Background levels of key biomarkers of chemical exposure within the UK general population--pilot study.
| Title: | Background levels of key biomarkers of chemical exposure within the UK general population--pilot study. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Levy LS; Institute of Environment and Health, Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4DT, UK. Len.Levy@cranfield.ac.uk; Jones K; Cocker J; Assem FL; Capleton AC |
| Source: | International journal of hygiene and environmental health [Int J Hyg Environ Health] 2007 May; Vol. 210 (3-4), pp. 387-91. Date of Electronic Publication: 2007 Mar 02. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Urban & Fischer Country of Publication: Germany NLM ID: 100898843 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 1438-4639 (Print) Linking ISSN: 14384639 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Int J Hyg Environ Health Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: Jena, Germany : Urban & Fischer, c2000- |
| MeSH Terms: | Biomarkers/*urine ; Cadmium/*urine ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Mercury/*urine; Environmental Exposure/analysis ; Smoking/urine ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pilot Projects ; Postal Service ; Reference Values ; Risk Assessment ; Sex Factors ; United Kingdom |
| Abstract: | The use of biomarkers is now an accepted measure of chemical uptake (possibly exposure) in risk assessment. However, information on background exposures and biomarker concentrations of many environmental chemicals in the general UK population is limited. This study aims to determine reference ranges for eleven biomarkers of chemical exposure, measurable in urine, within the general adult UK population. The study will involve 400 volunteers throughout the UK and is currently underway. Described here is a pilot study, carried out during August and September 2005 to test the study methodology. The initial results of the postal survey and urinary concentrations for cadmium (UCd) and mercury (UHg) are reported. A total of 78 individuals were recruited by post from the UK Electoral Register, to take part in the pilot study. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and provide a urine sample. The overall response rate was 16%, of which 60.3% were female and 39.7% male. Those living in suburban areas accounted for 60% of respondents, current smokers 12.8% and vegetarians 1.3%. Levels of UCd were higher in females compared to males and smoking status influenced levels; smokers displayed higher levels of UCd than individuals who had previously smoked or who had never smoked. The mean, median and range of UHg was 1.12, 0.55 ( |
| Substance Nomenclature: | 0 (Biomarkers); 00BH33GNGH (Cadmium); FXS1BY2PGL (Mercury) |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20070306 Date Completed: 20070628 Latest Revision: 20260128 |
| Update Code: | 20260130 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.ijheh.2007.01.032 |
| PMID: | 17337355 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't