In a large cohort study of 21 endpoints measured up to 9 years old, only one endpoint revealed a statistically significant association with prenatal mercury exposure. The study concluded no detectable adverse effects of mercury exposure, which was consistent with earlier findings in the same children when examined at 6, 19, 29, and 66 months of age.11 and 12 These discrepancies may be attributed to the differences in mercury concentrations

among fish species and variations in fish consumption. Seafood consumed in Seychelles has a lower mercury concentration than those in Faroe Islands and New Zealand. One factor unique to the Faroe Islands study is the consumption of whale meat and blubber, which contain high concentrations of polychlorinated ABT-888 chemical structure biphenyls and other pollutants.10 and 12 Some of the apparent contradictions among the studies may be attributed to different sample sizes, the benefits of fish consumption, and differences in exposure measurement method. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate cumulative effects of exposure to mercury. In summary, maternal urinary, blood, and cord blood mercury levels in pregnant women in Zhoushan were correlated with the frequency of fish consumption. Total mercury levels in maternal blood and cord blood in Zhoushan were higher than those in most other regions of China

(excluding Taiwan) but lower than those in European ABT-199 order or American regions.36, 37, 38 and 39 The cord blood mercury level was above the reference dose set by the EPA in 56% of the study population.40 Neonatal neurodevelopment was associated with prenatal exposure to mercury. Cord

blood mercury level was an important biomaker for the analysis of mercury exposure. The data about maternal weight gain were not investigated in this study. However, the coverage rate of antenatal Mannose-binding protein-associated serine protease examination among pregnant women was 100% in Zhoushan Island. None of the mothers smoked cigarettes nor drank alcohol. On the whole, we think this study is a meaningful clinical research to assess the relationship between maternal mercury ingestion during pregnancy and neurobehavioral development. In conclusion, the Chinese government should try to limit the content of mercury in the environment. Women with high total mercury levels should avoid excessive seafood consumption during pregnancy. Long-term effects of exposure to mercury on childhood development need to be further explored. The study was partly funded by grants from the Science Technology Department of Zhejiang Province27 (2007C33038), the Department of health of Zhejiang Province (2008B188), and the Science Technology Department of Zhoushan City (2011C12047). The authors thank the staff of the Clinical Laboratory in Zhoushan Women’s & Children’s Health Hospital for their support and assistance in measuring mercury concentration.