Toxic metals in maternal blood, cord blood and meconium of newborn infants in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Toxic metals and deficiency/excess of trace elements can have adverse effects on health. The aim of this study was to quantify toxic metals lead, cadmium and trace elements zinc, copper, aluminium [Al] and Iron [Fe] levels in pregnant women, cord blood and meconium of new-born infants from industrial zones of Karachi, Pakistan. Analytical research was performed from 2011–2012 in low socio-economic pregnant mothers and newborn infants from 20 towns near Sindh Industrial Trading Estates, Federal B industrial area and Korangi industrial areas, Karachi, where environmental pollution was anticipated. Blood samples of pregnant women [n = 416], cord blood [n = 309] and meconium [n = 309] were analyzed quantitatively for metals and trace elements. Results indicated that mothers residing in steel towns were found to have the highest levels of lead. Meconium contained high levels of toxic heavy metals and trace elements compared to cord blood and maternal blood. Maternal blood toxic metals were present in high quantities. Therefore, safety measures should be taken when industrial waste is disposed of in order to prevent population contamination