Biomaterial Database

[Content of mercury in human hair of Warsaw residents exposed occupationally and non-occupationally]. 1993

B Wiadrowska, and J K Ludwicki

Zakładu Toksykologii Srodowiskowej Państwowego Zakładu Higieny.

The concentrations of mercury in the hair of workers employed in the fluorescent tubes plant in Warsaw were determined and compared with the results obtained in our previous studies in the years 1970/1980. Total mercury in the hair was analysed by means of flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The average mercury concentrations in the non-exposed population was at a similar level (0.17 microgram/g) as in the results obtained in 1970/80. The average concentrations of total mercury in the hair of exposed subjects were approximately 30 times lower than in the years 1970/80 and ranged from 0.38 to 1.42 micrograms/g. This substantial reduction in Hg concentration in the hair of exposed people was due to improvements in the technological process.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008029	Lighting	The illumination of an environment and the arrangement of lights to achieve an effect or optimal visibility. Its application is in domestic or in public settings and in medical and non-medical environments.	Illumination
D008297	Male		Males
D008628	Mercury	A silver metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature. It has the atomic symbol Hg (from hydrargyrum, liquid silver), atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury is used in many industrial applications and its salts have been employed therapeutically as purgatives, antisyphilitics, disinfectants, and astringents. It can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes which leads to MERCURY POISONING. Because of its toxicity, the clinical use of mercury and mercurials is diminishing.
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D011044	Poland	A country in central Europe, east of Germany. The capital is Warsaw.	Polish People's Republic,Republic of Poland
D004781	Environmental Exposure	The exposure to potentially harmful chemical, physical, or biological agents in the environment or to environmental factors that may include ionizing radiation, pathogenic organisms, or toxic chemicals.	Exposure, Environmental,Environmental Exposures,Exposures, Environmental
D005260	Female		Females
D006197	Hair	A filament-like structure consisting of a shaft which projects to the surface of the SKIN from a root which is softer than the shaft and lodges in the cavity of a HAIR FOLLICLE. It is found on most surfaces of the body.	Fetal Hair,Hair, Fetal,Lanugo,Fetal Hairs,Hairs,Hairs, Fetal
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults