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Toxic substances in seafood can accumulate in consumers and cause serious health problems. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the levels of 11 essential and toxic elements (arsenic, copper, mercury, zinc, iron, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, selenium and titanium) in nail samples from fishermen who frequently consumed seafood and control groups who consumed them less frequently. This study was conducted in the Marmara Sea coastal cities of Istanbul, Kocaeli, Tekirdağ and Yalova. 352 individuals were enrolled, 263 fishermen and 89 controls. A questionnaire was administered to the individuals, then fingernail samples were collected. Nail samples were digested by the addition of HNO3 and H2O2, then the element levels was measured by ICP-MS. Zinc and iron levels in fishermen's nails were higher than in controls. Positive correlations were observed between levels of arsenic, mercury, iron, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, selenium, and titanium in the fishermen's nails and monthly seafood consumption. Mean nail zinc and copper levels were lower than expected in both groups. Other elements were at expected levels. In conclusion, consuming seafood caught in this region does not result in element exposure sufficient to represent a risk, but may increase in the burdens of some elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]