mercury (tHg) conducted in New Zealand aimed to provide baseline data and identify exposure determinants. METHODS: Blood was collected from 191 children (age 5-18 years) and 304 adults (20-65) in 2014-2016 and analysed for tHg using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Linear regression was used to assess associations with demographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: Blood mercury was detected in 93% of children and 99% of adults, with geometric means (GMs) of 0.86 and 1.65 µg/L, respectively. The 60-65-year olds had the highest GM (2.34 µg/L). Regression indicated that tHg was 40% higher in boys compared to girls. Eating fish ≥ 3 times/week (compared to ≤once/week) was associated with 2.7 and 1.7 times higher tHg in children and adults, respectively. Shellfish consumption was also associated with higher tHg. High daily tap water consumption (≥2 L for children, ≥3 L for adults) was associated with lower tHg. In adults, smoking and milk consumption were associated with higher tHg. SIGNIFICANCE: Fish and shellfish consumption is a strong determinant of New Zealanders blood tHg levels, with water and milk consumption possibly acting as modulating factors.
BACKGROUND:Mercury is a widespread persistent environmental pollutant associated with adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE: This first national biomonitoring survey of blood total mercury (tHg) conducted in New Zealand aimed to provide baseline data and identify exposure determinants. METHODS: Blood was collected from 191 children (age 5-18 years) and 304 adults (20-65) in 2014-2016 and analysed for tHg using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Linear regression was used to assess associations with demographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: Blood mercury was detected in 93% of children and 99% of adults, with geometric means (GMs) of 0.86 and 1.65 µg/L, respectively. The 60-65-year olds had the highest GM (2.34 µg/L). Regression indicated that tHg was 40% higher in boys compared to girls. Eating fish ≥ 3 times/week (compared to ≤once/week) was associated with 2.7 and 1.7 times higher tHg in children and adults, respectively. Shellfish consumption was also associated with higher tHg. High daily tap water consumption (≥2 L for children, ≥3 L for adults) was associated with lower tHg. In adults, smoking and milk consumption were associated with higher tHg. SIGNIFICANCE: Fish and shellfish consumption is a strong determinant of New Zealanders blood tHg levels, with water and milk consumption possibly acting as modulating factors.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adults; Blood; Children; Determinants; Total mercury
Authors: Nadine Steckling; Myriam Tobollik; Dietrich Plass; Claudia Hornberg; Bret Ericson; Richard Fuller; Stephan Bose-O'Reilly Journal: Ann Glob Health Date: 2017 Mar - Apr Impact factor: 2.462
Authors: Ruth E Hoffmeyer; Satya P Singh; Christian J Doonan; Andrew R S Ross; Richard J Hughes; Ingrid J Pickering; Graham N George Journal: Chem Res Toxicol Date: 2006-06 Impact factor: 3.739
Authors: Niladri Basu; Milena Horvat; David C Evers; Irina Zastenskaya; Pál Weihe; Joanna Tempowski Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2018-10 Impact factor: 9.031