Blood total mercury and methylmercury among pregnant mothers in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Maternal blood total mercury (THg) is a biomarker for prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. Few studies have quantified both blood THg and MeHg during pregnancy, and few studies have reported longitudinal trends.

Objectives

We analyzed blood THg and MeHg in a cohort of pregnant mothers in Charleston, South Carolina (n = 83), and investigated whether blood THg or MeHg changed between early and late gestation.

Methods

THg and MeHg were analyzed in blood samples from early (12 ± 1.7 weeks) and late (35 ± 2.2 weeks) gestation.

Results

Blood %MeHg (of THg) averaged 63% (range: 10-114%) and 61% (range: 12-117%) during early and late gestation, respectively. In unadjusted analyses, blood MeHg decreased from early to late pregnancy (paired t-test, p = 0.04

SUBMITTER: Donohue A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7425126 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature