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Ruiz R, Estevan C, Estévez J, Alcaide C, Sogorb MA, Vilanova E. Reference Values on Children's Hair for 28 Elements (Heavy Metals and Essential Elements) Based on a Pilot Study in a Representative Non-Contaminated Local Area. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098127. [PMID: 37175834 PMCID: PMC10179086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have been published, and laboratories offer services of measuring elements in hair as biomarkers of environmental exposure and/or control of essential elements (trace or macro). These reported values can have only sense if compared with adopted reference values. In this work, we propose provisional reference values based on a pilot child population. The concentrations of 28 elements were measured in children's hair samples. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a typical child population in the Mediterranean region void of excessive pollution problems to analyze 419 hair samples of children aged 3-12 years. Children were selected by a simple random method from eight primary education schools in different municipal districts, which included urban, rural and industrial areas. Samples of around 100 mg were washed and acid digested by an optimized procedure. All measures were performed using ICP-MS with Sc, Y and Re as internal standards. The statistical analysis was performed by two approaches: (a) considering all the data and (b) without outliers (second-order atypical data) to compare them with other published studies. The distribution curves in all the elements studied were asymmetric and did not fit the theoretical normality distributions. Therefore, the analysis based on percentiles was more appropriate. In most elements, only slight differences were observed with sex or age, which did not justify proposing separate reference ranges. From the results of this study, provisional reference values are proposed following two criteria: (a) simple application of the table of percentiles built by removing outlier values and (b) values after a detailed analysis case-by-case, considering other data as the distribution profile and other published data of each element. Although the pilot sample was from a limited area, it was carefully selected to be representative of a general non-contaminated population. With this limitation, the proposed reference values might be useful for researchers and physicians until a wider geographical study is available for a large number of elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiz
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Carmen Estevan
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Jorge Estévez
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Carolina Alcaide
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Miguel A Sogorb
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Eugenio Vilanova
- Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
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Galchenko AV, Sidorova EI, Sherstneva AA, Skalny AA, Lobanova JN. Comparison of concentrations of toxic elements in the hair of first-year students of RUDN University from different regions of the world: a cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:8341-8352. [PMID: 34487321 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16253-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the development of the metallurgical and energy industries and the operation of incinerators, more and more environmental pollution is occurring. Toxic elements accumulate in the biosphere and affect the state of the population of the regions of large-scale production or the disposal of industrial waste. The main goal of this study was to compare the toxic elements hair composition in people from different regions of the world. The concentrations of toxic and potentially toxic elements (Al, As, Be, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sn) in 198 people, first-year students of People's Friendship University of Russia, who arrived from different regions of the world, were measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Students were divided into 6 groups: from South and East Asia, from Latin America, from Arab countries, Central Asia and Afghanistan, from South and Central Africa, from Iran and Azerbaijan, and from Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova. Medians of the concentrations of elements in the hair in the general group were 5.8 μg/g for Al, 30 ng/g for As, 0.6 ng/g for Be, 9.0 ng/g for Cd, 0.11 μg/g for Hg, 0.24 μg/g for Pb, and 0.11 μg/g for Sn. All these values fall within the normal range. Students from Russia, Moldova, and Ukraine showed a significantly higher Sn content (0.28 μg/g) in their hair than subjects from other regions except for Latin America, p<0,05. Except for As, cases of exceeding their recommended concentrations in the hair were identified. However, the proportion of subjects with deviations in each group was not high - not more than 7%. In all regions, a positive correlation was found between Cd, Pb, and Sn, p<0.05, r>0.5 for all. Cases of exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations of various toxic elements in the hair were detected in people from all regions of the Earth included in the study. And although the overall picture of the content of toxic elements in the hair of students from all regions in our study does not look critical, the results of previous studies, as well as information about the total deterioration of the environmental situation throughout the Earth, necessitate further large-scale environmental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Vladimirovich Galchenko
- Department of Medical Elementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Miklukho-Maklay St., 6, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117198.
| | - Elizaveta Ilinichna Sidorova
- Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy of Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Anastasia Alekseevna Sherstneva
- Nelyubin Institute of Pharmacy of Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Andrew Anatolevich Skalny
- Department of Medical Elementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Miklukho-Maklay St., 6, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117198
| | - Julia Nikolaevna Lobanova
- Department of Medical Elementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Miklukho-Maklay St., 6, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117198
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Thomas O, Le Bot B, Verrey D, Durand S, Harpet C, Froment A, Jégou B. High lead level in the Alps in XIXth century, learning from the analysis of 138 historical hair stands. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 286:131658. [PMID: 34416585 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of hair is known to provide useful information about environmental and toxic exposures. Very little historical use has been made of this type of investigation. Here we study 138 human hair samples from 19th century in France. In order to examine the potential association between contamination and historical health impacts, we characterized contamination by 33 elements in a set of hair strands sampled during the last quarter of the 19th century in the Savoy region of France. After a selected washing step on 138 hair strands conserved at the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris (France), we assessed the presence of inorganics by ICP/MS, and lead level was higher than values reported in literature. We then compared concentrations and distributions between women and men, sampling locations and crossing gender and geographical origin. Hair lead level was high throughout Savoy at the end of the 19th century: significantly higher for people living in towns or industrial valleys, and lower for those of countryside and mountains areas. Environmental and economic changes (industrialization and urbanization with water adduction and leaded paints), living habits (kitchenware, cosmetics, wine, and tobacco), and local features (mines exploitation, railroad development, and industrialized narrow valleys) could be envisaged for explaining the level of lead contamination. In the same period, the two main industrial valleys of Savoy (Maurienne and Tarentaise) had high rates of endemic goiter and cretinism and among the highest hair lead levels. Other lines of evidence will need to be explore to investigate a possible link between historical Pb exposure and goiter in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Thomas
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - B Le Bot
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - D Verrey
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - S Durand
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - C Harpet
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France; Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, ARENES-UMR_S 6051, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - A Froment
- Musée National d'histoire Naturelle (MNHN), Paris, France
| | - B Jégou
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
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Manjarres-Suarez A, de la Rosa J, Gonzalez-Montes A, Galvis-Ballesteros J, Olivero-Verbel J. Trace elements, peripheral blood film, and gene expression status in adolescents living near an industrial area in the Colombian Caribbean Coastline. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:146-155. [PMID: 34083740 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trace elements comprise both nutritionally essential and non-essential, and their presence in organisms plays important role in human health. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of trace elements, together with cellular and molecular biomarkers, in adolescents from Tierrabomba Island, a Caribbean community located near an industrial area, comparing them with a group living in San Onofre, a reference community. METHODS Hair and blood samples were obtained from 238 individuals aged 11-18 years old, 131 from Tierrabomba Island and 107 from San Onofre. Trace elements were quantified in hair using ICP-MS. The hematological evaluation was done by peripheral blood smears, and gene expression analysis was carried out through RT-PCR. RESULTS Thirteen elements were analyzed; eight showed significant differences between sites. In Tierrabomba, arsenic (As) and tungsten (W) registered mean values greater than in San Onofre. In contrast, in the reference site, average values for boron (B), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), yttrium (Y), tin (Sn), and barium (Ba) were greater. The peripheral blood film showed differences between populations. Mean lymphocyte percentage was higher in the Island, while eosinophil and monocyte percentages displayed greater means in San Onofre. Some correlations between trace elements and hematological parameters were found, mainly with platelets in Tierrabomba. This trend remained even when partial correlation coefficients were adjusted for age. Levels of gene expression of metallothionein 1X (MT1X) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) registered significant differences between sites, being greater in Tierrabomba. Negative correlations between SOD and As were observed in both sampling sites. Discriminant analysis suggested sampling locations could be differentiated by Zn, Mo, Ba, and MT1X levels. SIGNIFICANCE Trace elements and the relative gene expression associated with metal exposure are critical exposure biomarkers for coastal communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Manjarres-Suarez
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130014, Colombia
| | - Jesus de la Rosa
- Associate Unit CSIC - University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution," Center for Research in Sustainable Chemistry [CIQSO], University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Audreis Gonzalez-Montes
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130014, Colombia
| | - Javier Galvis-Ballesteros
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130014, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, 130014, Colombia.
