The Correlation between Metal Mixed Exposure and Lung Function in Different Ages of the Population

Herein, we explored the overall association between metal mixtures and lung functions in populations of varying ages and the relationship among the associated components. The 2007-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data of 4382 American participants was analyzed, and generalized linear, elastic net, quantile g-computation, and Bayesian kernel machine regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between exposure to the metal mixture and lung function at various ages. The results of barium exposure at distinct stages revealed that children and adolescents exhibited greater lung function changes than those in adults and the elderly. Additionally, compared with children and adolescents, cadmium- and arsenic-containing metabolites contributed to nonconductive lung function changes in adults and the elderly exposed to metal mixtures. The results showed that the effects of exposure to metal mixtures on lung function in children and adolescents were predominantly caused by lead and barium. Altogether, children and adolescents were found to be more susceptible to metal-exposure-mediated lung function changes than adults and the elderly.