Impact of exposure to second-hand smoke on the levels of arsenic: data from NHANES 2003-2010

The impact of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) at home on the levels of arsenic was evaluated among children aged <12years old, adolescents aged 12-19years old, and adults aged 20years and older. Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the years 2003-2010 were used for this purpose. Impact of SHS at work for adults was also evaluated. Urinary levels of total arsenic (UAS) and dimethylarsonic acid (UDMA) were evaluated for children, adolescents, and adults. Urinary levels of arsenobetaine (UAB) were evaluated for adults only. Regression models were fitted for log-transformed values of UAB, UAS, and UDMA with gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES) as determined by poverty income ratio, urine creatinine, SHS exposure at home and work, and others as independent variables. There was no evidence to suggest that SHS exposure at home or work affected the levels of arsenic. Levels of arsenic did not vary by gender among children and adolescents but among adults, for selected race/ethnicities and SES levels female had statistically significantly higher levels than males. In general, highest arsenic levels were observed among Mexican Americans and for those in unclassified race/ethnic group.