The Determination of Methylmercury, Total Mercury and Total Selenium in Human Hair: Reference Methods for Marine Pollution Studies No. 46

This document provides detailed, standardized reference methods for the determination of methylmercury, total mercury, and selenium in human hair, supporting biological monitoring in populations with potential exposure through contaminated seafood. Developed collaboratively by UNEP, WHO, and IAEA, it outlines precise gas-liquid chromatography and atomic absorption spectrophotometry procedures, including sampling, sample pretreatment, reagent preparation, instrumentation, and analytical steps. The guidance addresses quality control, calculation of results, and reporting standards to ensure comparability of data across laboratories and regions, with a focus on Mediterranean populations but applicability elsewhere. Extensive methodological details are provided for accurate assessment of exposure and health risks, including clear instructions for hair collection, washing, and sample handling, as well as protocols for using both internal and interlaboratory reference materials. The document concludes with recommended forms for sample recording and data reporting to facilitate robust environmental health studies.