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Clean Sampling and Analysis of River and Estuarine Waters for Trace Metal Studies
Published on: July 1, 2016
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The geographic distribution of trace elements in the environment: the REGARDS study
Nicole Rembert1, Ka He2, Suzanne E Judd1
1Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|February 1, 2017
Summary
Environmental trace element exposure varies by geographic region. This study links demographic factors to arsenic, magnesium, mercury, and selenium levels, highlighting regional differences in exposure. Further research is needed to understand health implications.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Geochemistry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited research exists on environmental trace element distribution and its health impacts.
- Trace elements like arsenic, magnesium, mercury, and selenium are crucial for human health.
- Geographic variations in environmental exposures may contribute to health disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate associations between participant characteristics and environmental exposure levels to arsenic, magnesium, mercury, and selenium.
- To explore the relationship between geographic residence and trace element exposure.
- To identify demographic factors associated with varying trace element concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.
- Combined participant demographics with US Geochemical Survey (USGS) trace element concentration data.
- Employed logistic regression models to analyze associations between demographics and trace element exposure levels (categorized as low/high).
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between geographic region and trace element exposure.
- Residency in the Stroke Belt correlated with lower arsenic exposure and higher mercury exposure.
- Increased odds of low exposure were observed for magnesium and selenium in certain regions.
Conclusions:
- Environmental trace element levels are associated with geographic region and demographic factors.
- Geographic variations in trace element exposure warrant further investigation.
- Future studies should explore potential links between these environmental differences and disease patterns.
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