Trace Elements in Tears: Comparison of Rural and Urban Populations Using Particle Induced X-ray Emission.

ABSTRACT: We aimed to evaluate the types and concentrations of trace elements in tears of individuals living in urban and rural environments using particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and the possible association with exposure to air pollution and suggest a novel method for tear-based biomonitoring studies. This cross-sectional pilot study comprised 42 healthy subjects, 28 living in a rural area and 14 in an industrial city. Tears were collected with Schirmer paper and characterized by PIXE. Trace element concentrations from both eyes were averaged together with environmental pollution data. Main outcome measures were between-group differences in types and concentrations of trace elements in tears and comparison to environmental data. The rural group included 12/28 men, mean age 45.2 ± 14.8 years.

SUBMITTER: Girshevitz O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9605629 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature