# Concerning Mercury (Hg) Levels in the Hair of Children Inhabiting a Volcanically Active Area

## TL;DR

This study finds that children living near an active volcano have significantly higher mercury levels in their hair, raising health concerns.

## Contribution

The study provides new empirical evidence on mercury exposure in children from a volcanically active area.

## Key findings

- Hair mercury levels in exposed children were 4.2 times higher than in non-exposed children.
- Mercury levels in exposed children averaged 1797.84 ± 454.92 ppb compared to 430.69 ± 66.43 ppb in non-exposed children.
- The study highlights the need for health monitoring in populations near volcanic areas.

## Abstract

Background: Gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0 or GEM) is an atmospheric form of mercury (Hg)—a toxic heavy metal—that is naturally released in volcanic environments. Research with wild mice demonstrates that chronic exposure to a hydrothermal volcanic environment leads to the bioaccumulation of Hg in the lungs, but also in both the central (CNS) and peripheric (PNS) nervous systems, with marked indications of neurotoxicity. Studies addressing human exposure to volcanogenic Hg0 are scarce, hence its risks are still unknown. This study aims to evaluate the level of exposure to Hg0 in children living in a volcanically active environment. Methodology and main findings: Two groups of school-aged children (from 6 to 9 years old) were part of this study: one with children inhabiting a hydrothermal area (exposed group) and another with children inhabiting an area without volcanic activity (non-exposed group). Hair samples were collected from each individual for Hg level analysis. It was found that the levels of Hg in the hair of exposed children were 4.2 times higher than in that of non-exposed children (≈1797.84 ± 454.92 ppb vs. 430.69 ± 66.43 ppb, respectively). Conclusion: Given the vast health risks Hg poses, the need to monitor the health of populations inhabiting volcanically active areas is highlighted. Because little is known about the fate, modifications, and effects of Hg0 in the human body, particularly regarding its effects on the nervous system in children, the development of further research within the scope is strongly encouraged.