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.
