title: Worrying exposure to trace elements in the population of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The particularly high rate of urbanization in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) is associated with environmental degradation. Outdoor and indoor air pollution, as well as water pollution and waste accumulation, are issues of major concern. However, little documented information exists on the nature and extent of this pollution. A biomonitoring study was conducted to document exposure to trace elements in a representative sample of the population in Kinshasa.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen trace elements were measured by ICP-MS, CV-AAS, or HG-AFS in spot urine samples from 220 individuals (50.5% women) aged 6-70 years living in the urban area and from 50 additional subjects from the rural area of Kinshasa. Data were compiled as geometric means and selected percentiles, expressed without (μg/L) or with creatinine adjustment (μg/g cr).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, living in urban Kinshasa was associated with elevated levels of several parameters in urine as compared to the population living in the rural area (Asi, Ba, Cd, Cr, and V) as well as compared to an urban population of the southeast of Congo (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn). Elevated levels were also found by comparison with the reference values in databases involving American, Canadian, French, or German populations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides the first biomonitoring database in the population of Kinshasa, revealing elevated levels for most urinary TE as compared to other databases. Toxicologically relevant elements such as Al, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg reach levels of public health concern.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tuakuila
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lison
authors.forename: A-C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Lantin
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mbuyi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Deumer
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Haufroid
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hoet
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D015023:Democratic Republic of the Congo; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000652:urine*; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements