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Tuakashikila YM, Mata HM, Kabamba MM, Malumba AM, Tuakuila JK. Reference intervals for cd, hg, Mn and Pb in the general children population (3-14 years) of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between June 2019 and June 2020. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:40. [PMID: 36918930 PMCID: PMC10015835 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The reference intervals (RIs), proposed by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), were derived for Cd, Hg, Mn and Pb in the blood and urine of the children population living in Kinshasa (n = 200, aged 3-14 years with 97 girls). Levels of metals were measured using coupled plasma mass (ICP-MS). In blood, the proposed RIs [P5-P95 (GM)] were 0.022-1.112 μg/L (0.074), 35.69-144.50 μg/L (71.43), 0.060 to 1.161 μg/L (0.208) and 6.597-15.740 μg/L (9.882) for Cd, Pb, Hg and Mn, respectively. Urinary levels [(P5-P95 (GM)] were 0.082-1.530 μg/L (0.366) for Cd, 1.827-18.500 μg/L (5.458) for Pb, 0.323-1.953 μg/L (0.709) for Hg and 0.070 to 1.703 μg/L (0.186) for Mn. As compared to the CDC updated blood Pb reference value (35 μg/L), Pb levels remain higher of public health concern. Cd and Mn levels were similar to those found in the same city in 2015 and databases involving non-occupationally exposed populations from other countries. Hg levels significantly lower than those found in the same city in 2015, probably due to exclusion criteria of metal exposure applying in the present survey (occupationally exposed to the studied metals, smoking habits, amalgam tooth fillings, fish consumption habit more than one time per week, etc.). These background metal exposures will be useful for future occupational and/or environmental surveys as well as undertaking a reliable regulation of chemical exposure in Kinshasa via a national HBM program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Tuakashikila
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - H M Mata
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - M M Kabamba
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - A M Malumba
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - J K Tuakuila
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
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Mbunga BK, Gjengedal ELF, Bangelesa F, Langfjord MM, Bosonkie MM, Strand TA, Mapatano MA, Engebretsen IMS. Heavy metals in children's blood from the rural region of Popokabaka, Democratic Republic of Congo: a cross-sectional study and spatial analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18576. [PMID: 36329123 PMCID: PMC9633830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23332-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals can affect cell differentiation, neurocognitive development, and growth during early life, even in low doses. Little is known about heavy metal exposure and its relationship with nutrition outcomes in non-mining rural environments. We carried out a community-based cross-sectional study to describe the distribution of four heavy metal concentrations [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg)] in the serum of a representative population of children aged 12 to 59 months old from the rural region of Popokabaka, Democratic Republic of Congo. The four metals were measured in 412 samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Limits of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) were set. Percentiles were reported. Statistical and geospatial bivariate analyses were performed to identify relationships with other nutrition outcomes. Arsenic was quantified in 59.7%, while Cd, Hg, and Pb were quantified in less than 10%, all without toxicities. The arsenic level was negatively associated with the zinc level, while the Hg level was positively associated with the selenium level. This common detection of As in children of Popokabaka requires attention, and urgent drinking water exploration and intervention for the profit of the Popokabaka community should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branly Kilola Mbunga
- grid.9783.50000 0000 9927 0991Kinshasa School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Elin L. F. Gjengedal
- grid.19477.3c0000 0004 0607 975XFaculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Freddy Bangelesa
- grid.9783.50000 0000 9927 0991Kinshasa School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo ,grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Institute of Geography and Geology, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mina M. Langfjord
- grid.19477.3c0000 0004 0607 975XFaculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Marc M. Bosonkie
- grid.9783.50000 0000 9927 0991Kinshasa School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Tor A. Strand
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway ,grid.412929.50000 0004 0627 386XDepartment of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, 2609 Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Mala Ali Mapatano
