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Mercury in human hair: Uncertainties in the meaning and significance of ‘unexposed’ and ‘exposed’ in sample populations

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Abstract

The hair Hg content of several resident groups in Hawaii and of residents in Rotorua, New Zealand was analyzed. The results of analysis were examined on terms of sex, exposure time and ethnic affiliation, and compared with published data, 1965–82, from a diversity of national groups and sources of Hg exposure. Statistically significant discrepancies in alleged baseline Hg concentrations in reported ‘non-exposed’ groups were discovered. Limits on the direct interpretation of ‘exposure’ as a reflection of body burden are proposed. Supporting data for direct uptake of Hg-vapor into hair are presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pestucude Hazards Assessment Project, Pacific Biomedical Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, H196822, Honolulu, USA

    B. Z. Siegel

  2. Department of Botany, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 96822, Honolulu, HI, USA

    S. M. Siegel

Authors
  1. B. Z. Siegel
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  2. S. M. Siegel
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Siegel, B.Z., Siegel, S.M. Mercury in human hair: Uncertainties in the meaning and significance of ‘unexposed’ and ‘exposed’ in sample populations. Water Air Soil Pollut 26, 191–199 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292069

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292069

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