The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73256

Kathryn R. Mahaffey, PhD, Office of Science Coordination and Policy, US EPA, 401, Washington, DC 20460, (202) 260-2086, mahaffey.kate@epamail.epa.gov

Biomarkers estimating mercury exposure were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the years 1999 and 2000 (NHANES 1999/2000). Among women of childbearing age these biomarkers were blood, hair, and urine concentrations of mercury. Blood mercury concentrations reflect exposure to organic mercury, almost exclusively methylmercury. Approximately 8% of women in the age group 16 through 49 years had blood mercury concentrations greater than 5.8 ug/L, which is the blood mercury level associated with US EPA’s Reference Dose (RfD) for methylmercury. Dietary intake of methylmercury from fish consumption is the predominant predictor of blood organic (i.e., methyl) mercury concentrations. Additionally species-specific patterns of fish consumption influence blood mercury concentrations. Comparisons of relative estimates of the prevalence of exposures greater than US EPA’s RfD based on use of the women’s hair and blood mercury concentrations will be provided. Although higher exposures have been reported for localized groups, the NHANES data confirm widespread exposure to methylmercury in the overall US population of women of childbearing age.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:
• Describe the prevalence, within the US population of women of childbearing age, of blood mercury concentrations over US EPA’s Reference Dose for methylmercury;
• Differentiate the use of various biomarkers of mercury exposure (i.e., blood, hair, and urinary mercury concentrations) to estimate exposure to inorganic and organic (i.e., methyl) mercury; and
• Utilize national data on the association between fish consumption and methylmercury intake to enhance their risk communication message and skills.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.