- grid.9783.50000 0000 9927 0991Kinshasa School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Ingunn M. S. Engebretsen
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
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Evaluation of heavy metal contamination in copper mine tailing soils of Kitwe and Mufulira, Zambia, for reclamation prospects. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11283. [PMID: 35787645 PMCID: PMC9253116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15458-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the level of heavy metal contamination coupled with the assessment of environmental and human risks associated with mine waste dumpsites is an important step to initiating efficient measures for mine wasteland restoration, stabilization, and bioremediation. In the present study, concentration of the heavy metals; Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn) in soil from mine waste dumpsites around Kitwe (Sites: TD25 and TD26) and Mufulira (Site: TD10), Zambia, was assessed to determine the level of contamination, ecological risks, and progress made in reclamation. The mine waste dumpsites in the two towns are located in the vicinity of residential areas. Therefore, there is need to provide information for optimization of protocols for post-mining landscape in Zambia and elsewhere to limit soil, river, and groundwater contamination and to accelerate the restoration process . Mean values for soil pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter varied between 5.9-8.4, 2534.8-538.6 μS/cm, and 0.90-2.75%, respectively. The mean concentrations of heavy metals of TD25, TD26, and TD10 decreased in order of Fe > Cu > Co > Mn > Pb > Zn across all sites. However, the order of overall degree of heavy metal contamination computed using control soil as a baseline in TD25, TD26, and TD10 was Cu > Co > Fe > Pb > Mn > Zn. The pollution load index was 0.355 at TD25, 0.329 at TD26, and 0.189 at TD10, indicating high soil pollution at TD25 and TD26. The Potential Ecological Risk Index for all heavy metals tested at TD25, TD26, and TD10 showed low ecological risk in the vicinity of the studied dumpsites. Furthermore, the present study also showed that the polluted soils around smelter sites and mine waste dumpsites are susceptible to dispersion by wind and water. Additionally, results from TD10 revealed that the initiated remediation of the tailings dam was somewhat successful. Finally, this study provided an updated status regarding the accumulation of heavy metals in mine waste dumpsites of Kitwe and Mufulira, Zambia and baseline information necessary to enhance post-mining landscape reclamation.
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Human biomonitoring in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): A systematic review. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Kayembe-Kitenge T, Kabange Umba I, Musa Obadia P, Mbuyi-Musanzayi S, Nkulu Banza P, Katoto PDMC, Katshiez Nawej C, Kalenga Ilunga G, Haufroid V, Banza Lubaba Nkulu C, Nawrot T, Nemery B. Respiratory Health and Urinary Trace Metals among Artisanal Stone-Crushers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Lubumbashi, DR Congo. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249384. [PMID: 33334018 PMCID: PMC7765357 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Thousands of artisanal workers are exposed to mineral dusts from various origins in the African Copperbelt. We determined the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, and urinary metals among artisanal stone-crushers in Lubumbashi. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 48 male artisanal stone-crushers and 50 male taxi-drivers using a standardized questionnaire and spirometry. Concentrations of trace metals were measured by Inductively Coupled - Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in urine spot samples. Results: Urinary Co, Ni, As, and Se were higher in stone-crushers than in control participants. Wheezing was more prevalent (p = 0.021) among stone-crushers (23%) than among taxi-drivers (6%). In multiple logistic regression analysis, the job of a stone-crusher was associated to wheezing (adjusted Odds Ratio 4.45, 95% Confidence Interval 1.09–18.24). Stone-crushers had higher values (% predicted) than taxi-drivers for Forced Vital Capacity (105.4 ± 15.9 vs. 92.2 ± 17.8, p = 0.048), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (104.4 ± 13.7 vs. 88.0 ± 19.6, p = 0.052), and Maximum Expiratory Flow at 25% of the Forced Vital Capacity (79.0.1 ± 20.7 vs. 55.7 ± 30.1, p = 0.078). Conclusion: Stone-crushers were more heavily exposed to mineral dust and various trace elements than taxi-drivers, and they had a fourfold increased risk of reporting wheezing, but they did not have evidence of more respiratory impairment than taxi-drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Kayembe-Kitenge
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (T.K.-K.); (I.K.U.); (P.M.O.); (S.M.-M.); (P.N.B.); (G.K.I.); (C.B.L.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malemba-Nkulu, Malemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (P.D.M.C.K.); (T.N.)
