The instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) has been performed on 27pairs of scalp hair samples for mothers and their new-born babies living in Haidian District
Beijing. The transfer of mercury in pregnant women and its accumulation in new-born babies were studied. The results showed that a significant positive correlation exists between the mercury contents in maternal and infant hair(r=+0.856
P<0.001)
and the infant level exceeded the maternal level by 12%.It was found that the concentration of mercury in maternal hair was gradually decreased during pregnancy.