Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
MSc, Health Deputy, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran - PhD Student, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2
PhD Student, Environment Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3
3- PhD Student, Environment Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
4
Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology and Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
5
MSc Student, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
6
MSc Student, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
7
Pharmacy Student, School of Pharmacy, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Mercury is one of the three heavy metals which are listed on top of the US EPA, s list for toxic and hazardous material with priority for human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the situation of environmental and occupational human contamination with mercury in Iran. Method: All studies conducted in Iran which had measured mercury levels in humans in Iran, were searched by electronic databases including Iranmedex, SID, Magiran, Google Scholar, Web of Knowledge, Science Direct and PubMed. Due to the heterogeneity of the study results, meta analysis was not performed on the results. Results: After searching the databases, fourty seven articles were found. From these, 44 were chosen and evaluated. Although contamination with mercury is not high in Iran, but occupational exposure is considerable and contamination in specific groups such as dentists is high. Conclusion: Considering the high exposure to mercury in some occupational groups, using personal protective equipment and proper ventilation at workplaces should be emphasized. Also periodic monitoring of mercury exposure and medical examination of related workers is necessary. In order to decrease environmental exposure, it is suggested that legislations for routine monitoring of mercury in food and using composites without mercury be practiced.
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