Mercury levels in dental students and faculty measured by neutron activation analysis.

Samples of head hair, fingernails, and toenails were taken from 61 dental students and faculty members. The mercury levels were analyzed using a simple neutron activation analysis technique which proved to be easily applicable to large numbers. Significant results were found for the head hair and fingernail groups. There may be a correlation between the higher mercury levels and increased pressure of work, which might result in decreased standards of mercury hygiene.