Estimated intake levels for Finnish children of methylmercury from fish
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Estimated intake levels for Finnish children of methylmercury from fish is a peer-reviewed scientific article in Food and Chemical Toxicology. Available online 7 March 2012. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2012.02.074 [2].
Anna K. Karjalainena, Corresponding author contact information, E-mail the corresponding author, Anja Hallikainenb, Tero Hirvonenb, Hannu Kivirantac, Mikael Knipd, e, Carina Kronberg-Kippiläf, Olli Leinoc, Olli Simellg, Harri Sinkkof, Jouni T. Tuomistoc, Riitta Veijolah, Eija-Riitta Venäläinenb, Suvi M. Virtanenf, i, j
a Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, FI-40014 Jyväskylä, Finland b Finnish Food Safety Authority, Evira, Mustialankatu 3, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland c Department of Environmental Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, FI-70701 Kuopio, Finland d Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 22, 00014 Helsinki, Finland e Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, 33521 Tampere, Finland f Department of Lifestyle and Participation, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland g Department of Paediatrics, University of Turku, P.O. Box 52, FI-20521 Turku, Finland h Department of Paediatrics, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland i Unit of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland j Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital and Science Center of Pirkanmaa Hospital District, FI-33014 Tampere, Finland
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known neurotoxic agent, and consumption of contaminated fish is the principal environmental source of MeHg exposure in humans. Children are more susceptible to adverse effects than adults. No previous specific data exist for intake by Finnish children of methylmercury from fish. We estimated fish consumption and MeHg intakes from species most commonly consumed by Finnish children aged 1–6 years. The total mercury concentrations were determined in fish species consumed, and age-specific methylmercury intakes were derived. We also examined safety margins and the proportion of children exceeding the tolerable daily intakes set by international expert bodies. The daily intake of MeHg ranged from 0 to 0.33 µg/kg bw. The strictest reference value 0.1 µg/kg bw/day for MeHg, proposed by USEPA, was exceeded by 1–15% of the study population, and FAO/WHO JECFA provisional tolerable weekly intake of 1.6 µg/kg bw was exceeded by 1% of boys and 2.5% of girls aged 6 years. Intakes of 1 year old girls were higher than of boys, whereas for 3-year olds they were the opposite. The highest intakes were observed for 6-year-old boys and girls. There was great variation in the estimated MeHg intakes among Finnish children.
Highlights
- We analyzed fish consumption mediated methylmercury intakes in Finnish children.
- We reported methylmercury concentrations in Finnish marine and freshwater fish.
- MeHg intakes among Finnish children varied substantially between individuals and ages.
- A systematic increasing trend in the intake of MeHg with age was seen for boys.
- Each age group had a proportion of children exceeding intakes considered to be safe.
Keywords
Children; Concentration; Finland; Fish consumption; Intake; MeHg
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