Urinary arsenic concentrations and speciation in Cornwall residents

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Human Exposure Assessment

Background:

• Arsenic exposure is a global health concern, with potential links to skin cancer in areas with high soil arsenic concentrations.
• Cornwall, UK, has mineralised soil with elevated arsenic levels, prompting an investigation into human exposure.
• Understanding arsenic metabolism and exposure pathways is crucial for public health risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify inorganic arsenic and its methylated metabolites in urine from residents of Cornwall and a control group in Glasgow.
• To assess potential increased exposure to inorganic arsenic in Cornwall.
• To relate urinary arsenic levels to recommended exposure limits and identify exposure pathways.

Main Methods:

• Urine samples were collected from adults and children in Cornwall and control subjects in Glasgow.
• Concentrations of inorganic arsenic and its methylated metabolites (monomethylarsonic acid) were determined.
• Urinary arsenic levels were expressed relative to creatinine concentration.

Main Results:

• Urinary arsenic levels were generally only slightly elevated in Cornwall compared to Glasgow.
• Trivalent inorganic arsenic and monomethylarsonic acid occurred more frequently in Cornish residents.
• Two preschool children in Cornwall exhibited significantly high total arsenic concentrations (48.7 and 20.8 μg g(-1) creatinine).

Conclusions:

• While general arsenic exposure in Cornwall appears only slightly elevated, specific cases indicate potential risks.
• The presence of trivalent inorganic arsenic and monomethylarsonic acid suggests specific exposure sources.
• Further investigation into exposure pathways and health implications of elevated arsenic in children is warranted.