Urinary heavy metals and associated medical conditions in the US adult population

Int J Environ Health Res. 2012;22(2):105-18. doi: 10.1080/09603123.2011.605877. Epub 2011 Aug 19.

Abstract

Health effects of heavy metals have been widely investigated, but further evaluation is required to comprehensively delineate their toxicity. Using data from the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on 1,857 adults to examine the relationship between urinary heavy metals and various medical conditions. Cardiovascular diseases were correlated to cadmium (OR: 4.94, 95% CI: 1.48-16.56) and lead (OR: 5.32, 95% CI: 1.08-26.21). Asthma was related to tungsten (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.15-2.59) and uranium (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.28). Hepatotoxicity was associated with molybdenum (OR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.24-7.73) and uranium (OR: 4.79, 95% CI: 1.74-13.19). Surprising inverse relationships occurred for excessive weight with lead (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52-0.98), reduced visual acuity with cobalt (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44-0.95) and cesium (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35-0.77). This study supports some previous evidence of potential relationships and provides insights for future research.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthritis / epidemiology
  • Arthritis / urine
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / urine
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity
  • Environmental Pollutants / urine*
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Female
  • Health Surveys*
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / epidemiology
  • Liver Diseases / urine
  • Lung Diseases / epidemiology
  • Lung Diseases / urine
  • Male
  • Metals, Heavy / toxicity
  • Metals, Heavy / urine*
  • Middle Aged
  • Thyroid Diseases / epidemiology
  • Thyroid Diseases / urine
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Visual Acuity / drug effects
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Metals, Heavy