AIM
; In the present study, we assessed (cord)blood concentrations of toxic metals (cadmium [Cd], total
; mercury [Hg], and lead [Pb] in a representative sample of different age groups (newborns, adolescents
; and adults) of the Walloon population in Belgium. We examined the associations of Cd, total Hg and
; Pb with habitual intakes of fish and alcohol and other possible determinants such as age, sex and
; smoking.
; MATERIAL AND METHODS
; We analysed blood concentrations of Cd, total Hg, and Pb in a sample of 284 newborns, 283 adolescents
; (aged 12-19) and 261 adults (aged 20-39) for the BMH-WAL survey (2019-2020) using inductively
; coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The participants completed self-administered questionnaires on
; socio-demographic characteristics, diet, certain risk factors for chronic diseases, intake of food
; supplements, general environment, housing and life behaviors such as smoking.
; RESULTS
; Almost all participants had detectable concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Pb in whole (cord)blood, except
; for Cd in newborns (100%<LOQ) . The GM blood concentrations for adolescents and adults together
; were 0.16 μg/L for Cd, 0.75 μg/L for Hg, and 10.4 μg/L for Pb.
; Since tobacco is a major Cd source, the most significant partitioning criteria for blood Cd is typically
; the smoking status, but also age and gender show effects. Participants from all age categories who report
; fish consumption 4 days prior sampling (including mothers of newborns) show a median blood Hg level
; almost twice as high compared to people who do not. Significant partitioning factors evidenced in this
; study for blood Pb are age, gender and alcohol consumption, as already reported in other general
; population surveys.
; CONCLUSIONS
; Smoking and alcohol were confirmed determinants for Cd and Pb exposure respectively. We found that
; fish was a potentially important source of exposure to Hg in the Walloon population, including for
; newborns. Newborns are also already exposed to Hg and Pb, for Hg even to a higher extent than adults
; and adolescents.