Associations between socioeconomic status and environmental toxicant concentrations in adults in the USA: NHANES 2001-2010

Tyrrell, J; Melzer, D; Henley, W; Galloway, TS; Osborne, NJ

HERO ID

1797775

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2013

Language

English

PMID

23892225

HERO ID 1797775
In Press No
Year 2013
Title Associations between socioeconomic status and environmental toxicant concentrations in adults in the USA: NHANES 2001-2010
Authors Tyrrell, J; Melzer, D; Henley, W; Galloway, TS; Osborne, NJ
Journal Environment International
Volume 59
Page Numbers 328-335
Abstract Low level chronic exposure to toxicants is associated with a range of adverse health effects. Understanding the various factors that influence the chemical burden of an individual is of critical importance to public health strategies. We investigated the relationships between socioeconomic status (SES) and bio-monitored chemical concentration in five cross-sectional waves of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We utilised adjusted linear regression models to investigate the association between 179 toxicants and the poverty income ratio (PIR) for five NHANES waves. We then selected a subset of chemicals associated with PIR in 3 or more NHANES waves and investigated potential mediating factors using structural equation modelling. PIR was associated with 18 chemicals in 3 or more NHANES waves. Higher SES individuals had higher burdens of serum and urinary mercury, arsenic, caesium, thallium, perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, mono(carboxyoctyl) phthalate and benzophenone-3. Inverse associations were noted between PIR and serum and urinary lead and cadmium, antimony, bisphenol A and three phthalates (mono-benzyl, mono-isobutyl, mono-n-butyl). Key mediators included fish and shellfish consumption for the PIR, mercury, arsenic, thallium and perfluorononanoic acid associations. Sunscreen use was an important mediator in the benzophenone-3/PIR relationship. The association between PIR and cadmium or lead was partially mediated by smoking, occupation and diet. These results provide a comprehensive analysis of exposure patterns as a function of socioeconomic status in US adults, providing important information to guide future public health remediation measures to decrease toxicant and disease burdens within society.
Doi 10.1016/j.envint.2013.06.017
Pmid 23892225
Wosid WOS:000324901000034
Url <Go to ISI>://WOS:000324901000034
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Chemical toxicants; Socioeconomic status; Environment; NHANES