Exposición ambiental y humana al mercurio en Venezuela: Período 2004-2008

The purpose of this review was to document mercury (Hg) studies done in Venezuela, over a fiveyear period (2004-2008) using databases and thesis registered at the libraries of some Venezuelan Univeristies and research institutions. The total number of papers identified in the literature search was 24. From these, 10 were environmental studies; 7 human, 2 contained both aspects, 2 methodology work, and there were 2 reviews which discuss environmental as well as human issues. Four (16.6%) Human studies used questionnaires. Environmental papers included samples such as: REVISION BIBLIOGRAFICA Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Bioanálisis, Sede Valencia, Universidad de Carabobo y MRM-CONSULTOX. E mail: rojas.m@interlink.net.veRecibido: Noviembre 2009 Aprobado: Febrero 2010 Salus online 14-2 Agosto 2010 Estudios de mercurio en Venezuela p. 60 herbal products, crustacean, bacteria, algae, rocks and birds (1; 4,4% each); samples of soil/sediments and water (3; 12.4% each) and 2 studies used air and corals (2; 8.3%). Human samples used were: Hair (6; 25%); Urine (4; 16.6%); Blood (2; 8,3%) and saliva (1; 4.4%). Chemical species of Hg determined were: Inorganic (20; 83.2%) and Methyl-Hg (Me-Hg) (2; 8.3%). The technique most often used was Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption. THg-H values in human studies ranged from 0.36 to 186.4 μg/g (upper range was very much above the permissible limit reported by WHO -10 μg/g-). No significant relation was noted between Hg levels in biological samples and clinical symptoms. Signs/Symptoms more frequently reported were neurological. In spite of representing Venezuela similar areas in terms of Hg-produced environmental and human problems, the results showed high variability perhaps related to biological diversity, diet and individual susceptibility, among others. Therefore it is difficult to properly evaluate them in terms of comparability. A more in-depth exposure assessment and pidemiologic studies are still needed to characterize the Hg exposure risk in our country