Mercury in human amniotic fluid.

Abstract

The levels of inorganic and organic mercury in human amniotic fluid were examined in 57 Japanese pregnant women with a gestational age of 4 months to term. Inorganic mercury was detected in all but two samples, while organic mercury was found in only 30 women. The level of inorganic mercury was higher than organic mercury. The highest levels of both inorganic and organic mercury were observed in the seventh month of gestation.