Blood Mercury and Serum Selenium Concentrations in Reindeer Herders in the Arctic Area of Northern Finland

Abstract

Environmental factors have a great impact on life in the arctic. The arctic area of northern Finland (Lapland) is surrounded by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north, and the Soviet Union in the east. In Lapland there are approximately 200000 inhabitants, including some 4000 reindeer herders who have a life style of their own. As part of a health survey we studied a group of reindeer herders for blood organic, inorganic and total mercury and serum selenium concentrations. Mercury, a heavy metal, may accumulate in the food chain and be harmful to health (Birke et al. 1972; Study Group of Minimata Disease 1968). Selenium, an essential trace element, is a constituent of glutathione peroxidase that protects cellular structures against oxidative damage (Rotruck et al. 1973).