Trace Element Levels in Hair of a Population Group Living in a Small Coastal Town

摘要

Mercury and other trace elements were measured in hair samples collected from subjects of a population group having an average annual fish consumption significantly higher than that for the Italian population. The determination of the trace elements was carried out by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The results show that the levels of trace elements in the hair of this population group are higher than those reported for the Italian population. In particular the high values of mercury concentration found in samples indicate that some subjects may exceed the mercury PTWI (Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake). (Atomindex citation 19:099837)