Levels, Exposure and Risk Assessment to Metals in Blood of Adult Working Population in Valencia Region (Spain)

Exposure of the general population to essential and toxic metals represents an important public health concern due to their accumulation in the body and their potential adverse effects on multiple target organs. This study, conducted within the framework of the BIOMOVAL project, determined whole-blood concentrations of 19 metals (As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pt, Sb, Se, Tl, U, V, and Zn) in 541 working adults recruited during 2021 in the Valencian Community, Spain. Furthermore, data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational history, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors were also collected. Essential metals, including Cu, Co, Zn, Mn, and Se, were detected with 100% detection rates. Regarding toxic metals, the concentration of Pb was higher in male subjects and smokers. For Hg, the hazard quotient (HQ) at the 95th percentile was 3.28, and 41% of the population exceeded the HBM-I reference value, which may indicate potential health concerns for a substantial proportion of the study population. Cd, although safe on average (HQ = 0.17), exceeded the threshold at the 95th percentile (HQ = 1.04). Zn, on the other hand, had an HQ of 1.23 at the 95th percentile, and 23% of population exceeded the selected Biomonitoring Equivalent value. This study highlights the importance of implementing strategies to reduce exposure to some metals, as well as sustaining human biomonitoring programmes to support evidence-based public health policies and protect the population.