Mercury contamination in humans in Upper Maroni, French Guiana between 2004 and 2009

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2012 Feb;88(2):135-9. doi: 10.1007/s00128-011-0497-3. Epub 2011 Dec 7.

Abstract

We measured hair mercury concentration in Amerindians between 2004 and 2009 in Upper Maroni, French Guiana. Hair samples were collected from 387 residents (males: 153, females: 234). Average hair mercury concentration was high (males: 9.4 ppm, females: 9.9 ppm). We examined fish consumption by 37 residents. There was a significant correlation between hair mercury concentration and fish consumption. We also measured mercury concentration in polluted fish in upper reaches of the Maroni River. Muscle mercury concentrations were high in the fish. These results indicate that current high hair mercury concentrations in Amerindians remain linked to fish consumption.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diet / statistics & numerical data
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Fishes / metabolism
  • French Guiana
  • Hair / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mercury / analysis
  • Mercury / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mining / statistics & numerical data
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism*
  • Water Pollution, Chemical / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Mercury