Gender and age differences in mixed metal exposure and urinary excretion

► We evaluated metal exposure by age (8-80 years) and gender in a rural population. ► Women had higher concentrations of toxic metals (especially Cd and U) in urine. ► Men had higher urinary concentrations of basic and essential elements. ► Manganese was consistently higher in females than in males in all age groups. ► Cadmium, lead and antimony was elevated in children.