Toenail mercury levels are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk

At a glance

This paper describes a study investigating mercury levels in toenail samples of ALS patients

Affiliates

Angeline S. Andrew1, Celia Y. Chen2, Tracie A. Caller3, Rup Tandan4, Patricia L. Henegan1, Brian P. Jackson2, Brenda P. Hall1, Walter G. Bradley5, & Elijah W. Stommel1

  1. Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
  2. Departments of Biological Sciences, Earth Science, Dartmouth College
  3. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, Medical Specialty Clinic
  4. Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Medical Center
  5. Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA

Journal

Muscle & Nerve

Summary

This study sought to measure levels of mercury in toenail samples from PALS using coupled plasma mass spectrometry. PALS had significantly higher mercury toenail levels (OR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.18-5.80) compared to controls after adjusting for age and gender.

Link to paper

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Content Source:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry