Influence of the Environment on the Chemical Element Content in Women’s Blood

This study investigates the impact of industrial emissions on the concentration of toxic elements, such as barium, strontium, arsenic, thorium, and uranium, in the biological tissues of pregnant women residing in Kazakhstan's industrial regions. The study focuses on the potential health risks to both the mothers and their developing fetuses, given the ongoing environmental contamination due to rapid industrialization. 67 pregnant women from various districts in the Akmola region were selected for this cross-sectional study. Biological samples, including placenta and umbilical cord blood, were collected and analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Data on environmental and occupational exposure were gathered through questionnaires. The barium, strontium, arsenic, thorium, and uranium concentrations were statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel and STATISTICA to assess correlations with health outcomes. The findings showed elevated concentrations of barium and strontium in both the placenta and umbilical cord blood, indicating significant exposure through environmental contamination. Arsenic and uranium were also detected in smaller amounts, with localized variations across different regions. The study found a strong association between higher concentrations of these elements and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as anemia, preeclampsia, and developmental anomalies in the fetus. This study highlights the critical environmental health risks of industrial emissions in Kazakhstan's rapidly developing regions. The transplacental transfer of toxic elements poses serious risks to maternal and fetal health, increasing the incidence of pregnancy-related complications. These findings emphasize the need for stricter environmental regulations and public health interventions to mitigate industrial pollution and safeguard vulnerable populations.