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Corchero-Falcón MDR, Gómez-Salgado J, García-Iglesias JJ, Camacho-Vega JC, Fagundo-Rivera J, Carrasco-González AM. Risk Factors for Working Pregnant Women and Potential Adverse Consequences of Exposure: A Systematic Review. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1605655. [PMID: 36874222 PMCID: PMC9977819 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To assess the risk factors perceived as stressors by pregnant women in the work environment and the possible adverse consequences of such exposure for the normal development of pregnancy. Methods: Systematic review, guided by the PRISMA guidelines, and using Pubmed, Web of Science, Dialnet, SciELO, and REDIB databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the critical appraisal tools for non-randomised studies of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results: A total of 38 studies were included. The main risk factors found in the work environment of pregnant women were chemical, psychosocial, physical-ergonomic-mechanical factors, and other work-related factors. The main adverse consequences of exposure to these factors include low birth weight, preterm birth, miscarriage, hypertension and pre-eclampsia, as well as various obstetric complications. Conclusion: During pregnancy, working conditions that are considered acceptable in normal situations may not be so during this stage due to the major changes that occur during pregnancy. Many obstetric effects may have an important impact in the mother's psychological status; therefore, it is important to optimise working conditions during this stage and to reduce or eliminate possible risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain.,Safety and Health Postgraduate Programme, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Juan Jesús García-Iglesias
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Camacho-Vega
- Department of Building Construction II, Higher Technical School of Building Engineering, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Yin Y, Tan X, Fan J. Occupational fatigue and health of gas station workers: A review. Work 2023; 76:707-726. [PMID: 36938763 PMCID: PMC10657674 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational health factors such as shift work, sleep, fatigue, and work environment jeopardise the health and safety of gas station workers. This calls for new research to investigate how the working environment and characteristics impact the occupational health of workers at gas stations. However, minimal research has been conducted in this field, especially those involving psychological and behavioural factors, occupational stress, and so forth. OBJECTIVE This review was performed to investigate the present condition of the occupational risk of gas station workers in this safety-critical position. METHODS Five databases (Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO) were searched for relevant peer-reviewed studies. Results were selected according to these criteria: studies on fatigue, shift work, sleep, and physical and mental health of gas station employees; published on or before November 11, 2021; papers in English. RESULTS Twenty studies were considered for the final analysis. The results showed that shift work at gas stations leads to psychological and physiological problems. The psychological consequences included anxiety, stress, and depression, while the physiological consequences included biochemical changes and lifestyle consequences. CONCLUSION Shift work and the specific working environment of gas station employees adversely affect their sleep, stress levels, physical and mental health, and turnover intention. This systematic review allowed us to consider the occupational risk factors that can lead to sickness or accidents and contribute to reducing these risk factors. Realistic countermeasures ought to be established and interventions must be explored to mitigate risks to life, property, and the environment in operating gas stations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Yin
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaotong Tan
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jialin Fan
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- The Shenzhen Humanities and Social Sciences Key Research Bases, Center for Mental Health, Shenzen, China
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Evaluating Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Responses Induced by Low-Level VOCs in Zebrafish: Benzene as an Example. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10070351. [PMID: 35878256 PMCID: PMC9324908 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10070351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Urban environments are plagued by complex mixtures of anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as mixtures of benzene, toluene, ethylene, and xylene (BTEX). Sources of BTEX that drive human exposure include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, off-gassing of building material, as well as oil spillage and leakage. Among the BTEX mixture, benzene is the most volatile compound and has been linked to numerous adverse health outcomes. However, few studies have focused on the effects of low-level benzene on exposure during early development, which is a susceptible window when hematological, immune, metabolic, and detoxification systems are immature. In this study, we used zebrafish to conduct a VOC exposure model and evaluated phenotypic and transcriptomic responses following 0.1 and 1 ppm benzene exposure during the first five days of embryogenesis (n = 740 per treatment). The benzene body burden was 2 mg/kg in 1 ppm-exposed larval zebrafish pools and under the detection limit in 0.1 ppm-exposed fish. No observable phenotypic changes were found in both larvae except for significant skeletal deformities in 0.1 ppm-exposed fish (p = 0.01) compared with unexposed fish. Based on transcriptomic responses, 1 ppm benzene dysregulated genes that were implicated with the development of hematological system, and the regulation of oxidative stress response, fatty acid metabolism, immune system, and inflammatory response, including apob, nfkbiaa, serpinf1, foxa1, cyp2k6, and cyp2n13 from the cytochrome P450 gene family. Key genes including pik3c2b, pltp, and chia.2 were differentially expressed in both 1 and 0.1 ppm exposures. However, fewer transcriptomic changes were induced by 0.1 ppm compared with 1 ppm. Future studies are needed to determine if these transcriptomic responses during embryogenesis have long-term consequences at levels equal to or lower than 1 ppm.
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Razafimahefa RH, Pardosi JF, Sav A. Occupational Factors Affecting Women Workers’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes in Oil, Gas, and Mining Industry: A Scoping Review. Public Health Rev 2022; 43:1604653. [PMID: 35574566 PMCID: PMC9096608 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2022.1604653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Globally, female workers workforce in Oil, Gas, and Mining (OGM) industry have increased significantly. The complexities of the OGM operations and the extensive exposure to workplace hazards potentially affect the health status of workers, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of female workers. Yet, the current state of knowledge on SRH issues in OGM contexts seems to be limited and fragmented. This scoping review aims to identify the occupational factors that influence women’s SRH outcomes in OGM industry.Methods: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines (PRISMA) and was conducted in five databases, including the citation chaining via Google Scholar and manual search through relevant organisations and Government websites. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were analysed.Results: Despite the scarcity of evidence, chemical and physical are found to be the predominant factors greatly influencing women workers’ SRH outcomes in OGM. Most studies showed menstrual and cycle disorders, and risky pregnancy as key SRH issues. However, menstruation disorder was considerably linked with psychological and organisational factors.Conclusion: This review suggests further empirical research on the relationship between OGM occupational hazards and women workers’ SRH. This will contribute to improvements in workplace safety legislations, measures, policies, and management systems taking into account women’s needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Hariniaina Razafimahefa
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Rina Hariniaina Razafimahefa,
| | - Jerico Franciscus Pardosi
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Adem Sav
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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5
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Whyte KP, Bouchard MF, Chevrier J, Haddad S, Copes R, Frohlich KL, Dokkie D, Juul S, Bouchard M, Verner MA. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air and tap water samples in residences of pregnant women living in an area of unconventional natural gas operations: Findings from the EXPERIVA study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 805:150242. [PMID: 34818775 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Northeastern British Columbia (Canada) is an area of unconventional natural gas (UNG) exploitation by hydraulic fracturing, which can release several contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To evaluate gestational exposure to contaminants in this region, we undertook the Exposures in the Peace River Valley (EXPERIVA) study. OBJECTIVES We aimed to: 1) measure VOCs in residential indoor air and tap water from EXPERIVA participants; 2) compare concentrations with those in the general population and explore differences related to sociodemographic and housing characteristics; and 3) determine associations between VOC concentrations and density/proximity to UNG wells. METHODS Eighty-five pregnant women participated. Passive air samplers were analyzed for 47 VOCs, and tap water samples were analyzed for 44 VOCs. VOC concentrations were compared with those from the Canadian Health Measure Survey (CHMS). We assessed the association between different metrics of well density/proximity and indoor air and tap water VOC concentrations using multiple linear regression. RESULTS 40 VOCs were detected in >50% of air samples, whereas only 4 VOCs were detected in >50% of water samples. We observed indoor air concentrations >95th percentile of CHMS in 10-60% of samples for several compounds (acetone, 2-methyl-2-propanol, chloroform, 1,4-dioxane, hexanal, m/p-xylene, o-xylene, styrene, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, dodecane and decanal). Indoor air levels of chloroform and tap water levels of total trihalomethanes were higher in Indigenous participants compared to non-Indigenous participants. Indoor air levels of chloroform and acetone, and tap water levels of total trihalomethanes were positively associated with UNG wells density/proximity metrics. Indoor air BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes) levels were positively correlated with some well density/proximity metrics. CONCLUSION Our results suggest higher exposure to certain VOCs in pregnant women living in an area of intense unconventional natural gas exploitation compared with the general Canadian population, and that well density/proximity is associated with increased exposure to certain VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Health and Society, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Kyle Powys Whyte
- School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jonathan Chevrier
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Québec, Canada
| | - Sami Haddad
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS Du Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ray Copes
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine L Frohlich
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Dean Dokkie
- West Moberly First Nations, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sonje Juul
- Cumming School of Medicine, Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michèle Bouchard
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS Du Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS Du Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Koshko L, Scofield S, Mor G, Sadagurski M. Prenatal Pollutant Exposures and Hypothalamic Development: Early Life Disruption of Metabolic Programming. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:938094. [PMID: 35909533 PMCID: PMC9327615 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.938094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental contaminants in ambient air pollution pose a serious risk to long-term metabolic health. Strong evidence shows that prenatal exposure to pollutants can significantly increase the risk of Type II Diabetes (T2DM) in children and all ethnicities, even without the prevalence of obesity. The central nervous system (CNS) is critical in regulating whole-body metabolism. Within the CNS, the hypothalamus lies at the intersection of the neuroendocrine and autonomic systems and is primarily responsible for the regulation of energy homeostasis and satiety signals. The hypothalamus is particularly sensitive to insults during early neurodevelopmental periods and may be susceptible to alterations in the formation of neural metabolic circuitry. Although the precise molecular mechanism is not yet defined, alterations in hypothalamic developmental circuits may represent a leading cause of impaired metabolic programming. In this review, we present the current knowledge on the links between prenatal pollutant exposure and the hypothalamic programming of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Koshko
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Sydney Scofield
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Marianna Sadagurski
- Integrative Biosciences Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Marianna Sadagurski,
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A Roadmap for Navigating Occupational Exposures for Surgeons: A Special Consideration for the Pregnant Surgeon. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 147:513-523. [PMID: 33235051 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000007581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY Surgeons are exposed to occupational hazards daily. Risks include chemical, biological, and physical hazards that place providers at risk of serious harm. Departmental policies or written guides to help pregnant surgeons navigate the hospital are lacking. In response to the scarcity in the literature, the authors have summarized current guidelines and recommendations to aid surgeons in making an informed decision. In addition, the authors present a brief narrative of the impact of these exposures during pregnancy and methods of transmission and, where relevant, include specialties that are at risk of these exposures.
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Whitworth KW, Bosson-Rieutort D, Wendling G, Liu S, Verner MA. Density and proximity to hydraulic fracturing wells and birth outcomes in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:53-61. [PMID: 32651474 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-020-0245-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hydraulic fracturing, a method used in Northeastern British Columbia (Canada) to extract natural gas, can release contaminants with potential deleterious health effects on fetal development. To date, the association between hydraulic fracturing activity and birth outcomes has not been evaluated in this region. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between the hydraulic fracturing well density/proximity and birth outcomes (birthweight, head circumference, preterm birth and small for gestational age (SGA)). METHODS We used birth records from the Fort St John hospital between December 30, 2006 and December 29, 2016 (n = 6333 births). To estimate gestational exposure, we used inverse distance weighting (IDW) to calculate the density/proximity of hydraulic fracturing wells to pregnant women's postal code centroid. For each birth, we calculated three IDWs using 2.5, 5, and 10 km buffer zones around women's postal code centroid. We used linear and logistic regressions to evaluate associations between quartiles of postal code well density/proximity and birth outcomes, controlling for relevant covariates. RESULTS No associations were found between postal code well density/proximity and head circumference or SGA. A negative association was found between postal code well density/proximity and birthweight for infants born to women in the 2nd quartile of the 10 km buffer (β [95% confidence interval (CI)]: -47.28 g [-84.30; -10.25]), and in the 2nd (β [95% CI]: -40.87 g [-78.01; -3.73]) and 3rd (β [95% CI]: -42.01 g [-79.15; -4.87]) quartiles of the 5 km buffer. Increased odds of preterm birth were observed among women in the 2nd quartile of the 2.5 km buffer (odds ratio (OR) [95% CI]: 1.60 [1.30; 2.43]). CONCLUSIONS This is the first epidemiological study in Northeastern British Columbia evaluating associations between hydraulic fracturing and health outcomes. Our results show inconsistent patterns of association between hydraulic fracturing, preterm birth and reduced birthweight, and effect estimates did not match expected dose-response relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, 828 West 10th Avenue, Research Pavilion, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Health and Society and Department of Environmental and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Kristina W Whitworth
- Department of Medicine, Epidemiology and Population Sciences Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Delphine Bosson-Rieutort
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation (DGEPS), School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, H3N 1×9, Montreal, QC, Canada
- National Institute for Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESS), Information Management Team, 202 Avenue Union, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Wendling
- GW Solutions, Inc., 201-5180 Dublin Way, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Suyang Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, 115# Donghu Road, Wuhan, China
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC, Canada
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Markowska M, Krajewski A, Maciejewska D, Jeleń H, Kaczmarek M, Stachowska E. Qualitative analysis of surgical smoke produced during burn operations. Burns 2020; 46:1356-1364. [PMID: 32197792 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2020.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Burned tissue is necrotic and it is surrounded by a zone of stasis and hyperaemia with changed cell metabolism. The removal of burned tissue using an electric knife releases large amounts of surgical smoke. The aim of the research was to analyse volatile, nonpolar, organic compounds that are released during the excision of burned tissue using an electric knife (mono- and bipolar). The study includes analysis from 40 solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibres, exposed during 10 interventions (6 escharotomy and 4 necrectomy). The analysis of volatile compounds was performed using mass spectrometry gas chromatography (GCxGC-ToFMS).The total analysis covered 432 compounds, whereas after the removal of the "background" compounds - 153 volatile organic substances remained. The analysis of surgical smoke showed that, including derivatives, benzene constituted as much as 17.65% of all of the studied compounds. Cyclic compounds constituted on average 22.5% of the analysed substances, out of which cycloheptatrien constituted 20.26%. Alkanes, alcohols and their derivatives constituted nearly 25% of volatile organic compounds, with chloromethane constituting as much as 13.7%. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) revealed statistically significant differences between escharotomy and necrectomy patients (F(1.9) = 5.91, p = 0.007).Our study revealed the presence of complex toxic hydrocarbon derivatives in surgical smoke. We also observed that the content of surgical smoke is different depending on the type of the conducted intervention. So far, no studies focusing on hazards posed by surgical smoke that is released during the resection of burned tissue are in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Markowska
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland; West Pomeranian Center of Treating Severe Burns and Plastic Surgery in Gryfice, Gryfice, Poland
| | - Andrzej Krajewski
- West Pomeranian Center of Treating Severe Burns and Plastic Surgery in Gryfice, Gryfice, Poland
| | - Dominika Maciejewska
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Henryk Jeleń
- Department of Food Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, University of Life Sciences in Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ewa Stachowska
- Department of Human Nutrition and Metabolomics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.
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10
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Ahammer A, Halla M, Schneeweis N. The effect of prenatal maternity leave on short and long-term child outcomes. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2020; 70:102250. [PMID: 32062055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2019.102250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternity leave policies are designed to safeguard the health of pregnant workers and their unborn children. We evaluate a maternity leave extension in Austria which increased mandatory prenatal leave from 6 to 8 weeks. We exploit that the assignment to the extended leave was determined by a cutoff date. We find no evidence for significant effects of this extension on children's health at birth or long-term health and labor market outcomes. Subsequent maternal health and fertility are also unaffected. We conclude that employment during the 33rd and 34th week of gestation is not harmful for expecting mothers (without major problems in pregnancy) and their unborn children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ahammer
- Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory Aging, Health, and the Labor Market, Linz, Austria.
| | - Martin Halla
- Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory Aging, Health, and the Labor Market, Linz, Austria; IZA, Institute for the Study of Labor, Bonn, Germany; GÖG, Austrian Public Health Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicole Schneeweis
- Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria; Christian Doppler Laboratory Aging, Health, and the Labor Market, Linz, Austria; IZA, Institute for the Study of Labor, Bonn, Germany; CEPR, Centre for Economic Policy Research, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Li J, Yin P, Wang H, Zeng X, Zhang X, Wang L, Liu J, Liu Y, You J, Zhao Z, Yu S, Zhou M. The disease burden attributable to 18 occupational risks in China: an analysis for the global burden of disease study 2017. Environ Health 2020; 19:21. [PMID: 32075644 PMCID: PMC7031932 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00577-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND China has more than 18% of the global population and over 770 million workers. However, the burden of disease attributable to occupational risks is unavailable in China. We aimed to estimate the burden of disease attributable to occupational exposures at provincial levels from 1990 to 2017. METHODS We estimated the summary exposure values (SEVs), deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to occupational risk factors in China from 1990 to 2017, based on Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017. There were 18 occupational risks, 22 related causes, and 35 risk-outcome pairs included in this study. Meanwhile, we compared age-standardized death rates attributable to occupational risk factors in provinces of China by socio-demographic index (SDI). RESULTS The SEVs of most occupational risks increased from 1990 to 2017. There were 323,833 (95% UI 283,780 - 369,061) deaths and 14,060,210 (12,022,974 - 16,125,763) DALYs attributable to total occupational risks in China, which were 27.9 and 22.1% of corresponding global levels, respectively. For attributable deaths, major risks came from occupational particulate matter, gases, and fumes (PGFs), and for the attributable DALYs, from occupational injuries. The attributable burden was higher in males than in females. Compared with high SDI provinces, low SDI provinces, especially Western China, had higher death rates attributable to total occupational risks, occupational PGFs, and occupational injuries. CONCLUSION Occupational risks contribute to a huge disease burden in China. The attributable burden is higher in males, and in less developed provinces of Western China, reflecting differences in risk exposure, socioeconomic conditions, and type of jobs. Our study highlights the need for further research and focused policy interventions on the health of workers especially for less developed provinces in China to reduce occupational health losses effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Peng Yin
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Haidong Wang
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Xinying Zeng
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Lijun Wang
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Jiangmei Liu
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Yunning Liu
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Jinling You
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Zhenping Zhao
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Shicheng Yu
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Maigeng Zhou
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
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12
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Padula AM, Monk C, Brennan PA, Borders A, Barrett ES, McEvoy C, Foss S, Desai P, Alshawabkeh A, Wurth R, Salafia C, Fichorova R, Varshavsky J, Kress A, Woodruff TJ, Morello-Frosch R. A review of maternal prenatal exposures to environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors-implications for research on perinatal outcomes in the ECHO program. J Perinatol 2020; 40:10-24. [PMID: 31616048 PMCID: PMC6957228 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-019-0510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposures to environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors during pregnancy have been individually associated with adverse perinatal outcomes related to birthweight and gestational age, but are not often considered in combination. We review types of psychosocial stressors and instruments used to assess them and classes of environmental chemical exposures that are known to adversely impact perinatal outcomes, and identify studies relevant studies. We discuss the National Institutes of Health's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program that has combined existing longitudinal cohorts that include more than 50,000 children across the U.S. We describe future opportunities for investigators to use this important new resource for addressing relevant and critical research questions to maternal health. Of the 84 cohorts in ECHO, 38 collected data on environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors and perinatal outcomes. The diverse ECHO pregnancy cohorts provide capacity to compare regions with distinct place-based environmental and social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Padula
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
USA
| | | | | | - Ann Borders
- North Shore University Health System, Evanston, IL,
USA
| | | | | | - Sophie Foss
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Preeya Desai
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Raina Fichorova
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical
School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Amii Kress
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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Kumar S, Sharma A, Kshetrimayum C. Environmental & occupational exposure & female reproductive dysfunction. Indian J Med Res 2019; 150:532-545. [PMID: 32048617 PMCID: PMC7038808 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1652_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
All individuals are exposed to certain chemical, physical, biological, environmental as well as occupational factors. The data pertaining to role of these factors on female reproduction are scanty as compared to male. The available data suggest the adverse effects of certain toxicants, viz., metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury, pesticides such as bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane and organic solvent such as benzene, toluene and ionizing radiation on the female reproductive system affecting directly the organ system or impacting in directly through hormonal impairments, molecular alterations, oxidative stress and DNA methylation impairing fertility as well as pregnancy and its outcomes. Thus, there is a need for awareness and prevention programme about the adverse effects of these factors and deterioration of female reproductive health, pregnancy outcome and offspring development as some of these chemicals might affect the developing foetus at very low doses by endocrine disruptive mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- Division of Reproductive & Cyto-toxicology, ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Anupama Sharma
- Division of Reproductive & Cyto-toxicology, ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Chaoba Kshetrimayum
- Division of Reproductive & Cyto-toxicology, ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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14
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Zilversmit Pao L, Harville EW, Wickliffe JK, Shankar A, Buekens P. The Cumulative Risk of Chemical and Nonchemical Exposures on Birth Outcomes in Healthy Women: The Fetal Growth Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3700. [PMID: 31581440 PMCID: PMC6801557 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metals, stress, and sociodemographics are commonly studied separately for their effects on birth outcomes, yet often jointly contribute to adverse outcomes. This study analyzes two methods for measuring cumulative risk to understand how maternal chemical and nonchemical stressors may contribute to small for gestational age (SGA). SGA was calculated using sex-specific fetal growth curves for infants of pregnant mothers (n = 2562) enrolled in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Fetal Growth Study. The exposures (maternal lead, mercury, cadmium, Cohen's perceived stress, Edinburgh depression scores, race/ethnicity, income, and education) were grouped into three domains: metals, psychosocial stress, and sociodemographics. In Method 1 we created cumulative risk scores using tertiles. Method 2 employed weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. For each method, logistic models were built with three exposure domains individually and race/ethnicity, adjusting for age, parity, pregnancy weight gain, and marital status. The adjusted effect of overall cumulative risk with three domains, was also modeled using each method. Sociodemographics was the only exposure associated with SGA in unadjusted models ((odds ratio) OR: 1.35, 95% (confidence interval) CI: 1.08, 1.68). The three cumulative variables in adjusted models were not significant individually, but the overall index was associated with SGA (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.35). In the WQS model, only the sociodemographics domain was significantly associated with SGA. Sociodemographics tended to be the strongest risk factor for SGA in both risk score and WQS models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Zilversmit Pao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Emily W Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Jeffrey K Wickliffe
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Arti Shankar
- Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Pierre Buekens
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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15
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Lou XY, Wu PR, Guo Y. Urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in pregnant women and their association with a biomarker of oxidative stress. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:27281-27290. [PMID: 31325095 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during pregnancy may pose adverse health risk to both the mothers and babies. In the present study, 188 pregnant women of different trimesters were recruited in Guangzhou, south China, and nine hydroxyl PAHs (OH-PAHs) and a biomarker of DNA oxidative damage, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), were determined in their urine samples. All OH-PAHs except for 4-hydroxyphenanthrene and 6-hydroxychrysene were found in > 90% samples, with total concentration in the range of 0.52 to 42.9 μg/g creatinine. In general, concentration levels of OH-PAHs in pregnant women were lower than those in general population in the same research area but with higher levels in working women than in housewives. The mean daily intakes of PAHs from dietary estimated by urinary OH-PAHs were 0.021, 0.004, 0.047, and 0.030 μg/kg_bw/day for naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and pyrene, respectively, which were much lower than the reference doses (20, 30, and 40 μg/kg_bw/day for naphthalene, pyrene, and fluorene, respectively) derived from chronic oral exposure data by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The low exposure levels of PAHs may be attributed to the traditional dietary taboo of Chinese pregnant women, which is to minimize the consumption of "toxic" food. The concentrations of 8-OHdG (4.67-49.4 μg/g creatinine) were significantly positively correlated with concentrations of several OH-PAHs, such as metabolites of naphthalene, fluorene, and phenanthrene (r = 0.3-0.6). In addition, the concentrations of 8-OHdG were higher in working women than in housewives when exposed to the same levels of PAHs, partly indicating the possible relation between work-related pressure for working women and the oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yin Lou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Peng-Ran Wu
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ying Guo
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Edokpolo B, Yu QJ, Connell D. Use of toxicant sensitivity distributions (TSD) for development of exposure guidelines for risk to human health from benzene. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 250:386-396. [PMID: 31022644 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This technique for setting guideline values differs from that currently used by regulatory agencies throughout the world. Data for benzene were evaluated from epidemiological studies on human populations (29 studies). Exposure durations were evaluated in terms of Long Term Exposure (LTE) and Lifetime Exposure. All data was reported as Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Levels (LOAEL) and converted into exposure doses using Average Daily Dose (ADD) and Lifetime Average Daily Dose (LADD). These values were plotted as a Toxicant Sensitivity Distribution (TSD) which was the cumulative probability of LOAEL-ADD and LOAEL-LADD. From the TSD plots, linear regression equations gave correlation coefficients (R2) ranging from 0.69 to 0.97 indicating normal distributions. Guideline Values (GVs) for LTE (8hr/day) and Lifetime (24hr/70yrs) exposure to benzene were calculated using data from human epidemiological studies as 5% level of cumulative probability (CP) of LOAEL-ADD and LOAEL-LADD from the cumulative probability distributions (CPD). The derived guideline values from the human epidemiological studies were 92 μg/kg/day for LTE and 3.4 μg/kg/day for lifetime exposure. GV for LTE is appropriate for occupational exposure and GV derived for lifetime exposure appropriate for the general population. The guideline value for occupational exposure limit was below all the guideline values developed by regulatory agencies. But the general population guideline is within the range of values formulated by European Union, ATSDR, EPAQS, USEPA and OEHHA for air quality for the general population. This is an alternative method which eliminates the application of safety factors and other sources of errors in deriving guideline values for benzene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Edokpolo
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane, 4111, QLD, Australia
| | - Qiming Jimmy Yu
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane, 4111, QLD, Australia.
| | - Des Connell
- School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane, 4111, QLD, Australia
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17
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Selander J, Rylander L, Albin M, Rosenhall U, Lewné M, Gustavsson P. Full-time exposure to occupational noise during pregnancy was associated with reduced birth weight in a nationwide cohort study of Swedish women. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:1137-1143. [PMID: 30360245 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Noise is a common exposure in the occupational work environment. Earlier studies of occupational noise and pregnancy outcome are few and show mixed results. To investigate if objectively assessed exposure to occupational noise during pregnancy is associated with reduced intrauterine growth and/or preterm birth a nationwide cohort study of 857,010 single births was initiated. Individual information on occupation and risk factors was retrieved from prenatal care interviews at pregnancy week 10. Occupational noise was classified into three exposure categories <75, 75-85, >85 dBA by a job exposure matrix. Odds ratios were adjusted for BMI, smoking, parity, education, physically strenuous work and low job control. Exposure to high (>85 dBA) levels of occupational noise throughout the pregnancy (full time workers) was associated with an increased risk of the child being born small for gestational age, OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.03) compared to noise exposure <75 dBA. A similar increase was seen for low birth weight OR 1.36 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.80) for high levels of noise. No clear association was seen for preterm birth. No consistent effects on birth outcome was observed in women who had worked part-time or were on leave of absence >21 days (median). In summary, full-time exposure to high levels of noise during pregnancy was associated with a slightly reduced fetal growth but not with preterm birth. The effect of intermediate occupational noise exposure (75-85 dBA) showed a small, but statistically increased risk for all studied birth outcomes. The study strengthens the evidence that pregnant women should not be long-term exposed to high levels >85 dBA of occupational noise during pregnancy. Intermediate exposure should be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Selander
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lars Rylander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria Albin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Rosenhall
- Unit of Audiology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Habilitation & Health, Audiology Department, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
| | - Marie Lewné
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Gustavsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Prenatal stress and child development: A scoping review of research in low- and middle-income countries. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207235. [PMID: 30592715 PMCID: PMC6310253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Past research has shown relationships between stress during pregnancy, and related psychosocial health measures such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, with infant, child, and adult outcomes. However, most research is from high-income countries. We conducted a scoping review to identify research studies on prenatal stress and outcomes of the pregnancy or offspring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and to synthesize the stress measures and outcomes assessed, the findings observed, and directions for future research. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO for English-language abstracts published from Jan 1960-Jan 2017. Search terms were related to stress and psychosocial health; pregnancy; infant or child development; and LMICs. RESULTS 48 articles were identified. Sixty percent of studies were in upper-middle, 25% in lower-middle, and 15% in low income countries. Most studies used questionnaires, either existing or tailor-made, to assess stress. Eight assessed cortisol. Most studies (n = 31) assessed infant outcomes at birth, particularly gestational age or preterm birth (n = 22, 12 showing significant relationships), and birthweight (n = 21, 14 showing significant relationships). Five studies analyzed outcomes later in infancy such as temperament and motor development, all showing significant results; and nine in childhood such as behavioral development, asthma, and physical growth, with eight showing significant results. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the importance of prenatal stress on infant and child outcomes in LMICs. Methods used in high-income countries are successfully employed in LMICs, but tailored tools remain necessary. Careful assessment of covariates is needed to foster analyses of interactive effects and pathways. Studies including longer-term follow-up should be prioritized.
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19
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Chang M, Lee D, Park H, Ha M, Hong YC, Kim Y, Kim BN, Kim Y, Lim YH, Ha EH. Prenatal TVOCs exposure negatively influences postnatal neurobehavioral development. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 618:977-981. [PMID: 29153381 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to volatile organic compounds may restrict fetal development and adversely influence infants' life. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between prenatal exposure to total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and postnatal neurobehavioral development. A subsample of 383 pregnant participants was chosen from the prospective birth cohort study of Mother and Children's Environmental Health Study; MOCEH (N=1,751) from three regions of the Republic of Korea (Seoul, Cheon-an, and Ulsan). Participants were enrolled during their first trimester with informed consent. We investigated maternal characteristics including socio-economic and obstetrical history using questionnaires. An environmental hygienist measured participating mothers' personal TVOC exposure using passive samplers during pregnancy. Participants visited the research center at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. At each visit, questionnaires about infantile environment and health conditions were answered and a neurobehavioral test (BSID-II) was conducted by certified investigators. We conducted multiple general linear and mixed model analyses to investigate the relationship between TVOC and infantile neurobehavioral development (SAS 9.3). Mean prenatal TVOC exposure was 284.2μg/m3. In longitudinal analyses on infantile neurobehavioral development, adjusted mean psychomotor development index and mental developmental index scores in high TVOC exposure group (cut off at Q3: 374.0 ug/m3) were 3 points lower than the low exposure group. Results suggested exposure to higher TVOC during the fetal period may adversely influence neurobehavioral development in the early life stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moonhee Chang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, South Korea
| | - Dongheon Lee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, USA
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, South Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Boong-Nyun Kim
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yeni Kim
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, National Center for Mental Health, South Korea
| | - Youn-Hee Lim
- Environmental Health Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, South Korea.