| | - Irene Kabange Umba
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (T.K.-K.); (I.K.U.); (P.M.O.); (S.M.-M.); (P.N.B.); (G.K.I.); (C.B.L.N.)
| | - Paul Musa Obadia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (T.K.-K.); (I.K.U.); (P.M.O.); (S.M.-M.); (P.N.B.); (G.K.I.); (C.B.L.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malemba-Nkulu, Malemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (P.D.M.C.K.); (T.N.)
| | - Sebastien Mbuyi-Musanzayi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (T.K.-K.); (I.K.U.); (P.M.O.); (S.M.-M.); (P.N.B.); (G.K.I.); (C.B.L.N.)
| | - Patient Nkulu Banza
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (T.K.-K.); (I.K.U.); (P.M.O.); (S.M.-M.); (P.N.B.); (G.K.I.); (C.B.L.N.)
| | - Patrick D. M. C. Katoto
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (P.D.M.C.K.); (T.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Prof Lurhuma Biomedical Research Laboratory, Mycobacterium Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Cyrille Katshiez Nawej
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kolwezi, Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo;
| | - Georges Kalenga Ilunga
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (T.K.-K.); (I.K.U.); (P.M.O.); (S.M.-M.); (P.N.B.); (G.K.I.); (C.B.L.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malemba-Nkulu, Malemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Vincent Haufroid
- Louvain Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Célestin Banza Lubaba Nkulu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (T.K.-K.); (I.K.U.); (P.M.O.); (S.M.-M.); (P.N.B.); (G.K.I.); (C.B.L.N.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malemba-Nkulu, Malemba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (P.D.M.C.K.); (T.N.)
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (P.D.M.C.K.); (T.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-1633-0801
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Bora BK, Ramos-Crawford AL, Sikorskii A, Boivin MJ, Lez DM, Mumba-Ngoyi D, Mukalay Wa Mukalay A, Okitundu-Luwa D, Tshala-Katumbay D. Concurrent exposure to heavy metals and cognition in school-age children in Congo-Kinshasa: A complex overdue research agenda. Brain Res Bull 2018; 145:81-86. [PMID: 29944947 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The impact of concurrent exposure to neurotoxic metals is a significant threat to brain function, mostly in contexts of multiple exposures as seen in the developing world. Ninety-five children (46 boys and 49 girls, 6 to 11-year old) from Congo-Kinshasa were assessed for cognition using the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (2nd edition) and exposure to Cr, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, As, Cd, Se, Hg, Fe, and Pb by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) in serum and urine collections. Concentrations of elements were all above normal ranges except for Cd, Se and Hg. General linear mixed effects models were used to predict neurocognitive outcomes with variable selection methods including backward elimination, elastic net, or subsets identified based on subject matter expertise. After adjusting for sex, age, and SES, urinary Co > 5 μg/l was associated with poor simultaneous processing (memory) (p = 0.0237). Higher excretion but normal concentration of Cd in serum was associated with better memory (p = 0.03), planning (p = 0.05), and overall performance scores (p < 0.01); thus appeared to be neuroprotective. However, higher excretion of Zn had negative influence on the overall performance scores (p = 0.02). Predictive neurotoxicology is a challenging task in contexts of multiple and concurrent exposures. Urinary Co > 5 μg/l is a risk factor for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in such contexts. The impact of heavy metals on cognition is dependent on concentrations of and interactions between toxic and essential elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Koba Bora
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Ana Luiza Ramos-Crawford
- Department of Neurology and School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA
| | - Alla Sikorskii
- Department of Statistics and Probability, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Michael Joseph Boivin
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology & Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Didier Malamba Lez
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Dieudonné Mumba-Ngoyi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Daniel Okitundu-Luwa
- Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Desiré Tshala-Katumbay
- Department of Neurology and School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Nemery B, Banza Lubaba Nkulu C. Assessing exposure to metals using biomonitoring: Achievements and challenges experienced through surveys in low- and middle-income countries. Toxicol Lett 2018; 298:13-18. [PMID: 29894842 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In this narrative account based on a keynote presentation on exposure biomonitoring of metals in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), we first briefly address practical issues that have arisen from our experience during the conduct of various surveys in LMIC. These have included the statistical handling of multiple pollutants in the same subject, the problem of correctly adjusting for urinary flow in spot samples of urine, and the possible external contamination of samples when doing field surveys in challenging environments. We then review and present selected results from surveys conducted in the mining area of Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), where we documented high urinary levels of cobalt and other trace metals (arsenic, uranium) in people living close (<3 km) to mining or smelting operations (Banza et al., 2009). Consumption of contaminated foodstuffs (maize, legumes, fish) and, especially among children, dust ingestion proved to be the main sources of exposure to cobalt (Cheyns et al., 2014). Urinary biomonitoring studies among artisanal workers involved in mining cobalt, craftsmen working malachite, and workers processing gold ore revealed high to extremely high values of cobalt (largely exceeding the Biological Exposure Index of 15 μg/L), as well as other trace metals such as uranium, manganese, lead or mercury, depending on the type of jobs. This abundant biomonitoring data has been valuable to argue for improved enforcement of legislation to protect workers and citizens against the hazards posed by the mining activities in the area. Epidemiological studies have been undertaken and are ongoing to assess the human health impact of this pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Nemery
- Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 (706), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Célestin Banza Lubaba Nkulu
- Unit of Toxicology and Environment, School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
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Santos MD, Flores Soares MC, Martins Baisch PR, Muccillo Baisch AL, Rodrigues da Silva Júnior FM. Biomonitoring of trace elements in urine samples of children from a coal-mining region. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 197:622-626. [PMID: 29407825 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring through urine samples is important for evaluating environmental exposure, since urine is the main form of excretion for most chemical elements. Children are considered more vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions, especially children in developing countries. This study aimed to biomonitor trace elements in urine samples in children from a coal-mining region in the extreme south of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 children between 6 and 11 years of age. Socioeconomic data and urine samples were collected to estimate the concentration of iron, zinc, selenium, lead, and cadmium. The prevalence of metals above the reference values was 52.0% for Se, followed by 15.6% for Zn. The data point toward a vulnerability to adverse environmental conditions in these children. Although the concentrations of the elements did not reveal intoxication cases, biomonitoring should be carried out continuously in order to assess exposure to metals and ensure the health of the population. This article provides data that help determine natural levels of metallic elements in children, specifically in South America, which have not yet been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-Gradução em Ciências Da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina - FAMED, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande, FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Flores Soares
- Programa de Pós-Gradução em Ciências Da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina - FAMED, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande, FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paulo Roberto Martins Baisch
- Programa de Pós-Gradução em Ciências Da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina - FAMED, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Geoquímica Ambiental, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande, FURG, Brazil
| | - Ana Luíza Muccillo Baisch
- Programa de Pós-Gradução em Ciências Da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina - FAMED, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande, FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Flavio Manoel Rodrigues da Silva Júnior
- Programa de Pós-Gradução em Ciências Da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina - FAMED, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, 102 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Ensaios Farmacológicos e Toxicológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas - ICB, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande, FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Yedomon B, Menudier A, Etangs FLD, Anani L, Fayomi B, Druet-Cabanac M, Moesch C. Biomonitoring of 29 trace elements in whole blood from inhabitants of Cotonou (Benin) by ICP-MS. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 43:38-45. [PMID: 27847219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the blood concentration of 29 trace elements, metals or metalloids, in a healthy population of Cotonou not directly exposed to metals in order to propose reference values. Blood samples from 70 blood donors were collected in K2 EDTA tubes for trace elements during September 2015 and a questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle exposure. Blood metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) equipped with a quadrupole-based reaction cell. Among the selected blood donors 51.4% were aged from 18 to 36 years and 49.6% from 37 to 65 years. Among the 29 elements analyzed As, Pb, Mn, Pd, Sb, Co, Se, Sr showed blood concentrations higher than the reference values found in the literature for non-exposed healthy European populations and their geometric means were respectively 5.81; 47.39; 19.71; 1.91; 7.50; 0.66; 163.01; 30.53μg/L. This study provides the first reference value (5th-95th percentiles) for each element in Cotonou, which enables us to carry out further investigations on environmental and occupational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Yedomon
- INSERM, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Limoges, France; Unit of Teaching and Research in Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 188 Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Alain Menudier
- University hospital of Limoges, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, F-87000 Limoges, France.
