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Chen Y, Van Deventer D, Nianogo R, Vinceti M, Kang W, Cockburn M, Federman N, Heck JE. Maternal residential exposure to solvents from industrial sources during pregnancy and childhood cancer risk in California. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 259:114388. [PMID: 38704950 PMCID: PMC11127780 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114388] [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] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal solvent exposure has been suspected to increase offspring cancer risk. The study aimed to evaluate the associations between maternal residential exposure to solvents from industrial pollution during pregnancy and childhood cancer. METHODS The present study included 15,744 cancer cases (aged 0-19 years at diagnosis) identified from California Cancer Registry and 283,141 controls randomly selected from California Birth Registry (20:1 frequency-matched by birth year: 1998-2016). We examined industrial releases of tetrachloroethylene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane within 3 km of the birth address, while we used a 5 km buffer for carbon disulfide. We calculated the total exposure from all linked Toxic Release Inventory sites during each index pregnancy and assigned "ever/never" and "high/low exposed/unexposed" exposure, using median values. We performed quadratic decay models to estimate cancer risks associated with maternal solvent exposure in pregnancy. RESULTS 1,1,1-Trichloroethane was associated with rhabdomyosarcoma (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.96; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.16, 3.32) in the "ever exposed" group. Ever exposure to carbon disulfide was associated with increased risks of medulloblastoma (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.01, 3.40) and ependymoma (OR = 1.63, 95% CI 0.97, 2.74). CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings suggested maternal residential exposure to solvents from industrial sources might be associated with elevated childhood cancer risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA
| | - Darcy Van Deventer
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA
| | - Roch Nianogo
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA; California Center for Population Research, University of California, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marco Vinceti
- CREAGEN - Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology Research Center, Section of Public Health, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Geography and the Environment, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA
| | - Myles Cockburn
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Noah Federman
- Department of Pediatrics, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia E Heck
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA; College of Health and Public Service, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA.
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Young HA, Kolivras KN, Krometis LAH, Marcillo CE, Gohlke JM. Examining the association between safe drinking water act violations and adverse birth outcomes in Virginia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 218:114977. [PMID: 36463994 PMCID: PMC9901941 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114977] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In 1974, the United States established the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to protect consumers from potential exposure to drinking water contaminants associated with health risks. Each contaminant is assigned a health-based standard meant to reflect the maximum level at which an adverse human health outcome is unlikely; measurements beyond that level have greater potential to result in adverse health outcomes. Although there is extensive research on human health implications following water contaminant exposure, few studies have specifically examined associations between fetal health and municipal drinking water violations. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess whether SDWA drinking water violations are associated with fetal health outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and term-low birth weight (tLBW), in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Singleton births (n = 665,984) occurring between 2007 and 2015 in Virginia were geocoded and assigned to a corresponding estimated water service area. Health-based (HB) and monitoring and reporting (MR) violations for 12 contaminants were acquired from the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System, with exposure defined at the approximate service area level to limit exposure misclassification. A logistic regression model for each birth outcome assessed potential relationships with SDWA violations. When examining the association between individual MR violations and birth outcomes, Nitrate-Nitrite (OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.18, P = 0.01) was positively associated with PTB and the total coliform rule was negatively associated with tLBW (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.87, 1.00, P = 0.04). These findings indicate that a lack of regular monitoring and reporting by water providers (resulting in monitoring and reporting violations) may be concealing health-based violations as these health concerns cannot be revealed without testing, suggesting a need for additional technical, managerial, and financial support to enable often-underfunded water systems to adhere to monitoring and reporting requirements meant to protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Young
- Department of Geography, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States.
| | | | - Leigh-Anne H Krometis
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States
| | - Cristina E Marcillo
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States
| | - Julia M Gohlke
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States
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Nielsen GH, Heiger-Bernays WJ, Levy JI, White RF, Axelrad DA, Lam J, Chartres N, Abrahamsson DP, Rayasam SDG, Shaffer RM, Zeise L, Woodruff TJ, Ginsberg GL. Application of probabilistic methods to address variability and uncertainty in estimating risks for non-cancer health effects. Environ Health 2023; 21:129. [PMID: 36635712 PMCID: PMC9835218 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00918-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Human health risk assessment currently uses the reference dose or reference concentration (RfD, RfC) approach to describe the level of exposure to chemical hazards without appreciable risk for non-cancer health effects in people. However, this "bright line" approach assumes that there is minimal risk below the RfD/RfC with some undefined level of increased risk at exposures above the RfD/RfC and has limited utility for decision-making. Rather than this dichotomous approach, non-cancer risk assessment can benefit from incorporating probabilistic methods to estimate the amount of risk across a wide range of exposures and define a risk-specific dose. We identify and review existing approaches for conducting probabilistic non-cancer risk assessments. Using perchloroethylene (PCE), a priority chemical for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Toxic Substances Control Act, we calculate risk-specific doses for the effects on cognitive deficits using probabilistic risk assessment approaches. Our probabilistic risk assessment shows that chronic exposure to 0.004 ppm PCE is associated with approximately 1-in-1,000 risk for a 5% reduced performance on the Wechsler Memory Scale Visual Reproduction subtest with 95% confidence. This exposure level associated with a 1-in-1000 risk for non-cancer neurocognitive deficits is lower than the current RfC for PCE of 0.0059 ppm, which is based on standard point of departure and uncertainty factor approaches for the same neurotoxic effects in occupationally exposed adults. We found that the population-level risk of cognitive deficit (indicating central nervous system dysfunction) is estimated to be greater than the cancer risk level of 1-in-100,000 at a similar chronic exposure level. The extension of toxicological endpoints to more clinically relevant endpoints, along with consideration of magnitude and severity of effect, will help in the selection of acceptable risk targets for non-cancer effects. We find that probabilistic approaches can 1) provide greater context to existing RfDs and RfCs by describing the probability of effect across a range of exposure levels including the RfD/RfC in a diverse population for a given magnitude of effect and confidence level, 2) relate effects of chemical exposures to clinical disease risk so that the resulting risk assessments can better inform decision-makers and benefit-cost analysis, and 3) better reflect the underlying biology and uncertainties of population risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greylin H Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, T4W, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Wendy J Heiger-Bernays
