Exposure assessment of young children living in Chicago communities with historic reports of ritualistic use of mercury

Objective. According to a 1997 finding, mercury was available for sale in several Chicago communities for use in spiritual or medicinal practice. Mercury used this way may impact the health of children. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study to 1) quantity mercury exposure in biological specimens collected from a pediatric clinic or home visit in selected neighborhoods in Chicago, and 2) investigate possible sources of mercury exposure in homes. Methods. An exposure assessment study design was chosen to determine whether children living in Chicago communities that historically sold mercury were exposed to mercury vapor. We enrolled and collected biological samples from 306 children aged 2-10 years. In addition, we enrolled 42 children during a door-to-door survey of community residents. All the urine samples were analyzed for elemental or inorganic mercury. We also analyzed 43 blood samples to assess dietary mercury. Results. Overall geometric mean urine mercury was 0.26 mu g/L. Urine mercury levels did not differ among the three clinics or between the various participant groups. We did not find any association between ritualistic mercury use and exposure to mercury. Conclusions. Although pediatric mercury exposure does not appear to be problematic among our study population, mercury remains a potential health threat as long as it is readily available in communities. Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for mercury exposure. Physicians and patients may call the National Poison Control Centers (1-800-222-1222) for information about diagnosis, testing, and treatment for all types of exposures, including exposure to mercury. Professionals are available 24 hours a day.