| | | | - Ludovic Anani
- National Agency for Blood Transfusion of Benin, BP 386 Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Benjamin Fayomi
- Unit of Teaching and Research in Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 188 Cotonou, Benin.
| | | | - Christian Moesch
- INSERM, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Limoges, France; University hospital of Limoges, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, F-87000 Limoges, France.
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Risque d’exposition simultanée aux métaux traces chez des artisans du secteur informel des déchets d’équipements électroniques et électriques (DEEE) en Côte d’Ivoire. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2017.03.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Elongi Moyene JP, Scheers H, Tandu-Umba B, Haufroid V, Buassa-bu-Tsumbu B, Verdonck F, Spitz B, Nemery B. Preeclampsia and toxic metals: a case-control study in Kinshasa, DR Congo. Environ Health 2016; 15:48. [PMID: 27044488 PMCID: PMC4820935 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0132-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is frequent in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), especially during the dry season. We tested whether preeclampsia was associated with exposure to environmental metals. METHODS Using a case-control design, 88 women hospitalized with preeclampsia (cases) and 88 healthy pregnant women from the antenatal clinic (controls) were included in the study; 67 and 109 women were enrolled during the rainy and dry season, respectively. The concentrations of 24 elements were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 24-h urine collections. Differences in the urinary excretion of metals were investigated between cases and controls, and the interaction with season was assessed. RESULTS Cases and controls were well matched regarding age, parity and duration of pregnancy. In controls, the urinary concentrations of most elements were substantially higher than reference values for adults from industrially developed countries, e.g. for lead: geometric mean (GM) 8.0 μg/L [25(th)-75(th) percentile 3.1-13.8]. The daily urinary excretions of 14 metals were significantly higher in women with preeclampsia than in control women, e.g. for lead: GM 61 μg/day (25(th)-75(th) percentile 8-345) in women with preeclampsia vs 9 μg/day (25(th)-75(th) percentile 3-21) in controls (p < 0.001). A significant interaction was found between season and preeclampsia for several elements, with higher urinary excretions in preeclamptic women than controls during the dry season, but not during the rainy season. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed not only that women with preeclampsia excrete higher amounts of several toxic metals, especially lead, than control women, but also that this excretion exhibits seasonal variation, thus possibly explaining the high incidence and seasonal variation of preeclampsia in Kinshasa. Although the exact sources of this exposure are unknown, these findings underscore the need for preventing environmental exposures to lead and other toxic metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Elongi Moyene
- />Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Kinshasa, and General Hospital of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- />Hôpital Général de Kinshasa, Avenue de l’Hôpital, Commune de la Gombe, Kinshasa, DR Congo
| | - Hans Scheers
- />Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Barthélémy Tandu-Umba
- />Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Kinshasa, and General Hospital of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Vincent Haufroid
- />Louvain centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Institut de recherche expérimentale et clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Baudouin Buassa-bu-Tsumbu
- />Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Kinshasa, and General Hospital of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Bernard Spitz
- />Department of Development and Regeneration (Pregnancy, Foetus and Newborn), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- />Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benoit Nemery
- />Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Lead exposure and early child neurodevelopment among children 12-24 months in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2016; 25:1361-1367. [PMID: 27165339 PMCID: PMC5102973 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-016-0860-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Childhood lead exposure remains a problem in developing countries, and little is known about its effects on early child neurodevelopment and temperament in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We, therefore, conducted this study to determine the association between lead exposure and the neurodevelopment and behaviour of children aged 12-24 months in Kinshasa, DRC. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and June 2012, and parents of 104 children were invited to participate. Blood lead levels (BLLs) of each child were tested using the flame atomic spectrophotometry method. All children were subject to a clinical examination and assessed with two selected early child neurodevelopmental tools, the Gensini-Gavito and the baby characteristics questionnaire, to measure their neurodevelopment and temperament. Detectable BLLs ranged from 1 to 30 μg/dl with a geometric mean of 6.9 (SD 4.8) μg/dl. BLLs at 5-9 and ≥10 μg/dl were significantly associated with the child temperament (p <0.05). Perinatal and maternal factors did not seem to affect early child neurodevelopment and temperament. Children exposed to lead were reported with more temperament difficulties at even blood lead levels <10 μg/dl, suggesting the need for preventive and intervention measures to reduce lead exposure among children in Kinshasa, DRC.
