Fontes Rute, Coelho Nádia M P, Garcia Patrícia V, Bernardo Filipe, Rodrigues Armindo S
FCT, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Azorean Biodiversity Group, University of the Azores, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal.
Toxics. 2025 Feb 21;13(3):146. doi: 10.3390/toxics13030146.
Gaseous elemental mercury (Hg 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 Hg are scarce, hence its risks are still unknown. This study aims to evaluate the level of exposure to Hg in children living in a volcanically active environment.
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).
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 Hg 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.
气态单质汞（Hg或GEM）是汞（Hg）的一种大气形态，汞是一种有毒重金属，在火山环境中自然释放。对野生小鼠的研究表明，长期暴露于热液火山环境会导致汞在肺部生物蓄积，同时也会在中枢神经系统（CNS）和外周神经系统（PNS）中蓄积，并伴有明显的神经毒性迹象。关于人类暴露于火山源汞的研究很少，因此其风险仍然未知。本研究旨在评估生活在火山活动活跃环境中的儿童的汞暴露水平。
两组学龄儿童（6至9岁）参与了本研究：一组是居住在热液区的儿童（暴露组），另一组是居住在无火山活动地区的儿童（非暴露组）。采集每个个体的头发样本进行汞含量分析。结果发现，暴露组儿童头发中的汞含量比非暴露组儿童高4.2倍（分别约为1797.84±454.92 ppb和430.69±66.43 ppb）。
鉴于汞带来的巨大健康风险，凸显了监测居住在火山活动活跃地区人群健康状况的必要性。由于人们对汞在人体中的归宿、变化及影响知之甚少，尤其是其对儿童神经系统的影响，因此强烈鼓励在该范围内开展进一步研究。
