Lead and arsenic levels in women with different body mass composition

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) levels in biological fluids were associated to the body composition in a group of reproductive-age women. Voluntary childbearing-age women (n = 107) were divided into three groups according to their body mass index (BMI: weight/height(2) (kg/m(2)): low weight (BMI<18.5 kg/m(2)), normal (BMI > 19 < 24·9 kg/m²), and overweight (BMI>25 kg/m(2)). Body composition and fat mass percentage were determined by the isotopic dilution method utilizing deuterated water. Blood lead concentrations were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and urinary arsenic (AsU) concentrations by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The type and frequency of food consumption and lifestyle-related factors were also registered. Most women had PbB levels > 2 < 10μ g/dl, and only 2.6% had AsU concentrations above 50 microg/L. The levels of these toxic elements were not found to be associated with the fat mass percentage.