Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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A Study on Schoolchildren's Mercury Exposure and Related Health Effects in High Mercury Exposure Areas in Korea

수은 고노출 지역 초등학생의 수은노출관련 건강영향 연구

  • Kim, Dae Seon (Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research) ;
  • Ahn, Seung Chul (Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research) ;
  • Chung, Hee-Ung (Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research) ;
  • Kwon, Young Min (Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research) ;
  • CHOI, Kyunghee (Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research)
  • 김대선 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 안승철 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 정희웅 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 권영민 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과) ;
  • 최경희 (국립환경과학원 환경보건연구과)
  • Received : 2015.08.14
  • Accepted : 2015.08.18
  • Published : 2015.08.28
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Abstract

Objectives: According to the 2007 Korea National Environmental Health Survey (KNEHS), some areas in the Gyeongsang Provinces showed very high blood mercury levels in adults. We conducted this project to investigate any related health effects in children due to mercury levels in these areas. Methods: In total, 1,097 students between grades 3 and 6 at 19 elementary schools were recruited from four areas with high mercury exposure as identified by the KNEHS. Total mercury levels in biological samples were compared with health check-ups performed on the schoolchildren. Biological monitoring, supported by questionnaires, a computerized neurobehavioral test, a posturography test and a personality test, were applied. Results: Triglycerides showed a significant relation with mercury in blood, urine and hair. Total mercury concentrations were divided into two groups: upper and lower concentration groups based on the median value. In the computerized neurobehavioral test, the upper blood mercury group showed a greater reaction time for color-word vigilance (p<0.05). In the posturography test, the intensity value of the tremor test showd high significant relations with mercury levels (p<0.01). In the personality test, self-consciousness, misdeeds and family relationships showed significant differences between the upper and lower urine mercury groups (p<0.01), and specific reactions, ego resilience and hyperactivity also showed some differences (p<0.1). Conclusion: Some items in the neurobehavioral test, posturography test and personality test showed significant relations with biological mercury levels. Therefore, monitoring and appropriate management of students showing high mercury levels are recommended in order to reduce their mercury exposure.

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