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Kim D, Park JY, Lee DH, Lim JE, Moon HB, Kim S, Lee K. Simultaneous assessment of organophosphate flame retardants, plasticizers, trace metals, and house dust mite allergens in settled house dust. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13071. [PMID: 35904395 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13071] [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: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Settled house dust (SHD) is a reservoir for various contaminants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), trace metals, and house dust mite allergens. This study aimed to characterize various chemical and biological contaminants in SHD and identify determinants governing the indoor contaminants. In total, 106 SHD samples were collected from 106 houses in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, Korea, in 2021. Bedding dust samples were collected from 30 of these 106 houses. All participants completed a questionnaire comprised of housing and lifestyle-related factors. The samples were analyzed for 18 organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), 16 phthalates, five alternative plasticizers (APs), seven trace metals, and two house dust mite allergens (Dermatophagoides farinae type 1 [Der f1] and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus type 1 [Der p1]). A multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the determinants governing the concentrations and profiles of various contaminants. OPFRs, phthalates, APs, and trace metals were detected in all SHD samples, indicating ubiquitous contamination in indoor environments. Among the three EDC groups, APs were detected at the highest concentrations (geometric mean [GM] (geometric standard deviation, [GSD]): 1452 (1.6) μg/g in total), followed by phthalates (GM (GSD): 676 (1.4) μg/g in total) and OPFRs (GM (GSD): 10 (1.4) μg/g in total). Der f1 was detected in all bedding dust samples with significantly higher levels than Der p1 (GM (GSD): 0.1 (1.8) μg/g vs. 1.4 × 10-3 (2.3) μg/g). The concentrations of OPFRs, plasticizers, and trace metals in SHD were significantly associated with the type and number of electronic appliances and combustion activities. Der f1 was significantly associated with the number of occupants and water penetration. Ventilation, vacuum cleaning, and wet cleaning or dry mopping significantly reduced the levels of most contaminants in SHD. As residents are persistently exposed to a wide array of pollutants, comprehensive and adequate measures are required to prevent potential exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghyun Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Young Park
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Lee
- Consulting & Technology for Environment Health and Safety, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Eun Lim
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Hyo-Bang Moon
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, College of Science and Convergence Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Sungkyoon Kim
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kiyoung Lee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Dietrich M, O'Shea MJ, Gieré R, Krekeler MPS. Road sediment, an underutilized material in environmental science research: A review of perspectives on United States studies with international context. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 432:128604. [PMID: 35306410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128604] [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: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Road sediment is a pervasive environmental medium that acts as both source and sink for a variety of natural and anthropogenic particles and often is enriched in heavy metals. Road sediment is generally understudied in the United States (U.S.) relative to other environmental media and compared to countries such as China and the United Kingdom (U.K.). However, the U.S. is an ideal target for these studies due to the diverse climates and wealth of geochemical, socioeconomic, demographic, and health data. This review outlines the existing U.S. road sediment literature while also providing key international perspectives and context. Furthermore, the most comprehensive table of U.S. road sediment studies to date is presented, which includes elemental concentrations, sample size, size fraction, collection and analytical methods, as well as digestion procedure. Overall, there were observed differences in studies by sampling time period for elemental concentrations, but not necessarily by climate in the U.S. Other key concepts addressed in this road sediment review include the processes controlling its distribution, the variety of nomenclature used, anthropogenic enrichment of heavy metals, electron microscopy, health risk assessments, remediation, and future directions of road sediment investigations. Going forward, it is recommended that studies with a higher geographic diversity are performed that consider smaller cities and rural areas. Furthermore, environmental justice must be a focus as community science studies of road sediment can elucidate pollution issues impacting areas of high need. Finally, this review calls for consistency in sampling, data reporting, and nomenclature to effectively expand work on understudied elements, particles, and background sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dietrich
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michael J O'Shea
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6316, USA
| | - Reto Gieré
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6316, USA; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3616, USA
| | - Mark P S Krekeler
- Department of Geology & Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA; Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Miami University-Hamilton, Hamilton, OH 45011, USA.
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3
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Loading Rates of Dust and Bioburden in Dwellings in an Inland City of Southern Europe. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12030378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sampling campaigns indoors have shown that occupants exposed to contaminated air generally exhibit diverse health outcomes. This study intends to assess the deposition rates of total settleable dust and bioburden in the indoor air of dwellings onto quartz fiber filters and electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs), respectively. EDC extracts were inoculated onto malt extract agar (MEA) and dichloran glycerol (DG18) agar-based media used for fungal contamination characterization, while tryptic soy agar (TSA) was applied for total bacteria assessment, and violet red bile agar (VRBA) for Gram-negative bacteria. Azole-resistance screening and molecular detection by qPCR was also performed. Dust loading rates ranged from 0.111 to 3.52, averaging 0.675 μg cm−2 day−1. Bacterial counts ranged from undetectable to 16.3 colony-forming units (CFU) m−2 day−1 and to 2.95 CFU m−2 day−1 in TSA and VRBA, respectively. Fungal contamination ranged from 1.97 to 35.4 CFU m−2 day−1 in MEA, and from undetectable to 48.8 CFU m−2 day−1 in DG18. Penicillium sp. presented the highest prevalence in MEA media (36.2%) and Cladosporium sp. in DG18 (39.2%). It was possible to observe: (a) settleable dust loadings and fungal contamination higher in dwellings with pets; (b) fungal species considered indicators of harmful fungal contamination; (c) Aspergillus section Candidi identified in supplemented media with voriconazole and posaconazole; (d) specific housing typologies and (e) specific housing characteristics influencing the microbial contamination.
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Tran PTM, Adam MG, Balasubramanian R. Mitigation of indoor human exposure to airborne particles of outdoor origin in an urban environment during haze and non-haze periods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123555. [PMID: 33264848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During the 2019 smoke haze episode in Singapore, elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were observed, deteriorating both ambient and indoor air quality (IAQ). We investigated the mitigation of indoor human exposure to PM2.5 of outdoor origin under diverse exposure scenarios with and without filtration of PM2.5 during both hazy and non-hazy days. The key objective of our study was to make a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of portable air cleaners (PACs) and air conditioning (AC) systems equipped with particle filters in improving IAQ and to assess related long-term carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. We conducted real-time measurements of PM2.5, black carbon mass concentrations and particle number concentrations in both indoor and outdoor areas, quantified the relative concentrations of the water-soluble fraction of toxic trace elements in PM2.5 for health risk assessment, and estimated the levels of thermal comfort. In addition, we calculated the total estimated cost of indoor air pollution control. Our findings suggest that indoor air cleaners are more effective at mitigating human exposure to airborne particles and reducing health risk with less consumption of electricity and better cost-effectiveness compared to AC. This information would be beneficial for public health interventions during major air pollution events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong T M Tran
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore; Faculty of Environment, University of Science and Technology, The University of Danang, 54 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Lien Chieu District, Danang City, Viet Nam
| | - Max G Adam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
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5
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Tian Y, Arata C, Boedicker E, Lunderberg DM, Patel S, Sankhyan S, Kristensen K, Misztal PK, Farmer DK, Vance M, Novoselac A, Nazaroff WW, Goldstein AH. Indoor emissions of total and fluorescent supermicron particles during HOMEChem. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:88-98. [PMID: 32779288 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of particulate matter is associated with adverse health outcomes. The fluorescent portion of supermicron particulate matter has been used as a proxy for bioaerosols. The sources and emission rates of fluorescent particles in residential environments are not well-understood. Using an ultraviolet aerodynamic particle sizer (UVAPS), emissions of total and fluorescent supermicron particles from common human activities were investigated during the HOMEChem campaign, a test-house investigation of the chemistry of indoor environments. Human occupancy and activities, including cooking and mopping, were found to be considerable sources of indoor supermicron fluorescent particles, which enhanced the indoor particle concentrations by two orders of magnitude above baseline levels. The estimated total (fluorescent) mass emission rates for the activities tested were in the range of 4-30 (1-11) mg per person meal for cooking and 0.1-4.9 (0.05-4.7) mg/h for occupancy and mopping. Model calculations indicate that, once released, the dominant fate of coarse particles (2.5-10 micrometer in diameter) was deposition onto indoor surfaces, allowing for the possibility of subsequent resuspension and consequent exposures over durations much longer than the ventilation time scale. Indoor coarse particle deposition would also contribute to soiling of indoor surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Tian
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Caleb Arata
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Erin Boedicker
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, CO, USA
| | | | - Sameer Patel
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Sumit Sankhyan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kasper Kristensen
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Pawel K Misztal
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Marina Vance
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Atila Novoselac
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - William W Nazaroff
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Allen H Goldstein
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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6
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Li HB, Li MY, Zhao D, Li J, Li SW, Juhasz AL, Basta NT, Luo YM, Ma LQ. Oral Bioavailability of As, Pb, and Cd in Contaminated Soils, Dust, and Foods based on Animal Bioassays: A Review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:10545-10559. [PMID: 31442034 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Metal contamination in soil, dust, and food matrices impacts the health of millions of people worldwide. During the past decades, various animal bioassays have been developed to determine the relative bioavailability (RBA) of As, Pb, and Cd in contaminated soils, dust, and foods, which vary in operational approaches. This review discusses the strengths and weaknesses of different animal models (swine and mice), dosing schemes (single gavage dose, repeated gavage dose, daily repeated feeding, and free access to diet), and end points (blood, urine, and tissue) in metal-RBA measurement; compares metal-RBA obtained using mouse and swine bioassays, different dosing schemes, and different end points; and summarizes key findings on As-, Pb-, and Cd-RBA values in contaminated soils, dust, and foods. Future directions related to metal-RBA research are highlighted, including (1) comparison of metal-RBA determinations between different bioassays and different laboratories to ensure robust bioavailability data, (2) enhancing the metal-RBA database for contaminated dust and foods, (3) identification of physiological and physicochemical mechanisms responsible for variability in metal-RBA values, (4) formulation of strategies to decrease metal-RBA values in contaminated soils, dust, and foods, and (5) assessing the impacts of cocontaminants on metal-RBA measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China
| | - Meng-Ya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China
| | - Di Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Geography and Environment , Shandong Normal University , Jinan 250358 , China
| | - Shi-Wei Li
- School of Water Conservancy and Environment , University of Jinan , Jinan 250022 , China
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute , University of South Australia , Mawson Lakes , South Australia 5095 , Australia
| | - Nicholas T Basta
- School of Environment and Natural Resources , Ohio State University , Columbus , Ohio 43210
| | - Yong-Ming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation , Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Nanjing 210008 , China
| | - Lena Q Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment , Nanjing University , Nanjing 210023 , China
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7
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Kawecki D, Nowack B. Polymer-Specific Modeling of the Environmental Emissions of Seven Commodity Plastics As Macro- and Microplastics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:9664-9676. [PMID: 31287667 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b02900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plastic has been identified as an emerging contaminant in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Uncertainties remain concerning the amounts present in the environment and the main responsible sources. In this study, the emissions of macro- and microplastics have been mapped for seven polymers in Switzerland. The modeling is based on a complete analysis of the flows from production and use to end-of-life using probabilistic material flow analysis. We estimate that 94 ± 34 g/capita/year of low-density polyethylene, 98 ± 50 g/cap/a of high-density polyethylene, 126 ± 43 g/cap/a of polypropylene, 24 ± 13 g/cap/a of polystyrene, 16 ± 12 g/cap/a of expanded polystyrene, 65 ± 36 g/cap/a of polyvinyl chloride, and 200 ± 120 g/cap/a of polyethylene terephthalate enter the Swiss environment. All polymers combined, 540 ± 140 and 73 ± 14 g/cap/a are emitted into soil as macroplastics and microplastics, respectively, and 13.3 ± 4.9 and 1.8 ± 1.1 g/cap/a are emitted into freshwater as macroplastics and microplastics, respectively. The leading emission pathway is littering for both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Construction, agriculture, and pre- and postconsumer processes cause important emissions of microplastics into soils, and postconsumer processes, textiles, and personal care products release most of the microplastics into waters. Because mass flows into soils are predicted to be 40 times larger than those into waters, more attention should be placed on this compartment. Our work also highlights the importance of referring to specific polymers instead of just "plastics".
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Kawecki
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology , Technology and Society Laboratory , Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 , CH-9014 St. Gallen , Switzerland
| | - Bernd Nowack
- Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology , Technology and Society Laboratory , Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 , CH-9014 St. Gallen , Switzerland
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Béranger R, Billoir E, Nuckols JR, Blain J, Millet M, Bayle ML, Combourieu B, Philip T, Schüz J, Fervers B. Agricultural and domestic pesticides in house dust from different agricultural areas in France. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:19632-19645. [PMID: 31079297 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides have been associated with various pathologies, and there is growing evidence of pesticide presence in domestic environments. However, most available studies focused on a limited number of pesticides or households, and few have been conducted in Europe. We aimed to assess indoor pesticide contamination by screening the prevalence of 276 pesticides and ten pesticide metabolites, in French households from different agricultural and urban areas. We sampled indoor dust from 239 households in 2012, proximate to orchards (n = 69), cereals (n = 66) and vineyard (n = 68) crops, or from urban area (n = 36). we used cellulose wipes moistened with isopropanol and polypropylene dust traps to collect recent (7 and 30 days, respectively) and settled dust (> 6 months). Overall, 125 pesticides and piperonyl butoxide were detected at least once in households, mostly at low prevalence: 97 in recent dust, and 111 in settled dust. In recent dust, the most prevalent compounds were o-phenylphenol (168 households, 70%), pentachlorophenol (86, 36%), and piperonyl butoxide (82, 34%). In addition to agricultural pesticides, we found a high proportion of domestic and banned compounds in recent and settled house dust. Several pesticides were identified in house dust, from different pesticide groups and sources. Our results suggest that domestic usage and persistence of banned pesticides may contribute substantially to indoor pesticide contamination. Graphical abstract 97 pesticides detected in households' recent indoor dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Béranger
- Department of Cancer and Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France.
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
| | - Elise Billoir
- Rovaltain Research Company, Valence, France
- Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux (LIEC), Université de Lorraine, CNRS UMR, 7360, Metz, France
| | - John R Nuckols
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Principal, JRN Environmental Health Sciences, Ltd, Bethesda, North, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Blain
- Department of Cancer and Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Maurice Millet
- Institut de Chimie et Procédés pour l'Energie, l'Environnement et la Santé (ICPEES, UMR 7515 CNRS), University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Thierry Philip
- Department of Cancer and Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Beatrice Fervers
- Department of Cancer and Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Cedex 08, F-69008, Lyon, France
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Bi C, Maestre JP, Li H, Zhang G, Givehchi R, Mahdavi A, Kinney KA, Siegel J, Horner SD, Xu Y. Phthalates and organophosphates in settled dust and HVAC filter dust of U.S. low-income homes: Association with season, building characteristics, and childhood asthma. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:916-930. [PMID: 30347374 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates and organophosphates are ubiquitous indoor semi-volatile organic contaminants (SVOCs) that have been widely used as plasticizers and flame retardants in consumer products. Although many studies have assessed their levels in house dust, only a few used dust samples captured by filters of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. HVAC filters collect particles from large volumes of air over a long period of time (potentially known) and thus provide a spatially and temporally integrated concentration. This study measured concentrations of phthalates and organophosphates in HVAC filter dust and settled floor dust collected from low-income homes in Texas, United States, in both the summer and winter seasons. The most frequently detected compounds were benzyl butyl phthalate (BBzP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), and tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP). The median level of TCIPP in settled dust was 3- to 180-times higher than levels reported in other studies of residential homes. Significantly higher concentrations were observed in HVAC filter dust as compared to settled dust for most of the frequently detected compounds in both seasons, except for several phthalates in the winter. SVOC concentrations in settled dust in winter were generally higher than in summer, while different seasonality patterns were found for HVAC filter dust. Settled dust samples from homes with vinyl flooring contained significantly higher levels of BBzP and DEHP as compared to homes with other types of floor material. The concentration of DEHP and TDCIPP in settled dust also significantly associated with the presence of carpet in homes. Cleaning activities to remove dust from furniture actually increased the levels of certain compounds in HVAC filter dust, while frequent vacuuming of carpet helped to decrease the concentrations of some compounds in settled dust. Additionally, the size and age of a given house also correlated with the levels of some pollutants in dust. A statistically significant association between DEHP concentration in HVAC filter dust in summer and the severity of asthma in children was observed. These results suggest that HVAC filter dust represents a useful sampling medium to monitor indoor SVOC concentrations with high sensitivity; in contrast, when using settled dust, in addition to consideration of seasonal influences, it is critical to know the sampling location because the type and level of SVOCs may be related to local materials used there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Bi
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Juan P Maestre
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Hongwan Li
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA; Department of Building Environment and Energy Application Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Raheleh Givehchi
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alireza Mahdavi
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kerry A Kinney
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey Siegel
- Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sharon D Horner
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA; Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Cettier J, Bayle ML, Béranger R, Billoir E, Nuckols JR, Combourieu B, Fervers B. Efficiency of wipe sampling on hard surfaces for pesticides and PCB residues in dust. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 505:11-21. [PMID: 25306091 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.09.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are commonly found in house dust and have been described as a valuable matrix to assess indoor pesticide and PCB contamination. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency and precision of cellulose wipe for collecting 48 pesticides, eight PCBs, and one synergist at environmental concentrations. First, the efficiency and repeatability of wipe collection were determined for pesticide and PCB residues that were directly spiked onto three types of household floors (tile, laminate, and hardwood). Second, synthetic dust was used to assess the capacity of the wipe to collect dust. Third, we assessed the efficiency and repeatability of wipe collection of pesticides and PCB residues that was spiked onto synthetic dust and then applied to tile. In the first experiment, the overall collection efficiency was highest on tile (38%) and laminate (40%) compared to hardwood (34%), p<0.001. The second experiment confirmed that cellulose wipes can efficiently collect dust (82% collection efficiency). The third experiment showed that the overall collection efficiency was higher in the presence of dust (72% vs. 38% without dust, p<0.001). Furthermore, the mean repeatability also improved when compounds were spiked onto dust (<30% for the majority of compounds). To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the efficiency of wipes as a sampling method using a large number of compounds at environmental concentrations and synthetic dust. Cellulose wipes appear to be efficient to sample the pesticides and PCBs that adsorb onto dust on smooth and hard surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joane Cettier
- Unit of Cancer and Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 rue Laënnec, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Laure Bayle
- Rovaltain Research Company, 1 rue de la gare, Alixan, Valence, France
| | - Rémi Béranger
- Unit of Cancer and Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 rue Laënnec, Lyon, France; Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 cours Albert Thomas, Lyon, France; EAM 4128 « Santé Individu Société », University Claude Bernard, 43 boulevard du 11 novembre 1918, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Elise Billoir
- Rovaltain Research Company, 1 rue de la gare, Alixan, Valence, France
| | - John R Nuckols
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Bruno Combourieu
- Rovaltain Research Company, 1 rue de la gare, Alixan, Valence, France
| | - Béatrice Fervers
- Unit of Cancer and Environment, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 rue Laënnec, Lyon, France.
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Beamer PI, Sugeng AJ, Kelly MD, Lothrop N, Klimecki W, Wilkinson ST, Loh M. Use of dust fall filters as passive samplers for metal concentrations in air for communities near contaminated mine tailings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2014; 16:1275-81. [PMID: 24469149 PMCID: PMC4038653 DOI: 10.1039/c3em00626c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Mine tailings are a source of metal exposures in many rural communities. Multiple air samples are necessary to assess the extent of exposures and factors contributing to these exposures. However, air sampling equipment is costly and requires trained personnel to obtain measurements, limiting the number of samples that can be collected. Simple, low-cost methods are needed to allow for increased sample collection. The objective of our study was to assess if dust fall filters can serve as passive air samplers and be used to characterize potential exposures in a community near contaminated mine tailings. We placed filters in cylinders, concurrently with active indoor air samplers, in 10 occupied homes. We calculated an estimated flow rate by dividing the mass on each dust fall filter by the bulk air concentration and the sampling duration. The mean estimated flow rate for dust fall filters was significantly different during sampling periods with precipitation. The estimated flow rate was used to estimate metal concentration in the air of these homes, as well as in 31 additional homes in another rural community impacted by contaminated mine tailings. The estimated air concentrations had a significant linear association with the measured air concentrations for beryllium, manganese and arsenic (p < 0.05), whose primary source in indoor air is resuspended soil from outdoors. In the second rural community, our estimated metal concentrations in air were comparable to active air sampling measurements taken previously. This passive air sampler is a simple low-cost method to assess potential exposures near contaminated mining sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Beamer
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Ave., PO Box 245210, Tucson, USA.
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Rasmussen PE, Levesque C, Chénier M, Gardner HD, Jones-Otazo H, Petrovic S. Canadian House Dust Study: population-based concentrations, loads and loading rates of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc inside urban homes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 443:520-529. [PMID: 23220142 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Canadian House Dust Study was designed to obtain nationally representative urban house dust metal concentrations (μg g(-1)) and metal loadings (μg m(-2)) for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Consistent sampling of active dust of known age and provenance (area sampled) also permitted the calculation of indoor loading rates (mg m(-2) day(-1) for dust and μg m(-2) day(-1) for metals) for the winter season (from 2007 to 2010) when houses are most tightly sealed. Geomean/median indoor dust loading rates in homes located more than 2 km away from industry of any kind (9.6/9.1 mg m(-2) day(-1); n=580) were significantly lower (p<.001) than geomean (median) dust loading rates in homes located within 2 km of industry (13.5/13.4 mg m(-2) day(-1); n=421). Proximity to industry was characterized by higher indoor metal loading rates (p<.003), but no difference in dust metal concentrations (.29≥p≤.97). Comparisons of non-smokers' and smokers' homes in non-industrial zones showed higher metal loading rates (.005≥p≤.038) in smokers' homes, but no difference in dust metal concentrations (.15≥p≤.97). Relationships between house age and dust metal concentrations were significant for Pb, Cd and Zn (p<.001) but not for the other four metals (.14≥p≤.87). All seven metals, however, displayed a significant increase in metal loading rates with house age (p<.001) due to the influence of higher dust loading rates in older homes (p<.001). Relationships between three measures of metals in house dust - concentration, load, and loading rate - in the context of house age, smoking behavior and urban setting consistently show that concentration data is a useful indicator of the presence of metal sources in the home, whereas dust mass is the overriding influence on metal loadings and loading rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat E Rasmussen
- Exposure and Biomonitoring Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9
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13
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Ertl H, Butte W. Bioaccessibility of pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls from house dust: in-vitro methods and human exposure assessment. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2012; 22:574-583. [PMID: 22692365 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2012.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Semi-volatile chemicals like pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) tend to accumulate in house dust. This may result in residues of some parts per million (p.p.m.), closely associated with health impairments and diseases like cancer. To explain these associations, we must establish whether a relevant absorption from house dust into human organisms occurs, and most crucially the release of chemicals, that is, their bioaccessibility. Digestive as well as dermal bioaccessibilities were examined using in-vitro methods. On average, the digestive bioaccessibility was ~40% for the pesticides and ~60% for the PCB. The dermal penetration availability reached ~60% for the pesticides and ~70% for the PCB (percentages of the concentrations in the dust). Based on the bioaccessibility, an estimate of internal exposure was calculated and expressed as percentages of acceptable or tolerable daily intake (ADI/TDI) values. Exposure via the respiratory tract proved to be very low. Exposure via the digestive tract had maximum values of 4% for pesticides and 12% for PCB. Dermal exposure was much higher. Even for average concentrations in house dust (≈0.5 p.p.m.), children exposed to DDT and PCB showed up to 300% of the ADI/TDI values, and adults about 60%. With high concentrations of contaminants in house dust, the maximum doses absorbed through the skin reached 5000%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Ertl
- Labor Lademannbogen, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hamburg, Germany.
