[Content of mercury in human hair of Warsaw residents exposed occupationally and non-occupationally].

The concentrations of mercury in the hair of workers employed in the fluorescent tubes plant in Warsaw were determined and compared with the results obtained in our previous studies in the years 1970/1980. Total mercury in the hair was analysed by means of flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The average mercury concentrations in the non-exposed population was at a similar level (0.17 microgram/g) as in the results obtained in 1970/80. The average concentrations of total mercury in the hair of exposed subjects were approximately 30 times lower than in the years 1970/80 and ranged from 0.38 to 1.42 micrograms/g. This substantial reduction in Hg concentration in the hair of exposed people was due to improvements in the technological process.