Which environmental sample type and statistical approach provides most information about metal exposure in young children from an urban setting?

Identification of sources and pathways is critical in minimizing exposure of young children to toxic materials. We monitored 108 children 50% of the variance. Metals comprising loading 1 component for both sample types included Ca, Fe, Mg, and Mn. Overall cluster analyses provided more information than PCA loadings. In summary: The most suitable methods and analyses are MMA of W1 and sweepings, and cluster analyses of W1and PD1. Resuspension from outdoor surfaces and soils and deposition in the residences is a likely pathway for most metals. •5-year longitudinal study of young children in urban setting.•Various statistical methods to evaluate pathways.•Best stats methods mixed model and cluster analyses.•Best sample types interior handwipes and sweepings for mixed model.•Best sample types interior handwipes and interior dust for cluster analyses.