Micro-distribution of arsenic in toenail clippings using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: implications for biomonitoring.

Toenails are a common monitoring tool for arsenic exposure, but the risk of external contamination of toenails has cast doubt on its usefulness. The main objective of this study is to investigate the micro-distribution of arsenic through the dorsoventral plane of nail clippings to understand endogenous vs exogenous sources. We used laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure arsenic through a dorsoventral cross-section of the nail plate collected from reference (N = 17) and exposed individuals (N = 35).

Cohort profile: health effects monitoring programme in Ndilǫ, Dettah and Yellowknife (YKHEMP).

Purpose: The Yellowknife Health Effects Monitoring Programme (YKHEMP) was established to examine the relationship of exposure to arsenic and other chemicals of potential concern such as antimony, cadmium, lead, manganese and vanadium and health outcomes.

Participants: A total of 2037 individuals were recruited, including children (age 3-19) and adults (age 20+), residing in Dettah, Ndilǫ and Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories, Canada, in two waves in Fall 2017 and Spring 2018. In Yellowknife, there were 891 (675 adults, 216 children), randomly selected participants with a participation rate of 64%.

Health risk assessment of arsenic exposure among the residents in Ndilǫ, Dettah, and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada.

There are concerns in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada, about arsenic exposure due to past mining operations, particularly the former Giant Mine. The objective of this study was to characterize the risk of arsenic exposure and associated risk factors among the local residents. Arsenic (As) and its species were quantified in urine (n = 1966) using inductively coupled mass spectrometry.