Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize exposures to metals using biological samples collected on socioeconomically disadvantaged black pregnant women. We obtained 131 anonymous urine samples provided by black pregnant women visiting a Medicaid-serving prenatal clinic in Houston, TX, from March 27, 2017 to April 11, 2017. We analyzed urine samples for 15 metals including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) and for creatinine and cotinine. We found that median concentrations of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and aluminum (Al) among black pregnant women in this study were 1.5 to 3 times higher than levels reported among a cohort of well-educated non-Hispanic white pregnancy planners. We also observed elevated levels of urinary Cd and antimony (Sb) as compared with those reported for a nationally representative sample of adult women in the USA. Based on the results of an exploratory factor analysis, potential sources of metal exposures in this population may arise in home environments or be due to diet, industrial and natural sources, or traffic.
Highlights
IntroductionHuman exposure to metals may occur through multiple pathways including smoking, inhalation of contaminated ambient air from industrial or vehicular emissions, personal products, and consumption of contaminated food or water (Adamiec et al 2016; Lough et al 2005; Samara and Voutsa 2005; Zereini et al 2005)
We analyzed urinary As concentrations and cotinine in all 131 samples
All other metals were analyzed in 126 samples, and creatinine was analyzed in 125 samples, due to insufficient urine volume
Summary
Human exposure to metals may occur through multiple pathways including smoking, inhalation of contaminated ambient air from industrial or vehicular emissions, personal products, and consumption of contaminated food or water (Adamiec et al 2016; Lough et al 2005; Samara and Voutsa 2005; Zereini et al 2005). Many metals are relatively stable and persistent in human tissues and the environment. Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals, including metals, is a particular public health concern given the susceptibility of pregnant women and the fetus to the toxic effects of these exposures. Maternal exposure to metals has been associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm
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