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Biomonitoring of Mercury in Hair among a Group of Eritreans (Africa)

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Luisa Astolfi

    (Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Carmela Protano

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Elisabetta Marconi

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Lorenzo Massimi

    (Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Daniel Piamonti

    (Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Science, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Marco Brunori

    (Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anaesthesiology and Geriatric Science, Sapienza University, Viale del Policlinico 155, I-00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Matteo Vitali

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Silvia Canepari

    (Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Small-scale or artisanal mining, using gold-mercury amalgamation to extract gold from ore, is a significant source of exposure for the workers and nearby populations. Few studies on hair mercury (Hg) have been conducted in Africa despite the fact that Africa has several gold deposits. No studies have been conducted in Eritrea that is one of the emerging gold producing countries in Africa. The aim of the study was to assess the Hg concentration in hair samples ( n = 120) of a population living in Asmara, capital of Eritrea, and to evaluate the influence of some factors on the Hg levels in hair. Information on age, height, weight, occupation, smoking and fish consumption of participants were collected via questionnaire. Hair Hg concentration was significantly higher among women compared to men ( p < 0.001) and among women preparing spicy products in Medeber market compared to those who did other jobs ( p = 0.010). These results highlight the need for routine biomonitoring surveys and for health promotion campaigns devoted to local decision makers and workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Luisa Astolfi & Carmela Protano & Elisabetta Marconi & Lorenzo Massimi & Daniel Piamonti & Marco Brunori & Matteo Vitali & Silvia Canepari, 2020. "Biomonitoring of Mercury in Hair among a Group of Eritreans (Africa)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:6:p:1911-:d:332843
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Luisa Astolfi & Georgios Pietris & Corrado Mazzei & Elisabetta Marconi & Silvia Canepari, 2020. "Element Levels and Predictors of Exposure in the Hair of Ethiopian Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-22, November.
    2. Maria Luisa Astolfi & Matteo Vitali & Elisabetta Marconi & Stefano Martellucci & Vincenzo Mattei & Silvia Canepari & Carmela Protano, 2020. "Urinary Mercury Levels and Predictors of Exposure among a Group of Italian Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-13, December.

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