Chonnam Med J.  1996 Jun;32(1):89-100.

Relationship between Placental Heavy Metal Concentration and Environmental Factors

• Lee GW
• Moon JD
• Choi JS

Abstract

In order to estimate the relationship of human placental lead (Pb) and cadium (Cd) concentrations to demographic variables and to investigate the effects of environmental and habitual factors on human placental lead and cadium concentrations, a study was performed on 107 women who normally delivered baby at a hospital located in newly industrialized area. The results were summarized as follows: 1. Placental Pb concentrations showed a log-normal distribution, and the arithmetic (+/-SD) and geometric means were 137 (+/-121) ng/g and 81 ng/g respectively. 2. Placental Cd concentrations showed a log-normal distribution, and the arithmetic (+/-SD) and geometric means were 28 (+/-20) ng/g and 20 ng/g respectively. 3. The kind of drinking water and the occupational status were the factors significantly related with placental Pb concentrations. 4. Notifiable factors related with placental heavy metal concentrations, though not statistically significant, were socioeconomic status, smoking, and residence for Pb, and economic status, smoking, and parity for Cd. In conclusion, the concentrations of placental Pb were affected by environmental factors more sensitively that those of Cd, and it was suggested that the objective evaluation of environmental conditions should be performed in further study.

Keyword

Placental lead; Placental cadmium; Environmental factors; Habitual factors

MeSH Terms

Drinking Water
Employment
Female
Humans
Parity
Smoke
Smoking
Social Class
Drinking Water
Smoke