Urinary heavy metals in Hispanics 40–85 years old in Doña Ana County, New Mexico

ABSTRACT

Exposure to As, Cd, Pb, and U among older Hispanic adults residing in underserved communities in southern New Mexico was investigated. Personal information was obtained by standardized interview from 188 adults aged 40–85 years. Urinary metal concentrations were measured and compared to results from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). Urinary As and U in study participants significantly (p < .05) exceeded NHANES reference values. Elevated urinary As concentration was significantly associated with older age, Latin American birthplace, clinic site, private-well drinking water, higher self-rated health, and diabetes. Higher urinary Cd was significantly associated with older age, clinic site, female sex, agricultural work, and current cigarette smoking. No personal characteristics were significantly associated with urinary Pb or U. Our results suggest elevated levels of As and U in this population.

KEYWORDS:

• Arsenic
• cadmium
• heavy metals
• Hispanic
• lead
• Mexican-American
• uranium
• US-Mexico border region

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the contributions of the promotoras and generous support from Drs. Beti Thompson and Mary O'Connell.

Funding

This research was supported by US National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute grants U54CA132381 and U54CA132383. The funding source played no role in the design, conduct, or reporting of the study.