Work

Biomonitoring of toxic metals and associated risk factors in a high vulnerable population in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • Chronic heavy metal exposure significantly contributes toxicity to vulnerable population • Present case-control study assessed the susceptibility of cancer patients and healthy individuals to toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in GB, Pakistan • The blood and urine samples from cancer patients and healthy control (n=200) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS-700, Perkin Elmer, USA) • The current results indicated that cancer patients exhibited higher blood Pb and Ni level compared to healthy group • Ni levels in urine were associated with age, smoking status, fruit/vegetable consumption, and socioeconomic status. • Cancer patients were predominantly older (>55 years) with low socioeconomic backgrounds and totally dependent on untreated water sources. Heavy metal exposure contributes to potential public health risk associated with carcinogenesis, particularly in vulnerable populations. This case-control study assessed the susceptibility of cancer patients and healthy individuals to toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, a region with high cancer prevalence. This was a preliminary biomonitoring study in this high risk region integrating demographic and environmental factors to investigate heavy metal exposure in relation to cancer incidence. This study was conducted in a holistic approach, which significantly provides contextual insight into exposure pathways and cancer disparities often overlooked by previously. The blood and urine samples from cohorts (n=200) were analyzed for Cd, Ni, and Pb using atomic absorption spectrometer. A well-structured questionnaire was developed and administered to cancer patients to assess the association between heavy metals levels in biological samples and demographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors. The current results indicated that cancer patients exhibited higher blood Pb (0.8047 vs. 0.6754 mg/L, P < 0.001) and Ni (0.0694 vs. 0.0293 mg/L, P < 0.001) levels compared to healthy group. Conversely, healthy individuals showed potentially elevated urinary Ni (0.06168 vs. 0.4614 mg/L at P < 0.0001) and Pb levels (0.5455 vs. 0.3315 mg/L at P < 0.0001), suggesting a substantial differences in excretion system or exposure pattern. Subsequently, blood Cd concentrations were also varied with slightly higher levels observed in control than cancer patients (0.0718 vs. 0.0685 mg/L, P < 0.001). Furthermore, it was found that urinary Ni level was positively associated with age, smoking status, fruit/vegetables consumption, socioeconomic status, and physical activity ( P < 0.05). Questionnaire findings revealed that cancer patients were predominantly older (> 55 years) with low socioeconomic backgrounds (44%) and totally reliant on untreated water sources (54 %). Breast cancer was the most prevalent, accounting for 26 % of all reported cases followed by 8% incidence of prostate cancer and 8% of lung cancer among the local population. A moderate positive correlation was found between urinary Cd and Pb (r=0.26) as well as urinary Ni and Pb (r=0.23). However a strong negative association (r=-0.35) was observed between blood Pb and Cd. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to reduce heavy metal accumulation in soil, water and foods to mitigate associated cancer risks.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.107871