Biomonitoring of toxic metal exposure in New Jersey adults in 2015–2018

This study explores the potential of a convenience sample-based probing approach as a cost-effective alternative for state-level biomonitoring surveillance, addressing the logistical and practical challenges when applying comprehensive probability-based population studies at a state-level. The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) conducted a large-scale biomonitoring study using 2988 blood samples and 1007 urine samples collected from clinical laboratories and blood banks statewide from 2015 to 2018 to characterize toxic metal exposure patterns and trends. The resulting data were analyzed to identify contributing factors and compared to concurrent U.S. population levels from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The study also examined spatial factors such as proximity to environmental sources and residential classification (urban, suburban, and rural) on exposure levels. Results showed that New Jersey adults had higher prevalence levels of mercury in blood (8.1%; ≥5 μg/L) and arsenic in urine (4.1%; ≥100 μg/L) than US adults (5.98% and 2.87%, respectively). Metal levels varied by sex and age, with lower levels observed in younger populations (20–39 years). Proximity to Superfund sites and residential classification were generally not significant factors in explaining measured metal concentrations. This first-of-its-kind study of toxic metal levels in New Jersey adults demonstrates the effectiveness of the convenience sample-based approach in rapidly establishing statewide baseline data. The results highlight the need for ongoing biomonitoring of the New Jersey population and provide valuable baseline information for future research. These findings offer crucial insights for healthcare providers and policymakers in addressing environmental contaminant exposures and developing targeted public health interventions.