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14
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Abstract
UNLABELLED This paper critically examines indoor exposure to semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) via dermal pathways. First, it demonstrates that--in central tendency--an SVOC's abundance on indoor surfaces and in handwipes can be predicted reasonably well from gas-phase concentrations, assuming that thermodynamic equilibrium prevails. Then, equations are developed, based upon idealized mass-transport considerations, to estimate transdermal penetration of an SVOC either from its concentration in skin-surface lipids or its concentration in air. Kinetic constraints limit air-to-skin transport in the case of SVOCs that strongly sorb to skin-surface lipids. Air-to-skin transdermal uptake is estimated to be comparable to or larger than inhalation intake for many SVOCs of current or potential interest indoors, including butylated hydroxytoluene, chlordane, chlorpyrifos, diethyl phthalate, Galaxolide, geranyl acetone, nicotine (in free-base form), PCB28, PCB52, Phantolide, Texanol and Tonalide. Although air-to-skin transdermal uptake is anticipated to be slow for bisphenol A, we find that transdermal permeation may nevertheless be substantial following its transfer to skin via contact with contaminated surfaces. The paper concludes with explorations of the influence of particles and dust on dermal exposure, the role of clothing and bedding as transport vectors, and the potential significance of hair follicles as transport shunts through the epidermis. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Human exposure to indoor pollutants can occur through dietary and nondietary ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Many factors influence the relative importance of these pathways, including physical and chemical properties of the pollutants. This paper argues that exposure to indoor semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) through the dermal pathway has often been underestimated. Transdermal permeation of SVOCs can be substantially greater than is commonly assumed. Transport of SVOCs from the air to and through the skin is typically not taken into account in exposure assessments. Yet, for certain SVOCs, intake through skin is estimated to be substantially larger than intake through inhalation. Exposure scientists, risk assessors, and public health officials should be mindful of the dermal pathway when estimating exposures to indoor SVOCs. Also, they should recognize that health consequences vary with exposure pathway. For example, an SVOC that enters the blood through the skin does not encounter the same detoxifying enzymes that an ingested SVOC would experience in the stomach, intestines, and liver before it enters the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Weschler
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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15
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Beamer PI, Elish CA, Roe DJ, Loh MM, Layton DW. Differences in metal concentration by particle size in house dust and soil. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING : JEM 2012; 14:839-44. [PMID: 22245917 PMCID: PMC3622451 DOI: 10.1039/c2em10740f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The majority of particles that adhere to hands are <63 μm in diameter yet risk assessments for soil remediation are typically based on soil samples sieved to <250 μm. The objective of our study was to determine if there is a significant difference in metal concentration by particle size in both house dust and soil. We obtained indoor dust and yard soil samples from 10 houses in Tucson, Arizona. All samples were sieved to <63 μm and 63 to <150 μm and analyzed for 30 elements via ICP-MS following nitric acid digestion. We conducted t-tests of the log-transformed data to assess for significant differences that were adjusted with a Bonferroni correction to account for multiple comparisons. In house dust, significant differences in concentration were observed for Be, Al, and Mo between particles sizes, with a higher concentration observed in the smaller particle sizes. Significant differences were also determined for Mg, Ca, Cr, Co, Cu, Ge, Zr, Ag, Ba, and Pb concentration in yard soil samples, with the higher concentration observed in the smaller particles size for each element. The results of this exploratory study indicate that current risk assessment practices for soil remediation may under estimate non-dietary ingestion exposure. This is of particular concern for young children who are more vulnerable to this exposure route due to their high hand mouthing frequencies. Additional studies with a greater number of samples and wider geographic distribution with different climates and soil types should be completed to determine the most relevant sampling practices for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma I Beamer
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Ave., PO Box 245210, Tucson, USA.
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Charlesworth S, De Miguel E, Ordóñez A. A review of the distribution of particulate trace elements in urban terrestrial environments and its application to considerations of risk. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2011; 33:103-123. [PMID: 20549543 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-010-9325-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We review the evolution, state of the art and future lines of research on the sources, transport pathways, and sinks of particulate trace elements in urban terrestrial environments to include the atmosphere, soils, and street and indoor dusts. Such studies reveal reductions in the emissions of some elements of historical concern such as Pb, with interest consequently focusing on other toxic trace elements such as As, Cd, Hg, Zn, and Cu. While establishment of levels of these elements is important in assessing the potential impacts of human society on the urban environment, it is also necessary to apply this knowledge in conjunction with information on the toxicity of those trace elements and the degree of exposure of human receptors to an assessment of whether such contamination represents a real risk to the city's inhabitants and therefore how this risk can be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Charlesworth
- SUDS Applied Research Group, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK
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Shalat SL, Stambler AA, Wang Z, Mainelis G, Emoekpere OH, Hernandez M, Lioy PJ, Black K. Development and in-home testing of the Pretoddler Inhalable Particulate Environmental Robotic (PIPER Mk IV) sampler. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:2945-50. [PMID: 21351766 PMCID: PMC3069648 DOI: 10.1021/es1033876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Exposure and dose estimation are essential to understanding the etiology of environmentally linked childhood diseases. The behavior of resuspended particulate matter (PM) suggests that stationary measurements may underestimate household exposures in young children (ages 6-36 months). Because of the size and weight of the sampling equipment, use of personal samplers in this age group is either difficult or impossible. The Pretoddler Inhalable Particulate Environmental Robotic (PIPER Mk IV) sampler has been developed to provide a surrogate method to ascertain personal exposures to PM for this age group. As part of a study of childhood asthma, 55 homes in central New Jersey were tested. Simultaneous sampling for inhalable PM using stationary (110 cm height) and PIPER mobile sampler were carried out. In homes with bare floors (N=21), the absolute difference was 3.9 μg/m3 (SE=3.01; p=0.217) and relative difference (PIPER/Stationary) was 1.12 (linearized SE=0.11). On carpets (N=34), the absolute difference was 54.1 μg/m3 (SE=13.50; p=0.0003), and the relative difference was 2.30 (linearized SE=0.34). The results confirm the importance of understanding the personal dust cloud caused by children's activity in a room, particularly when rugs or carpets are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart L Shalat
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States.
