Hg in blood refers to the presence of mercury in a person's bloodstream. The amount of mercury present can be an indicator of mercury exposure and potential toxicity.
Mercury in Blood: Key Information
- Significance: The quantity of mercury (Hg) found in blood correlates with the degree of toxicity.
- Normal Levels: According to reference material, normal whole blood mercury is usually below 10 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter).
- Monitoring Exposure: Besides blood tests, hair analysis can be used to document the time of peak exposure, especially if the event occurred in the past. This is a method of retrospective exposure assessment.
Mercury Toxicity
Because the level of mercury in the blood correlates with the degree of toxicity, mercury in blood is important to understand the toxicity.
Factors affecting toxicity
- The form of mercury (elemental, inorganic, or organic)
- The dose
- The route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact)
- The duration of exposure
- The individual's susceptibility
