Mercury study report to Congress. Volume 4. An assessment of exposure to mercury in the United States
This volume assesses exposure of the U.S. general population to methylmercury through consumption of fish and shellfish. Analyses of patterns of fish consumption by humans were based on contemporary food consumption surveys of nationally representative populations in the United States, and for subpopulations identified as consumers of substaintially higher amounts of fish/shellfish than are more typical consumers. These subpopulations include: Native American Tribal groups, Alaskan natives, persons of Asian/Caribbean/South Pacific Island ethnicity, and subsistence fishers. Mercury concentrations in marine/fresh water/estuarine species are described. Commerical data on quantities of seafood available and sources of fish/shellfish consumed are provided based on commercial and National Marine Fisheries Service data bases. Mercury exposures are calculated for multiple groups, but particularly for women of childbearing age, and for children. Alternative presentations of patterns of fish/shellfish consumption (e.g., daily, per capita, consumers only, and month-long patterns) for the general population are provided. Assessment of mercury exposures based on biomonitoring of mercury in hair and blood among North American groups are provided. A brief summary of additional sources of mercury (e.g., occupational exposures) is included. Sources of variability and uncertainty are described, and when possible, quantitated.
- Research Organization:
- Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (United States). Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards
- Sponsoring Organization:
- EPA
- OSTI ID:
- 575116
- Report Number(s):
- PB--98-124761/XAB; EPA--452/R-97/006
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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