Analyzing Human Hair For Mercury Content

A Project of the University of Georgia Marine Extension Service

Special thanks to the Glynn Environmental Coalition, the Sierra Club, and the Riverkeepers of Georgia.

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This page was last updated on: July 27, 2011

Legend

Click on the buttons below to show or hide the purple and blue dots on the map.

Zoom in and click on any dot on the map to see that person's mercury level.

It's important to think about mercury if ...

You are pregnant (or planning to be pregnant), nursing or caring for small children.

How much mercury is too much mercury?

A healthy human body naturally flushes mercury out of its system. However, mercury can pass through a mother's placenta or breast milk and harm a baby. When a baby's brain is developing, too much mercury can impact learning, memory, and attention. The EPA health guideline for hair is 1.2 parts per million. This level was set primarily to target and protect women of childbearing age because babies are sensitive to mercury.

How does mercury get into our bodies?

Coal-fired power plants are the single largest source of man-made mercury emissions. Find out how mercury travels across the globe and enters our bodies in this animated video from Blue Ocean Institute.

Seafood is one of the most nutritious foods in the world; it is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is unique as the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for human health. Sometimes, fish at the top of the food chain or species that live a long time can contain higher levels of mercury. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant or nursing, or if you are cooking for small children: take advantage of healthy seafood options and avoid mercury risks with this simple wallet card from Purdue University. Also check out their advisories map to learn about your area.

Questions?

Email Lisa at: liguori@uga.edu

I had my hair tested. Is there a dot right over my house?

No! The dots were placed randomly at or near the city or town that you identified as home. The person who made this map never has access to your actual street address.