Biomonitoring of Exposure to Metals in a Population Residing in an Industrial Area in Brazil: A Feasibility Study.

Élida Campos,Cristina Lemos,Rosalina J Koifman,Valéria Saraceni,Ilce Ferreira Da Silva,Rafael Do Nascimento Pinheiro,Fernando Barbosa,Carmen Freire

doi:10.3390/ijerph182312455

Abstract

Background: Industries are sources of environmental pollutants. However, there are few human biomonitoring (HBM) studies in the vicinity of industrial areas. Thus, we evaluate the feasibility of conducting an HBM study to assess exposure to metals in an industrial area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted near a steel factory. Adults (exposed = 775; controls = 775) were randomly selected and sex-matched. Subjects were interviewed using a questionnaire and a 24 h dietary recall. Blood samples were collected to analyze metal concentrations, blood count, biochemical parameters, and thyroid hormones. The feasibility of the survey was assessed following guidelines. The descriptive analysis was performed for the first 250 participants (pilot study). Results: Adjustments were made to the survey execution, including age-matching, fieldwork team, questionnaire, blood collection, and research awareness. The complete questionnaire was answered by ≥97% of participants; metals were measured in ≥98% and clinical parameters in ≥89%, except thyroid hormones (13–44%). The average age and family income were of 50 years and USD 575/month, respectively. The participants had equal distribution among sexes: 50% had a medium education level, and 59% were nonwhite. Conclusion: This preliminary HBM study demonstrates feasibility for the total population, with results indicating representativeness of the target population.

Highlights

Industrial activities are critical anthropogenic sources of environmental pollution
A recent systematic review of human biomonitoring (HBM) studies in populations residing near industrial sites, carried out by our research group [3], showed higher levels of exposure to toxic metals in populations residing in the vicinity of industrial sites than in those in more distant areas
The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an HMB survey to assess exposure to environmental metals in a population residing in an industrial area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Summary

Introduction

Industrial activities are critical anthropogenic sources of environmental pollution. Pollutants emitted by factories are heterogeneous and depend on the activities and production processes involved, such as the petrochemical industry, foundries, steel plants, metallurgy, glass, ceramics, plastics, and others [1]. Steel plants are among the most polluting industries, as their residues may contain complex organic compounds and metals, such as iron (Fe), chrome (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) [2]. A recent systematic review of human biomonitoring (HBM) studies in populations residing near industrial sites, carried out by our research group [3], showed higher levels of exposure to toxic metals in populations residing in the vicinity of industrial sites than in those in more distant areas.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion