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Chenappan NK, Ibrahim YS, Anuar ST, Yusof KMKK, Jaafar M, Ahamad F, Sulaiman WZW, Mohamad N. Quantification and characterization of airborne microplastics in the coastal area of Terengganu, Malaysia. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:242. [PMID: 38324118 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12381-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) pose a threat to ecosystems due to their capacity to bind with toxic chemicals. While the occurrence of MPs in aquatic environmental matrices like water, sediments, and biota is well studied, their presence in the atmosphere remains less understood. This study aimed to determine the presence of airborne MPs and their characteristics through ground-based sampling in the coastal city of Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. Airborne MP samples were collected using passive sampling technique in December 2019. MPs were manually counted and identified using a stereomicroscope based on their colour and shape. The average deposition rate of airborne MPs during the sampling period was 5476 ± 3796 particles/m2/day, ranging from 576 to 15,562 particles/m2/day. Various colours such as transparent (38%), blue (25%), black (20%), red (13%), and others (4%) were observed. The predominant shape of airborne MPs was fibres (> 99%). The morphology structure of MPs observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a cracked surface on MPs, suggesting weathering and irregular fragmentation. Further elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the presence of heavy metals such as aluminium (Al) and cadmium (Cd) on the surface of MPs, attributed to the adsorption capacities of MPs. Polymer types of airborne MPs were analysed using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which revealed particles composed of polyester (PES), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). The preliminary findings could provide additional information for further investigations of MPs, especially in the atmosphere, to better understand their sources and potential human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Kumar Chenappan
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Sabiqah Tuan Anuar
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Ku Mohd Kalkausar Ku Yusof
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Maisarah Jaafar
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Fatimah Ahamad
- Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Sunway University, 47500, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Noorlin Mohamad
- Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
- Atmospheric, Air Quality and Climate Change Research Interest Group, Faculty of Ocean Engineering Technology and Informatics, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
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Etsitty SO, John B, Greenfield A, Alsburg R, Egge M, Sandman S, George C, Curley C, Curley C, De Heer HD, Begay G, Jumbo-Rintila S, Ashley ME, Yazzie D, Antone-Nez R, Shin SS, Bancroft C. Implementation of Indigenous Food Tax Policies in Stores on Navajo Nation. Health Promot Pract 2022; 23:76S-85S. [PMID: 36374598 PMCID: PMC10767710 DOI: 10.1177/15248399221112964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
In 2014, the Navajo Nation Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) was enacted and permanently approved in 2020; HDNA places a 2% surtax on unhealthy foods and beverages, while other 2014 legislation exempted healthy food items from the 6% regular sales tax. Little is known about Navajo Nation store manager/owner perspectives toward the HDNA and how best to support stores to implement the legislation. Purposive sampling was used to ensure a balanced sample of correct HDNA implementers, incorrect HDNA implementers, and stores which made healthy store changes over the past 6 years. Three community-based interviewers collected surveys by phone or in-person. Frequency of closed-ended questions was quantified, and open-ended responses were coded using thematic analysis. Of 29 identified sample stores, 20 were interviewed to reach saturation. Eleven of 20 stores made changes improving their healthy food environments. Barriers included lack of equipment (6/20) and low consumer demand (5/20). Facilitators included consumer awareness and increased produce supply options (5/20). Sixteen of 20 stores supported HDNA continuation. Facilitators to HDNA implementation included orientation and informational materials (6/20) and promotion of tax-free items (5/20). Barriers included confusion about the tax (6/20) and tax exemption (5/20). Suggestions for support included printed materials (6/20) and store training (5/20). HDNA benefits included greater awareness of healthy choices among staff (7/20) and customer-community members (2/20). Most managers and owners expressed receiving support for healthy store changes and HDNA, but also identified a need for added resources and support. Findings inform legislative action to promote timely and appropriate uptake of HDNA, and support equitable, healthy food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brianna John
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment, Gallup, NM, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alex Greenfield
