Association of Blood Mercury Levels with the Risks of Overweight and High Waist-to-Height Raito in Children and Adolescents: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

A previous study in adults demonstrated the substantial role of mercury exposure in the development of overweight and obesity. Although children and adolescents are more susceptible to the toxic effects of mercury than adults, studies on the association of overweight and obesity with mercury exposure is limited. This study aimed to investigate the association of blood mercury levels with the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as obesity indices in Korean children and adolescents. The analyzed cross-sectional data were obtained from 1327 participants (age: 10–18 years; 672 male and 655 female) who completed the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2013. The covariates included sociodemographic factors (age, sex, and household income), dietary factors (fish, shellfish, and seaweed consumption), lifestyle factors (alcohol consumption, smoking status, and exercise), and blood hematocrit levels. The adjusted geometric mean blood mercury level was 2.19 µg/L, and the level of mercury was significantly higher in the overweight (BMI ≥ 85th gender and age-specific percentiles) and high WHtR (cutoff: ≥0.5) groups than in the normal group. In all the participants, the blood mercury levels were significantly positively associated with the BMI and WHtR after adjusting for all covariates (p < 0.05). All the participants in the highest blood mercury level quartile were at a higher risk for overweight and a high WHtR than those in the lowest quartile after adjusting for all covariates (p < 0.05). Our study suggests a significant association between mercury exposure and the risks of overweight and high WHtR in Korean children and adolescents.

Health effects of selected trace elements in hairdressing cosmetics on hairdressers in Enugu, Nigeria

Could trace elements in hairdressing cosmetics prove carcinogenic to hairdressers, who use them regularly as raw materials in hairdressing business? The toxic effects of selected trace elements contained in hairdressing cosmetics on hairdressers were investigated by regressing the quality of life values for hairdressers with their blood/urine levels of the toxic metals A hundred subjects were randomly drawn from a cluster of hairdressers. Blood lead level, 17.47 ± 4.59 µg/dL, confirmed that the hairdressers were regularly exposed to lead. Mean blood mercury level, 25.06 ± 4.11 ng/dL, was above the normal blood mercury concentration of less than 10–20 ng/mL. Mean blood cadmium level, 3.64 ± 1.87 µg/dL, was within the normal range, < 5.0 µg/dL. Mean urine arsenic level, 96.16 ± 38.34 µg/L, was above normal range, ≤ 50 μg/dL, but within high normal range, > 50 to < 200 μg/dL. Blood nickel level, 0.49 ± 0.20 µg/dL, was above both the healthy range, 0.14–0.65 µg/dL, and the most reliable value of 0.2 µg/dL. Negative correlations existed between the quality of life and levels for lead (R = − .017), mercury (R = − .008), arsenic (R = − .072) and nickel (R = − .168), but there was positive correlation with cadmium level (R = .123). At 0.096, the probability value (p value) for nickel was significant at 10%. P value as insignificant at 1%, 5% and 10% for lead (0.868), mercury (0.940), cadmium (0.224) and arsenic (0.475). Therefore, Ni contained in hairdressing cosmetics might have carcinogenic effects that affected the quality of life of hairdressers, unlike other trace elements tested, namely, lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Further research with the tumor markers assessment is recommended to confirm the carcinogenic effect of Ni.

Quantitative Estimation of the Hydroquinone, Mercury and Total Plate Count in Skin-Lightening Creams

Generally white color of the skin is regarded as a feature of superiority and prettiness around the world. Both the males and females in Pakistan apply skin-lightening creams (SLC) but they do not know about the side-effects of their constituents. Skin-lightening products include SLC and related ointments. The SLC are made by mixing fates and water in standard procedure. Here, 20 SLC specimens were obtained and subjected to mercury, hydroquinone and the total plate count (TPC). The hydroquinone in SLC was determined using HPLC, mercury level was assessed by ICP OES and finally TPC were computing by utilizing nutrient media (Agar). The hydroquinone in SLC ranged from 0 to 7.14 ± 0.18% with a median value of 0.33%. In 25% of the studied samples, hydroquinone was not detected, 70% of the samples showed values within the limit and 5% of the samples (1 sample) had a hydroquinone concentration above the permissible limit defined by Pakistan (5%). The mercury ranged 0-7.7 ppm, with a median value of 2.5 ppm. Mercury was detected in 95% of the samples; thus, only 5% of the samples had no mercury. In turn, 20% had mercury within the limit value while 75% of the samples had concentration above the Pakistan standard limit (1 ppm). Moreover, TPC obtained in this study was less than the allowable value set according to European Union (EU). Hence, the SLC samples showed high concentration of toxic constituents which could cause deleterious skin diseases. Government must monitor such kind of cosmetic products regularly in order to reduce the danger.

