Call for hair samples

Call for hair samples

National Institute for Minamata Disease studies on the mercury pollution in developing countries. Scalp hair is clearly the most suitable material for estimation of methylmercury exposure.

We collect scalp hair samples from residents living in the areas that could possibly have been polluted with mercury in developing countries to determine the mercury content.

Mercury content in hair will be analyzed by a flameless atomic absorption spectrometer in the institute and the mercury data will be sent to you promptly.

Anyone who requests hair analysis, please email Dr. Fujimura before sending samples. Measuring mercury contamination is free of charge. However, the shipping charge for sending us samples shall be borne by shipper. All samples are used only for the purpose of research.
We also need the identification number, sex, age, and the place of residence for each participant.

How to hair sampling:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR HAIR SAMPLING

Explanation to Participants:

  • The aim of hair collection and mercury analysis should be provided to participants orally or by other appropriate manners.

    Note: The hair samples collected will be processed properly for chemical analysis. Methylmercury is found to contaminate in fishes and other marine creatures at trace concentrations through an aquatic food web. The hair sample will never be used for any purpose other than the mercury analysis.

  • The agreement of the participant on the collection of hair is the prerequisite for the sampling.

  • The individual data recorded should contain identification (ID) number, sex, age (or date of birth), and sampling site.

    Note: The application of local ethical guideline and the requirement of recommendation by local ethical board should be considered if necessary.

Collection of Hair Samples:

  • Cut scrap hairs with scissors a Cut scrap hairs with scissors at close site to hair root. A minimum amount requirement is ten strands of hair each with about　5 cm in a length.

    Note: A proximal portion of hair (a hair root side) is suitable rather than a distal part (a hair tip side) for the analysis in the aim of estimation for methylmercury exposure. The reason is that the contents of methylmercury might decrease during growth of hair under certain conditions including treatment with artificial hair waving.

  • Put the collected hair sample into envelope on which the identification (ID) number of the participant is indicated. Use one envelope for one participant.
Sending the Collected Hair Samples:
  • The list of participants should include identification (ID) number, sex, age, date of sampling, and sampling site.

Any questions, please mail to

Sending to:

Masatake Fujimura, Ph.D.

Department of Basic Medical Sciences

National Institute for Minamata Disease

4058-18 Hama, Minamata, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.

TEL:+81-966-63-3111　E-mail：