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Health-related reference intervals for heavy metals in non-exposed young adults
Chiara Di Resta1, Francesco Paleari1, Assunta Naclerio1
1Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|June 14, 2025
Summary
This study established health reference intervals for heavy metals in young urban adults. Mercury and chromium were frequently detected, suggesting environmental or dietary exposure in this population.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Biomonitoring
Background:
- Heavy metal concentrations are influenced by environment, diet, and habits.
- Establishing reference intervals is crucial for assessing exposure.
- Urban environments may present unique exposure profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine health-related reference intervals (RIs) for seven heavy metals.
- To assess heavy metal levels in healthy, young adults in an urban setting.
- To provide baseline data for non-occupationally exposed populations.
Main Methods:
- The Uni4Me study included 154 healthy university volunteers.
- Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ICP-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-EOS) were used.
- CLSI guidelines were applied to calculate 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles for RIs.
Main Results:
- Most heavy metals were found at low concentrations.
- Zinc levels were consistently physiological across all participants.
- Mercury and chromium showed high detection frequencies, indicating potential exposure routes.
Conclusions:
- Baseline heavy metal values were established for young urban adults.
- Findings support biomonitoring and public health strategies.
- The data aids in understanding subclinical exposures in the general population.
