Chronic Metal Exposure, Air Pollution and Cancer in Haifa, Israel
E. Blaurock-Busch *
Micro Trace Minerals, Germany/Trace Minerals International, USA.
Y. Busch
Micro Trace Minerals, Germany/Trace Minerals International, USA.
N. Buium
Nava Health and Wellness Ltd., Israel.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Air pollution is a worldwide problem to millions of people exposed to concentrations of air pollutants above safety standards, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5). In Haifa, Israel, the apparent link between pollution and cancer development is a topic of concern. The study focused on evaluating the metal exposure of children and adults residing in the Haifa area. A high toxic burden to combustion metals such as nickel and potential carcinogens such as mercury was determined.
Samples of hair were collected from people living in and around Haifa between 2007 and 2015. Selected patients were separated into three groups, adult males and females, and children with a median age of 6.6 years. Multiple metal exposure was determined in all groups, with the greatest burden found in children.
Keywords: Hair mineral analysis, environmental exposure, fine particle matter, cancer