1
|
Smith-Sivertsen T, Bykov V, Melbye H, Tchachtchine V, Selnes A, Lund E. Sulphur Dioxide Exposure and Lung Function in a Norwegian and Russian Population Living Close to a Nickel Smelter. Int J Circumpolar Health 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2001.12113037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vladimir Bykov
- Kola Research Laboratory for Occupational Health, Kirovsk, Murmansk, Russia
| | - Hasse Melbye
- Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Anders Selnes
- Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eiliv Lund
- Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
An N, Pourzal S, Luccioli S, Vukmanović S. Effects of diet on skin sensitization by nickel, poison ivy, and sesquiterpene lactones. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 137:111137. [PMID: 31982450 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Skin contact or exposure to sensitizers often occurs as a consequence of occupational exposures (e.g. poison ivy in forestry), wearing jewelry (e.g. nickel), or use of cosmetics (e.g. fragrances). However, many of the known skin sensitizers or their chemical variants are also consumed orally through foods or other sources. Since oral exposure to antigenic substances can lead to tolerance, consumption of sensitizers may impact the development and potency of skin sensitization, especially if the sensitizer is consumed early in life, prior to the first skin contact. To address this issue, we have reviewed human clinical and epidemiological literature relevant to this subject and evaluated whether early oral exposures to relevant sensitizers, or their chemical variants, are associated with reduced prevalence of skin sensitization to three main allergic sensitizers - nickel, urushiols of poison ivy, and sesquiterpene lactones of chrysanthemum and other plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan An
- Cosmetics Division, Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
| | - Selma Pourzal
- Cosmetics Division, Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
| | - Stefano Luccioli
- Office of Compliance (OC), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
| | - Stanislav Vukmanović
- Cosmetics Division, Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Afridi HI, Kazi TG, Jamali MK, Kazi GH, Arain MB, Jalbani N, Shar GQ, Sarfaraz RA. Evaluation of toxic metals in biological samples (scalp hair, blood and urine) of steel mill workers by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Toxicol Ind Health 2016; 22:381-93. [PMID: 17533809 DOI: 10.1177/0748233706073420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The determination of toxic metals in the biological samples of human beings is an important clinical screening procedure. This study aimed to assess the possible influence of environmental exposure on production workers (PW) and quality control workers (QCW) of a steel mill, all male subjects aged 25-55 years. In this investigation, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr were determined in biological samples (blood, urine and scalp hair samples) from these steel mill workers in relation to controlled unexposed healthy subjects of the same age group. After pre-treatment with nitric acid-hydrogen peroxide, the samples were digested via a microwave oven, and for comparison purposes, the same samples were digested by the conventional wet acid digestion method. The samples digested were subjected to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). To assess the reliability of these methods, critical factors, such as detection limit(s), calibration range(s), accuracy and precision, were studied. Quality control for these procedures was established with certified sample of human hair, urine and whole blood. The results indicate that the level of lead, cadmium and nickel in scalp hair, blood and urine samples were significantly higher in both groups of exposed workers (QW and PW) than those of the controls. The possible connection of these elements with the etiology of disease is discussed. The results also show the need for immediate improvements in workplace ventilation and industrial hygiene practices. Toxicology and Industrial Health 2006; 22: 381-393.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan I Afridi
- Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080, Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
High surface area-activated carbon from Glycyrrhiza glabra residue by ZnCl2 activation for removal of Pb(II) and Ni(II) from water samples. J IND ENG CHEM 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
5
|
|
6
|
Saghiri MA, Sheibani N, Garcia-Godoy F, Asatourian A, Mehriar P, Scarbecz M. Correlation between endodontic broken instrument and nickel level in urine. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 155:114-8. [PMID: 23861099 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-013-9755-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the correlation between the presences of separated endodontic instrument inside the dental canal and the nickel (Ni) level in the urine samples of subjected patients. Same-gendered and near-aged participants were selected and were instructed to collect their urine in sterile nickel-free plastic containers. The procedures were carried out in the office, and samples were stored in low-temperature cooler for 1 day and then they were transferred to the laboratory for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The level of Ni was measured and the correlation coefficient was calculated. Data were analyzed using t tests, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and linear regression analysis, at a level of significance P < 0.05. The statistical analysis has showed significant difference in Ni level between endodontic and control groups (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between Ni level in urine and the age or time period of broken instrument inside the canal; however, Ni level of urine and the age of participants in experimental group has demonstrated a positive correlation. The amount of Ni element can be increased in the urine of patients who have experienced broken endodontic instrument inside the dental canal. However, there is no positive correlation between the remaining pieces of instruments inside the canal and the elevation of nickel amount in urine during the tested time period. This issue suggested that the aging of remaining broken instrument inside the canal does not show any remarkable concern regarding the Ni elevation in the urine excreted by an individual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Saghiri
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abaca/polyester nonwoven fabric functionalization for metal ion adsorbent synthesis via electron beam-induced emulsion grafting. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
8
|
Concentrations and geographical variations of selected toxic elements in meat from semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in mid- and northern Norway: evaluation of risk assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:1699-714. [PMID: 22754467 PMCID: PMC3386582 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9051699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Meat samples (n = 100) from semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) were randomly collected from 10 grazing districts distributed over four Norwegian counties in 2008 and 2009. The main aim was to study concentrations and geographical variations in selected toxic elements; cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) in order to assess the risk associated with reindeer meat consumption. Sample solutions were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma high resolution mass spectrometer (ICP-HRMS), whereas analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analyses. Geographical variations in element concentrations were revealed, with As and Cd demonstrating the largest geographical differences. No clear geographical gradient was observed except for the east-west downward gradient for As. The As concentrations were highest in the vicinity of the Russian border, and only Cd was shown to increase with age (p < 0.05). Sex had no significant effect on the concentration of the studied elements. The concentrations of all the studied elements in reindeer meat were generally low and considerably below the maximum levels (ML) available for toxic elements set by the European Commission (EC). Thus, reindeer meat is not likely to be a significant contributor to the human body burden of toxic elements.
Collapse
|
9
|
Afridi HI, Kazi TG, Kazi N, Kandhro GA, Baig JA, Shah AQ, Khan S, Kolachi NF, Wadhwa SK, Shah F, Jamali MK, Arain MB. Evaluation of cadmium, chromium, nickel, and zinc in biological samples of psoriasis patients living in Pakistani cement factory area. Biol Trace Elem Res 2011; 142:284-301. [PMID: 20665125 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-010-8778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a noncontiguous common and chronic skin disorder. The aim of the present study was to compare the level of trace elements cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in biological samples (whole blood, urine, and scalp hair) of psoriasis patients of both gender age ranged (25-55 years) at mild, moderate severe, and more severe stage (n = 418) living in the vicinity of cement factory. For comparison purposes, healthy age-matched referent subjects, residents of industrial and non-industrial area, of both gender were also selected (n = 241). The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of methodology was checked by using certified reference materials (CRMs) and conventional wet acid digestion method on same CRMs and real samples. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb were significantly higher in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of mild and severe psoriasis patients as compared to referents (p < 0.001), while the concentration of Zn was lower in the scalp hair and blood, but higher in the urine samples of psoriasis patients. The deficiency of Zn in psoriasis patients may be undoubtedly caused by the toxic element exposures via cement factory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Imran Afridi
- National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080, Pakistan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Broderstad AR, Smith-Sivertsen T, Dahl IM, Ingebretsen OC, Lund E. Low prevalence of hereditary hemochromatosis in multiethnic populations in Northern Norway. Scand J Gastroenterol 2011; 46:350-7. [PMID: 20950210 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2010.525713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hereditary hemochromatosis has an autosomal recessive inheritance. The C282Y homozygosity is the most common genetic mutation in persons of Northern European descent. A screen of two multiethnic populations in Northern Norway was performed to investigate whether the prevalence of hereditary hemochromatosis was consistent with previous results in Northern Europe. MATERIAL AND METHODS Participants in two population-based studies in Northern Norway were analyzed for serum ferritin (s-ferritin) and transferrin saturation. Participants with s-ferritin or transferrin saturation above the reference limits in two separate blood samples were tested for three different HFE mutations, namely C282Y, H63D and S65. RESULTS The estimated prevalence of the C282Y/C282Y mutation in the two municipalities studied was lower than in comparable studies in Norway. The prevalence was the lowest in the Sør-Varanger population (men 0.19% and women 0.22%), which also had the highest proportion of individuals with Sami and Kven affiliation. In Tromsø, the prevalence was consistent with previous results in Norway. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of hereditary hemochromatosis is lower in multiethnic populations in Northern Norway than in previous studies from other parts of Norway.
Collapse
|
11
|
Jabasingh SA, Varma SS. Optimization and Kinetic Studies of Nickel Treatment in the Electroplating Effluent with Activated Carbon Prepared from Rice Husk. INDIAN CHEMICAL ENGINEER 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/00194506.2010.547840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
|
12
|
Biosorption optimization of nickel removal from water using Punica granatum peel waste. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2010; 76:544-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2009.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
13
|
|
14
|
Jabasingh SA, Nachiyar CV. Optimization and Kinetics of Nickel Ion Adsorption from Electroplating Effluent onto Activated Carbon Prepared from Anas Platyrhyncha Egg Shell. ADSORPT SCI TECHNOL 2010. [DOI: 10.1260/0263-6174.28.2.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Anuradha Jabasingh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sathyabama University, Jeppiaar Nagar, Old Mamallapuram Road, Chennai 600 119, India
| | - C. Valli Nachiyar
- Department of Biotechnology, Sathyabama University, Jeppiaar Nagar, Old Mamallapuram Road, Chennai 600 119, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
MOHAMMADI SZ, AFZALI D, BAGHELANI YM. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Determination of Trace Amounts of Nickel Ions in Water Samples after Ligandless Ultrasound-assisted Emulsification Microextraction. ANAL SCI 2010; 26:973-7. [DOI: 10.2116/analsci.26.973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daryoush AFZALI
- Environment and Nanochemistry Department, Institute Research of Environmental Sciences, International Center for Science, High Technology & Environmental Sciences
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Aguilera I, Daponte A, Gil F, Hernández AF, Godoy P, Pla A, Ramos JL. Biomonitoring of urinary metals in a population living in the vicinity of industrial sources: a comparison with the general population of Andalusia, Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 407:669-678. [PMID: 18842289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2008] [Revised: 08/20/2008] [Accepted: 08/29/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The Ria of Huelva (south-west Spain) is one of the most polluted fluvial-estuarine systems in the world. Industrial activity delivers huge amounts of pollutants to the local environment, particularly heavy metals and arsenic. Here we aimed to determine urinary levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni in a representative sample (n=857) of adults living in the Ria of Huelva. Levels were compared to those from a representative sample of 861 adults of the general urban population of Andalusia (southern Spain) and multiple regression models were developed to identify individual factors associated with urinary levels of these elements. Arsenic levels were significantly higher in the Ria of Huelva as compared to other Andalusian cities, whereas Cd and Ni levels were significantly lower. Despite these differences, levels in both groups were similar to the reference values reported in previous studies for general population. Age, gender, diet and lifestyle were the major factors contributing to the interindividual variation in urinary metals. In conclusion, despite living in a highly polluted area, the population of the Ria of Huelva failed to show higher urinary levels of the studied metals as compared to a reference urban population of the same region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Aguilera
- Andalusian Observatory on Environment and Health (OSMAN), Andalusian School of Public Health (EASP), Cuesta del Observatorio 4, 18080 Granada, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Broderstad AR, Smith-Sivertsen T, Dahl IMS, Ingebretsen OC, Lund E. Serum levels of iron in Sør-Varanger, Northern Norway--an iron mining municipality. Int J Circumpolar Health 2007; 65:432-42. [PMID: 17319087 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v65i5.18131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate iron status in a population with a high proportion of miners in the northernmost part of Norway. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional, population-based study performed in order to investigate possible health effects of pollution in the population living on both sides of the Norwegian-Russian border. METHODS All individuals living in the community of Sør-Varanger were invited for screening in 1994. In 2000, blood samples from 2949 participants (response rate 66.8 %), age range 30-69 years, were defrosted. S-ferritin and transferrin saturation were analysed in samples from 1548 women and 1401 men. About 30 % (n = 893) were employed in the iron mining industry, 476 of whom were miners and 417 had other tasks in the company. Type and duration of employment and time since last day of work at the company were used as indicators of exposure. RESULTS Both s-ferritin levels and transferrin saturation were higher in men than in women. S-ferritin increased with increasing age in women, while the opposite was true for men. Iron deficiency occurred with higher frequencies in women (16 %) than in men (4 %). Iron overload was uncommon in both sexes. Adjustment for smoking and self-reported pulmonary diseases did not show any effect on iron levels. Miners had non-significant higher mean s-ferritin and transferrin saturation than non-miners. Neither duration, nor time since employment in the mine, had any impact on iron status. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses did not show any associations between being a miner in the iron mining industry and serum iron levels compared to the general population.
Collapse
|
18
|
Chang FH, Wang HJ, Wang SL, Wang YC, Hsieh DPH, Chang LW, Ko YC. Survey of urinary nickel in residents of areas with a high density of electroplating factories. CHEMOSPHERE 2006; 65:1723-30. [PMID: 16777179 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.04.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2005] [Revised: 04/20/2006] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The soil metal contamination arising from the discharge of the high density of electroplating factories in the geographic center of Taiwan has prompted concern about human exposure to harmful metals. This study aimed to determine the levels of nickel (Ni) in urine of residents living in the high vs. low factory-density areas, and to examine how these levels relate to gender and age. A total of 660 subjects, resident in the area for the last five years, were sampled according to the stratified random sampling approach, at ages 35-44, 45-54, and 55-64years for both genders. Metals in urine samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The geometric mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) of urinary Ni was 6.30 (5.99-6.62)mug/l. The 0.95 parametric reference interval (90% CI) of urinary Ni was estimated to be 1.74 (1.62-1.88) to 22.73 (21.14-24.44)mug/l. Subjects in the areas with a high density of electroplating factories had significantly higher urinary Ni levels than those in the low-density areas, but both types of areas had obviously higher urinary Ni levels when compared to the non-occupationally exposed population from western countries. The health significance of elevated urinary Ni and its causative factors remain to be determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Hsiang Chang
- Division of Environmental Health and Occupational Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pradhan S, Shukla SS, Dorris KL. Removal of nickel from aqueous solutions using crab shells. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2005; 125:201-4. [PMID: 15996814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2005.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2004] [Revised: 05/17/2005] [Accepted: 05/24/2005] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Partially converted crab shell waste, which contains chitosan, was used to remove nickel from water. The chelating ability of chitosan makes it an excellent adsorbent for removing pollutants. Advantages of chitosan in crab shells include availability, low cost, and high biocompatibility. The metal uptake by partially converted crab shell waste was successful and rapid. The sorption occurred primarily within 5 min. The sorption mechanism appears to be quite complicated and cannot be adequately described by either the Langmuir or Freundlich theories. Various anions, including chloride, bromide, fluoride, acetate, sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate, were found to have a very small effect on the capacity of the crab shells for uptake of nickel. The effect of pH was also found not to be prominent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swapna Pradhan
- Department of Chemistry, Lamar University, Beaumont, P.O. Box 10022, TX 77710, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
On-line preconcentration system for nickel determination in food samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0003-2670(01)01262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
21
|
Smith-Sivertsen T, Dotterud LK, Lund E. Nickel allergy and its relationship with local nickel pollution, ear piercing, and atopic dermatitis: a population-based study from Norway. J Am Acad Dermatol 1999; 40:726-35. [PMID: 10321601 DOI: 10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70154-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The north-Norwegian population of Sør-Varanger lives close to 2 Russian nickel smelters. OBJECTIVE We studied the importance of the local nickel pollution, as well as ear piercing and atopic dermatitis, on the prevalence of nickel allergy in Sør-Varanger. METHODS We patch-tested 1767 adults who were randomly selected from 2 different cross-sectional studies; in Sør-Varanger and the reference city of Tromsø, which has no nickel-polluting industry. RESULTS Nickel allergy was diagnosed in 27.5% and 31.1% of the women in Sør-Varanger and Tromsø, respectively, and in 5.1% and 5.0% of the men. In women, ear piercing was a strong risk factor (relative risk = 3.30; 95% confidence interval = 2.01 to 5.43). A history of atopic dermatitis was not associated with nickel sensitization. We found no increased risk of nickel allergy in Sør-Varanger compared with Tromsø in adjusted multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION The high prevalence of nickel allergy found in Sør-Varanger could not be attributed to pollution from the nearby nickel industry.
Collapse
|
22
|
Smith-Sivertsen T, Tchachtchine V, Lund E, Bykov V, Thomassen Y, Norseth T. Urinary nickel excretion in populations living in the proximity of two russian nickel refineries: a Norwegian-Russian population-based study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 1998; 106:503-11. [PMID: 9681979 PMCID: PMC1533207 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.98106503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The Russian nickel refineries located in the cities of Nikel and Zapolyarny close to the Norwegian border are responsible for extensive sulfur dioxide and nickel pollution, as well as severe ecological damage in both countries. The aim of our study was to investigate human nickel exposure in the populations living on both sides of the Norwegian-Russian border. The design was a cross-sectional population-based study of adults aged 18-69 years residing in Sor-Varanger municipality, Norway, and Nikel and Zapolyarny, Russia, during 1994 and 1995. Individual exposure to nickel was assessed by measurements of nickel in urine using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. For controls, urine was collected from adults in the Russian cities of Apatity and Umba (Kola Peninsula) and the Norwegian city of Tromso, all of which are locations without nearby point sources of nickel. Altogether 2,233 urine specimens were analysed for nickel. People living in Nikel had the highest concentrations (median 3.4 microg/l), followed by Umba (median 2.7 microg/l), Zapolyarny (median 2.0 microg/l), Apatity (median 1.9 microg/l), Tromso (median 1.2 microg/l), and Sor-Varanger (median 0.6 microg/l). Regardless of geographical location, the Russian study groups all had a higher urinary-nickel average than those in Norway (p<0.001). With the exception of Nikel, neither the Russian nor the Norwegian urinary-nickel levels were associated with residence location near a Russian nickel refinery. We concluded that industrial nickel pollution alone could not explain the observed discrepancy between Norway and Russia; we also discuss other possible nickel exposure sources that may account for the high urinary levels found in Russia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Smith-Sivertsen
- Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromso, N-9037 Tromso, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|