A scoping review of systematic reviews on human exposure to mercury

Abstract: Introduction: in 2018, the promulgation of the Minamata Convention in Brazil encouraged compliance with its goals of reducing mercury use and pollution. Objective: to characterize the scientific production and identify the knowledge gaps to subsidize decision-making in healthcare on human exposure to mercury. Methods: a scoping review was carried out of systematic reviews and metanalysis, without language and publication date restriction, retrieved from the PubMed, BVS, and Cochrane Library databases. Results: a total of 71 studies met the eligibility criteria, of which 40 were systematic reviews, 30 meta-analyses, and one overview. Dental amalgam as well as food and environmental contamination by mercury-based activities were the most cited sources of exposure. Most studies focused on mental and behavioral disorders, as well as the use of biomarkers and neurobehavioral tests related to mercury exposure. Discussion: knowledge gaps on occupational exposure to mercury, mercury use in both traditional practices and cosmetics point to the need for further studies. The reviews identified could provide data for evidence synthesis and healthcare protocols for affected populations, as well as for elaborating public policies aimed at controlling mercury use and exposure.

摘要：引言：2018年巴西颁布《水俣公约（Minamata Convention）》，推动各方落实公约中减少汞使用与汞污染的目标。研究目的：梳理相关科研产出特征并识别知识缺口，为医疗健康领域中人体汞暴露相关决策提供支撑。研究方法：本研究开展范围综述（scoping review），纳入无语言与发表年限限制的系统综述与荟萃分析，检索自PubMed、BVS及考克兰图书馆（Cochrane Library）数据库。研究结果：共计71项研究符合纳入标准，其中40项为系统综述、30项为荟萃分析，另有1项为概述性综述。牙科汞合金（dental amalgam）、食品污染以及涉汞活动引发的环境污染是被提及最多的汞暴露来源。多数研究聚焦于精神与行为障碍，以及与汞暴露相关的生物标志物应用与神经行为测试。讨论：现有研究在汞职业暴露、传统习俗与化妆品中汞使用方面存在知识缺口，亟需开展进一步研究。本综述纳入的研究可为受影响人群的证据综合与医疗健康方案制定提供数据支撑，同时可为旨在管控汞使用与汞暴露的公共政策制定提供参考。