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20
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Caron-Beaudoin É, Valter N, Chevrier J, Ayotte P, Frohlich K, Verner MA. Gestational exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada: A pilot study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 110:131-138. [PMID: 29122312 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Northeastern British Columbia (Canada) is an area of intense hydraulic fracturing for unconventional natural gas exploitation. There have been multiple reports of air and water contamination by volatile organic compounds in the vicinity of gas wells. Although these chemicals are known developmental toxicants, no biomonitoring effort has been carried out in the region. OBJECTIVE To evaluate gestational exposure to benzene and toluene in the Peace River Valley, Northeastern British Columbia (Canada). METHODS Urine samples were collected over five consecutive days from 29 pregnant women. Metabolites of benzene (s-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA) and trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA)) and toluene (s-benzylmercapturic acid (S-BMA)) were measured in pooled urine samples from each participant. Levels of benzene metabolites were compared to those from the general Canadian population and from a biomonitoring study of residents from an area of active gas exploitation in Pavillion, Wyoming (USA). Levels measured in participants from the two recruitment sites, and self-identifying as Indigenous or non-Indigenous, were also compared. RESULTS Whereas the median S-PMA level (0.18μg/g creatinine) in our study was similar to that in the general Canadian population, the median t,t-MA level (180μg/g creatinine) was approximately 3.5 times higher. Five women had t,t-MA levels above the biological exposure index® proposed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The median urinary S-BMA level in our pilot study was 7.00μg/g creatinine. Urinary metabolite levels were slightly higher in self-identifying Indigenous women, but this difference was only statistically significant for S-PMA. DISCUSSION Urinary t,t-MA levels, but not S-PMA levels, measured in our study are suggestive of a higher benzene exposure in participating pregnant women from the Peace River Valley than in the general Canadian population. Given the small sample size and limitations of t,t-MA measurements (e.g., non-specificity), more extensive monitoring is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; Université de Montréal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Université de Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada; INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada; Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Well-Being, Health, Society and Environment (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada.
| | - Naomi Valter
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; Université de Montréal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Université de Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada
| | - Jonathan Chevrier
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University Faculty of Medecine, 1020 Pine Avenue West, room 42, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Centre de toxicologie du Québec, Institut National de la Santé Publique du Québec, 945 avenue Wolfe, Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada; Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Katherine Frohlich
- Université de Montréal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Université de Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 2375 chemin de la Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; Université de Montréal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Université de Montréal, 7101, Parc Ave., Montreal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada
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21
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Chang M, Park H, Ha M, Hong YC, Lim YH, Kim Y, Kim YJ, Lee D, Ha EH. The effect of prenatal TVOC exposure on birth and infantile weight: the Mothers and Children's Environmental Health study. Pediatr Res 2017; 82:423-428. [PMID: 28422943 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) might restrict prenatal and postnatal growth. However, the effect of the exposure of prenatal VOCs on postnatal growth has not been studied sufficiently. Thus, we investigated the relationship between the exposure of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) during pregnancy and its effects on postnatal growth.METHODSA total of 383 pregnant participants were enrolled from 2006 to 2008. We investigated maternal characteristics using a questionnaire. Personal air samples of TVOCs were obtained in mid or late pregnancy. After these mothers had given birth, 360 singleton newborns were selected and postnatal follow-up data were collected at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, as well as anthropometric factors including body weight. Multiple general linear and mixed models were applied for statistical analyses.RESULTSThe mean concentration of prenatal exposure to TVOCs was 284.2 μg/m3 and that of formaldehyde was 81.6 μg/m3. The birth weight of newborns decreased significantly with prenatal TVOC exposure (β=-45.89, P=0.04). The adjusted mean body weight was 300 g lower in the high-TVOC group (⩾75th) compared with that in the low-exposure group (<75th).CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that elevated exposure to TVOCs during the prenatal period may adversely influence early postnatal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moonhee Chang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youn-Hee Lim
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Young Ju Kim
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dongheon Lee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts
| | - Eun-Hee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
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Vesterinen HM, Morello-Frosch R, Sen S, Zeise L, Woodruff TJ. Cumulative effects of prenatal-exposure to exogenous chemicals and psychosocial stress on fetal growth: Systematic-review of the human and animal evidence. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176331. [PMID: 28700705 PMCID: PMC5507491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse effects of prenatal stress or environmental chemical exposures on fetal growth are well described, yet their combined effect remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review on the combined impact and interaction of prenatal exposure to stress and chemicals on developmental outcomes. METHODS We used the first three steps of the Navigation Guide systematic review. We wrote a protocol, performed a robust literature search to identify relevant animal and human studies and extracted data on developmental outcomes. For the most common outcome (fetal growth), we evaluated risk of bias, calculated effect sizes for main effects of individual and combined exposures, and performed a random effects meta-analysis of those studies reporting on odds of low birthweight (LBW) by smoking and socioeconomic status (SES). RESULTS We identified 17 human- and 22 animal-studies of combined chemical and stress exposures and fetal growth. Human studies tended to have a lower risk of bias across nine domains. Generally, we found stronger effects for chemicals than stress, and these exposures were associated with reduced fetal growth in the low-stress group and the association was often greater in high stress groups, with limited evidence of effect modification. We found smoking associated with significantly increased odds of LBW, with a greater effect for high stress (low SES; OR 4.75 (2.46-9.16)) compared to low stress (high SES; OR 1.95 (95% CI 1.53-2.48)). Animal studies generally had a high risk of bias with no significant combined effect or effect modification. CONCLUSIONS We found that despite concern for the combined effects of environmental chemicals and stress, this is still an under-studied topic, though limited available human studies indicate chemical exposures exert stronger effects than stress, and this effect is generally larger in the presence of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna M. Vesterinen
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management and School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, United States of America
| | - Saunak Sen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, United States of America
| | - Lauren Zeise
- California Environmental Protection Agency Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Oakland, United States of America
| | - Tracey J. Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Alves LP, Vieira DSP, Nunes LSS, Cruz LPS, Reis ACS, Gomes ÍVS, Luz SR, Santos AVS, Esteves MB. Relationship between Symptoms, Use of PPE and Habits Related to Occupational Exposure to BTEX Compounds in Workers of Gas Stations in Bahia, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.4236/jep.2017.85042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Desrosiers TA, Lawson CC, Meyer RE, Stewart PA, Waters MA, Correa A, Olshan AF. Assessed occupational exposure to chlorinated, aromatic and Stoddard solvents during pregnancy and risk of fetal growth restriction. Occup Environ Med 2015; 72:587-93. [PMID: 26076683 PMCID: PMC4572733 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-102835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous experimental and epidemiological research suggests that maternal exposure to some organic solvents during pregnancy may increase the risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR). We evaluated the association between expert-assessed occupational solvent exposure and risk of small for gestational age (SGA) infants in a population-based sample of women in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. METHODS We analysed data from 2886 mothers and their infants born between 1997 and 2002. Job histories were self-reported. Probability of exposure to six chlorinated, three aromatic and one petroleum solvent was assessed by industrial hygienists. SGA was defined as birthweight<10th centile of birthweight-by-gestational age in a national reference. Logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs to assess the association between SGA and exposure to any solvent(s) or specific solvent classes, adjusting for maternal age and education. RESULTS Approximately 8% of infants were SGA. Exposure prevalence to any solvent was 10% and 8% among mothers of SGA and non-SGA infants, respectively. Among women with ≥ 50% probability of exposure, we observed elevated but imprecise associations between SGA and exposure to any solvent(s) (1.71; 0.86 to 3.40), chlorinated solvents (1.70; 0.69 to 4.01) and aromatic solvents (1.87; 0.78 to 4.50). CONCLUSIONS This is the first population-based study in the USA to investigate the potential association between FGR and assessed maternal occupational exposure to distinct classes of organic solvents during pregnancy. The potential associations observed between SGA and exposure to chlorinated and aromatic solvents are based on small numbers and merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania A Desrosiers
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christina C Lawson
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert E Meyer
- North Carolina Division of Public Health, Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Centre for Health Statistics, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Martha A Waters
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Adolfo Correa
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Centre, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Andrew F Olshan
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Edokpolo B, Yu QJ, Connell D. Health risk characterization for exposure to benzene in service stations and petroleum refineries environments using human adverse response data. Toxicol Rep 2015; 2:917-927. [PMID: 28962430 PMCID: PMC5598410 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Health risk characterization of exposure to benzene in service stations and petroleum refineries has been carried out in previous studies using guideline values set by various agencies. In this work, health risk was characterized with the exposure data as cumulative probability distribution (CPD) plots but using human epidemiological data. This was achieved by using lowest observable adverse effects levels (LOAEL) data plotted as cumulative probability lowest effects distribution (CPLED). The health risk due to benzene was characterized by using probabilistic methods of hazard quotient (HQ50/50 and HQ95/5), Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS) and overall risk probability (ORP). CPD relationships of adverse health effects relationships and exposure data were in terms of average daily dose (ADD) and lifetime average daily dose (LADD) for benzene. For service station environments HQ50/50 and HQ95/5 were in a range of 0.000071-0.055 and 0.0049-21, respectively. On the other hand, the risk estimated for petroleum refinery environments suggests higher risk with HQ50/50 and HQ95/5 values ranging from 0.0012 to 77 and 0.17 to 560, respectively. The results of Monte-Carlo risk probability (MRP) and ORP indicated that workers in petroleum refineries (MRP of 2.9-56% and ORP of 4.6-52% of the affected population) were at a higher risk of adverse health effects from exposure to benzene as compared to exposure to benzene in service station environments (MRP of 0.051 -3.4% and ORP of 0.35-2.7% affected population). The adverse effect risk probabilities estimated by using the Monte-Carlo simulation technique and the ORP method were found to be generally consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Edokpolo
- Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane 4111, QLD, Australia
| | - Qiming Jimmy Yu
- Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane 4111, QLD, Australia
| | - Des Connell
- Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane 4111, QLD, Australia
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Ristovska G, Laszlo HE, Hansell AL. Reproductive outcomes associated with noise exposure - a systematic review of the literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:7931-52. [PMID: 25101773 PMCID: PMC4143841 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110807931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: High noise exposure during critical periods in gestation is a potential stressor that may result in increased risk of implantation failure, dysregulation of placentation or decrease of uterine blood flow. This paper systematically reviews published evidence on associations between reproductive outcomes and occupational and environmental noise exposure. Methods: The Web of Science, PubMed and Embase electronic databases were searched for papers published between 1970 to June 2014 and via colleagues. We included 14 epidemiological studies related to occupational noise exposure and nine epidemiological studies related to environmental noise exposure. There was some evidence for associations between occupational noise exposure and low birthweight, preterm birth and small for gestational age, either independently or together with other occupational risk factors. Five of six epidemiologic studies, including the two largest studies, found significant associations between lower birthweight and higher noise exposure. There were few studies on other outcomes and study design issues may have led to bias in assessments in some studies. Conclusions: There is evidence for associations between noise exposure and adverse reproductive outcomes from animal studies. Few studies in have been conducted in humans but there is some suggestive evidence of adverse associations with environmental noise from both occupational and epidemiological studies, especially for low birthweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Ristovska
- Department for Environmental Health, Institute of Public Health of Republic of Macedonia, 50 Divizija No. 6, Skopje 1000, Republic of Macedonia.
| | - Helga Elvira Laszlo
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Anna L Hansell
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.
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Job strain and psychological distress among employed pregnant Thai women: role of social support and coping strategies. Arch Womens Ment Health 2014; 17:317-26. [PMID: 24414302 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-013-0410-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Most Thai women continue to work throughout their pregnancy; however, little is known about job strain and its relation to psychological distress. This study aimed to examine: (1) the direct effects of job strain, perceived workplace support, perceived family support, and coping strategies on psychological distress and (2) the moderating effect of perceived workplace support, perceived family support, and coping strategies on the relationship between job strain and psychological distress. Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping guided this cross-sectional study. Full-time employed pregnant women (N = 300) were recruited from three antenatal clinics in Thailand. Thai versions of the following instruments were used: the State-Anxiety Inventory and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (psychological distress), the Job Content Questionnaire (job strain and perceived workplace support), the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey (perceived family support), and the Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised (coping strategies). Job strain with other predictors explained 54% of the variance in psychological distress. In the separate hierarchical multiple linear regression models, two types of coping strategies, seeking social support and wishful thinking, moderated the effects of job strain on psychological distress. Perceived family support had a direct effect in reducing psychological distress. Job strain is a significant contributor to psychological distress. The average levels of seeking social support and wishful thinking were most beneficial in moderating the negative impact of job strain on psychological distress. Since perceived workplace and family support did not have moderating effects, stress management programs for decreasing the levels of job strain should be developed.
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Gene-environment interaction among GSTT1, PON2 polymorphisms and organic solvents on gestational age in a Chinese women cohort. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:881-8. [PMID: 24845160 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0256-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate interactions on gestational age among two environmental risk factors and four maternal genetic polymorphisms: organic solvents, passive smoking, CYP1A1 rs4646903 (MspI), EPHX1 rs2234922 (His139Arg), GSTT1 and PON2 rs12026 (Ala148Gly). METHODS A pregnant women cohort was conducted at Beijing Yanshan Petrochemical Corporation, and 1,097 mothers with live singleton births were included in analysis. Generalized Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (GMDR) method was used to explore interactions among these factors with adjustment for important potential confounders. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the association of interaction with gestational age. RESULTS A three-factor model of organic solvents, GSTT1 and PON2 rs12026 had the highest testing balanced accuracy (57.05 %) and best cross-validation consistency (10/10). Compared with organic solvents unexposed mothers with GSTT1 non-null genotype and PON2 rs12026 CC genotype, organic solvents exposed mothers with GSTT1 null genotype and PON2 rs12026 CG + GG genotype had the largest reduction in gestational age (-0.36 weeks, 95%CI: -0.70 to -0.02). The significant reductions in different groups were from 0.24 weeks to 0.36 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Maternal genetic susceptibility GSTT1 and PON2 rs12026 could significantly modify the association of organic solvents with gestational age.
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Bahadar H, Mostafalou S, Abdollahi M. Current understandings and perspectives on non-cancer health effects of benzene: a global concern. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2014; 276:83-94. [PMID: 24589379 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Benzene, as a volatile organic compound, is known as one of the main air pollutants in the environment. The aim of this review is to summarize all available evidences on non-cancerous health effects of benzene providing an overview of possible association of exposure to benzene with human chronic diseases, specially, in those regions of the world where benzene concentration is being poorly monitored. METHODOLOGY A bibliographic search of scientific databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scirus was conducted with key words of "benzene toxic health effects", "environmental volatile organic compounds", "diabetes mellitus and environmental pollutants", "breast cancer and environmental pollution", "prevalence of lung cancer", and "diabetes prevalence". More than 300 peer reviewed papers were examined. Experimental and epidemiologic studies reporting health effects of benzene and volatile organic compounds were included in the study. RESULTS Epidemiologic and experimental studies suggest that benzene exposure can lead to numerous non-cancerous health effects associated with functional aberration of vital systems in the body like reproductive, immune, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and respiratory. CONCLUSION Chronic diseases have become a health burden of global dimension with special emphasis in regions with poor monitoring over contents of benzene in petrochemicals. Benzene is a well known carcinogen of blood and its components, but the concern of benzene exposure is more than carcinogenicity of blood components and should be evaluated in both epidemiologic and experimental studies. Aspect of interactions and mechanism of toxicity in relation to human general health problems especially endocrine disturbances with particular reference to diabetes, breast and lung cancers should be followed up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haji Bahadar
- International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Sara Mostafalou
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
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Rocha LP, Cezar-Vaz MR, Almeida MCVD, Bonow CA, Silva MSD, Costa VZD. Use of personal protective equipment by gas stations workers: a nursing contribution. TEXTO & CONTEXTO ENFERMAGEM 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/s0104-07072014000100023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study's objective was to identify the use of personal protective equipment by gas stations' workers in the city of Rio Grande, RS, Brazil. This quantitative, descriptive and exploratory study was conducted with 221 workers from 22 gas stations using a questionnaire and non-participative and symmetrical observation. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis and question quality was controlled through Cronbach's alpha test, which obtained a result of 0.96. The results indicate a predominance of multitasking, while workers self-reported the use of boots, aprons, gloves, masks, goggles, earplugs and uniforms. Observation, however, showed incoherence in the workers' reports, since only boots and uniforms were actually used. The results show there is a need for nurses to implement protective and preventive actions to assure workers are not exposed to risks and hazards, while also encouraging health surveillance.