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13
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Tuakuila J, Kabamba M, Mata H, Mbuyi F. Tentative reference values for environmental pollutants in blood or urine from the children of Kinshasa. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 139:326-333. [PMID: 26162326 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The DRC, as most of African nations, does not have a national biomonitoring programme and there is a lack of information on background levels of environmental pollutants in the general DRC population, particularly in children. The focus of the data presented in this report aims to establish the background levels of a range of environmental pollutants in urine or blood from the children population of Kinshasa. Based on the representative data collection of the Kinshasa population, the survey selected 125 children aged 1-14years and living in Kinshasa (6years on average, 56% of girls, 100% of non-smokers, without amalgam fillings and consumers of fish 3 times per week). Biomarkers of a range of metals (As, Cd, Hg and Pb), pyrene (PAH) and benzene were analyzed in the blood or urine samples. Globally, the results indicate that the exposure levels of children living in Kinshasa are 10 times higher than those published by the American, Canadian and German children surveys. This study provides the first Reference Values of environmental pollutants [As, Cd, Hg, Pb, pyrene (PAH) and benzene] in the Kinshasa children population and reveals elevated levels of all biomarkers studied. The data set of this study may allow environmental and health authorities of DRC to undertake a national biomonitoring programme, especially with four insights for the protection of human heath.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tuakuila
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, USA; Louvain Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), UCL, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - M Kabamba
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, USA
| | - H Mata
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, USA
| | - F Mbuyi
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, USA
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14
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Bumoko GMM, Sadiki NH, Rwatambuga A, Kayembe KP, Okitundu DL, Mumba Ngoyi D, Muyembe JJT, Banea JP, Boivin MJ, Tshala-Katumbay D. Lower serum levels of selenium, copper, and zinc are related to neuromotor impairments in children with konzo. J Neurol Sci 2015; 349:149-53. [PMID: 25592410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We assessed the relationship between key trace elements and neurocognitive and motor impairments observed in konzo, a motor neuron disease associated with cassava cyanogenic exposure in nutritionally challenged African children. Serum concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, selenium, and neurotoxic lead, mercury, manganese, cadmium, and cobalt were measured in 123 konzo children (mean age 8.53 years) and 87 non-konzo children (mean age 9.07 years) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Concentrations of trace elements were compared and related to performance scores on the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition (KABC-II) for cognition and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test, 2nd edition (BOT-2) for motor proficiency. Children with konzo had low levels of selenium, copper, and zinc relative to controls. Selenium concentration significantly correlated with serum 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI isoprostane (Spearman r=0.75, p<0.01) and BOT-2 scores (r=0.31, p=0.00) in children with konzo. Elemental deficiency was not associated with poor cognition. Mean (SD) urinary level of thiocyanate was 388.03 (221.75) μmol/l in non-konzo compared to 518.59 (354.19) μmol/l in konzo children (p<0.01). Motor deficits associated with konzo may possibly be driven by the combined effects of cyanide toxicity and Se deficiency on prooxidant mechanisms. Strategies to prevent konzo may include dietary supplementation with trace elements, preferentially, those with antioxidant and cyanide-scavenging properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M-M Bumoko
- Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo
| | - N H Sadiki
- School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo
| | - A Rwatambuga
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences and Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - K P Kayembe
- School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo
| | - D L Okitundu
- Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo
| | - D Mumba Ngoyi
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo; Institut National de Recherches Biomedicales, Democratic Republic Of Congo
| | - J-J T Muyembe
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo; Institut National de Recherches Biomedicales, Democratic Republic Of Congo
| | - J-P Banea
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health & National Nutrition Program, Ministry of Health, Democratic Republic Of Congo
