Determination of Toxic Metals Burden and Related Risk Factors in Pregnant Women: A Biological Monitoring in Sabzevar, Iran

Abstract

Background Nowadays, the adverse effect of toxic metals on humans is well-known especially in the fetal period such as preventing cognitive development and congenital abnormalities of the central nervous system. Methods This study aims to evaluate the toxic metals burden in mothers and newborns in Sabzevar. One hundred eighty samples including placental blood and umbilical cord blood were taken from ninety mothers referred to Shahidan Mobini Hospital for delivery. The samples were analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Results The results of this study revealed that 21.52%, 26.19%, and 60.71% of maternal blood samples (placental blood) and 16.47%, 56.47% and 20% of umbilical cord blood samples were higher than the US centers for disease control (CDC) recommended levels for Pb, Cd and As respectively. According to the multiple linear regression analysis, the Pb (p=0.054), As (p<0.001), and Se (p <0.001) levels had an association with the mother's living area. Also, there is significant association between Se (0.021) and age of the mother. Conclusion However, the Se values in its optimum concentrations in the blood (60-140 µg/L) can decrease the adverse effects of toxic metals, 72.5% of the pregnant women had Se values below the 60 µg/L and only 6% of pregnant women had Se levels higher than 140 µg/L. We concluded that the mothers inhabiting in the rural areas need more Se sources in their diets.