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Mercury, lead and cadmium in human milk in relation to diet, lifestyle habits and sociodemographic variables in Madrid (Spain) |
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| Authors: | García-Esquinas Esther Pérez-Gómez Beatriz Fernández Mario Antonio Pérez-Meixeira Ana María Gil Elisa de Paz Concha Iriso Andrés Sanz Juan Carlos Astray Jenaro Cisneros Margot de Santos Amparo Asensio Angel García-Sagredo José Miguel García José Frutos Vioque Jesus Pollán Marina López-Abente Gonzalo González Maria José Martínez Mercedes Bohigas Pedro Arias Pastor Roberto Aragonés Nuria |
| Institution: | a Environmental and Cancer Epidemiology Unit, National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain b Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain c Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry Department, Organic Chemistry Institute, CSIC, Spain d Madrid Regional Health and Consumer Affairs Authority, Madrid, Spain e Medical Genetics Department, Ramon y Cajal University Teaching Hospital, Madrid, Spain f Public Health Department, Miguel Hernandez University, Alicante, Spain g Health Prevention and Environmental Health Department, Madrid, Spain h Institute for Health Information, Ministry of Health and Social Policy, Madrid, Spain |
| Abstract: | BackgroundAlthough breastfeeding is the ideal way of nurturing infants, it can be a source of exposure to toxicants. This study reports the concentration of Hg, Pb and Cd in breast milk from a sample of women drawn from the general population of the Madrid Region, and explores the association between metal levels and socio-demographic factors, lifestyle habits, diet and environmental exposures, including tobacco smoke, exposure at home and occupational exposures.MethodsBreast milk was obtained from 100 women (20 mL) at around the third week postpartum. Pb, Cd and Hg levels were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Metal levels were log-transformed due to non-normal distribution. Their association with the variables collected by questionnaire was assessed using linear regression models. Separate models were fitted for Hg, Pb and Cd, using univariate linear regression in a first step. Secondly, multivariate linear regression models were adjusted introducing potential confounders specific for each metal. Finally, a test for trend was performed in order to evaluate possible dose-response relationships between metal levels and changes in variables categories.ResultsGeometric mean Hg, Pb and Cd content in milk were 0.53 μg L−1, 15.56 μg L−1, and 1.31 μg L−1, respectively. Decreases in Hg levels in older women and in those with a previous history of pregnancies and lactations suggested clearance of this metal over lifetime, though differences were not statistically significant, probably due to limited sample size. Lead concentrations increased with greater exposure to motor vehicle traffic and higher potato consumption. Increased Cd levels were associated with type of lactation and tended to increase with tobacco smoking.ConclusionsSurveillance for the presence of heavy metals in human milk is needed. Smoking and dietary habits are the main factors linked to heavy metal levels in breast milk. Our results reinforce the need to strengthen national food safety programs and to further promote avoidance of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking during pregnancy. |
| Keywords: | Hg mercury Cd cadmium Pb lead μg L&minus 1 micrograms per liter |
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