Abstract
We investigated the absorption of chromium, copper and arsenic released from treated wood used by street food caterers and household residents in an informal urban area and a peri-urban area in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants (n=78) selected included an equal number of caterers and residents in each area. All participants answered an exposure questionnaire and were tested for urinary chromium, copper and arsenic, while the urine of 29 participants was also tested for toxic arsenic. Urinary chromium and arsenic exceeded the environmental exposure limit in 12% and 30% of participants, respectively. Toxic arsenic was detected in 30% of samples of which 24% exceeded the environmental exposure limit of 6.4 μg/g creatinine. Urinary chromium, copper, arsenic and toxic arsenic levels were not significantly different between participants from the two areas or between caterers and household residents, controlling for confounding effects. The study provides evidence of chromium and arsenic exposure amongst both informal caterers and household residents, which requires further investigation.
Highlights
IntroductionChromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a wood preservative used worldwide since the 1930s, its use has been restricted in developed countries
We investigated the absorption of chromium, copper and arsenic released from treated wood used by street food caterers and household residents in an informal urban area and a peri-urban area in Cape Town, South Africa
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a wood preservative used worldwide since the 1930s, its use has been restricted in developed countries
Summary
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a wood preservative used worldwide since the 1930s, its use has been restricted in developed countries. Exposure to arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) from CCA-treated wood can occur through inhalation of fumes and dust released on combustion of the wood, through contact with the wood ash, or contaminated water and soil, or through ingestion of contaminated water, food or soil.[2] The toxic species of Cr is Cr(IV), of As include As(III) and As(V) and of Cu is Cu(II). The toxic species of As and Cr are known carcinogens at lower doses and are associated with a number of non-cancerous long-term health effects (Table 1). Long-term exposure to Cu(II) is associated with respiratory effects
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