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, T4W, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Jonathan I Levy
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, T4W, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Roberta F White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, T4W, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | | | - Juleen Lam
- Department of Public Health, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Chartres
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dimitri Panagopoulos Abrahamsson
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Swati D G Rayasam
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rachel M Shaffer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren Zeise
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gary L Ginsberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Ailawar S, Hunoor A, Basu D, Rudzinski B, Burel L, Millet JMM, Miller JT, Edmiston PL, Ozkan US. Aqueous Phase Hydrodechlorination of Trichloroethylene using Pd Supported on Swellable Organically Modified Silica (SOMS): Effect of Support Derivatization. J Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2022.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Elkin ER, Su AL, Kilburn BA, Bakulski KM, Armant DR, Loch-Caruso R. Toxicity assessments of selected trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene metabolites in three in vitro human placental models. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 109:109-120. [PMID: 35304307 PMCID: PMC9107309 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Residential and occupational exposures to the industrial solvents perchloroethylene (PERC) and trichloroethylene (TCE) present public health concerns. In humans, maternal PERC and TCE exposures can be associated with adverse birth outcomes. Because PERC and TCE are biotransformed to toxic metabolites and placental dysfunction can contribute to adverse birth outcomes, the present study compared the toxicity of key PERC and TCE metabolites in three in vitro human placenta models. We measured cell viability and caspase 3 + 7 activity in the HTR-8/SVneo and BeWo cell lines, and caspase 3 + 7 activity in first trimester villous explant cultures. Cultures were exposed for 24 h to 5-100 µM S-(1,2-dichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (DCVC) and S-(1,2,2-trichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine (TCVC), or 5-200 µM trichloroacetate (TCA) and dichloroacetate (DCA). DCVC significantly reduced cell viability and increased caspase 3 + 7 activity in HTR-8/SVneo cells at a lower concentration (20 µM) compared with concentrations toxic to BeWo cells and villous explants. Similarly, TCVC reduced cell viability and increased caspase 3 + 7 activity in HTR-8/SVneo cells but not in BeWo cells. TCA and DCA had only negligible effects on HTR-8/SVneo or BeWo cells. This study advances understanding of potential risks of PERC and TCE exposure during pregnancy by identifying metabolites toxic in placental cells and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana R Elkin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
| | - Anthony L Su
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brian A Kilburn
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - D Randall Armant
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Climate change is the biggest public health threat of the twenty-first century but its impact on the perinatal period has only recently received attention. This review summarizes recent literature regarding the impacts of climate change and related environmental disasters on pregnancy health and provides recommendations to inform future adaptation and mitigation efforts. Recent Findings Accumulating evidence suggests that the changing climate affects pregnancy health directly via discrete environmental disasters (i.e., wildfire, extreme heat, hurricane, flood, and drought), and indirectly through changes in the natural and social environment. Although studies vary greatly in design, analytic methods, and assessment strategies, they generally converge to suggest that climate-related disasters are associated with increased risk of gestational complication, pregnancy loss, restricted fetal growth, low birthweight, preterm birth, and selected delivery/newborn complications. Window(s) of exposure with the highest sensitivity are not clear, but both acute and chronic exposures appear important. Furthermore, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations may be more vulnerable. Summary Policy, clinical, and research strategies for adaptation and mitigation should be continued, strengthened, and expanded with cross-disciplinary efforts. Top priorities should include (a) reinforcing and expanding policies to further reduce emission, (b) increasing awareness and education resources for healthcare providers and the public, (c) facilitating access to quality population-based data in low-resource areas, and (d) research efforts to better understand mechanisms of effects, identify susceptible populations and windows of exposure, explore interactive impacts of multiple exposures, and develop novel methods to better quantify pregnancy health impacts.
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Ceballos DM, Fellows KM, Evans AE, Janulewicz PA, Lee EG, Whittaker SG. Perchloroethylene and Dry Cleaning: It's Time to Move the Industry to Safer Alternatives. Front Public Health 2021; 9:638082. [PMID: 33748070 PMCID: PMC7973082 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.638082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Perchloroethylene (PERC) is the most common solvent used for dry cleaning in the United States. PERC is a reproductive toxicant, neurotoxicant, potential human carcinogen, and a persistent environmental pollutant. The Environmental Protection Agency is evaluating PERC under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act (amended TSCA), and has mandated that PERC dry cleaning machines be removed from residential buildings. Some local and state programs are also requiring or facilitating transitions to alternative cleaning technologies. However, the potential for these alternatives to harm human health and the environment is not well-understood. This review describes the issues surrounding the use of PERC and alternative solvents for dry cleaning while highlighting the lessons learned from a local government program that transitioned PERC dry cleaners to the safest current alternative: professional wet cleaning. Implications for future public health research and policy are discussed: (1) we must move away from PERC, (2) any transition must account for the economic instability and cultural aspects of the people who work in the industry, (3) legacy contamination must be addressed even after safer alternatives are adopted, and (4) evaluations of PERC alternatives are needed to determine their implications for the long-term health and sustainability of the people who work in the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Ceballos
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Katie M. Fellows
- Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ashley E. Evans
- Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Patricia A. Janulewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eun Gyung Lee
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Respiratory Health Division, Field Studies Branch, Morgantown, WV, United States
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