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18
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Juhasz AL, Weber J, Smith E. Impact of soil particle size and bioaccessibility on children and adult lead exposure in peri-urban contaminated soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2011; 186:1870-1879. [PMID: 21247691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.12.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The impact of soil particle size and bioaccessibility on children and adult lead (Pb) exposure via the incidental soil ingestion pathway was assessed in 16 peri-urban contaminated soils. A comparison of Pb distribution across 4 particle size fractions (<50 μm, <100 μm, <250 μm and <2 mm) found increasing Pb concentrations associated with decreasing particle size fractions. Lead enrichment in the <50 μm particle size fraction was up to 5 times the concentration observed in the bulk soil. When gastric phase Pb bioaccessibility was determined in the <50, <100 and <250 μm particle size fractions using the SBRC assay, Pb bioaccessibility also increased with decreasing particle size fraction for 6 of the 16 soils tested. Assessment of children and adult Pb exposure indicated that particle size and bioaccessibility had a significant influence on the contribution of incidental soil ingestion to daily Pb intake values. Although the <250 μm particle size fraction is recommended for incidental soil ingestion calculations, using this fraction has the potential to underestimate Pb exposure due to the preferential adhesion of smaller particles to hands with elevated Pb concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert L Juhasz
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.
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19
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Untimanon O, Geater A, Chongsuvivatwong V, Thoumsang S, Verkasalo PK, Saetia W. Development and field trial of a household surface lead loading rate sampling device in a lead-contaminated community of southern Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2010; 164:379-389. [PMID: 19415518 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-009-0900-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A new dust-collecting device was developed to assess surface lead loading rates in houses in communities contaminated with lead oxide dust used for caulking in nearby boat-repair yards. The device consists of two small glass sheets with total area of 1,200 cm(2) placed in two plastic trays suspended from the ceiling in the house for 3 months before wiping and sending the dust specimen for determination of lead content using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. After a pilot trial in four households, further data were collected from 43 matched pairs of boat-caulkers' and neighboring control households. All devices were retained in the house for 3 months without any complaint. Static measurements of lead dust levels were also assessed in all households. The values significantly discriminated high from low lead exposure households (p = 0.015) and provided good correlations with floor lead loading (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, r = 0.39 to 0.62) and dust lead content (r = 0.53 to 0.64). This sampling method is an alternative to others which consume more household space or require a longer collection period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orrapan Untimanon
- Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Nontaburi, 11000, Thailand.
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20
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Layton DW, Beamer PI. Migration of contaminated soil and airborne particulates to indoor dust. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:8199-205. [PMID: 19924944 PMCID: PMC2782798 DOI: 10.1021/es9003735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a modeling and measurement framework for assessing transport of contaminated soils and airborne particulates into a residence, their subsequent distribution indoors via resuspension and deposition processes, and removal by cleaning and building exhalation of suspended particles. The model explicitly accounts for the formation of house dust as a mixture of organic matter (OM) such as shed skin cells and organic fibers, soil tracked-in on footwear, and particulate matter (PM) derived from the infiltration of outdoor air. We derived formulas for use with measurements of inorganic contaminants, crustal tracers, OM, and PM to quantify selected transport parameters. Application of the model to residences in the U.S. Midwest indicates that As in ambient air can account for nearly 60% of the As input to floor dust, with soil track-in representing the remainder. Historic data on Pb contamination in Sacramento, CA, were used to reconstruct sources of Pb in indoor dust, showing that airborne Pb was likely the dominant source in the early 1980s. However, as airborne Pb levels declined due to the phase-out of leaded gasoline, soil resuspension and track-in eventually became the primary sources of Pb in house dust.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paloma I. Beamer
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR FOOTNOTE: 1295 N. Martin Ave, PO Box 245210, Tucson, AZ 85724, TELEPHONE (520) 626-0006, FAX (520) 626-8009,
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21
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Smith E, Weber J, Juhasz AL. Arsenic distribution and bioaccessibility across particle fractions in historically contaminated soils. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2009; 31 Suppl 1:85-92. [PMID: 19224377 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-009-9249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Incidental soil ingestion is a common contaminant exposure pathway for humans, notably children. It is widely accepted that the inclusion of total soil metal concentrations greatly overestimates the risk through soil ingestion for people due to contaminant bioavailability constraints. The assumption also assumes that the contaminant distribution and the bioaccessible fraction is consistent across all particle sizes. In this study, we investigated the distribution of arsenic across five particle size fractions as well as arsenic bioaccessibility in the <250-, <100-, <10- and 2.5-microm soil particle fractions in 50 contaminated soils. The distribution of arsenic was generally uniform across the larger particle size fractions but increased markedly in the <2.5-microm soil particle fraction. The marked increase in arsenic concentration in the <2.5-microm fraction was associated with a marked increase in the iron content. Arsenic bioaccessibility, in contrast, increased with decreasing particle size. The mean arsenic bioaccessibility increased from 25 +/- 16% in the <250-microm soil particle fraction to 42 +/- 23% in the <10-microm soil particle fraction. These results indicate that the assumption of static arsenic bioaccessibility values across particle size fractions should be reconsidered if the ingested material is enriched with small particle fractions such as those found in household dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Smith
- Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, Australia.
