Chronic Arsenic Toxicity: Statistical Study of the Relationships Between Urinary Arsenic, Selenium and Antimony

Background. The groundwater of Argentina's Chaco plain presents arsenic levels above those suitable for human consumption. Studies suggest skin disorders among local populations caused by arsenic intake. The relationship between urinary arsenic and arsenic in drinking water is well known, but urinary arsenic alone is not enough for risk assessment due to modulating factors such as the intake of selenium and antimony. Objectives. Determining the relationship between urinary arsenic, selenium and antimony could contribute to the study of arsenic metabolization in humans. Methods. Arsenic, selenium and antimony, relative to urinary creatinine, was quantified in urine samples to assess exposure to arsenic and its toxicity modulators. Results. Arsenic levels were higher than reference value in 89% of exposed group. Selenium concentrations were higher in 84%. Levels of antimony were also surprisingly high, not compatible with dietary intake. Urinary arsenic and selenium data showed highly significant correlatio...