| | - M J Boivin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology/Ophthalmology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - D Tshala-Katumbay
- Department of Neurology, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic Of Congo; Institut National de Recherches Biomedicales, Democratic Republic Of Congo; Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences and Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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15
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Cheyns K, Banza Lubaba Nkulu C, Ngombe LK, Asosa JN, Haufroid V, De Putter T, Nawrot T, Kimpanga CM, Numbi OL, Ilunga BK, Nemery B, Smolders E. Pathways of human exposure to cobalt in Katanga, a mining area of the D.R. Congo. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 490:313-321. [PMID: 24858229 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure biomonitoring in the African Copperbelt (Katanga, southern D.R. Congo) revealed elevated cobalt (Co) exposure in the general population. This study was designed to identify the Co exposure routes for the non-occupationally exposed population in that area. The concentration of Co was measured in environmental and urine samples collected in urban and rural communities close to metal mining and/or refining plants, villages near a lake receiving effluents from metal refining plants, and control rural areas without industrial pollution. Drinking water, uncooked food items (maize flour, washed vegetables, fish and meat), indoor and outdoor dust samples were collected at each location. A food questionnaire was used to estimate dietary Co intake for adults and children. Geometric mean urine-Co (U-Co) concentrations were 4.5-fold (adults) and 6.6-fold (children) higher in the polluted than in the control area, with U-Co values being intermediate in the lakeside area. Average Co concentrations in environmental samples differed 6-40-fold between these areas. U-Co was positively correlated with most environmental Co concentrations, the highest correlations being found with Co in drinking water, vegetables and fruit. Estimated average total Co intake for adults was 63 (±42) μg/day in the control area, 94 (±55) μg/day in the lakeside villages and 570 (±100) μg Co/day in the polluted areas. U-Co was significantly related to modelled Co intake (R(2)=0.48, adults and R(2)=0.47, children; log-log relationship). Consumption of legumes, i.e. sweet potato leaves (polluted) and cereals+fish (lakeside) was the largest contributor to Co intake in adults, whereas dust ingestion appeared to contribute substantially in children in the polluted area. In conclusion, dietary Co is the main source of Co exposure in the polluted area and Co is efficiently transferred from soil and water in the human food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlien Cheyns
- Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (VAR), Leuvensesteenweg 17, B-3080 Tervuren, Belgium; Division Soil and Water Management, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Célestin Banza Lubaba Nkulu
- Unité de Toxicologie et Environnement, Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, People's Republic of Congo
| | - Léon Kabamba Ngombe
- Unité de Toxicologie et Environnement, Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, People's Republic of Congo; Unité de Toxicologie et Environnement, Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kamina, People's Republic of Congo
| | - Jimmy Ngoy Asosa
- Unité de Toxicologie et Environnement, Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, People's Republic of Congo
| | - Vincent Haufroid
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium
| | - Thierry De Putter
- Geodynamics and Mineral Resources, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 (O&N 706), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Belgium
| | - Célestin Muleka Kimpanga
- Unité de Toxicologie et Environnement, Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kamina, People's Republic of Congo
| | - Oscar Luboya Numbi
- Unité de Toxicologie et Environnement, Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, People's Republic of Congo
| | - Benjamin Kabyla Ilunga
- Unité de Toxicologie et Environnement, Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, People's Republic of Congo
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 (O&N 706), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erik Smolders
