@article{fdi:010092781,
  title = {{A}rsenic and fifteen other metal (loid)s exposure of children living around old mines in the south of {F}rance},
  author = {{P}ujalt{\'e}, {I}. and {L}oi, {Z}. and {B}ernard, {A}. and {M}oulis, {L}. and {D}elpoux, {S}. and {G}ardon, {J}acques},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{A}s many countries plan to resume mining for the energy transition, assessing the health impacts of past activities is crucial. {T}his cross-sectional study investigated whether children living near four old mines in southern {F}rance were exposed to higher levels of arsenic and 15 other metal(loid)s compared to those in unexposed areas. {A}rsenic, a prevalent contaminant, was used as an indicator to explore exposure in relation to children's lifestyles (housing, activities, diet) and their environments (soil, dust, water). {T}he study included 240 children-138 from exposed areas and 102 from control areas. {U}rine samples were analyzed for inorganic arsenic, its metabolites, and other trace elements. {N}o significant difference was found in average age, {BMI}, or parental education between groups. {U}rinary arsenic levels were similar for children living near mines and those in control areas (6.4 vs. 7.0 mu g/g; p = 0.152). {P}roximity to mining sites did not increase arsenic exposure (r {P}earson = 0.142). {I}nstead, factors like age, seafood consumption, and environmental conditions were more influential. {C}hildren who ate seafood had higher arsenic levels in urine (p < 0.001). {I}n a subgroup near mines, arsenic in soil and dust was significantly linked to increased exposure (p < 0.001). {O}verall, metal exposure levels were comparable to or lower than national averages. {A}ccess to clean water, mine closures, and health awareness likely kept exposure low. {O}ngoing biomonitoring is crucial for identifying and mitigating health risks in communities living near former mining areas.},
  keywords = {{A}rsenic ; {M}etal mines ; {C}hildren's exposure ; {B}iomonitoring ; {E}nvironment ; {FRANCE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{E}cotoxicology and {E}nvironmental {S}afety},
  volume = {291},
  numero = {},
  pages = {117842 [11 p.]},
  ISSN = {0147-6513},
  year = {2025},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.117842},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010092781},
}