The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Lead, mercury, and cadmium in blood and their relation to diet among Swedish adults

På svenska

Author

  • Helena Bjermo
  • Salomon Sand
  • Cecilia Nalsen
  • Thomas Lundh
  • Helene Enghardt Barbieri
  • Monika Pearson
  • Anna Karin Lindroos
  • Bo A Jönsson
  • Lars Barregard
  • Per Ola Darnerud

Summary, in English

The aim of the present study was to examine the body burden of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) in blood among Swedish adults and the association between blood levels, diet and other lifestyle factors. The study was based on a subgroup (n = 273) of the national survey Riksmaten 2010-2011 (4-day food records and questionnaire). Lead, Hg, and Cd were measured in whole blood, and Cd additionally in urine, by mass or fluorescence spectrometry methods. The median values (5-95th percentiles) of the metals in blood were as follows: Pb: 13.4 (5.8-28.6) mu g/L, Hg: 1.13 (0.31-3.45) mu g/L, and Cd: 0.19 (0.09-1.08) mu g/L. All three metals increased with increasing age. Lead levels in blood were positively associated with intakes of game and alcohol, Hg was related to fish intake, and blood Cd related to smoking and low iron stores and to a low meat intake. Body burdens of the studied metals were generally below health based reference values, but several individuals had blood Pb levels above the reference point for possible nephrotoxic and developmental neurotoxic effects. As health effects cannot be excluded, individuals with high Pb exposure should aim at decreasing their body burden, both from food and from other exposure routes. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publishing year

2013

Language

English

Pages

161-169

Publication/Series

Food and Chemical Toxicology

Volume

57

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Pharmacology and Toxicology

Keywords

  • Heavy metals
  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • Cadmium
  • Diet
  • Blood

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0278-6915