Geographical Variations in Metal Exposure and Its Impact on Metabolic Disorders and Hypertension: An Analysis of Chile's 2016–17 National Health Survey
Abstract
Background
Evidence
suggests
that
even
low-level
exposure
to
metals
may
disrupt
metabolic
pathways,
contributing
disorders.
Local
environmental
factors
modulate
these
effects,
emphasizing
the
importance
of
territorial
disaggregation.
This
population-based
study
evaluated
geographic
variations
in
four
and
their
associations
with
obesity,
diabetes,
syndrome,
hypertension
Chile.
Method
Data
from
3,822
participants
National
Health
Survey
2016
2017
were
analyzed.
Biomarkers
included
inorganic
arsenic,
cadmium,
mercury
urine,
lead
serum.
Metal
was
classified
according
50th
percentile
distribution.
Spatial
simultaneous
autoregressive
models
accounted
for
regional
disaggregation
spatial
dependencies,
adjusting
age,
sex,
socioeconomic
status,
smoking.
Analyses
conducted
at
national
subnational
levels,
incorporating
sampling
weights
survey
complex
design.
Results
A
total
42.4%
individuals
exposed
13.6%
lead,
1.7%
cadmium.
Regional
analysis
revealed
elevated
arsenic
northern
regions
(e.g.,
Arica
Antofagasta),
peaking
29.9%.
At
level,
adjusted
no
significant
between
metal
However,
geographical
linked
overweight
obesity
across
most
areas
diabetes
syndrome
northern,
southernmost,
central
zones.
Mercury
associated
all
conditions
macrozone,
whereas
cadmium
exclusively
southern
regions.
Conclusion
These
findings
underscore
critical
differences
metalloid
disorders,
highlighting
need
geographically
targeted
public
health
interventions
consider
local
contextual
factors.
Trial
registration
Not
applicable
Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: March 11, 2025
Language: Английский