Human biomonitoring of inorganic elements in a representative sample of the general population from Cape Verde: Results from the PERVEMAC-II study

Abstract

Inorganic elements such as heavy metals and other potentially toxic elements are frequently detected in humans. The aim of the present study was to analyze the blood concentrations of 49 inorganic elements in a cohort of 401 subjects from Cape Verde. The study was performed in the frame of the Pesticide Residues in Vegetables of the Macaronesia project (PERVEMAC-II). Concentration of inorganic elements, including elements in the ATSDR's priority pollutant list and rare earth elements (RREs) were measured by ICP-MS in the whole blood of participants. A total of 20 out of 49 elements (40.8%) were detected in ≥20% of participants. Arsenic, copper, mercury, lead, selenium, strontium and zinc were detected in ≥99% of samples. Among the REEs, 7 showed detection frequencies above 20%. The median number of different elements detected was 15. In the present series, 77.0, 99.2 and 33.4% of the participants showed values of arsenic, mercury and lead higher than Reference Values 95%. These percentages were much higher than those reported in similar studies. Niobium and tantalum showed the highest median concentrations: 1.35 and 1.34 ng/mL, suggesting an environmental source of these valuable REEs in Cape Verde. Age appeared as the most important factor influencing the blood levels of inorganic elements. Lifestyle had an effect on the concentration of some of these elements. Those subjects whose water source was pond water had significantly higher arsenic levels. The concentration of ∑REEs was significantly higher among individuals who purchase their food in supermarkets (P = 0.013). These variables are of relevance since they can be controlled individually to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Our results may be useful for the implementation of public health measures by the competent authorities.