Association of Rare Earth Elements with Passive Smoking among Housewives in Shanxi Province, China

Abstract

Background: Rare earth elements (REEs) are emerging contaminants. Previous studies reported the association between REEs and active smoking, but little is known about the effects of passive smoking on this condition. In China, female passive smoking is widespread, particularly in rural areas. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the relationship between REEs accumulation and passive smoking among rural housewives. Methods: We recruited 385 subjects in Shanxi Province of northern China, of whom 117 housewives were exposed to passive smoking, and 268 were not. We analyzed 15 REEs in the hair of housewives with ICP–MS, including lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, and yttrium. Results: The results indicated higher levels of 14 REEs except for Sm in both the univariate and adjusted models among the housewives exposed to passive smoking. The increasing linear trend of adjusted odds ratios of 15 REEs supported their association. The Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models showed that 15 REEs had a significant overall effect, and Eu had a single-exposure effect with passive smoking. Conclusion: We concluded that passive smoking might be associated with increased exposure to REEs among rural housewives.

Inhalation of Trace Metals in Secondhand and Thirdhand Tobacco Smoke Can Result in Increased Health Risks

“…The same study found similar trends for cerium and lanthanum, with Ce median levels of 9.6 ng m –3 (smokers) vs 0.4 ng m –3 (control), and La concentrations of 5.9 ng m –3 (smokers) vs 0.2 ng m –3 (control), while the hospitality venues had between 18.5 and 50 ng m –3 Ce and between 10.6 and 23 ng m –3 La . In a recent study, higher levels of La, Ce, and other rare earth elements were found in the hair of nonsmokers living in a smoking household, compared with nonsmoking households …”

“…12 In a recent study, higher levels of La, Ce, and other rare earth elements were found in the hair of nonsmokers living in a smoking household, compared with nonsmoking households. 13 Cadmium was found to be associated with smaller-size particles, compared with other trace metals. In one study, 80% of Cd measured in indoor air impacted by tobacco smoke was found in particles with aerodynamic diameters below 1.8 μm.…”

Toxicity of rare earth elements: An overview on human health impact

“…Zhang et al (2020) confirmed also that REE levels are higher in biological matrices of smokers, but not in drinkers. Housewives exposed to REEs due to passive smoking presented elevated levels of REEs in their hair according to Na et al (2022).…”