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22
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Johnson DL. A first generation dynamic ingress, redistribution and transport model of soil track-in: DIRT. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2008; 30:589-596. [PMID: 18546056 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-008-9187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This work introduces a spatially resolved quantitative model, based on conservation of mass and first order transfer kinetics, for following the transport and redistribution of outdoor soil to, and within, the indoor environment by track-in on footwear. Implementations of the DIRT model examined the influence of room size, rug area and location, shoe size, and mass transfer coefficients for smooth and carpeted floor surfaces using the ratio of mass loading on carpeted to smooth floor surfaces as a performance metric. Results showed that in the limit for large numbers of random steps the dual aspects of deposition to and track-off from the carpets govern this ratio. Using recently obtained experimental measurements, historic transport and distribution parameters, cleaning efficiencies for the different floor surfaces, and indoor dust deposition rates to provide model boundary conditions, DIRT predicts realistic floor surface loadings. The spatio-temporal variability in model predictions agrees with field observations and suggests that floor surface dust loadings are constantly in flux; steady state distributions are hardly, if ever, achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Johnson
- Chemistry Department, SUNY ESF, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
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23
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Ferguson AC, Bursac Z, Biddle D, Coleman S, Johnson W. Soil-skin adherence from carpet: use of a mechanical chamber to control contact parameters. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2008; 43:1451-1458. [PMID: 18780223 DOI: 10.1080/10934520802232253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A computer-controlled mechanical chamber was used to control the contact between carpet samples laden with soil, and human cadaver skin and cotton sheet samples for the measurement of mass soil transfer. Mass soil transfers were converted to adherence factors (mg/cm2) for use in models that estimate dermal exposure to contaminants found in soil media. The contact parameters of pressure (10 to 50 kPa) and time (10 to 50 sec) were varied for 369 experiments of mass soil transfer, where two soil types (play sand and lawn soil) and two soil sizes (< 139.7 microm and > or = 139.7 < 381) were used. Chamber probes were used to record temperature and humidity. Log transformation of the sand/soil transfers was performed to normalize the distribution. Estimated adjusted means for experimental conditions were exponentiated in order to express them in the original units. Mean soil mass transfer to cadaver skin (0.74 mg/cm2) was higher than to cotton sheets (0.21 mg/cm2). Higher pressure (p < 0.0001), and larger particle size (p < 0.0001) were also all associated with larger amounts of soil transfer. The original model was simplified into two by adherence material type (i.e., cadaver skin and cotton sheets) in order to investigate the differential effects of pressure, time, soil size, and soil type on transfer. This research can be used to improve estimates of dermal exposure to contaminants found in home carpets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia C Ferguson
- College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA.
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Chudnovsky A, Ben-Dor E. Application of visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared (400-2500 nm) reflectance spectroscopy in quantitatively assessing settled dust in the indoor environment. Case study in dwellings and office environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 393:198-213. [PMID: 18262224 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2006] [Revised: 11/08/2007] [Accepted: 11/08/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to apply a novel sensitive technique, involving reflectance spectroscopy in the 400-2500-nm region, to assess dust loads. A spectral library was created to enable identification of the possible sources of settled dust in indoor samples -- mineral versus organic-anthropogenic. Two field experiments were carried out at different dates, the first in dwellings and the second in office environments. Two main spectral patterns were found. Type A spectra indicate a high proportion of minerals in the sample and are characteristic of dust samples taken from the dwelling environment during April (when there were 5 dust storm events). Type B spectra denote a high proportion of organic matter in the sample and are characteristic of the dust samples taken from the offices during March (when there were only 2 dust storm events). The spectral shape within the visible range can be used to estimate the relative amount of mineral and organic components in the sample. Multivariate data analysis, based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, was utilized to predict the relationship between the reflectance of a dust sample and its mass. The relative Root Mean Square Error of Predictions (%RMSEP) generated for the dust sampled in dwellings (6.5%) and offices (7.0%) are quite impressive considering the relatively small amounts of settled dust and its precise gravimetric weight accurate to +/-0.01 mg (min and max values are 0.1-3.2 mg). In addition, PLS regression analysis was used to identify which variables influence dust load. Possible applications of the proposed method are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chudnovsky
- Department of Geography and Human Environment, Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratory, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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Weiss AL, Caravanos J, Blaise MJ, Jaeger RJ. Distribution of lead in urban roadway grit and its association with elevated steel structures. CHEMOSPHERE 2006; 65:1762-71. [PMID: 16793117 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2005] [Revised: 04/10/2006] [Accepted: 04/25/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to determine the source of exterior lead contamination, we investigated the concentration of lead in roadway grit along major thoroughfares in New York City and in certain areas under elevated steel structures supporting elevated rails. Such structures represent only one source of lead in roadway grit. While data revealed that the median lead concentration in roadway grit did not exceed the standard for a lead hazard in bare residential soil in any borough, the limit of 400 microg/g was exceeded 22%, 18%, 10.5%, and 7.7% of the time in Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Queens, respectively. The second part of the study revealed the presence of high concentrations of lead in roadway grit directly under elevated steel structures. The differences in the concentration of lead in roadway grit under steel structures in comparison to areas in NYC not near elevated rails was statistically significant. Of the eight sites studied from 225 total samples, the median roadway grit lead level was 340 ppm, while the level under steel structures was 1480 ppm. Preliminary efforts to determine particle size distribution revealed that 84% of the particles were in the range of 125-500 microm, but the highest concentration of lead was in the smallest fraction analyzed (<63 microm). Lead contamination of roadway grit from restoration of elevated painted steel structures is a public health problem as these lead particulates get re-suspended in the ambient environment and are wafted and tracked into residences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlene L Weiss
- Environmental Medicine Inc., 263 Center Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675, USA.
