Maternal-fetal transfer of organic and inorganic mercury via placenta and milk

The maternal-fetal transfer of organic and inorganic mercury across the placenta and through mother's milk has been investigated in the rat. It was found that organic mercury is more readily transferable across the placenta than inorganic mercury. However, both forms of mercury were transferred through milk with approximately the same efficiency. It was determined that the mercury concentrations in the placenta and the infant hair are directly related to the infant's body burden of mercury.     

Utility of placental tissue as an indicator of trace element exposure to adult and fetus

The placenta has been investigated as a possible indicator of environmental exposure. Levels of 8 trace elements (including Hg, Pb, and Cd) have been measured in placenta, maternal blood, and fetal blood. The trace element levels for the various tissues were correlated against one another. The elemental levels were also examined with respect to birth month, race, socio-economic status, etc. An attempt was made to determine relationships between elevated levels of particular elements and the increased occurrence of specific infant malformations.