engleski

Longitudinal cohort study of prenatal exposure to mercury in the Mediterranean region

Neurotoxicity from prenatal exposure to mercury has been studied but no firm conclusions have been reached on the dose-response relationship, especially at levels of exposure less than 10_g/g. The ongoing Northern Adriatic and Eastern Aegean cohort studies will assess the impact of mercury exposure through fish consumption during pregnancy on the developing nervous system. This Mediterranean study will enrol a total of 1700 pregnant women and their children in Slovenia, Croatia, Italy and Greece as part of the European Commission funded project on the Public health impact of long-term, low-level mixed element exposure in susceptible population strata (PHIME). The overall purpose of this study is to permit researchers, policy makers and health professionals to orient futuremothers with precise, scientifically based recommendations regarding the implications of dietary intake of fish during pregnancy. Maternal hair, blood, urine and cord blood samples are collected at different times during pregnancy and after delivery. Information on fish consumption patterns is collected through brief and detailed food frequency questionnaires administered during pregnancy and 1– 3 months after delivery, respectively. The study is in progress and current mercury levels in hair are low, but there is a correlation between the consumption of fresh fish and hair total mercury levels. Recruitment for the Mediterranena cohorts will conclude in spring 2009. Testing of neurodevelopmental outcomes in children at 18 months of age started May 2008 and should conclude October 2010.

prenatal exposure; mercury; Mediterranean

doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2009.06.465