The direct determination of total mercury levels in human scalp hair was accomplished by atomic absorption spectroscopy at 184.9 nm through the use of a unique carbon bed atomizer. The Robinson quartz T atomizer permitted the analysis of solid hair samples, 1-cm or less in length, with no sample pretreatmant. This direct analysis eliminated both loss of volatile mercury compounds during pretreatment and contamination of the sample by added reagents. The accuracy of the determination was improved thereby. Use of the 184.9 nm line in the vacuum ultraviolet region provided increased sensitivity over the more commonly employed 253.7 nm line.