2026 Volume 6 Pages 116-128
Exposure to mercury can have harmful effects on a range of organs, particularly those of methylmercury on developing fetuses. The primary route of human exposure to methylmercury is through the consumption of fish and shellfish. This is of particular concern for high-fish-consuming countries, such as the Maldives. This study provides the first baseline for mercury exposure levels in the Maldivian population. A total of 159 hair samples were collected in two phases; the first phase included samples collected across the country, representing diverse regions, ages and demographic groups; the second phase focused particularly on women of childbearing age to assess the risks of mercury exposure associated with excessive seafood consumption in the most vulnerable group, i.e. fetuses. In phase 1 of the study (101 samples, equally disaggregated by age, gender and region), the average hair mercury concentration was 3.69 μg/g and 3.49 μg/g, respectively, before and after demographic adjustment, with a maximum value of 11.9 μg/g. Among women of childbearing age (80 samples combined from phase 2 and those from the same category in phase 1), the average mercury level was 2.66 μg/g, with a maximum of 11.0 μg/g. A positive relationship was identified between fish consumption and mercury levels. Overall, the average of women of childbearing age exceeded the reference values derived from the provisional tolerable weekly intake proposed by the World Health Organization more than the other groups. The results of this study will provide useful information for developing guidance on seafood intake in the Maldives, considering the association between methylmercury exposure and fish consumption.
