Determinants of metal exposure in the biomonitoring campaigns of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS)

摘要

Background: Identification of determinants of exposure to pollutants can be a tool for targeted policy actions to reduce exposure. In the Flemish Environment and Health studies (FLEHS), biomonitoring data are coupled to questionnaires in order to identify significant determinants of exposure for the monitored pollutants. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore determinants of exposure to metals in adolescents, newborn-mother pairs and adults in the latest cycle of FLEHS (2012-2015). These determinants will be compared with results from the previous cycles (2002-2006, 2007-2011), to identify those that are consistent over the different campaigns of FLEHS. Part of the population exceeds existing health guidelines for internal exposure to cadmium (adults and adolescents) and arsenic (adolescents), so special focus is given to these metals. Furthermore, certain species of arsenic are considered separately, since the toxicity of arsenic heavily depends on its form. Methods: Pollutant concentrations in biological matrices like blood and urine are the cumulative reflection of all exposure. Statistical regression techniques are performed on the biomonitoring results in each study population to identify determinants of pollutants. Results: Some associations with significance in the latest cycle were consistent with earlier cycles. Like the positive association between blood and cord blood cadmium and smoking in adolescents and mothers respectively (p<0.001 and p=0.03), lead in cord blood and maternal age (p<0.001) and total arsenic in blood and seafood consumption in adults and adolescents (both p<0.001). Most associations were consistent with the literature. Additionally, we found that determinants differ between arsenic species. Conclusions: Several determinants are consistent with literature and earlier FLEHS cycles. These include determinants of metals that exceed health guidelines, (passive) smoking for cadmium in adolescents and fish consumption/education for arsenic in adolescents and adults. However, determinants of arsenic differ between species, indicating that biomarkers of total arsenic exposure may have limited use for steering policy action.