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26
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Lioy PJ. Employing dynamical and chemical processes for contaminant mixtures outdoors to the indoor environment: the implications for total human exposure analysis and prevention. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2006; 16:207-24. [PMID: 16538236 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jes.7500456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
There are many physical and chemical processes that affect the accumulation of outdoor pollutants. In recent years some of the information and concepts previously ascribed to outdoor pollution has been found to be useful in examining indoor dynamic and chemical processes. Further, becau se of the confining nature of the indoor environment, processes such as the "grasshopper effect" can lead to sustained higher levels of semivolatile chemicals indoors and affect multiroute (inhalation, dermal, incidental dietary, and nondietary ingestion) exposures. Such processes can also lead to a complex mixture of both semivolatile and volatile compounds in indoor air and on surfaces or within objects. This article specifically examines the above in combination with another indoor issue, indoor chemistry, and places the results into a context that can be used to evaluate (1) multipollutant cumulative or aggregate exposures and risks indoors, (2) exposure reduction strategies that can create healthy indoor environments. It is not a review of the entire field of the indoor environment or indoor air or the indoor environment, which has been covered in numerous volumes and reports. The complexities of the scientific issues are discussed by also placing them into our traditional approaches outdoor and indoor to pollution management, to indicate the difficulty in establishing the exposures that require mitigation or prevention. Further, some emerging issues are discussed as well as how to specifically address long-term single or multiroute exposures to semivolatile compounds within the "Total Indoor Environment."
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Lioy
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Wilford BH, Shoeib M, Harner T, Zhu J, Jones KC. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor dust in Ottawa, Canada: implications for sources and exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2005; 39:7027-35. [PMID: 16201626 DOI: 10.1021/es050759g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used as additive flame retardants in plastics, soft furnishings, electrical and electronic equipment, and insulation in the indoor environment, and may be released indoors via volatilization or as dusts. The penta-and octa-brominated mixes are now banned in most parts of Europe, and phasing out of their use has recently begun in North America. This study follows a previous investigation into indoor air levels of PBDEs. House dust was analyzed from the family vacuum cleaners of 68 of the same 74 randomly selected homes, in Ottawa, Canada during the winter of 2002-2003. PBDEs, comprising on average 42% BDE-209, were found in all samples. The levels were log-normally distributed with a geometric mean sigmaPBDE of 2000 ng g(-1), and a median of 1800 ng g(-1) dust. The levels in dust did not correlate with questionnaire information on house characteristics. Correlations were found between pentamix congener levels in dust and in air from the same homes, but not for congeners of the more highly brominated mixes. Exposure scenarios are presented for mean and high dust ingestion rates, and compared against exposures from other pathways, for both adults and toddlers (6 months-2 years). Assuming a mean dust ingestion rate and median dust and air concentrations, adults would be exposed to ca. 7.5 ng sigmaPBDE d(-1) via the dust ingestion pathway, which represents approximately 14% of total daily exposure when compared to diet (82%) and inhalation (4%). However, for toddlers the equivalent intakes would be 99 ng d(-1), representing 80% of their daily PBDE exposure. At high dust ingestion rates these values increase to 180 ng d(-1) (80% daily intake) for adults and 360 ng d(-1) (89% daily intake) for toddlers. The data give a clearer picture of sources of PBDE exposure in the home environment and suggest that dust could be a significant exposure pathway for some individuals, particularly children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony H Wilford
- Air Quality Research Branch, Meteorological Service of Canada, Environment Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Maertens RM, Bailey J, White PA. The mutagenic hazards of settled house dust: a review. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2004; 567:401-25. [PMID: 15572288 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2004.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2004] [Revised: 08/24/2004] [Accepted: 08/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Given the large proportion of time people spend indoors, the potential health risks posed by chemical contaminants in the indoor environment are of concern. Research suggests that settled house dust (SHD) may be a significant source for indoor exposure to hazardous substances including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Here, we summarize the literature on the mutagenic hazards of SHD and the presence of PAHs in dust. We assess the extent to which PAHs are estimated to contribute to the mutagenicity of SHD, and evaluate the carcinogenic risks associated with exposures to PAHs in SHD. Research demonstrates that SHD has a Salmonella TA98 mutagenic potency of 1000-7000 revertants/g, and contains between 0.5 and 500 microg/g of PAHs. Although they only account for a small proportion of the variability, analyses of pooled datasets suggest that cigarette smoking and an urban location contribute to higher levels of PAHs. Despite their presence, our calculations show that PAHs likely account for less than 25% of the overall mutagenic potency of dust. Nevertheless, carcinogenic PAHs in dust can pose potential health risks, particularly for children who play and crawl on dusty floors, and exhibit hand-to-mouth behaviour. Risk assessment calculations performed in this study reveal that the excess cancer risks from non-dietary ingestion of carcinogenic PAHs in SHD by preschool aged children is generally in the range of what is considered acceptable (1 x 10(-6) to 2 x 10(-6)). Substantially elevated risk estimates in the range 1.5 x 10(-4) to 2.5 x 10(-4) correspond only to situations where the PAH content is at or beyond the 95th percentile, and the risk estimates are adjusted for enhanced susceptibility at early life stages. Analyses of SHD and its contaminants provide an indication of indoor pollution and present important information for human exposure assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Maertens
- Mutagenesis Section, Safe Environments Program, Health Canada, Tunney's Pasture 0803A, Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1A 0L2
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Bennett DH, Furtaw EJ. Fugacity-based indoor residential pesticide fate model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2004; 38:2142-52. [PMID: 15112818 DOI: 10.1021/es034287m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Dermal and nondietary pathways are possibly important for exposure to pesticides used in residences. Limited data have been collected on pesticide concentrations in residential air and surfaces following application. Models may be useful for interpreting these data and to make predictions about concentrations in the home for other pesticides based on chemical properties. We present a dynamic mass-balance compartment model based on fugacity principles. The model includes air (both gas phase and aerosols), carpet, smooth flooring, and walls as model compartments. Six size fractions of particulate matter with different fate and transport properties are included. We determine the compartmental fugacity capacity and mass-transfer rate coefficients between compartments. We compare model results to chlorpyrifos air and carpet measurements from an independent study. For a comparison, we run the same simulation for diazinon and permethrin. We quantify the effect of parameter uncertainty and model uncertainties related to the source release rate and conduct a sensitivity analysis to determine which parameters contribute most to output uncertainty. In the model comparison to chlorpyrifos measurements, the model results are of the same order of magnitude as measured values but tend to overpredict the measured data, thus indicating the need for a better understanding of emissions from treated surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah H Bennett
- School of Public Health, Harvard University, Landmark Center, P.O. Box 15677, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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