Exposure to toxic metals during pregnancy in the Moscow region of Russia

Abstract

Mounting evidence suggests that heavy metal exposure affect early life and can impact the developing brain. WHO has developed a standardized methodology for HBM surveys in maternities in order to assess prenatal exposure to mercury and other toxic metals . The goal of the survey in Russia was to adapt methodology to Russian settings and to provide preliminary, internationally comparable exposure data on prenatal exposure. The survey was designed as a cross-sectional, involving 120 women in birth from randomly selected six maternities of the Moscow Region. Mercury was determined by AAS with cold vapor; determination of lead, cadmium and arsenic was done using ICP MS. Levels of total mercury in maternal hair (geometric mean 0.21 µg/g), cord blood (0.89 µg/L) and maternal urine (0.27 µg/L) in this population were similar to those in other European countries with relatively low fish consumption. Geometric mean for lead in cord blood was 8 µg/L. No biomarker values for mercury and lead exceeded levels recommended by WHO or national agencies in the USA and Germany. Geometric mean for cadmium in urine was 0,20 µg/L, 13,3% of women exceeded health-related HBM-1 value recommended by German Commission for children; in 3,3% -for adults. Total arsenic concentrations in maternal urine (geometric mean 21,9 µg/L ; 95th percentile 142,5 µg/L ) were higher than NHANES 95th percentile for adults. Consumption of all types of fish at least once per week during the third trimester of pregnancy compared to fish consumption less than once per month was significantly associated with 31% (95% confidence interval 4%; 66%) higher predicted geometric mean level of total mercury in hair, 38% (9%; 74%) higher level in cord blood and 36% (2%; 81%) higher level in maternal urine. Adverse effects of prenatal exposures to studied pollutants in the general population of women in birth can be substantial. The application of standardized approaches will enhance targeted interventions.