Factors affecting internal mercury burdens among eastern German children

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Assessing internal mercury burdens in children residing in industrial areas is crucial for public health.
• Eastern Germany's Bitterfeld and Hettstedt regions have significant industrial pollution from chemical production, mining, and smelting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate mercury levels in the blood and urine of children aged 5-14 years living in polluted industrial areas.
• To compare mercury burdens in these children with those residing in a control area.
• To identify factors contributing to mercury accumulation in children.

Main Methods:

• Blood and urine samples were collected from children in polluted areas (Bitterfeld, Hettstedt) and a control area.
• Geometric means of mercury concentrations were calculated for blood and urine.
• Regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing mercury levels, particularly dental amalgam fillings.

Main Results:

• Unadjusted geometric means for mercury were 0.25 microg/l in blood and 0.36 microg/g creatinine in urine.
• No significant difference in blood or urine mercury levels was found between children in polluted areas and the control group.
• The number of dental amalgam fillings significantly explained 27% of the variance in urinary mercury levels.

Conclusions:

• Living in heavily polluted industrial areas did not result in significantly higher mercury burdens in children compared to a control area.
• Dental amalgam fillings are a significant source of internal mercury exposure in children.
• Further research should focus on the impact of dental materials on mercury levels in pediatric populations.