Assessment of Mercury Levels in Mother/Neonate Pairs in Brooklyn

Mercury exposures in utero and early in life can cause developmental disorders in infants or diseases later in life. Previous surveys have indicated that elemental mercury is available for sale in local botanicas in East Flatbush Brooklyn for use in spiritual medicine, where the population is predominately of Caribbean origin. The limited amount of exposure information from populations using elemental mercury in spiritual practices, as well as the reported practice of heavier fish consumption in Caribbean populations, provide a strong argument for the study of exposure levels in this Brooklyn community.

In collaboration with the OB/GYN Department of University Hospital of Brooklyn, we performed an exposure assessment study of prenatal mercury levels. Biological specimens were collected from 120 enrolled participants, including urinary specimens from women in the 5-9th month of pregnancy and cord blood from their newborns at delivery for assessment of mercury. Women were also administered a questionnaire to assess possible routes of mercury exposure in their everyday lives. The questionnaire was developed in close collaboration with health care providers and advocacy groups from the local Caribbean community. Topics included occupational exposures, dental exposures, fish ingestion, use of elemental mercury in spiritual practices, and exposure through everyday products. Educational materials for mercury exposure reduction were distributed to the women on the day of recruitment.

Data from this study may enhance our knowledge about environmental prenatal mercury exposures, which can lead to increased exposure prevention activities and earlier detection.