Abstract
In the comparison of metals in the hair, blood, and urine of 100 acculturated and 90 unacculturated individuals copper level was found to be the same in both groups. Levels of lead and cadmium were found to be markedly lower in the unacculturated population. Mercury was the same, higher, or lower in the unacculturated population, depending on sex and location.
The higher values resulted from levels in men. On the basis of current knowledge, elevated levels may derive from exposure to alkyl mercury.