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Hamidin N, Yu J, Phung DT, Connell D, Chu C. Volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (VAHs) in residential indoor air in Brisbane, Australia. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 92:1430-1435. [PMID: 23683354 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (VAHs: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, mp-xylene, o-xylene, styrene, naphthalene) in residential indoor air in Brisbane, Australia were measured in 32 houses. The total VAHs (TVAHs) levels ranged between 2 and 137μg/m(3) and were lower than the most of the houses in the literature data. The VAHs were believed to originate from heat insulation systems, building material products as well motor vehicles but naphthalene and styrene originated from other sources. Internal garages had concentrations which are higher than the indoor air by 25-50% due to the presence of motor vehicles and may be a major source of indoor VAHs. However indoor concentrations are higher than that in the outdoor ambient air. The age of the house was found to be negatively related to VAHs concentrations in the houses with the half-life of TVAH at approximately 13years. The concentration levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and styrene are well below the guideline values set by agencies from Hong Kong, Japan, Germany and the WHO while the concentration level of naphthalene in one house exceeded the guideline value from Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrul Hamidin
- Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
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Slama R, Cordier S. Impact des facteurs environnementaux physiques et chimiques sur le déroulement et les issues de grossesse. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 42:413-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2013.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ghosh JKC, Wilhelm M, Ritz B. Effects of residential indoor air quality and household ventilation on preterm birth and term low birth weight in Los Angeles County, California. Am J Public Health 2013; 103:686-94. [PMID: 23409879 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2012.300987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of our study was to examine the effects of indoor residential air quality on preterm birth and term low birth weight (LBW). METHODS We evaluated 1761 nonsmoking women from a case-control survey of mothers who delivered a baby in 2003 in Los Angeles County, California. In multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for maternal age, education, race/ethnicity, parity and birthplace, we evaluated the effects of living with smokers or using personal or household products that may contain volatile organic compounds and examined the influence of household ventilation. RESULTS Compared with unexposed mothers, women exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home had increased odds of term LBW (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85, 2.18) and preterm birth (adjusted OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 0.95, 1.70), although 95% CIs included the null. No increase in risk was observed for SHS-exposed mothers reporting moderate or high window ventilation. Associations were also observed for product usage, but only for women reporting low or no window ventilation. CONCLUSIONS Residential window ventilation may mitigate the effects of indoor air pollution among pregnant women in Los Angeles County, California.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Kay C Ghosh
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
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Loomans EM, van Dijk AE, Vrijkotte TGM, van Eijsden M, Stronks K, Gemke RJBJ, Van den Bergh BRH. Psychosocial stress during pregnancy is related to adverse birth outcomes: results from a large multi-ethnic community-based birth cohort. Eur J Public Health 2012; 23:485-91. [PMID: 22850187 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cks097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence rates of psychosocial stress during pregnancy are substantial. Evidence for associations between psychosocial stress and birth outcomes is inconsistent. This study aims to identify and characterize different clusters of pregnant women, each with a distinct pattern of psychosocial stress, and investigate whether birth outcomes differ between these clusters. METHODS Latent class analysis was performed on data of 7740 pregnant women (Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study). Included constructs were depressive symptoms, state anxiety, job strain, pregnancy-related anxiety and parenting stress. RESULTS Five clusters of women with distinct patterns of psychosocial stress were objectively identified. Babies born from women in the cluster characterized as 'high depression and high anxiety, moderate job strain' (12%) had a lower birth weight, and those in the 'high depression and high anxiety, not employed' cluster (15%) had an increased risk of pre-term birth. CONCLUSIONS Babies from pregnant women reporting both high levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms are at highest risk for adverse birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Loomans
- Department of Psychology, Tilburg University, The Netherlands.
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Zahran S, Weiler S, Mielke HW, Pena AA. Maternal benzene exposure and low birth weight risk in the United States: a natural experiment in gasoline reformulation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 112:139-146. [PMID: 22177084 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the relationship between maternal exposure to benzene and birth weight outcomes for resident births in the United States in 1996 and 1999, taking advantage of a natural experiment afforded by the regulation of benzene content of gasoline in various American cities. Regression results show that a unit increase (μg/m(3)) in maternal exposure to benzene reduces birth weight by 16.5 g (95% CI, 17.6 to 15.4). A unit increase in benzene exposure increases the odds of a low birth weight event by 7%. Similarly, a 1 μg/m(3) increase in benzene concentration increases the odds of very low birth weight event by a multiplicative factor of 1.23 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.28). Difference-in-differences analyses show that birth weight increased by 13.7 g (95% CI, 10.7 to 16.8) and the risk of low birth weight decreased by a factor of .95 (95% CI, .93 to .98) in counties experiencing a 25% decline in benzene concentrations from 1996 to 1999. Public health policy and economic implications of results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Zahran
- Department of Economics, Center for Disaster and Risk Analysis, Colorado State University, C312A Clark Building, Fort Collins, CO, 80523-1771, USA.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED This literature review is meant to serve as a brief reference for acute and chronic poisonings in pregnant women, specifically involving environmental toxicants commonly present in the home or workplace. These scenarios are familiar to primary care providers but cause great confusion for practitioners and anxiety in the pregnant patient. Herein, we review metals and metalloids, organic solvents, disinfectant byproducts, pesticides, plasticizers, and multiple air pollutants. Reviews of specific studies involving these toxicants are provided to assist practitioners in providing information to patients regarding potential sources, mechanism of action, current laboratory and epidemiological studies, and possible treatments. Literature-based associations with specific toxicants and various pregnancy outcomes are also outlined. Finally, a contact list of important federal and state toxicology support services is provided. TARGET AUDIENCE Obstetricians & Gynecologists. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completing this CME activity, physicians should be better able to assess both acute and chronic consequences of various environmental toxic exposures in pregnancy; to evaluate possible pregnancy related specific events surrounding environmental pollutants; and to identify common exposure routes and implement therapeutic interventions where appropriate.
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Sørensen M, Andersen AMN, Raaschou-Nielsen O. Non-occupational exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy and fetal growth in a general population. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2010; 110:383-387. [PMID: 20219188 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2010.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2009] [Revised: 02/05/2010] [Accepted: 02/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to organic solvents during pregnancy has been associated with reduced fetal growth. Though organic solvents in the form of paint fumes are also found in the home environment, no studies have investigated the effect of such exposure in a general population. We studied associations between residential exposure to paint fumes during pregnancy and fetal growth within the Danish National Birth Cohort which consecutively recruited pregnant women from 1996 to 2002 from all over Denmark. Around the 30th pregnancy week, 19,000 mothers were interviewed about use of paint in their residence during pregnancy. The mothers were also asked about smoking habits and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy weight, height, parity and occupation. Information on birth weight and gestational age was obtained from national registers. We found that 45% of the mothers had been exposed to paint fumes in their residence during pregnancy. We found a statistically significant inverse relationship between exposure to paint fumes and the risk of being small for gestational age. There were no statistically significant associations between exposure to paint fumes and birth weight and risk of preterm birth after adjustment for potential confounders. Our results suggest that there are no causal relationship between non-occupational exposure to paint fumes in the residence during pregnancy and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Sørensen
- Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Danish Cancer Society, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Van Dyke P. A literature review of air medical work hazards and pregnancy. Air Med J 2010; 29:40-47. [PMID: 20123310 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 08/15/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
An increased percentage of miscarriages among coworkers at one air medical transport company in 2008 prompted a literature review of selected hazards relevant to the profession of rotor wing air medical flight crew. Because of a lack of known research specific to this population, relevant studies from 1990 to 2008 were chosen to investigate pregnancy risks associated with exposure to vibration, jet fuel, noise, altitude, and fatigue in other occupations. Findings were summarized and recommendations made for future research.
