Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
2588554 International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2014 13 Pages PDF
Abstract

In the Flemish human biomonitoring programme FLEHS II (2007–2011) trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Tl, Sb, As and toxic relevant arsenic) were analysed in the blood and urine of adolescents (14–15 years old) in the reference population in Flanders and in areas of important industrial activities: Genk-Zuid and Menen. After adjustment of the results for confounding factors, the adolescents living in Genk-Zuid had higher levels of Cr, Cu and Tl in blood, higher levels of Cd and toxic relevant arsenic (TRA) in urine, but lower levels of Ni in blood and Sb in urine compared to the reference population. In Menen higher levels of Cd and Cu in urine, higher concentrations of Tl in blood but lower concentrations of Pb in blood and lower Ni, Sb and As in urine were found compared to the reference population. For both the reference population and the hot spots the concentrations are within the ranges found in other countries. Compared to the previous biomonitoring programme FLEHS I (2002–2006) a decrease in the concentrations of Cd and especially of Pb in blood was observed. However, it cannot be excluded that differences between the two campaigns are partially due to different sampling strategies.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Environmental Science Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
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