8234937 Occupational and Behavioural Predictors of Heavy Metal Exposure in a Taiwanese Agricultural Population

<h3>Objective</h3> Agricultural workers may expose to multiple different metals due to frequent contact with pesticides, water, and soil. But few studies examined the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) and behavioral factors on metal exposure in this population. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> We analyzed data from 577 participants in the ongoing Cohort for Occupational Health among Farmers in Taiwan (COH-FIT). Information on personal behaviors and PPE use was collected via structured questionnaires. Urinary and blood concentrations of different metals were measured using mass spectrometry as biomarkers of exposure. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to assess relationships between different metals. Generalized linear models were applied to test the associations between PPE use, behavioral factors, and metal concentrations. <h3>Results</h3> Elevated total arsenic concentrations were found among some participants, though inorganic arsenic levels were not elevated. Significant correlations were found among certain metals and metalloids. Smoking and betel nut chewing were associated with higher levels of non-essential metals. Use of cloth masks during pesticide application was linked to increased non-essential metal concentrations, whereas the use of detoxifying masks was associated with lower levels of non-essential metals and higher zinc concentrations. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study identified multiple behavioral and occupational factors influencing metal exposure among agricultural workers in Taiwan. Smoking and betel nut chewing were related to elevated non-essential metal levels, which warranted more behavioral interventions. Also, using appropriate PPE may play a protective role in reducing harmful metal exposure. These findings can inform precision occupational health strategies to minimize metal exposure among agricultural workers.