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The effects of the exposure to neurotoxic elements on Italian schoolchildren behavior. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9898. [PMID: 33972598 PMCID: PMC8110539 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88969-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are constantly increasing on a global scale. Some elements like heavy metals are known to be neurotoxic. In this cross-sectional study we assessed the neurobehavioral effect of the exposure to trace elements including lead, mercury, cadmium, manganese, arsenic and selenium and their interactions among 299 schoolchildren residing in the heavily polluted Taranto area in Italy. Whole blood, urine and hair were collected for metal analyses, while the Child Behavior Checklist and the Social Responsiveness Scale, administered to the main teacher and the mothers were considered to identify behavioral problems in children. Blood lead mainly influenced social problems, aggressive behavior, externalizing and total problems. Urinary arsenic showed an impact on anxiety and depression, somatic problems, attention problems and rule breaking behavior. A significant interaction between lead and arsenic was observed, with a synergistic effect of the two metals increasing the risk of attention problems, aggressive behavior, externalizing problems and total problems. Overall, we were able to test that higher blood lead, urinary arsenic concentrations and their interaction increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems. This is in line with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s priority list of hazardous substances where arsenic and lead are ranked as first and second respectively.
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Astolfi ML, Pietris G, Mazzei C, Marconi E, Canepari S. Element Levels and Predictors of Exposure in the Hair of Ethiopian Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228652. [PMID: 33233360 PMCID: PMC7700284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Children's development and health may be affected by toxic heavy metal exposure or suboptimal essential element intake. This study aimed to provide updated information regarding the concentrations of 41 elements in children's hair (aged under 18) living in a rural area of the Benishangul-Gumuz region, Ethiopia. The highest average levels (as a geometric mean) for toxic heavy metals were obtained for Al (1 mg kg-1), Pb (3.1 mg kg-1), and Ni (1.2 mg kg-1), while the lowest concentrations among the essential elements were found for Co (0.32 mg kg-1), Mo (0.07 mg kg-1), Se (0.19 mg kg-1), and V (0.8 mg kg-1). Hair analysis was combined with a survey to evaluate relationships and variations among subgroups and potential metal exposure predictors. Females showed significantly higher concentrations for most hair elements, excluding Zn, than males, and the 6-11 years age group reported the highest levels for Be, Ce, Co, Fe, La, Li, Mo, and Na. The main predictors of exposure to toxic elements were fish consumption for Hg and drinking water for Ba, Be, Cs, Li, Ni, Tl, and U. The data from this study can be used to develop prevention strategies for children's health and protection in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-991-3384
| | - Georgios Pietris
- Department of General Surgery, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria of Athens, Mesogion 152, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Corrado Mazzei
- Canon Toshiba Medical Systems s.r.l., Via Canton 115, I-00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
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Bjørklund G, Tippairote T, Rahaman MS, Aaseth J. Developmental toxicity of arsenic: a drift from the classical dose-response relationship. Arch Toxicol 2019; 94:67-75. [PMID: 31807801 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02628-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is a well-known natural environmental contaminant distributed in food, water, air, and soil. The developmental toxicity of arsenic exposure is a significant concern in large parts of the world. Unlike acute toxic exposure, the classical dose-response relationship is not adequate for estimating the possible impact of chronic low-level arsenic exposure. The real-life risk and impact assessments require the consideration of the co-exposure to multiple toxins, individual genetic and nutritional predisposition, and the particularly vulnerable stages of the neurodevelopment. This context shifts the assessment model away from the 'one-exposure-for-one-health-effect.' We underscore the need for a comprehensive risk assessment that takes into account all relevant determinants. We aim to elaborate a model that can serve as a basis for an understanding of complex interacting factors in a long-lasting and ongoing low-level arsenic exposure, to identify, protect, and support the children at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Toften 24, 8610, Mo i Rana, Norway.
| | - Torsak Tippairote
- BBH Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.,Doctor of Philosophy Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital and Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Md Shiblur Rahaman
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Jan Aaseth
- Research Department, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway.,IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Trace elements analysis in hair strand of cooks chronically exposed to indoor air pollution in restaurants of Lhasa, Tibet: preliminary results. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-019-0890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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9
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Lucchini RG, Guazzetti S, Renzetti S, Conversano M, Cagna G, Fedrighi C, Giorgino A, Peli M, Placidi D, Zoni S, Forte G, Majorani C, Pino A, Senofonte O, Petrucci F, Alimonti A. Neurocognitive impact of metal exposure and social stressors among schoolchildren in Taranto, Italy. Environ Health 2019; 18:67. [PMID: 31324194 PMCID: PMC6642538 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0505-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metal exposure is a public health hazard due to neurocognitive effects starting in early life. Poor socio-economic status, adverse home and family environment can enhance the neurodevelopmental toxicity due to chemical exposure. Disadvantaged socio-economic conditions are generally higher in environmentally impacted areas although the combined effect of these two factors has not been sufficiently studied. METHODS The effect of co-exposure to neurotoxic metals including arsenic, cadmium, manganese, mercury, lead, selenium, and to socio-economic stressors was assessed in a group of 299 children aged 6-12 years, residing at incremental distance from industrial emissions in Taranto, Italy. Exposure was assessed with biological monitoring and the distance between the home address and the exposure point source. Children's cognitive functions were examined using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Linear mixed models were chosen to assess the association between metal exposure, socio-economic status and neurocognitive outcomes. RESULTS Urinary arsenic, cadmium and hair manganese resulted inversely related to the distance from the industrial emission source (β - 0.04; 95% CI -0.06, - 0.01; β - 0.02; 95% CI -0.05, - 0.001; β - 0.02 95% CI -0.05, - 0.003) while the WISC intellectual quotient and its sub-scores (except processing speed index) showed a positive association with distance. Blood lead and urinary cadmium were negatively associated with the IQ total score and all sub-scores, although not reaching the significance level. Hair manganese and blood lead was positively associated with the CANTAB between errors of spatial working memory (β 2.2; 95% CI 0.3, 3.9) and the reaction time of stop signal task (β 0.05; 95% CI 0.02, 0.1) respectively. All the other CANTAB neurocognitive tests did not show to be significantly influenced by metal exposure. The highest socio-economic status showed about five points intellectual quotient more than the lowest level on average (β 4.8; 95% CI 0.3, 9.6); the interaction term between blood lead and the socio-economic status showed a significant negative impact of lead on working memory at the lowest socio-economic status level (β - 4.0; 95% CI -6.9, - 1.1). CONCLUSIONS Metal exposure and the distance from industrial emission was associated with negative cognitive impacts in these children. Lead exposure had neurocognitive effect even at very low levels of blood lead concentration when socio-economic status is low, and this should further address the importance and prioritize preventive and regulatory interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto G Lucchini
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Guazzetti
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Azienda USL - IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stefano Renzetti
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | - Giuseppa Cagna
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Fedrighi
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Peli
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Donatella Placidi
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Zoni
- Department of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Forte
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Majorani
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Pino
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Oreste Senofonte
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrucci
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alimonti
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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Cruvinel VRN, Marques CP, Cardoso V, Novaes MRCG, Araújo WN, Angulo-Tuesta A, Escalda PMF, Galato D, Brito P, da Silva EN. Health conditions and occupational risks in a novel group: waste pickers in the largest open garbage dump in Latin America. BMC Public Health 2019. [PMID: 31096940 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6879-x/tables/2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inadequate management of solid waste impacts populations' health and quality of life, and disproportionately affects developing countries. This study aims to describe a protocol for epidemiological diagnosis, the purpose being to estimate the prevalence of chronic and communicable and non communicable diseases in waste pickers, and the occupational and environmental risk factors to which these are exposed. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study, based on survey design in an area of extreme social vulnerability - the largest garbage dump in Latin America. Using a multidimensional research protocol, divided in three stages: 1- The identification of the subjects, and the scheduling of tests; 2- Situational diagnosis through interviews, anthropometric evaluation, measuring blood pressure, collecting hair and nail samples to detect exposure to heavy metals and undertaking laboratory tests; 3- The return of the waste pickers to receive the test results, followed by referral to the health team and to report occupational accidents. RESULTS One thousand twenty-five waste pickers undertook tests and interviews. The majority were women (67.0%), with 36-45 years old (45.7%), and 96.0% had children. In total, 27.3% of the participants did not attend to any school and 47.7% were educated only up to primary level. The majority of waste pickers (68.70%) reported accidents and most of them (89.69%) were related to sharp objects. The mean time working in this open dump was 15 years. According the anthropometric measure, 32.6% were overweight and 21.1% were obese. The most common reported diseases were: osteomuscular disorders (78.7%); arboviruses (28.6%); episodic diarrhea (24.9%); hypertension (24.2%); bronchitis (14.3%); intestinal worms (12.6%) and diabetes (10.1%). According to the blood tests, the values outside the reference limits were: Uric acid (23.89%); creatinine (54.06%); GGT range (16.04%); SGOT - Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (5.29%); SGPT - serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase (35.52%). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to evaluate multiple risks and diseases in the majority of waste pickers working in the largest garbage dump of a continent. These findings highlight the importance to address urgently the environmental, social and health impacts related to the management of solid waste in developmental countries to protect these workers and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vanessa Cardoso
- School of Health Sciences and State Secretariat of Health of the Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Dayani Galato
- University of Brasília, Faculty of Ceilandia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Petruza Brito
- School of Health Sciences and State Secretariat of Health of the Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
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11
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Cruvinel VRN, Marques CP, Cardoso V, Novaes MRCG, Araújo WN, Angulo-Tuesta A, Escalda PMF, Galato D, Brito P, da Silva EN. Health conditions and occupational risks in a novel group: waste pickers in the largest open garbage dump in Latin America. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:581. [PMID: 31096940 PMCID: PMC6521552 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6879-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inadequate management of solid waste impacts populations' health and quality of life, and disproportionately affects developing countries. This study aims to describe a protocol for epidemiological diagnosis, the purpose being to estimate the prevalence of chronic and communicable and non communicable diseases in waste pickers, and the occupational and environmental risk factors to which these are exposed. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study, based on survey design in an area of extreme social vulnerability - the largest garbage dump in Latin America. Using a multidimensional research protocol, divided in three stages: 1- The identification of the subjects, and the scheduling of tests; 2- Situational diagnosis through interviews, anthropometric evaluation, measuring blood pressure, collecting hair and nail samples to detect exposure to heavy metals and undertaking laboratory tests; 3- The return of the waste pickers to receive the test results, followed by referral to the health team and to report occupational accidents. RESULTS One thousand twenty-five waste pickers undertook tests and interviews. The majority were women (67.0%), with 36-45 years old (45.7%), and 96.0% had children. In total, 27.3% of the participants did not attend to any school and 47.7% were educated only up to primary level. The majority of waste pickers (68.70%) reported accidents and most of them (89.69%) were related to sharp objects. The mean time working in this open dump was 15 years. According the anthropometric measure, 32.6% were overweight and 21.1% were obese. The most common reported diseases were: osteomuscular disorders (78.7%); arboviruses (28.6%); episodic diarrhea (24.9%); hypertension (24.2%); bronchitis (14.3%); intestinal worms (12.6%) and diabetes (10.1%). According to the blood tests, the values outside the reference limits were: Uric acid (23.89%); creatinine (54.06%); GGT range (16.04%); SGOT - Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (5.29%); SGPT - serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase (35.52%). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to evaluate multiple risks and diseases in the majority of waste pickers working in the largest garbage dump of a continent. These findings highlight the importance to address urgently the environmental, social and health impacts related to the management of solid waste in developmental countries to protect these workers and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vanessa Cardoso
- School of Health Sciences and State Secretariat of Health of the Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Dayani Galato
- University of Brasília, Faculty of Ceilandia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Petruza Brito
- School of Health Sciences and State Secretariat of Health of the Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
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12
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Approximation of the Dependency of Trace Elements Concentrations in Internal Media upon their Contents in Environment Objects. BIONANOSCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-017-0487-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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Kučera J, Kameník J, Havránek V. Hair elemental analysis for forensic science using nuclear and related analytical methods. Forensic Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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14
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Elemental hair analysis: A review of procedures and applications. Anal Chim Acta 2017; 992:1-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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15
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E T, D V, G D. Gender as a key factor in trace metal and metalloid content of human scalp hair. A multi-site study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 573:996-1002. [PMID: 27607902 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This multi-site study discusses the content of metals and metalloids (MM) in scalp hair of children, living in different environmental contexts, with the purpose of verifying if hair level of some MM is distinctively gender-specific. A total of 943 hair samples (537 females and 406 males) from adolescents were analyzed for their content of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V and Zn. Elemental quantification was performed by ICP-MS. The obtained data identified different metal distributions in adolescent girls which exhibited significantly higher hair concentrations of some trace metals, especially Sr, Zn and Ni, than boys. On the base of the median value, hair of female donors contained 3.8 times more Sr (6.6μg/g) than males (1.7μg/g). Highest concentrations of Zn in females were observed in samples from the mining area of Sardinia (587μg/g). Nickel showed significant differences resulting 2.5-fold higher in female hair. Regardless of the residence site, these elements resulted always significantly different (at p<0.01) between female and male indicating that gender is a confounding factor that has to be more extensively considered for a correct interpretation of metal profiles in human hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamburo E
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Varrica D
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Dongarrà G
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
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Li Z, Wang B, Ge S, Yan L, Liu Y, Li Z, Ren A. A simultaneous analysis method of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nicotine, cotinine and metals in human hair. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 219:66-71. [PMID: 27661729 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nicotine, cotinine, and metals in human hair have been used as important environmental exposure markers. We aimed to develop a simple method to simultaneously analyze these pollutants using a small quantity of hair. The digestion performances of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for human hair were compared. Various solvents or their mixtures including n-hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM) and trichloromethane (TCM), HEX:DCM32 (3/2) and HEX:TCM73 (7/3) were adopted to extract organics. The recoveries of metals were determined under an optimal operation of digestion and extraction. Our results showed that TMAH performed well in dissolving human hair and even better than NaOH. Overall, the recoveries for five solutions were acceptable for PAHs, nicotine in the range of 80%-110%. Except for HEX, other four extraction solutions had acceptable extraction efficiency for cotinine from HEX:TCM73 (88 ± 4.1%) to HEX:DCM32 (100 ± 2.8%). HEX:DCM32 was chosen as the optimal solvent in consideration of its extraction efficiency and lower density than water. The recoveries of 12 typical major or trace metals were mainly in the range of 90%-110% and some of them were close to 100%. In conclusion, the simultaneous analysis of PAHs, nicotine, cotinine, and metals was feasible. Our study provided a simple and low-cost technique for environmental epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjiang Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China.
| | - Shufang Ge
- College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Lailai Yan
- Central Laboratory of School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
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Chen G, Chen X, Yan C, Wu X, Zeng G. Surveying mercury levels in hair, blood and urine of under 7-year old children from a coastal city in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:12029-41. [PMID: 25419876 PMCID: PMC4245658 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph111112029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM The average mercury load in children under 7-years old was determined in a populated but not overly industrial coastal area in China. METHODS 395 blood samples, 1072 urine samples, and 581 hair samples were collected from 1076 children, aged 0 to 6 years, from eight representative communities of Xiamen, China. Mercury levels in the samples were surveyed. RESULTS The 95% upper limits of mercury in blood, urine, and hair for the children were 2.30, 1.50 and 2100.00 μg/kg, respectively. Levels tended to increase with age. Correlation analyses showed that mercury levels in blood and urine correlated with those in hair (n = 132), r = 0.49, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.20, p = 0.0008; however, blood mercury levels did not correlate with urine levels (n = 284), r = 0.07, p = 0.35. CONCLUSIONS Surveying the average mercury load in children 0 to 6 years, and the 95% upper limit value of mercury in their blood, urine, and hair should help guide risk assessment and health management for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixia Chen
- Xiamen Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xiamen 361000, China.
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xingdong Wu
- Xiamen Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xiamen 361000, China
| | - Guozhang Zeng
- Xiamen Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xiamen 361000, China
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18
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Qayyum MA, Shah MH. Comparative assessment of selected metals in the scalp hair and nails of lung cancer patients and controls. Biol Trace Elem Res 2014; 158:305-22. [PMID: 24671620 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-9942-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is seriously threatening human health and exposure to trace metals is the most important aetiology for lung cancer. Selected essential/toxic metals (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Zn, Cu, Sr, Li, Co, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb) are measured in the scalp hair and nails of lung cancer patients and controls by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method employing nitric acid-perchloric acid-based wet digestion. Average concentrations of Pb, Cd, Mn, Co and Cu are found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the scalp hair and nails of lung cancer patients compared with the controls, however, appreciably higher concentrations of Zn, Ca, Na, Mg and Cr are noted in the scalp hair of the controls. Most of the metal levels reveal higher dispersion and asymmetry in the scalp hair/nails of the patients compared with the controls. Average metal levels are also compared to investigate probable differences based on sex, abode, food and smoking habits. The correlation study shows significantly diverse mutual variations of the metals in the scalp hair and nails of the patients and controls. Considerable variations in the metal levels are also noted for various stages and types of lung cancer (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma and small cell lung cancer). Multivariate apportionment of the metals in the scalp hair and nails of the patients and controls are also significantly diverse. The study reveals considerably divergent variations in the metal levels in lung cancer patients in comparison with healthy subjects.
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Sheehan MC, Burke TA, Navas-Acien A, Breysse PN, McGready J, Fox MA. Global methylmercury exposure from seafood consumption and risk of developmental neurotoxicity: a systematic review. Bull World Health Organ 2014; 92:254-269F. [PMID: 24700993 PMCID: PMC3967569 DOI: 10.2471/blt.12.116152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine biomarkers of methylmercury (MeHg) intake in women and infants from seafood-consuming populations globally and characterize the comparative risk of fetal developmental neurotoxicity. METHODS A search was conducted of the published literature reporting total mercury (Hg) in hair and blood in women and infants. These biomarkers are validated proxy measures of MeHg, a neurotoxin found primarily in seafood. Average and high-end biomarkers were extracted, stratified by seafood consumption context, and pooled by category. Medians for average and high-end pooled distributions were compared with the reference level established by a joint expert committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). FINDINGS Selection criteria were met by 164 studies of women and infants from 43 countries. Pooled average biomarkers suggest an intake of MeHg several times over the FAO/WHO reference in fish-consuming riparians living near small-scale gold mining and well over the reference in consumers of marine mammals in Arctic regions. In coastal regions of south-eastern Asia, the western Pacific and the Mediterranean, average biomarkers approach the reference. Although the two former groups have a higher risk of neurotoxicity than the latter, coastal regions are home to the largest number at risk. High-end biomarkers across all categories indicate MeHg intake is in excess of the reference value. CONCLUSION There is a need for policies to reduce Hg exposure among women and infants and for surveillance in high-risk populations, the majority of which live in low-and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Sheehan
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America (USA)
| | - Thomas A Burke
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Patrick N Breysse
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - John McGready
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Mary A Fox
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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20
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Carneiro MFH, Grotto D, Barbosa F. Inorganic and methylmercury levels in plasma are differentially associated with age, gender, and oxidative stress markers in a population exposed to mercury through fish consumption. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:69-79. [PMID: 24555648 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.865584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the concentrations of plasma methylmercury (Me-Hg) and inorganic mercury (I-Hg) in a population exposed to Me-Hg. In addition, associations between each form of mercury (Hg) and gender, age, plasma selenium (Se), and oxidative stress markers were also investigated. The mean plasma I-Hg level was 5.7 μg/L while the mean for plasma Me-Hg was 3.6 μg/L, representing approximately 59 and 41% of the total Hg in blood, respectively. However, several plasma samples contained higher percentages of Me-Hg. Age displayed a direct linkage with plasma I-Hg levels, whereas gender did not correlate with any of the Hg species. In addition, fish intake was only correlated with and a predictor of plasma Me-Hg, suggesting that plasma I-Hg levels originated endogenously through a demethylation reaction that needs to be verified. Further, plasma Me-Hg was markedly correlated with adverse effects to a greater extent than plasma I-Hg and may be considered a valuable, reliable internal dose biomarker for Hg in chronically Me-Hg- exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- a Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto-USP, Monte Alegre , Ribeirão Preto , SP , Brazil
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21
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Levels of Metals in Hair in Childhood: Preliminary Associations with Neuropsychological Behaviors. TOXICS 2013. [DOI: 10.3390/toxics2010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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22
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Mikulewicz M, Chojnacka K, Gedrange T, Górecki H. Reference values of elements in human hair: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 36:1077-86. [PMID: 24141206 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2013.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of systematic review on reference values of elements in human hair with the consideration of methodological approach. The absence of worldwide accepted and implemented universal reference ranges causes that hair mineral analysis has not become yet a reliable and useful method of assessment of nutritional status and exposure of individuals. OBJECTIVES Systematic review of reference values of elements in human hair. DATA SOURCES PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Humans, hair mineral analysis, elements or minerals, reference values, original studies. RESULTS The number of studies screened and assessed for eligibility was 52. Eventually, included in the review were 5 papers. The studies report reference ranges for the content of elements in hair: macroelements, microelements, toxic elements and other elements. Reference ranges were elaborated for different populations in the years 2000-2012. The analytical methodology differed, in particular sample preparation, digestion and analysis (ICP-AES, ICP-MS). Consequently, the levels of hair minerals reported as reference values varied. CONCLUSIONS It is necessary to elaborate the standard procedures and furtherly validate hair mineral analysis and deliver detailed methodology. Only then it would be possible to provide meaningful reference ranges and take advantage of the potential that lies in Hair Mineral Analysis as a medical diagnostic technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Mikulewicz
- Department of Dentofacial Orthopeadics and Orthodontics, Medical University of Wrocław, Poland.
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23
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Kazi TG, Shah F, Afridi HI, Naeemullah. Occupational and environmental lead exposure to adolescent workers in battery recycling workshops. Toxicol Ind Health 2013; 31:1288-95. [PMID: 23823616 DOI: 10.1177/0748233713485883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), as other environmental neurotoxicant substances, has the capability to interfere with many biochemical events present in cells throughout the body. In the present study, the environmental and occupational exposure to Pb has been assessed by analyzing the scalp hair samples of male adolescents aged 12-15 years, who have worked for the last 12-36 months in Pb battery recycling workshops (BRWs). For comparative purposes, gender and age-matched subjects living in the vicinity of recycling workshops as well as in areas without industrial activity were used as controls. The scalp hair samples were oxidized by acid in a microwave oven prior to determination of Pb by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The results indicated that both workers and nonworking exposed subjects had higher levels of Pb than nonexposed controls. The contents of Pb in scalp hair of adolescent workers in the present study were compared with those reported in other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasneem Gul Kazi
- National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Faheem Shah
- National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Imran Afridi
- National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
| | - Naeemullah
- National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
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Al-Farsi YM, Waly MI, Al-Sharbati MM, Al-Shafaee MA, Al-Farsi OA, Al-Khaduri MM, Gupta I, Ouhtit A, Al-Adawi S, Al-Said MF, Deth RC. Levels of heavy metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with autism in Oman: a case-control study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013. [PMID: 23188679 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9553-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxic levels of heavy metals and low levels of essential minerals have been suggested to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study documents the levels of heavy metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with ASD in Muscat, the urbanized capital of Oman, Muscat. The study included 27 children with ASD and 27 matched non-ASD controls. Parental interviews were held and dietary intake questionnaires completed in conjunction with the collection of hair samples. Analysis of heavy metals and essential minerals was carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Chi-square analysis and non-parametric Fisher's exact tests were used to assess statistical significance. Children with ASD had significantly higher levels of all 11 analyzed heavy metals in their hair samples (P < 0.05), ranging from 150 to 365 % of control levels. ASD children also had significantly higher levels of essential minerals sulfur, sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron, but lower levels of calcium and copper in their hair samples. This study corroborates data from previous studies in different parts of the world indicating the presence of elevated levels of heavy metals and selective depletion of essential minerals in the hair of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya M Al-Farsi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh, Oman.
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Qu CS, Ma ZW, Yang J, Liu Y, Bi J, Huang L. Human exposure pathways of heavy metals in a lead-zinc mining area, Jiangsu Province, China. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46793. [PMID: 23152752 PMCID: PMC3496726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution is becoming a serious issue in developing countries such as China, and the public is increasingly aware of its adverse health impacts in recent years. We assessed the potential health risks in a lead-zinc mining area and attempted to identify the key exposure pathways. We evaluated the spatial distributions of personal exposure using indigenous exposure factors and field monitoring results of water, soil, food, and indoor and outdoor air samples. The risks posed by 10 metals and the contribution of inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact pathways to these risks were estimated. Human hair samples were also analyzed to indicate the exposure level in the human body. Our results show that heavy metal pollution may pose high potential health risks to local residents, especially in the village closest to the mine (V1), mainly due to Pb, Cd and Hg. Correspondingly, the residents in V1 had higher Pb (8.14 mg/kg) levels in hair than those in the other two villages. Most of the estimated risks came from soil, the intake of self-produced vegetables and indoor air inhalation. This study highlights the importance of site-specific multipathway health risk assessments in studying heavy-metal exposures in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Sheng Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Carneiro MFH, Grotto D, Batista BL, Rhoden CR, Barbosa F. Background values for essential and toxic elements in children's nails and correlation with hair levels. Biol Trace Elem Res 2011; 144:339-50. [PMID: 21671087 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Human nails are an attractive matrix for assessing environmental exposures to toxic elements as well as the deficiency of essential elements since it is noninvasively collected and can be stored at room temperature. However, reference or baseline levels in nonexposed and healthy populations are not yet established. Then, the aims of this study were (a) to estimate background values for essential and toxic elements in nails from a healthy young population in southern Brazil and (b) to evaluate possible correlations between essential and toxic elements in nails. Furthermore, this report took part of a recent study of background values in the hair of a young population. Thus, correlations between chemical elements in nails and hair were also evaluated. Nails were collected from healthy children (n = 126), and element concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This study provides new and reliable reference concentrations for toxic and essential elements in children's nails. The results can be used as reference values for epidemiological or clinical investigations based on trace elements in nails. Additionally, we also showed weak to strong correlations between Cu, Mg, Mn, Se, and Zn levels in nails and hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n, Monte Alegre, 14040-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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