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Motta G, Gualtieri M, Bengalli R, Saibene M, Belosi F, Nicosia A, Cabellos J, Mantecca P. An integrated new approach methodology for inhalation risk assessment of safe and sustainable by design nanomaterials. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 183:108420. [PMID: 38199131 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108420] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The production and use of nanomaterials (NMs) has increased over the last decades posing relevant questions on their risk after release and exposure of the population or sub-populations. In this context, the safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) approach framework requires to assess the potential hazard connected with intrinsic properties of the material along the whole life cycle of the NM and/or of the nano enabled products. Moreover, in the last years, the use of new advanced methodologies (NAMs) has increasingly gained attention for the use of alternative methods in obtaining relevant information on NMs hazard and risk. Considering the SSbD and the NAMs frameworks, within the ASINA H2020 project, we developed new NAMs devoted at improving the hazard and risk definition of different Ag and TiO2 NPs. The NAMs are developed considering two air liquid interface exposure systems, the Vitrocell Cloud-α and the Cultex Compact module and the relevant steps to obtain reproducible exposures are described. The new NAMs build on the integration of environmental monitoring campaigns at nano-coating production sites, allowing the quantification by the multiple-path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model of the expected lung deposited dose in occupational settings. Starting from this information, laboratory exposures to the aerosolized NPs are performed by using air liquid interface exposure equipment and human alveolar cells (epithelial cells and macrophages), replicating the doses of exposure estimated in workers by MPPD. Preliminary results on cell viability and inflammatory responses are reported. The proposed NAMs may represent possible future reference procedures for assessing the NPs inhalation toxicology, supporting risk assessment at real exposure doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Motta
- University of Milano Bicocca, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy; Research Centre POLARIS, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Gualtieri
- Research Centre POLARIS, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Rossella Bengalli
- Research Centre POLARIS, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Melissa Saibene
- Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Franco Belosi
- CNR-ISAC, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council of Italy, Via Gobetti, 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicosia
- CNR-ISAC, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, National Research Council of Italy, Via Gobetti, 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Joan Cabellos
- Leitat Technological Center, c/de la Innovació 2, Terrassa, 08225 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paride Mantecca
- Research Centre POLARIS, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
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López M, Reche C, Pérez-Albaladejo E, Porte C, Balasch A, Monfort E, Eljarrat E, Viana M. E-waste dismantling as a source of personal exposure and environmental release of fine and ultrafine particles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 833:154871. [PMID: 35364180 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (WEEE; from TV screens to electric toothbrushes) is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Prior to recycling, e-waste components (metals, wood, glass, etc.) are processed by shredding, grinding and chainsaw cutting. These activities generate fine and ultrafine particle emissions, containing metals as well as organics (e.g., flame retardants), which have high potential for human health impacts as well as for environmental release. In this work, release of fine and ultrafine particles, and their exposure impacts, was assessed in an e-waste recycling facility under real-world operating conditions. Parameters monitored were black carbon, particle mass concentrations, ultrafine particles, and aerosol morphology and chemical composition. Potential health impacts were assessed in terms of cytotoxicity (cell viability) and oxidative stress (ROS) on <2 μm particles collected in liquid suspension. Environmental release of WEEE aerosols was evidenced by the higher particle concentrations monitored outside the facility when compared to the urban background (43 vs.11 μgPM2.5/m3, respectively, or 2.4 vs. 0.2 μgCa/m3). Inside the facility, concentrations were higher in the top than on the ground floor (PM2.5 = 147 vs. 78 μg/m3, N = 15.4 ∗ 104 vs. 8.7 ∗ 104/cm3, BC = 12.4 vs. 7.2 μg/m3). Ventilation was a key driver of human exposure, in combination with particle emissions. Key chemical tracers were Ca (from plastic fillers) and Fe (from wiring and other metal components). Y, Zr, Cd, Pb, P and Bi were markers of cathode TV recycling, and Li and Cr of grinding activities. While aerosols did not evidence cytotoxic effects, ROS generation was detected in 4 out of the 12 samples collected, associated to the ultrafine fraction. We conclude on the need for studies on aerosol emissions from WEEE facilities, especially in Europe, due to their demonstrable environmental and human health impacts and the rapidly growing generation of this type of waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- M López
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona University, Chemistry Faculty, C/ de Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - C Reche
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Pérez-Albaladejo
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Porte
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Balasch
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona University, Chemistry Faculty, C/ de Martí i Franquès, 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Monfort
- Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC)-AICE - Universitat Jaume I, Campus Universitario Riu Sec, Av. Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12006 Castellón, Spain
| | - E Eljarrat
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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In Vitro Toxicity of Industrially Relevant Engineered Nanoparticles in Human Alveolar Epithelial Cells: Air-Liquid Interface versus Submerged Cultures. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11123225. [PMID: 34947574 PMCID: PMC8703991 DOI: 10.3390/nano11123225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diverse industries have already incorporated within their production processes engineered nanoparticles (ENP), increasing the potential risk of worker inhalation exposure. In vitro models have been widely used to investigate ENP toxicity. Air-liquid interface (ALI) cell cultures have been emerging as a valuable alternative to submerged cultures as they are more representative of the inhalation exposure to airborne nano-sized particles. We compared the in vitro toxicity of four ENP used as raw materials in the advanced ceramics sector in human alveolar epithelial-like cells cultured under submerged or ALI conditions. Submerged cultures were exposed to ENP liquid suspensions or to aerosolised ENP at ALI. Toxicity was assessed by determining LDH release, WST-1 metabolisation and DNA damage. Overall, cells were more sensitive to ENP cytotoxic effects when cultured and exposed under ALI. No significant cytotoxicity was observed after 24 h exposure to ENP liquid suspensions, although aerosolised ENP clearly affected cell viability and LDH release. In general, all ENP increased primary DNA damage regardless of the exposure mode, where an increase in DNA strand-breaks was only detected under submerged conditions. Our data show that at relevant occupational concentrations, the selected ENP exert mild toxicity to alveolar epithelial cells and exposure at ALI might be the most suitable choice when assessing ENP toxicity in respiratory models under realistic exposure conditions.
