ArticleJournal of exposure science & environmental epidemiology2023
Geographic differences in exposures to metals and essential elements in pregnant women living in Suriname.
Article in Journal of exposure science & environmental epidemiology, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed, 7 citations in OpenAlex.
- Article
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure profiles for pregnant women living in urban, rural, and remote areas of Suriname, South America suggest higher serum concentrations in remote rainforest communities.Journal of exposure science & environmental epidemiology · 2026Article
- Maternal Anemia and Pediatric Neurodevelopment in Children from Mothers Exposed to Mixed Heavy Metals in Suriname.Journal of xenobiotics · 2026Article
- Prenatal exposure to metals and metal mixtures influences birth weight in affected populations in the Republic of Suriname, South America.Environmental research · 2025Article
- Prevalence of lead poisoning among artisanal gold miners in French Guiana in 2022: a multicenter cross-sectional observational survey.BMC public health · 2025Observational
- Possible Risk Factors and Their Potential Associations with Combined Heavy Metal Exposures in Pregnant Women in the Republic of Suriname.Annals of global health · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
11 authors at 5 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundIn Suriname, 20% of pregnancies end in adverse birth outcomes. While prenatal exposure to metals may lead to adverse health outcomes, exposure assessments in Suriname are scant. Environmental contamination from mercury (Hg) used in artisanal goldmining in the Amazonian Interior, and the uncontrolled use of pesticides in suburban regions are of particular concern.
objectiveThis study assessed geographic differences in exposures to metals and essential elements in pregnant Surinamese women.
methodsThis study is a subset (n = 400) of the Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (CCREOH) cohort study. Sector-field inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine concentrations of lead (Pb), Hg, selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn) and tin (Sn) in whole blood of the pregnant women. High vs. low exposures to Pb and Hg were determined and were based respectively on CDC (3.5 ug/dL) and USEPA (3.5 ug/L) action levels. Differences in geographic exposures were tested with the Mann-Whitney U-test, and differences between blood elemental concentrations and action levels for Pb and Hg with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The association between demographics and high exposures of Pb and Hg was examined with multivariate logistic regression models.
resultsThe median concentrations of Pb, Hg and Se (5.08 μg/dL, 7.87 μg/L, and 228.26 μg/L respectively) in Interior women, were higher than the Urban and Suburban regions (p < 0.001), and higher than internationally accepted action levels (p < 0.001). The median concentrations of Mn and Sn found in Suburban women (17.55 and 0.97 ug/L respectively) were higher than Urban and Interior regions (p < 0.02). SIGNIFICANCE: Pregnant women living in Suriname's Amazonian Interior are exposed to Hg and Pb at levels of public health concern. Urgently needed is a comprehensive source characterization assessment and the development, implementation and monitoring of environmental health policies, specifically addressing the chemicals of concern. IMPACT: In a subset of participants enrolled in the CCREOH environmental epidemiology cohort study elevated levels of Hg and Pb were identified. This is the first comprehensive exposure assessment in the Surinamese population. Health concerns include adverse birth- and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Geographic differences require a tailored approach to health intervention and comprehensive source characterization. Future research should ascertain the role of Se as a potential protective factor. Environmental policy development, implementation and monitoring is pivotal to mitigate exposures to these neurotoxicants.
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