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Alsburg
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Malyssa Egge
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment, Gallup, NM, USA
| | - Sharon Sandman
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment, Gallup, NM, USA
| | - Carmen George
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cameron Curley
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caleigh Curley
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Del Yazzie
- Navajo Epidemiology Center, Window Rock, AZ, USA
| | | | - Sonya Sunhi Shin
- Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment, Gallup, NM, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Corona Sánchez JE, González Chávez MDCA, Carrillo González R, Scheckel K, Tapia Maruri D, García Cue JL. Metal(loid) bioaccessibility of atmospheric particulate matter from mine tailings at Zimapan, Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:19458-19472. [PMID: 33394436 PMCID: PMC8895307 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11887-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Metal(loid)s are contaminants of concern emitted as particulate matter (PM) from several pollution sources. The objective was to characterize potential exposure from local airborne metal(loid)s in a community in proximity to mine tailings. Air samples were collected weekly at five sites around the municipal mine tailings using two Hi-volume samplers for simultaneously collecting PM10 and PM2.5. Total suspended particulates (TSP), concentrations, speciation, and bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s were quantified. The size and form of particles were determined by scanning electron microscopy. The concentration of TSP (μg m-3) in the airborne samples ranged from 21.2 to 64.6 for PM2.5 and 23.6 to 80.1 for PM10. The profiles of analyzed quasi-total metal(loid) concentration from all sampling sites were similar between these aerosols PM sizes except at site 2 for Cd, at site 3 for Cu, and site 4 for Zn. The order of quasi-total metal(loid) concentration, in the airborne samples for both PM sizes, was As > Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu > Mn > Cd. As speciation included As-sulfite, As(III)-O, and As(V)-O with less concentration of As(III)-O in both PM sizes. Bioaccessible metal(loid) concentrations were very high and represented a great percentage from the quasi-total airborne concentrations, for instance, 10% and 37% for Pb and 8% and 6% for As in pulmonary and gastric bioaccessible concentrations, respectively. Knowing the toxic effects of these pollutants, there is an urgent need to establish environmental regulation of bioaccessible pollutant concentrations from PM dislodged from uncovered metal(loid) mine tailings affecting not only nearby human populations but also possible long-distance ecosystem transport.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rogelio Carrillo González
- Campus Montecillo, Colegio de Postgraduados, Carretera México Texcoco km, 36.5, CP 56230, Montecillo, Mexico.
| | - Kirk Scheckel
- Office of Research & Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Daniel Tapia Maruri
- Laboratorio de Microscopia Electrónica, Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos (CEPROBI), Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - José L García Cue
- Campus Montecillo, Colegio de Postgraduados, Carretera México Texcoco km, 36.5, CP 56230, Montecillo, Mexico
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Viegas C, Dias M, Almeida B, Vicente E, Caetano LA, Carolino E, Alves C. Settleable Dust and Bioburden in Portuguese Dwellings. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111799. [PMID: 33207843 PMCID: PMC7698071 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring campaigns in several buildings have shown that occupants exposed to contaminated indoor air generally exhibit diverse health symptoms. This study intends to assess settleable dust loading rates and bioburden in Portuguese dwellings by passive sampling onto quartz fiber filters and electrostatic dust cloths (EDCs), respectively. Settled dust collected by EDCs was analyzed by culture-based methods (including azole-resistance screening) and qPCR, targeting four different toxigenic Aspergillus sections (Flavi, Fumigati, Circumdati, and Nidulantes). Dust loading rates and bioburden showed higher variability in the summer season. In both seasons, Penicillium sp. was the one with the highest prevalence (59.1% winter; 58.1% summer), followed by Aspergillus sp. in winter (13.0%). Fungal contamination increased in the winter period, while bacterial counts decreased. Aspergillus sections Circumdati and Nidulantes, detected in voriconazole supplemented media, and Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Nidulantes, detected by molecular tools, were found in the winter samples. This study reinforces the importance of applying: (a) Passive sampling methods in campaigns in dwellings; (b) two different culture media (MEA and DG18) to assess fungi; (c) in parallel, molecular tools targeting the most suitable indicators of fungal contamination; and (d) azole resistance screening to unveil azole resistance detection in fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.D.); (B.A.); (L.A.C.); (E.C.)
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisboa, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.D.); (B.A.); (L.A.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Beatriz Almeida
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.D.); (B.A.); (L.A.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Estela Vicente
- Department of Environment and Planning, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (E.V.); (C.A.)
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.D.); (B.A.); (L.A.C.); (E.C.)
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal; (M.D.); (B.A.); (L.A.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Célia Alves
- Department of Environment and Planning, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (E.V.); (C.A.)
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5
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Lin Y, Hoover J, Beene D, Erdei E, Liu Z. Environmental risk mapping of potential abandoned uranium mine contamination on the Navajo Nation, USA, using a GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:30542-30557. [PMID: 32468361 PMCID: PMC7387200 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09257-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The Navajo Nation (NN), a sovereign indigenous tribal nation in the Southwestern United States, is home to 523 abandoned uranium mines (AUMs). Previous health studies have articulated numerous human health hazards associated with AUMs and multiple environmental mechanisms/pathways (e.g., air, water, and soil) for contaminant transport. Despite this evidence, the limited modeling of AUM contamination that exists relies solely on proximity to mines and only considers single rather than combined pathways from which the contamination is a product. In order to better understand the spatial dynamics of contaminant exposure across the NN, we adopted the following established geospatial and computational methods to develop a more sophisticated environmental risk map illustrating the potential for AUM contamination: GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA), fuzzy logic, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Eight criteria layers were selected for the GIS-MCDA model: proximity to AUMs, roadway proximity, drainage proximity, topographic landforms, wind index, topographic wind exposure, vegetation index, and groundwater contamination. Model sensitivity was evaluated using the one-at-a-time method, and statistical validation analysis was conducted using two separate environmental datasets. The sensitivity analysis indicated consistency and reliability of the model. Model results were strongly associated with environmental uranium concentrations. The model classifies 20.2% of the NN as high potential for AUM contamination while 65.7% and 14.1% of the region are at medium and low risk, respectively. This study is entirely a novel application and a crucial first step toward informing future epidemiologic studies and ongoing remediation efforts to reduce human exposure to AUM waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Joseph Hoover
- Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies, Montana State University Billings, Billings, MT, USA
| | - Daniel Beene
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Esther Erdei
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Zhuoming Liu
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Hoover J, Erdei E, Nash J, Gonzales M. A Review of Metal Exposure Studies Conducted in the Rural Southwestern and Mountain West Region of the United States. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2019; 6:34-49. [PMID: 30906686 PMCID: PMC6429957 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-019-0182-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes recent literature examining exposure to environmental metals in rural areas of the southwestern/mountain west region of the United States focusing on the range of exposures and exposure pathways unique to this region. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies (2013-2018) indicated that exposures to arsenic (As), uranium (U), and cadmium (Cd) were the most commonly quantified metals in the study area. One or more of these three metals was analyzed in each study reviewed. SUMMARY The current review draws attention to the variety of exposure assessment methods, analytical tools, and unique non-occupational exposure pathways in this region. The reviewed studies identified potential sources of metals exposure including regulated and unregulated drinking water, particulate matter, and food items, and provided information about the levels of exposures experienced by populations through a variety of exposure assessment methods including spatial analysis methodologies. The findings suggest that exposure assessment methods could be further integrated with population studies to assess health effects of environmental metals exposure through pathways unique to Southwestern and Mountain West U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hoover
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, College of
Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360 Albuquerque, NM,
87131
| | - Esther Erdei
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, College of
Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360 Albuquerque, NM,
87131
| | - Jacob Nash
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Health Sciences
Library and Information Center, MSC09 5100, Albuquerque, NM, 87131
| | - Melissa Gonzales
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, School of
Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, Albuquerque, NM,
87131