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Viana M, Salmatonidis A, Bezantakos S, Ribalta C, Moreno N, Córdoba P, Cassee FR, Boere J, Fraga S, Teixeira JP, Bessa MJ, Monfort E. Characterizing the Chemical Profile of Incidental Ultrafine Particles for Toxicity Assessment Using an Aerosol Concentrator. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:966-978. [PMID: 34314505 PMCID: PMC8501988 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Incidental ultrafine particles (UFPs) constitute a key pollutant in industrial workplaces. However, characterizing their chemical properties for exposure and toxicity assessments still remains a challenge. In this work, the performance of an aerosol concentrator (Versatile Aerosol Concentration Enrichment System, VACES) was assessed to simultaneously sample UFPs on filter substrates (for chemical analysis) and as liquid suspensions (for toxicity assessment), in a high UFP concentration scenario. An industrial case study was selected where metal-containing UFPs were emitted during thermal spraying of ceramic coatings. Results evidenced the comparability of the VACES system with online monitors in terms of UFP particle mass (for concentrations up to 95 µg UFP/m3) and between filters and liquid suspensions, in terms of particle composition (for concentrations up to 1000 µg/m3). This supports the applicability of this tool for UFP collection in view of chemical and toxicological characterization for incidental UFPs. In the industrial setting evaluated, results showed that the spraying temperature was a driver of fractionation of metals between UF (<0.2 µm) and fine (0.2-2.5 µm) particles. Potentially health hazardous metals (Ni, Cr) were enriched in UFPs and depleted in the fine particle fraction. Metals vaporized at high temperatures and concentrated in the UF fraction through nucleation processes. Results evidenced the need to understand incidental particle formation mechanisms due to their direct implications on particle composition and, thus, exposure. It is advisable that personal exposure and subsequent risk assessments in occupational settings should include dedicated metrics to monitor UFPs (especially, incidental).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Viana
- IDAEA-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - S Bezantakos
- Université du Littoral Côte d’ ‘Opale, Dunkerque, France
| | | | | | | | | | - J Boere
- RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - S Fraga
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J P Teixeira
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M J Bessa
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Ribalta C, López-Lilao A, Fonseca AS, Jensen ACØ, Jensen KA, Monfort E, Viana M. Evaluation of One- and Two-Box Models as Particle Exposure Prediction Tools at Industrial Scale. TOXICS 2021; 9:201. [PMID: 34564352 PMCID: PMC8471509 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9090201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
One- and two-box models have been pointed out as useful tools for modelling indoor particle exposure. However, model performance still needs further testing if they are to be implemented as trustworthy tools for exposure assessment. The objective of this work is to evaluate the performance, applicability and reproducibility of one- and two-box models on real-world industrial scenarios. A study on filling of seven materials in three filling lines with different levels of energy and mitigation strategies was used. Inhalable and respirable mass concentrations were calculated with one- and two-box models. The continuous drop and rotating drum methods were used for emission rate calculation, and ranges from a one-at-a-time methodology were applied for local exhaust ventilation efficiency and inter-zonal air flows. When using both dustiness methods, large differences were observed for modelled inhalable concentrations but not for respirable, which showed the importance to study the linkage between dustiness and processes. Higher model accuracy (ratio modelled vs. measured concentrations 0.5-5) was obtained for the two- (87%) than the one-box model (53%). Large effects on modelled concentrations were seen when local exhausts ventilation and inter-zonal variations where parametrized in the models. However, a certain degree of variation (10-20%) seems acceptable, as similar conclusions are reached.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ribalta
- The National Research Center for Work Environment (NRCWE), DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.S.F.); (A.C.Ø.J.); (K.A.J.)
| | - Ana López-Lilao
- Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC)-AICE, Campus Universitario Riu Sec, Universitat Jaume I, 12006 Castellón, Spain; (A.L.-L.); (E.M.)
| | - Ana Sofia Fonseca
- The National Research Center for Work Environment (NRCWE), DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.S.F.); (A.C.Ø.J.); (K.A.J.)
| | | | - Keld Alstrup Jensen
- The National Research Center for Work Environment (NRCWE), DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.S.F.); (A.C.Ø.J.); (K.A.J.)
| | - Eliseo Monfort
- Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC)-AICE, Campus Universitario Riu Sec, Universitat Jaume I, 12006 Castellón, Spain; (A.L.-L.); (E.M.)
| | - Mar Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
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Bessa MJ, Brandão F, Fokkens P, Cassee FR, Salmatonidis A, Viana M, Vulpoi A, Simon S, Monfort E, Teixeira JP, Fraga S. Toxicity assessment of industrial engineered and airborne process-generated nanoparticles in a 3D human airway epithelial in vitro model. Nanotoxicology 2021; 15:542-557. [PMID: 33734024 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2021.1897698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The advanced ceramic technology has been pointed out as a potentially relevant case of occupational exposure to nanoparticles (NP). Not only when nanoscale powders are being used for production, but also in the high-temperature processing of ceramic materials there is also a high potential for NP release into the workplace environment. In vitro toxicity of engineered NP (ENP) [antimony tin oxide (Sb2O3•SnO2; ATO); zirconium oxide (ZrO2)], as well as process-generated NP (PGNP), and fine particles (PGFP), was assessed in MucilAir™ cultures at air-liquid interface (ALI). Cultures were exposed during three consecutive days to varying doses of the aerosolized NP. General cytotoxicity [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, WST-1 metabolization], (oxidative) DNA damage, and the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-8 and MCP-1) were assessed. Data revealed that ENP (5.56 µg ATO/cm2 and 10.98 µg ZrO2/cm2) only caused mild cytotoxicity at early timepoints (24 h), whereas cells seemed to recover quickly since no significant changes in cytotoxicity were observed at late timepoints (72 h). No meaningful effects of the ENP were observed regarding DNA damage and cytokine levels. PGFP affected cell viability at dose levels as low as ∼9 µg/cm2, which was not seen for PGNP. However, exposure to PGNP (∼4.5 µg/cm2) caused an increase in oxidative DNA damage. These results indicated that PGFP and PGNP exhibit higher toxicity potential than ENP in mass per area unit. However, the presence of a mucociliary apparatus, as it occurs in vivo as a defense mechanism, seems to considerably attenuate the observed toxic effects. Our findings highlight the potential hazard associated with exposure to incidental NP in industrial settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Bessa
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Brandão
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paul Fokkens
- National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Flemming R Cassee
- National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Apostolos Salmatonidis
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.,LEITAT Technological Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, Spanish Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Vulpoi
- Nanostructured Materials and Bio-Nano-Interfaces Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Simion Simon
- Nanostructured Materials and Bio-Nano-Interfaces Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Eliseo Monfort
- Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC), Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Fraga
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal.,EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Bessa MJ, Brandão F, Viana M, Gomes JF, Monfort E, Cassee FR, Fraga S, Teixeira JP. Nanoparticle exposure and hazard in the ceramic industry: an overview of potential sources, toxicity and health effects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 184:109297. [PMID: 32155489 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The ceramic industry is an industrial sector of great impact in the global economy that has been benefiting from advances in materials and processing technologies. Ceramic manufacturing has a strong potential for airborne particle formation and emission, namely of ultrafine particles (UFP) and nanoparticles (NP), meaning that workers of those industries are at risk of potential exposure to these particles. At present, little is known on the impact of engineered nanoparticles (ENP) on the environment and human health and no established Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL) or specific regulations to airborne nanoparticles (ANP) exposure exist raising concerns about the possible consequences of such exposure. In this paper, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on occupational exposure to NP in the ceramic industry and their impact on human health. Possible sources and exposure scenarios, a summary of the existing methods for evaluation and monitoring of ANP in the workplace environment and proposed Nano Reference Values (NRV) for different classes of NP are presented. Case studies on occupational exposure to ANP generated at different stages of the ceramic manufacturing process are described. Finally, the toxicological potential of intentional and unintentional ANP that have been identified in the ceramic industry workplace environment is discussed based on the existing evidence from in vitro and in vivo inhalation toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Bessa
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Fátima Brandão
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Mar Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - João F Gomes
- CERENA, Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente/Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; ISEL - Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Eliseo Monfort
- Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC), Universitat Jaume I, 12006, Castellón, Spain.
| | - Flemming R Cassee
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Sónia Fraga
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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