Trace Elements in Portuguese Children: Urinary Levels and Exposure Predictors
Luísa Correia-Sá1, Virgínia C Fernandes1,2, Maria Luz Maia1,2
1REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal.
Toxics
|September 27, 2023
Summary
Portuguese children
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Developmental exposure to environmental chemicals poses health risks.
- Urinary element analysis is crucial for assessing exposure.
- Understanding exposure predictors in children is vital for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate exposure to 12 elements in Portuguese children.
- To identify predictors of elemental exposure in this population.
- To assess iodine status and potential deficiencies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of first morning urine samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
- Study included 54% girls and 46% boys, median age 10 years.
- Investigated predictors including region, urbanicity, age, sex, diet, and weight group.
Main Results:
- Median urinary concentrations for 12 elements (Cu, Co, I, Mo, Mn, Ni, As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Sn, Tl) were determined.
- Half the population showed probable iodine deficiency.
- Region, urbanicity, age, diet, and weight were significant predictors for various elements; higher levels observed in urban areas for most elements, except Co and Ni. Age-related decreases noted for several elements. Healthy diet group showed higher Cu, Ni, Sb, and As levels.
Conclusions:
- Environmental and lifestyle factors significantly influence elemental exposure in Portuguese children.
- Iodine deficiency is a concern in this population.
- Age and geographical factors are key predictors of exposure, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
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