Correlates of whole blood metal concentrations among reproductive-aged Black women

Abstract

Background: Metals may influence reproductive health, but few studies have investigated correlates of metal body burden among reproductive-aged women outside of pregnancy. Furthermore, while there is evidence of racial disparities in exposure to metals among U.S. women, there is limited research about correlates of metal body burden among Black women. Objective: To identify correlates of whole blood metal concentrations among reproductive-aged Black women. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from a cohort of 1,664 Black women aged 23–35 years in Detroit, Michigan, 2010–2012. We collected blood samples and questionnaire data. We measured concentrations of 17 metals in whole blood using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer-triple quadrupole and total mercury using Direct Mercury Analyzer-80. We used multivariable linear regression models to identify sociodemographic, environmental, reproductive, and dietary correlates of individual metal concentrations. Results: In adjusted models, age was positively associated with multiple metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Education and income were inversely associated with cadmium and lead. Current smoking was strongly, positively associated with cadmium and lead. Alcohol intake in the past year was positively associated with arsenic, barium, copper, lead, mercury, vanadium, and zinc. Having pumped gasoline in the past 24 hours was positively associated with cadmium, chromium, and molybdenum. Having lived in an urban area for the majority of residence in Michigan was positively associated with arsenic, lead, and nickel. Higher water intake in the past year was positively associated with several metals, including lead. Fish intake in the past year was positively associated with arsenic, cesium, and mercury. We also observed associations with body mass index, season, and other environmental, reproductive, and dietary factors. Significance: We identified potential sources of exposure to metals among reproductive-aged Black women. Our findings improve understanding of exposures to metals among non-pregnant reproductive-aged women, and can inform policies in support of reducing disparities in exposures.

Personal Care Products, Socioeconomic Status, and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Mixtures in Black Women

“…We fit multivariable linear regression models to estimate associations between the product use correlates and EDC biomarker mixture profiles, as represented by PC scores, in the full data set ( n = 751) and in each of the SES clusters identified in the k- modes clustering analysis. We selected product use correlates a priori based on our previous research in the SELF cohort. − The product use correlates included frequency of sunscreen use and use of makeup, perfume, lotion before bed, nail polish, vaginal deodorant, and vaginal powder in the past 24 h. We mutually adjusted models for all product use correlates, an approach we have consistently used in the SELF cohort. − ,,− We further adjusted for potential confounding variables including education, income, employment status, marital status, age at enrollment, and smoking status. We included variables that were used to create the clusters (education, income, employment status, and marital status) as covariates in statistical models because SES clusters included participants from multiple strata of these variables (Table ).…”