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Li Q, Yang K, Li J, Zeng X, Yu Z, Zhang G. An assessment of polyurethane foam passive samplers for atmospheric metals compared with active samplers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:498-504. [PMID: 29425957 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we conducted an assessment of polyurethane foam (PUF) passive sampling for metals combining active sampling. Remarkably, we found that the metals collected in the passive samples differed greatly from those collected in active samples. By composition, Cu and Ni accounted for significantly higher proportions in passive samples than in active samples, leading to significantly higher uptake rates of Cu and Ni. In assessing seasonal variation, metals in passive samples had higher concentrations in summer (excluding Heshan), which differed greatly from the pattern of active samples (winter > summer), indicating that the uptake rates of most metals were higher in summer than in winter. Overall, due to the stable passive uptake rates, we considered that PUF passive samplers can be applied to collect atmospheric metals. Additionally, we created a snapshot of the metal pollution in the Pearl River Delta using principal component analysis of PUF samples and their source apportionment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Kong Yang
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Key Laboratory for Yellow River and Huai River Water Environment and Pollution Control, Ministry of Education, Henan Key Laboratory for Environmental Pollution Control, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Xiangying Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Carlin DJ, Naujokas MF, Bradham KD, Cowden J, Heacock M, Henry HF, Lee JS, Thomas DJ, Thompson C, Tokar EJ, Waalkes MP, Birnbaum LS, Suk WA. Arsenic and Environmental Health: State of the Science and Future Research Opportunities. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:890-9. [PMID: 26587579 PMCID: PMC4937867 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1510209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to inorganic and organic arsenic compounds is a major public health problem that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Exposure to arsenic is associated with cancer and noncancer effects in nearly every organ in the body, and evidence is mounting for health effects at lower levels of arsenic exposure than previously thought. Building from a tremendous knowledge base with > 1,000 scientific papers published annually with "arsenic" in the title, the question becomes, what questions would best drive future research directions? OBJECTIVES The objective is to discuss emerging issues in arsenic research and identify data gaps across disciplines. METHODS The National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Superfund Research Program convened a workshop to identify emerging issues and research needs to address the multi-faceted challenges related to arsenic and environmental health. This review summarizes information captured during the workshop. DISCUSSION More information about aggregate exposure to arsenic is needed, including the amount and forms of arsenic found in foods. New strategies for mitigating arsenic exposures and related health effects range from engineered filtering systems to phytogenetics and nutritional interventions. Furthermore, integration of omics data with mechanistic and epidemiological data is a key step toward the goal of linking biomarkers of exposure and susceptibility to disease mechanisms and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Promising research strategies and technologies for arsenic exposure and adverse health effect mitigation are being pursued, and future research is moving toward deeper collaborations and integration of information across disciplines to address data gaps. CITATION Carlin DJ, Naujokas MF, Bradham KD, Cowden J, Heacock M, Henry HF, Lee JS, Thomas DJ, Thompson C, Tokar EJ, Waalkes MP, Birnbaum LS, Suk WA. 2016. Arsenic and environmental health: state of the science and future research opportunities. Environ Health Perspect 124:890-899; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510209.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J. Carlin
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Karen D. Bradham
- Human Exposure & Atmospheric Science Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - John Cowden
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, and
| | - Michelle Heacock
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Heather F. Henry
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Janice S. Lee
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - David J. Thomas
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Human and Environmental Health Effects Research Laboratory, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Erik J. Tokar
- National Toxicology Program, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael P. Waalkes
- National Toxicology Program, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Linda S. Birnbaum
- National Toxicology Program, NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- NIEHS, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - William A. Suk
- Superfund Research Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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9
