Placental concentrations of heavy metals in a mother-child cohort

Journal Article · Tue Jan 15 04:00:00 EST 2013 · Environmental Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.ENVRES.2012.09.009· OSTI ID:22157098

Gil, F. ^[1]; Freire, C. ^[2]; Olmedo, P. ^[1]; Fernandez-Rodriguez, M. ^[2]; Fernandez, M. F.; Olea, N. ^[2]

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1. Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physic Anthropology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada (Spain)
2. Laboratory of Medical Investigations, San Cecilio University Hospital, University of Granada, 18071 Granada (Spain)

Heavy metals are environmental contaminants with properties known to be toxic for wildlife and humans. Despite strong concerns about their harmful effects, little information is available on intrauterine exposure in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate prenatal exposure to As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, and Pb and its association with maternal factors in a population-based mother-child cohort in Southern Spain. Between 2000 and 2002, 700 pregnant women were recruited and 137 placentas from the cohort were randomly selected and analyzed for the selected metals by atomic absorption. Maternal sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were obtained by questionnaire after delivery. Bivariate analysis and multivariate linear regression were performed. Cd and Mn concentrations were detected in all placentas, while Cr, Pb, and Hg were found in 98.5%, 35.0%, and 30.7% of samples, respectively. The highest concentrations were observed for Pb (mean: 94.80 ng/g wet weight of placenta), followed by Mn (63.80 ng/g), Cr (63.70 ng/g), Cd (3.45 ng/g), and Hg (0.024 ng/g). Arsenic was not detected in any sample. Gestational age and smoking during pregnancy were associated with placental Cd concentrations, while no factor appeared to influence concentrations of Cr, Hg, Mn, or Pb. In comparison to results of European studies, these concentrations are in a low-intermediate position. Studies are required to investigate the factors contributing to early exposure to heavy metals and to determine how placental transfer of these toxic compounds may affect children's health.

• OSTI ID: 22157098
• Journal Information: Environmental Research, Journal Name: Environmental Research Vol. 120; ISSN ENVRAL; ISSN 0013-9351
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
ABUNDANCE
CHILDREN
CHROMIUM 63
CONCENTRATION RATIO
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
HEAVY METALS
PLACENTA
PREGNANCY
PRENATAL EXPOSURE
TOBACCO SMOKES
TOXICITY