Mercury Levels of Whale-Eating Town's Residents 10 Times Japan Average
Submitted on Jan 23, 2010 (Original item from 2007)
Diet and Nutrition | Wildlife and Exotics | Food Safety, Additives or Diseases | International Research | Whaling
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Short Description:
Research conducted by the University of Hokkaido found that mercury levels in hair samples of the residents of Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture (Japan), are about ten times the average in Japan, possibly due to the consumption of whale meat with high concentrations of mercury. Inhabitants of this region are known for eating significant quantities of whale meat caught by coastal whaling.
Abstract:
Hair samples were collected from a total of 50 residents from Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture, between December 2007 and July 2008. Analysis found the average total mercury levels in hair samples from these residents to be 21.6 parts per millions (ppm) in men and 11.9 ppm in women, while the mercury levels of average Japanese men and women are typically about 2.55 ppm and 1.43 ppm, respectively.
Among these specific residents who were tested, the average mercury level in those who consumed pilot whale at least once a month was 24.6 ppm, while the level was 15.5 ppm in those who ate it once every several months, and 4.3 ppm in those who said they did not eat it at all.
Researchers found high levels of mercury in products made from local marine mammals and fish consumed around the community. The total contamination found in 22 samples of pilot whale meat averaged 9.6 ppm, while the level for methyl mercury alone measured 5.9 ppm.
Spot Check Number:
1273
Sponsor:
University of Hokkaido, Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Animal Type:
Whales, Marine Animals
Record Type:
News Article
Research Method:
Experimental/Modeling/Applications
Geographic Region:
International
Number of Participants:
50
Population Descriptors:
Residents of Taiji, Wakayama Prefecture
Year Conducted:
2007
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