Blood concentrations of 13 heavy metals among general population in Sanshui district of Foshan

Objective To understand blood concentrations of 13 heavy metals among general population in Sanshui district of Foshan, compare with the reference values reported by the literature and provide the background information on strategy making for prevention and control of heavy metal pollution in this area. Methods A total of 862 cases were selected by using multistage stratified random sampling method. Their blood samples were collected and blood levels of 13 heavy metals were analyzed with ICP-MS. The results were compared with the reported reference values and suggestion on control heavy metal pollution was given based on the known situation of local industries. Results Blood levels of 13 heavy metals among these population (5%, median and 95% percentile,μg/L) were as below:vanadium 0.62, 0.99 and 1.57; copper 504.3, 661.2 and 844.4;zinc 3 056, 4 917 and 7 126; germanium 193.4, 274.6 and 389.5; arsenic 1.55,4.23 and 7.29;selenium 232.4,306.0 and 392.6; rubidium 2 595,3 403 and 4 399; strontium 8.42,13.83 and 23.63; cadmium 0.34,0.98 and 2.09; antimony 4.18,5.38 and 6.71; cesium 3.81,6.39 and 10.17; mercury 0.25,1.86 and 4.68; lead 15.72,31.13 and 51.40. The blood concentrations of these heavy metals varied among different ages and genders and seemed a little bit higher than the reported reference values in other areas. Conclusion The general population had a higher blood level of some heavy metals in Sanshui district. Except for the variation of laboratory analysis, the dietary habits of local persons and environmental heavy metal pollution maybe make contribution. It indicate that it is important to protect environment in this area.