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Abstract #151869

Zorimar Rivera-Nùñez, MS, School of Public Health/Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory St., SPH Tower 6th Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-274-1541, zorimar@umich.edu

Chronic exposure of humans to inorganic arsenic has been associated with increase risk of cancer, skin and cardiovascular disorders, among others. Key diagnostic laboratory tests for arsenic exposure are toenails and urinary arsenic. Toenails samples are used to evaluate three to twelve months of exposure while urinary arsenic is used for recent exposure (24-72 hours). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences between urinary and toenails arsenic concentration as biologic markers for low levels of arsenic exposure. A sub-sample of 100 individuals was selected from a bladder cancer case-control study of Southeastern Michigan residents where arsenic in drinking water has been studied. Through summer and fall of 2006, urine, toenails and water samples were collected during a series of home-interviews. Total measurements of arsenic in water, toenails and urine were analyzed using HPLC and ICP-MS. The mean of arsenic in water, urine and toenails were 4.1µg/L, 20.0µg/L and 0.11µg/L, respectively. Among the 100 individuals, a correlation (r) was detected between urine and water: 0.303 (p=0.0029) while a stronger correlation was detected between urine and toenails: 0.364 (p=0.0004). Data stratification by water source concentrations shows a significant correlation between urine and toenails r=0.453 (p=0.0063) in well water. The water source was a significant determinant for arsenic in urine but not in toenails. Urine and toenails are useful tools to measure arsenic exposure but urine may predict the water source of exposure.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the determinants of arsenic concentrations in urine and toenails.
• Analyze the relation between arsenic in urine and toenails.
• Explain the differences of arsenic concentrations in urine and toenails by water source.

Keywords: Environmental Exposures,

Related Web page: sitemaker.umich.edu/arsenic.research/arsenic_and_bladder_cancer_project_outline

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.