A cross-sectional study of exposure to mercury in schoolchildren living near the eastern seaboard industrial estate of Thailand
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| ID: who-329672
Biblioteca responsable:
CH1.1
ABSTRACT
Background:
Industrial activity in Thailand’s coastal areas has significantlyincreased mercury concentrations in seawater, causing accumulation through thefood chain. Continuous exposure to mercury has been linked to bioaccumulationin living organisms and potential adverse health effects in children.Methods:
Blood samples were collected from 873 schoolchildren aged 6–13years living in four sites near the eastern seaboard industrial estates of the Gulfof Thailand in 2011. Total mercury level in whole blood (Hg-B) was compared withstandard reference values.Results:
Mean (± standard deviation) concentrations of Hg-B from schoolgirls(2.19 ± 0.5 μg/L; n = 405) and schoolboys (2.29 ± 0.3 μg/L; n = 468) did notexceed the regulatory limits of the United States Environmental Protection Agency(US EPA), the German Commission on Human Biological Monitoring (HBM I, II)or Clarke’s analysis of drugs and poisons reference values. Nevertheless, 67children (34 girls and 33 boys) had individual values that exceeded the lowest ofthese standards (4 μg/L).Conclusion:
The relatively low concentrations of Hg-B detected in this studysuggested a relatively low risk for schoolchildren. However, 67 children hadelevated mean total Hg-B concentrations, especially in the two sites locatednearest the industrial area. This information may serve as an early warning ofthe potential for pollution to affect children living around industrial areas. Furtherregular monitoring, including studies assessing the health impact of mercurypollution in this region of Thailand, is to be encouragedPalabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
04-international_org
Base de datos:
WHOLIS
Asunto principal:
Tailandia
/
United States Environmental Protection Agency
/
Mercurio
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Año:
2015
Tipo del documento:
Article