Biomonitoring of inorganic arsenic species in pregnancy
- DOI
- Language of the publication
- English
- Date
- 2022-08-10
- Type
- Article
- Author(s)
- Ashley-Martin, Jillian
- Fisher, Mandy
- Belanger, Patrick
- Cirtiu, Ciprian Mihai
- Arbuckle, Tye E.
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
Abstract
Exposure assessment of inorganic arsenic is challenging due to the existence of multiple species, complexity of arsenic metabolism, and variety of exposure sources. Exposure assessment of arsenic during pregnancy is further complicated by the physiological changes that occur to support fetal growth. Given the well-established toxicity of inorganic arsenic at high concentrations, continued research into the potential health effects of low-level exposure on maternal and fetal health is necessary. Our objectives were to review the value of and challenges inherent in measuring inorganic arsenic species in pregnancy and highlight related research priorities. We discussed how the physiological changes of pregnancy influence arsenic metabolism and necessitate the need for pregnancy-specific data. We reviewed the biomonitoring challenges according to common and novel biological matrices and discussed how each matrix differs according to half-life, bioavailability, availability of laboratory methods, and interpretation within pregnancy. Exposure assessment in both established and novel matrices that accounts for the physiological changes of pregnancy and complexity of speciation is a research priority. Standardization of laboratory method for novel matrices will help address these data gaps. Research is particularly lacking in contemporary populations of pregnant women without naturally elevated arsenic drinking water concentrations (i.e. <10 µg/l).
Plain language summary
Health Canada helps to protect the health of Canadians by assessing and managing the health risks associated with exposure to environmental contaminants. Arsenic is a naturally occurring metal that can combine with inorganic or organic substances to form many different compounds. Arsenic can adversely affect the health of pregnant women and children at elevated levels of exposure. Measurement of human exposure (biomonitoring data) to arsenic, including the different arsenic compounds, is essential for risk assessment. Measuring exposure during pregnancy is challenging due to the complexity of arsenic and the changes that occur during pregnancy. Health Canada scientists reviewed published research to understand the challenges in measuring arsenic during pregnancy. Specifically, the scientists considered the pros and cons of measuring inorganic arsenic in different biological matrices such as urine, blood, hair, nails, and saliva. Only a few studies measured arsenic in pregnant women at low levels of exposure. None of these studies considered how pregnancy might impact arsenic metabolism and excretion from the body. Each biological matrix has different advantages and disadvantages regarding ease of collecting sample, how long arsenic stays in the body, and difficulty in measuring arsenic compounds. Urine and blood measurements are common, yet the method for measuring arsenic compounds in blood is not well established. Hair and nails show promise yet valid laboratory methods are needed. Research is needed on how pregnancy influences arsenic metabolism and excretion. This work will help prioritize future biomonitoring research in vulnerable Canadian populations.
Subject
- Health,
- Health and safety