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Objectives of this work was to evaluate the levels of 14 metals (aluminium, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, thallium, vanadium, zinc) in biological liquids and to study occupational and individual variation factors in the general population. This abstract concerns cobalt (Co) only.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2008 and 2010 to enroll 2000 residents of the north of France, recruited by the Regional Health Centers. Quota method was used to warrant the representativeness of the participants on sex, social category and smoking habits. Each subject completed a questionnaire on individual, environmental, and occupational exposures. Cobalt was quantified by ICP-MS on urinary and blood samples. Variation factors were studied separately on men and women, by simple then multiple linear regressions (Co levels), and simple then multiple logistic regressions (Co levels upper the percentile 95).
Results
Co was detectable in 99.9% of urinary and blood samples. Percentile 50 and 95 were respectively 0.27 and 0.45 µg/L (men), 0.32 and 0.62 µg/L (women) for blood Co and 0.57 and 1.57 µg/L (men), 0.63 and 2.15 µg/L (women) for urinary Co. The most important factor of increased Co was metal prosthesis. Focusing on occupational factors, we observed that working in manufacture of fabricated metal products or in agriculture for men was linked with elevated Co in blood; women working in manufacture of rubber products had elevated Co in blood and urine, and more frequently Co above the percentile 95. Other factors modifying Co levels are linked to alimentation, hair coloring personal use and dental bridges.
Discussion
Data on variation factors of Co biological concentrations are sparse. This study shows that there are some important variations of blood or urinary Co linked to metal prosthesis but also to occupational exposure.