Methylmercury bioaccumulation in sport fish and the relation to human exposure

A long-lasting contaminant, methylmercury (MeHg), builds up in human bodies over a lifetime. Regularly eating contaminated fish may accumulate mercury to an amount that raises health concerns, especially for children and babies. Methylmercury is found throughout the parts of the fish that are eaten; cleaning or cooking methods cannot effectively reduce mercury exposure. The main focus of this thesis concerns the fish contamination in Lake Ontario and to conserve health from eating contaminated sport fish. Although mercury (Hg) is tightly regulated, mercury levels in fish still gradually increase throughout their life spans. Through the field data provided by the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE), greater amounts of methylmercury are found in older fish and predatory fish that eat other fish as part of their diet. A bioenergetics computer program, called Generic Bioaccumulation Model (BGM) (Luk, 1996), simulating the bioaccumulation of Hg in fish was applied to provide a good estimation of mercury levels for different species. It is an excellent tool in predicting the trends and magnitude of mercury levels among six sport fish in Lake Ontario. In addition, an estimation of human mercury consumption from fish was also developed. In most of the fish species, there is minimal risk to humans when eating fish less than two times a week. The species Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and its quality and quantity are of greatest concern, since it exhibits the highest mercury level among the six sport fish species.

Methylmercury bioaccumulation in sport fish and the relation to human exposure

A long-lasting contaminant, methylmercury (MeHg), builds up in human bodies over a lifetime. Regularly eating contaminated fish may accumulate mercury to an amount that raises health concerns, especially for children and babies. Methylmercury is found throughout the parts of the fish that are eaten; cleaning or cooking methods cannot effectively reduce mercury exposure. The main focus of this thesis concerns the fish contamination in Lake Ontario and to conserve health from eating contaminated sport fish. Although mercury (Hg) is tightly regulated, mercury levels in fish still gradually increase throughout their life spans. Through the field data provided by the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE), greater amounts of methylmercury are found in older fish and predatory fish that eat other fish as part of their diet. A bioenergetics computer program, called Generic Bioaccumulation Model (BGM) (Luk, 1996), simulating the bioaccumulation of Hg in fish was applied to provide a good estimation of mercury levels for different species. It is an excellent tool in predicting the trends and magnitude of mercury levels among six sport fish in Lake Ontario. In addition, an estimation of human mercury consumption from fish was also developed. In most of the fish species, there is minimal risk to humans when eating fish less than two times a week. The species Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and its quality and quantity are of greatest concern, since it exhibits the highest mercury level among the six sport fish species.

MO894EVALUATIONS OF TOXIC HEAVY METALS LEAD AND MERCURY IN REGULAR HEMODIALYSIS SMOKER AND NONSMOKER PATIENTS BY COMPARISON WITH OTHER HEALTHY CONTROL SUBJECTS IN EGYPTIAN POPULATION

Background and Aims Around worldwide population, 10% are affected by chronic kidney diseases (CKD); hemodialysis is the common choice of renal replacement therapy. Cigarette smokers have higher Lead level than non-smoker population. As Tobacco leaves are grown on polluted soil, it is proven that Mercury poisoning depends on dose and duration of exposure. Aim of the study was to determine two important toxic heavy metals elements Lead and Mercury concentrations in regular hemodialysis patients smoker and non-smoker by comparison with normal subjects and its correlation to anemia. Method Blood samples were collected from CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis for more than 6 months divided into non-smoker and smoker to be compared with samples from a control group of non-CKD, non-smoker persons. This study was conducted in September 2019 in Al Mokattam Insurance Hospital – Cairo and involved 60 persons of both sex. They were divided into 3 groups: CKD stage 5 patients on hemodialysis 40 patients and sub-divided into 2 groups; (smoker) 20 patients and (non-smoker) 20 patients and the history of eating fish and seafood was taken. The third group was a control group included 20 healthy non-smoker participants. Lead and Mercury were analyzed by electro thermal atomic absorption spectrophotometer in Al Borg central Laboratory. The complete blood count (CBC), kidney function tests and Iron parameters were also detected. Results duration on hemodialysis did not raise Lead or Mercury level in blood, while smoking raises Lead level in blood, and eating fish and sea food more than once per week increased Mercury level in blood. There was a relation between raised Lead level and anaemia in hemodialysis patients. Conclusion Lead Prolonged and Mercury measurement is important in hemodialysis patients with possible symptoms of heavy metal toxicity. Lead level monitoring is recommended in resistant anemia in hemodialysis patients.

