Urinary arsenic levels among residents of mining areas
- VernacularTitle:Уул уурхайн бүс нутагт амьдарч буй хүн амын шээсэн дэх хүнцлийн агууламж
- Author:
Oyunchimeg M
1
;
Enkhjargal A
2
;
Suvd B
3
;
Burmaajav B
3
Author Information
1. Ach Medical University; Erdene Mongol LLC
2. National Center for Public Health
3. Ach Medical University
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
arsenic;
urine;
biomonitoring;
mining;
environmental exposure;
Mongolia
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2026;217(3):34-42
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Arsenic is a widespread environmental metalloid that poses a global health risk, particularly
through contamination of drinking water. Exposure arises from natural and human activities
through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption. Its absorption and toxicity vary by chemical
form, with trivalent arsenic generally more toxic than pentavalent arsenic. Once absorbed,
arsenic can accumulate in tissues and body fluids.
Objective:To compare urinary arsenic concentrations among adults residing in selected mining and
non-mining areas of Mongolia.
Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study included 422 adults from mining areas (n = 333; Bayan-Undur,
Tsogtsetsii, and Khanbogd) and non-mining areas (n = 89; Bulgan and Bayandalai).
Questionnaire data on sociodemographic characteristics, occupation, smoking, and dietary
habits were collected. Urine samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry. Arsenic concentrations were summarized as geometric means (GMs) with
95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results:Of the 422 participants, 242 (57.3%) were women. The GM urinary arsenic concentration was
31.10 µg/L [95% CI, 28.96–33.58] in mining areas and 26.42 µg/L [95% CI, 22.98–30.39] in
non-mining areas. Among mining communities, GMs were 33.45 µg/L in Bayan-Undur, 25.49
µg/L in Tsogtsetsii, and 24.82 µg/L in Khanbogd. In the non-mining communities, GMs were
29.43 µg/L in Bulgan and 23.02 µg/L in Bayandalai.
Conclusion:The urinary arsenic concentration was higher among adults in the selected
mining areas, with variation between communities. Further analyses accounting for potential
confounders, together with arsenic speciation and environmental measurements, are needed
to clarify exposure sources and the contribution of mining activities.
- Full text:2026101821390913525MMS-2026-217(3)-34-42.pdf
