This project aims at assessing the accumulation of Hg by woman living in the Aveiro district, and
the potential maternal-fetal transfer during pregnancy. In addition to Hg measurements, related
oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and DNA damage effects will also be evaluated in both mother
and baby tissues and blood. Although some epidemiological studies have already related Hg
accumulation in several matrices regarding maternal-fetal transfer, only few studies have
regarded this approach in Portugal, and none for the Aveiro district (which includes Estarreja). In
addition, only few epidemiological studies have focused on genotoxicity to evaluate Hg exposure in humans.
Therefore integrating biomarkers of exposure (Hg measures in maternal and fetal matrices)
along with biomarkers of effects (e.g. oxidative stress and DNA damage) will improve the
knowledge on the historical problem of Hg contamination in Estarreja and in the Aveiro district,
along with the potential action from local authorities if results show concern to human health.
