Influence of socio-demographic and diet determinants on the levels of mercury in preschool children from a Mediterranean island

Mercury levels measured in 302 hair samples of 4 year-old children from Menorca (western Mediterranean Sea) are reported. Their concentrations, arithmetic mean 1.4 μg/g, ranging between 0.040 μg/g and 10 μg/g, were higher than in other children inland populations but lower than in previously studied island cohorts, e.g. Faroe, Madeira and Seychelles. 20% of the samples were above the WHO recommended values. Higher concentrations in females than males were observed. Frequent consumption of fish and other seafood were significantly related to the observed mercury concentrations. Oily fish was the main source of this pollutant but shellfish and squid consumption were also associated with high mercury concentrations. Maternal smoking, occupational status or previous siblings were also found to significantly influence the levels of this pollutant. McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities used to assess children's motor and cognitive abilities did not show association with mercury concentrations at 4 years of age.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Garí, Mercè, Grimalt, Joan O., Torrent, Maties, Sunyer, Jordi
Other Authors: European Research Council
Format: artículo biblioteca
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2013-11
Subjects:Sexual differences, Childhood and Environment research network, Fish and shellfish consumption, Mercury, Neurodevelopment, Parity, Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development,
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/353603
http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000781
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84882749431
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