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Loh MM, Sugeng A, Lothrop N, Klimecki W, Cox M, Wilkinson ST, Lu Z, Beamer PI. Multimedia exposures to arsenic and lead for children near an inactive mine tailings and smelter site. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 146:331-9. [PMID: 26803211 PMCID: PMC5344033 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Children living near contaminated mining waste areas may have high exposures to metals from the environment. This study investigates whether exposure to arsenic and lead is higher in children in a community near a legacy mine and smelter site in Arizona compared to children in other parts of the United States and the relationship of that exposure to the site. Arsenic and lead were measured in residential soil, house dust, tap water, urine, and toenail samples from 70 children in 34 households up to 7 miles from the site. Soil and house dust were sieved, digested, and analyzed via ICP-MS. Tap water and urine were analyzed without digestion, while toenails were washed, digested and analyzed. Blood lead was analyzed by an independent, certified laboratory. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated between each environmental media and urine and toenails for arsenic and lead. Geometric mean arsenic (standard deviation) concentrations for each matrix were: 22.1 (2.59) ppm and 12.4 (2.27)ppm for soil and house dust (<63μm), 5.71 (6.55)ppb for tap water, 14.0 (2.01)μg/L for specific gravity-corrected total urinary arsenic, 0.543 (3.22)ppm for toenails. Soil and vacuumed dust lead concentrations were 16.9 (2.03)ppm and 21.6 (1.90) ppm. The majority of blood lead levels were below the limit of quantification. Arsenic and lead concentrations in soil and house dust decreased with distance from the site. Concentrations in soil, house dust, tap water, along with floor dust loading were significantly associated with toenail and urinary arsenic but not lead. Mixed models showed that soil and tap water best predicted urinary arsenic. In our study, despite being present in mine tailings at similar levels, internal lead exposure was not high, but arsenic exposure was of concern, particularly from soil and tap water. Naturally occurring sources may be an additional important contributor to exposures in certain legacy mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda M Loh
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245163, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA.
| | - Anastasia Sugeng
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245163, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
| | - Nathan Lothrop
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245163, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
| | - Walter Klimecki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210207, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Melissa Cox
- Hospital Medicine and Outreach, Department of Pediatrics, Diamond Children's Medical Center, The University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave. Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Sarah T Wilkinson
- Superfund Research Program, The University of Arizona, 1110 E. South Campus Dr., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Zhenqiang Lu
- BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, 1657 E. Mabel St., Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Paloma I Beamer
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 245163, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
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Abstract
High levels of arsenic are found in many parts of the world and more than 100 million people may have been exposed to it. There is growing evidence to indicate that arsenic has a deleterious effect on the auditory system. This paper provides the general information of arsenic and its ototoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülin Gökçen Kesici
- Yenimahalle Education and Research Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Turkey
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11
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Ramirez-Andreotta MD, Brody JG, Lothrop N, Loh M, Beamer PI, Brown P. Reporting back environmental exposure data and free choice learning. Environ Health 2016; 15:2. [PMID: 26748908 PMCID: PMC4707004 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-015-0080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Reporting data back to study participants is increasingly being integrated into exposure and biomonitoring studies. Informal science learning opportunities are valuable in environmental health literacy efforts and report back efforts are filling an important gap in these efforts. Using the University of Arizona's Metals Exposure Study in Homes, this commentary reflects on how community-engaged exposure assessment studies, partnered with data report back efforts are providing a new informal education setting and stimulating free-choice learning. Participants are capitalizing on participating in research and leveraging their research experience to meet personal and community environmental health literacy goals. Observations from report back activities conducted in a mining community support the idea that reporting back biomonitoring data reinforces free-choice learning and this activity can lead to improvements in environmental health literacy. By linking the field of informal science education to the environmental health literacy concepts, this commentary demonstrates how reporting data back to participants is tapping into what an individual is intrinsically motivated to learn and how these efforts are successfully responding to community-identified education and research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica D Ramirez-Andreotta
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, 1177 E Fourth Street, Rm. 429, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | | | - Nathan Lothrop
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Miranda Loh
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Paloma I Beamer
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Phil Brown
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology and Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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