LIH Study Reveals Key Chemical Mixtures Linked to Higher Risk of Metabolic Conditions

Researchers from the LIH Department of Precision Health find that exposure to chemical mixtures in the environment is linked to a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure and other metabolic disorders

• Socio-Economic & Environmental Health & Health Services
• Department of Precision Health

A new study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment shows that exposure to a mixture of pollutants may negatively affect metabolic health. The research, based on 2013-2015 data from the European Health Examination Survey in Luxembourg (EHES-LUX) and led by visiting scientist Dr Jesús Martínez-Gómez and Dr Maria Ruiz-Castell from the CARES group, highlights the need to consider exposure to chemical mixtures when shaping health and environmental policies.

The EHES-LUX study analysed information from more than 600 adults living in Luxembourg between 25 and 64 years of age by having them complete health and lifestyle questionnaires, clinical examinations, and provide hair samples. Using this data, researchers measured more than 150 different chemicals, including flame retardants, plastics, and pesticides and herbicides to study  the association between the chemical mixture with metabolic syndrome and its components (high waist circumference, high triglycerides in the blood, high blood pressure, and high blood glucose).

The analysis revealed that the mixture of pollutants increased the likelihood of metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Among the many substances studied, three chemicals stood out as key contributors: herbicide prosulfocarb and pesticides ClCF₃CA and PNP.

Everyday exposure to a combination of environmental chemicals can lead to mixture effects that may impact health. Addressing multiple simultaneous exposures is crucial to design better strategies and regulations to protect people’s health

said Dr Maria Ruiz-Castell, leader of the CARES Group at the LIH.

The new findings strengthen the case for policies that address real-world exposure to multiple chemicals, rather than regulating pollutants individually.

The study included contributions from Dr Brice Appenzeller and his Human Biomonitoring Research Unit and the Department of Medical Informatics. It was also carried out in partnership with the Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC).

The EHES-LUX project was funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), with additional support from the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the LIH.