Economic evaluation of health consequences of prenatal methylmercury exposure in France

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence of a dose–response relationship between prenatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) and neurodevelopmental consequences in terms of IQ reduction, makes it possible to evaluate the economic consequences of MeHg exposures.ObjectiveTo perform an economic evaluation of annual national benefits of reduction of the prenatal MeHg exposure in France.MethodsWe used data on hair-Hg concentrations in French women of childbearing age (18–45 years) from a national sample of 126 women and from two studies conducted in coastal regions (n = 161and n = 503). A linear dose response function with a slope of 0.465 IQ point reduction per μg/g increase in hair-Hg concentration was used, along with a log transformation of the exposure scale, where a doubling of exposure was associated with a loss of 1.5 IQ points. The costs calculations utilized an updated estimate of €2008 17,363 per IQ point decrement, with three hypothetical exposure cut-off points (hair-Hg of 0.58, 1.0, and 2.5 μg/g).ResultsBecause of higher exposure levels of women in coastal communities, the annual economic impacts based on these data were greater than those using the national data, i.e. € 1.62 billion (national), and € 3.02 billion and € 2.51 billion (regional), respectively, with the linear model, and € 5.46 billion (national), and € 9.13 billion and € 8.17 billion (regional), with the log model, for exposures above 0.58 μg/g.ConclusionsThese results emphasize that efforts to reduce MeHg exposures would have high social benefits by preventing the serious and lifelong consequences of neurodevelopmental deficits in children.

Economic benefits of methylmercury exposure control in Europe: Monetary value of neurotoxicity prevention

“…As has previously been determined in regard to lead exposure [7], developmental MeHg exposure is linked to a loss in Intelligence Quotient (IQ), with associated lower school performance and educational attainment, thereby leading to long-term impacts on societal benefits of pollution abatement [8]. These consequences may be expressed in terms of economic impacts, as has been demonstrated in United States [9,10].…”

Calculation of Mercury’s Effects on Neurodevelopment

“…In addition, a 1-µg/g increase in hair Hg concentration is more likely associated with an average adverse impact of 0.465 IQ points, as discussed by Pichery et al (2012). Assuming a log-
normal exposure distribution, a 75th percentile hair Hg concentration of 0.42 µg/g, and a 90th percentile of 1.11 µg/g as reported by McDowell et al (2004), we estimate that 18.5% of women exceed a threshold of 0.58 µg/g hair Hg and that the average concentration for 0.58–1.11 µg/g is approximately 0.8 µg/g.…”

“…We recently used similar calculations to estimate the annual costs of Hg pollution in France (Pichery et al 2012), a country one-fifth the size of the United States. At slightly higher exposure levels, the annual loss in IQ points was estimated to be 157,000.…”

“…At slightly higher exposure levels, the annual loss in IQ points was estimated to be 157,000. Greater losses were obtained using a log-scale effect (Pichery et al 2012). With an estimated value of each IQ point of $18,000 in terms of life-time earnings, the current loss of IQ points associated with MeHg exposure represents a very substantial value to society.…”

Consensus document on the prevention of methylmercury exposure in Spain

“…It seems clear that despite the uncertainties regarding the MeHg dose-response relationship, public health measures aimed at reducing mercury exposure are necessary, as is the need to evaluate the benefits of such measures from an economic and social point of view [105][106][107].…”