Assessing the Environmental and Health Adverse Effects of Mercury Released From Dental Amalgam: A Literature Review

This paper reviews the most available data on the possible adverse effects of mercury released from amalgam that comprises 50% pure mercury, 35% silver, 12-13 % tin, 2% copper, and up to 1% zinc, indium, platinum, and palladium. Despite the possible health risks of mercury from amalgam on the nervous, respiratory, renal, and endocrine systems, it is used in some countries; however, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, the United States, and Japan have long banned the use of amalgam. Amalgam restorations are one of the main mercury-releasing sources (1800-2700 tons per year) of contamination. During chewing, grinding, brushing of teeth, breaking down of amalgam, and as the temperature of the oral environment increases, mercury vapor will be released. The mercury vapor enters the atmosphere, wastewater in dental offices, all systemic organs, especially the lower respiratory tract and can affect the renal-urinary system or enters breast milk, fetus, and finally, transmits to infants. The mercury level released from amalgam in blood, urine, hair, and nail of large populations of dentists, dental assistants, and pregnant women is higher than the safe levels. The main neurological and psychological effects of mercury vapor are sleep disorders, amnesia, mental disorders, hair loss, memory disturbances, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, kidney diseases, gene toxicity, Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, skin allergies, cancer, infertility, low birth weight, and heart diseases. In order to avoid further amalgam risks to the dentists, dental assistants, pregnant women, and wildlife ecosystem, it is suggested to replace the dental amalgam with composite resins.

Influence of Mercury Exposure During Pregnancy to Neurodevelopmental Disorder: A Systematic Review Protocol

Background: The general population might expose to Hg through various pathways. Prenatal or postnatal exposure to mercury might affect the fetus's neurodevelopment and then further affect the growth and development of the children. There are many reports on mercury exposure, but systematic reviews to conclude the result are still limited, particularly concerning pregnancy. Previous studies focus on one exposure path to Hg and biomarker. The objective is to systematically summarize the relevant records from systematic studies on the relationship between the exposure pattern during pregnancy to pregnant women's Hg concentration and neurodevelopmental disorder that occurred in the children.Method: We will search online databases (Google Schoolar, PUBMED, Sciencedirect, Proquest, Web of Science, Springerlink, DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) and EBSCO MEDLINE) and reference lists of included articles. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts and select the research involving pregnant women with mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorder fetus or children. These reviewers will also independently extract and manage the obtained data using a data extraction form that will cover information on characteristic, exposure, and outcomes. Meta-analysis will also be applied when homogeneous group of studies found.Discussion: This study will describe the available epidemiological evidence and summarise prevalence and incidence rates of mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental disorder. Mean difference of mercury level will be also presented. A better understanding of the relationship between mercury exposure and any neurodevelopmental disorder form will be helpful in the development of guidelines for mercury exposure management.Systematic review registration: It has been submitted to PROSPERO on February, 10th 2021.

Blood Mercury Levels in Relation to Overweight in Korean Children and Adolescents: Results From The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2013

Background: Previous researches for adults have demonstrated a substantial role of mercury exposure in the development of overweight and obesity development, but those findings are inconsistent. Although children and adolescents are more susceptible to the toxic effect of mercury compared to adults, the research of overweight and obesity related to mercury exposure in children and adolescent is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association of blood mercury levels with body mass index (BMI) in Korean children and adolescents.Methods: The cross-sectional data analyzed were obtained from 1327 participants (age: 10-18 years, 672 males and 655 females) who completed the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2013. The adjusted covariates were age, sex, household income, total intake of seafood in the previous 24 hours, and current status of alcohol consumption and smoking. Results: The adjusted geometric mean blood mercury level was 2.19 µg/L and increased significantly in the overweight group and the highest seafood consumption quartile compared with the level in the normal weight group and lowest seafood consumption quartile, respectively (P < 0.001). The adjusted blood mercury levels were significantly positively correlated with BMI in all participants and females (P < 0.05). When stratified by age and sex, all participants and males in the highest blood mercury level quartile were at higher risk of overweight than those in the lowest quartile (odds ratios [95% confidential intervals, CIs]: 1.78 [1.06-2.98], and 2.06 [1.01-4.23], respectively) after adjusting for the covariates (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of blood mercury levels for predicting overweight revealed that the area under the curve was 0.603 (P < 0.001).Conclusions: Our study suggested a significant association between mercury exposure and the risk of overweight in Korean children and adolescents.