- Division Soil and Water Management, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 20, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Sughis M, Nawrot TS, Riaz A, Ikram-Dar U, Mahmood A, Haufroid V, Nemery B. Metal exposure in schoolchildren and working children. A urinary biomonitoring study from Lahore, Pakistan. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2014; 217:669-77. [PMID: 24641998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In order to document the exposure to trace metals among urban schoolchildren and rural working children, we measured the urinary concentrations of metals in schoolchildren from two areas of differing traffic intensity in Lahore, and in children working in carpet weaving or the brick industry outside Lahore. In a cross-sectional design, we recruited a convenience sample of 339 children aged 8-12 years (mean age 9.9 y, SD 1.4; 47% girls) from two elementary schools in Lahore - one situated in a high air pollution area (n=100) and one situated in an area with lower air pollution (n=79) - and from the carpet weaving industry (n=80) and brick industry (n=80). A spot urine sample was collected and concentrations of 20 metals and metalloids were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Samples of drinking water were similarly analyzed. In general, the urinary concentrations of several toxic metals (including Cr, Mn, As, Mo, Cd, Pb, U) were higher than international reference values. Concentrations of As were especially elevated in children working in the brick making industry [geometric mean (GM) 118 μg/L], but they were also high among urban schoolchildren (GM 68 μg/L and 56 μg/L). Lead (Pb) was higher in urine from schoolchildren in the high air pollution area (GM 11 μg/L) than in those from the lower pollution area (GM 5.3 μg/L). Uranium (U) was high in both carpet weavers (GM 0.28 μg/L) and brick kiln workers (GM 0.45 μg/L). Concentrations of As, Pb, and U in drinking water corresponded well with urinary concentrations of metals. This descriptive study provides evidence for a high exposure to several toxic metals in this area of Pakistan. The concentrations of urinary As are in the order of those found in other regions of the world with high environmental exposure to As. The sources and pathways of exposure and the health significance of these findings need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sughis
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium; Centre of Research for Public Health, Lahore, Pakistan; Lahore College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Belgium
| | - Amir Riaz
- Centre of Research for Public Health, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Arshad Mahmood
- Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions & Environment, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Vincent Haufroid
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium.
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17
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Tuakuila J, Kabamba M, Mata H, Mata G. Toxic and essential elements in children's blood (<6 years) from Kinshasa, DRC (the Democratic Republic of Congo). J Trace Elem Med Biol 2014; 28:45-9. [PMID: 24210171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study we determined the concentration of 9 trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se and Zn) in whole blood of children (n=100, 64 girls, 36 boys and median age: 36 months) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The proportion of children potentially deficient in essential elements or poisoned by toxic elements was evaluated. The aging effects on the concentration of these elements were also investigated. The median values were 3.17μg/L (As), 0.15μg/L (Cd), 1.1mg/L (Cu), 2.1μg/L (Hg), 10.4μg/L (Mn), 17.7μg/L (Mo), 8.7μg/dL (Pb), 10.7μg/L (Se) and 5.0mg/L (Zn). The concentration of many elements (As, Cd, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) showed significant age variations but not sex influence. Regarding levels of the essential elements (Cu, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn), B-Cu, B-Mn, B-Se and B-Zn were in the normal range, whereas exceeded levels were observed for B-Mo. None of these children was deficient in essential elements. Except B-Cd, all toxic elements showed exceeded blood levels. The proportion of children potentially poisoned by toxic elements varies from 10% (n=10) to 95% (n=95) and depends on toxic element: 95% for As, 10% for Hg and 35% for Pb. The main health concerns emerging from this study are the high As, Hg and Pb exposures of the Kinshasan children requiring further documentation, corrective actions and the implementation of appropriate regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tuakuila
- Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of the Congo; Louvain Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue E. Mounier 53, Box 52.02.12, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - M Kabamba
- Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - H Mata
- Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - G Mata
- Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of the Congo
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18
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Ivanenko N, Ivanenko A, Solovyev N, Zeimal׳ A, Navolotskii D, Drobyshev E. Biomonitoring of 20 trace elements in blood and urine of occupationally exposed workers by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Talanta 2013; 116:764-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2013.07.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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