Investigation of a Population Exposed to Organomercurial Seed Dressings

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Abstract
Urinary mercury and protein output rates, together with serum phosphoglucose isomerase activity, in 33 cereal seed dressers in East Scotland, employed seasonally, were compared with 33 age-matched controls. Increased mercury urinary concentrations, significant low-grade proteinuria, and inhibition of serum phosphoglucose isomerase were found. Blood mercury concentrations were significantly higher than normal controls. The enzymic activity of glutathione reductase in the sera of the seed dressers was within the normal range. There were no significant abnormalities in the electrocardiographic recordings in the seed dressers. The pathological and prognostic significance of these abnormalities is uncertain, but the results indicate the need for stricter protective measures.