Influence of environmental and dietary exposures on metals accumulation among the residents of a major industrial harbour (Fos-sur-Mer, France).

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine whether the residents living closer to the core industrial zone (Fos-sur-Mer) had higher trace metals blood and urinary levels than residents who lived further away (Saint-Martin-de-Crau).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As part of The INDEX study, we measured the following trace metals into blood and urine samples of 138 participants (80 in the core industrial zone and 58 in the reference area): Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Mercury, Nickel, Lead and Vanadium. Participants were recruited using a stratified random sampling method and had to meet the following inclusion criteria: 30-65 years old, living in the area since at least 3 years, not working in the industrial sector, non-smoker. We used single-pollutant multivariate linear regression models, using substitution when censored data were under 15 % and Tobit models alternatively, adjusting for personal physiological, social, dietary, housing characteristics and leisure activities. We also measured these trace metals in samples of lichens (Xanthoria parietina) and atmospheric particles (PM).

RESULTS

We showed higher lichen and air levels of several metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Ni and Pb) in the exposed area. Living close to the core industrial zone was significantly associated with an increase in blood levels of lead (adjusted geometric mean = 17.2 [15.8-18.7] vs 15.1 [13.7-16.7] µg.L, p < 0.05). We report significant increase of some metals urinary levels among residents of the industrial port zone, as the result of the use of the environment, itself contaminated by industrial activities: dietary history of self-consumption of vegetables (Cadmium), eggs and poultries (Vanadium). However, Vanadium levels were greater among self-consumers of poultry in the reference area and gardeners had circulatory levels of Lead greater than non-gardeners only in the reference area. Consumption of non-local sea-products increased the level of Cadmium.

CONCLUSIONS

These results brought interesting clues, in complement to national programs, regarding the exposure to trace metals of residents living in a major industrial harbor.