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Vrijkotte TGM, van der Wal MF, van Eijsden M, Bonsel GJ. First-trimester working conditions and birthweight: a prospective cohort study. Am J Public Health 2009; 99:1409-16. [PMID: 19542045 PMCID: PMC2707468 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.138412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship between women's first-trimester working conditions and infant birthweight. METHODS Pregnant women (N = 8266) participating in the Amsterdam Born Children and Their Development study completed a questionnaire gathering information on employment and working conditions. After exclusions, 7135 women remained in our analyses. Low birthweight and delivery of a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant were the main outcome measures. RESULTS After adjustment, a workweek of 32 hours or more (mean birthweight decrease of 43 g) and high job strain (mean birthweight decrease of 72 g) were significantly associated with birthweight. Only high job strain increased the risk of delivering an SGA infant (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 2.2). After adjustment, the combination of high job strain and a long workweek resulted in the largest birthweight reduction (150 g) and the highest risk of delivering an SGA infant (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.2, 3.2). CONCLUSIONS High levels of job strain during early pregnancy are associated with reduced birthweight and an increased risk of delivering an SGA infant, particularly if mothers work 32 or more hours per week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja G M Vrijkotte
- Department of Social Medicine, Academic Medical Centre Amsterdam, 1100 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Slama R, Thiebaugeorges O, Goua V, Aussel L, Sacco P, Bohet A, Forhan A, Ducot B, Annesi-Maesano I, Heinrich J, Magnin G, Schweitzer M, Kaminski M, Charles MA. Maternal personal exposure to airborne benzene and intrauterine growth. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:1313-21. [PMID: 19672414 PMCID: PMC2721878 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0800465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2008] [Accepted: 04/01/2009] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies relying on outdoor pollutants measures have reported associations between air pollutants and birth weight. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess the relation between maternal personal exposure to airborne benzene during pregnancy and fetal growth. METHODS We recruited pregnant women in two French maternity hospitals in 2005-2006 as part of the EDEN mother-child cohort. A subsample of 271 nonsmoking women carried a diffusive air sampler for a week during the 27th gestational week, allowing assessment of benzene exposure. We estimated head circumference of the offspring by ultrasound measurements during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at birth. RESULTS Median benzene exposure was 1.8 microg/m(3) (5th, 95th percentiles, 0.5, 7.5 microg/m(3)). Log-transformed benzene exposure was associated with a gestational age-adjusted decrease of 68 g in mean birth weight [95% confidence interval (CI), -135 to -1 g] and of 1.9 mm in mean head circumference at birth (95% CI, -3.8 to 0.0 mm). It was associated with an adjusted decrease of 1.9 mm in head circumference assessed during the third trimester (95% CI, -4.0 to 0.3 mm) and of 1.5 mm in head circumference assessed at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy (95% CI, -3.1 to 0 mm). CONCLUSIONS Our prospective study among pregnant women is one of the first to rely on personal monitoring of exposure; a limitation is that exposure was assessed during 1 week only. Maternal benzene exposure was associated with decreases in birth weight and head circumference during pregnancy and at birth. This association could be attributable to benzene and a mixture of associated traffic-related air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Slama
- Inserm, Institut national de la santé et de la recherché médicale, University J Fourier Grenoble, Avenir Team Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Fecundity and Reproduction, U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble, France.
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Bellinger DL, Lubahn C, Lorton D. Maternal and early life stress effects on immune function: relevance to immunotoxicology. J Immunotoxicol 2009; 5:419-44. [PMID: 19404876 DOI: 10.1080/15476910802483415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is triggered by a variety of unexpected environmental stimuli, such as aggressive behavior, fear, forced physical activity, sudden environmental changes, social isolation or pathological conditions. Stressful experiences during very early life (particularly, maternal stress during fetal ontogeny) can permanently alter the responsiveness of the nervous system, an effect called programming or imprinting. Programming affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, brain neurotransmitter systems, sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and the cognitive abilities of the offspring, which can alter neural regulation of immune function. Prenatal or early life stress may contribute to the maladaptive immune responses to stress that occur later in life. This review focuses on the effect of maternal and early life stress on immune function in the offspring across life span. It highlights potential mechanisms by which prenatal stress impacts immune functions over life span. The literature discussed in this review suggests that psychosocial stress during pre- and early postnatal life may increase the vulnerability of infants to the effects of immunotoxicants or immune-mediated diseases, with long-term consequences. Neural-immune interactions may provide an indirect route through which immunotoxicants affect the developing immune system. A developmental approach to understanding how immunotoxicants interact with maternal and early life stress-induced changes in immunity is needed, because as the body changes physiologically across life span so do the effects of stress and immunotoxicants. In early and late life, the immune system is more vulnerable to the effects of stress. Stress can mimic the effects of aging and exacerbate age-related changes in immune function. This is important because immune dysregulation in the elderly is more frequently and seriously associated with clinical impairment and death. Aging, exposure to teratogens, and psychological stress interact to increase vulnerability and put the elderly at the greatest risk for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise L Bellinger
- Department of Human Anatomy and Pathology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92352, USA.
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Beydoun H, Saftlas AF. Physical and mental health outcomes of prenatal maternal stress in human and animal studies: a review of recent evidence. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2008; 22:438-66. [PMID: 18782252 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2008.00951.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stress (PNMS) has been linked with adverse health outcomes in the offspring through experimental studies using animal models and epidemiological studies of human populations. The purpose of this review article is to establish a parallel between animal and human studies, while focusing on methodological issues and gaps in knowledge. The review examines the quality of recent evidence for prevailing PNMS theoretical models, namely the biopsychosocial model for adverse pregnancy outcomes and the fetal programming model for chronic diseases. The investigators used PubMed (2000-06) to identify recently published original articles in the English language literature. A total of 103 (60 human and 43 animal) studies were examined. Most human studies originated from developed countries, thus limiting generalisability to developing nations. Most animal studies were conducted on non-primates, rendering extrapolation of findings to pregnant women less straightforward. PNMS definition and measurement were heterogeneous across studies examining similar research questions, thus precluding the conduct of meta-analyses. In human studies, physical health outcomes were often restricted to birth complications while mental health outcomes included postnatal developmental disorders and psychiatric conditions in children, adolescents and adults. Diverse health outcomes were considered in animal studies, some being useful models for depression, schizophrenia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in human populations. The overall evidence is consistent with independent effects of PNMS on perinatal and postnatal outcomes. Intervention studies and large population-based cohort studies combining repeated multi-dimensional and standardised PNMS measurements with biomarkers of stress are needed to further understand PNMS aetiology and pathophysiology in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind Beydoun
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Bell JF, Zimmerman FJ, Diehr PK. Maternal Work and Birth Outcome Disparities. Matern Child Health J 2007; 12:415-26. [PMID: 17701331 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-007-0264-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2006] [Accepted: 07/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We tested relations between aspects of maternal work and birth outcomes in a national sample and in subgroups known to experience disparities. METHODS Three indices of work attributes (Status and Recognition, Physical Demands, and Exposure to Conflict) were derived by factor analysis of variables extracted from the Department of Labor's O*Net database. The indices were linked to the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth using occupation codes for the primary jobs held by women who gave birth between 1979 and 2000 and worked during the quarter prior to birth (n = 3,386 births to n = 2,508 mothers). Multiple regression was used to model birth outcomes as functions of the work attribute indices, controlling for several measures of socioeconomic status and risk factors for adverse birth outcomes. RESULTS In the full sample, work-related Physical Demands were associated with lower average birthweight and increased odds of preterm birth while Status and Recognition was associated with higher average birthweight and lower odds of fetal growth restriction. In stratified models, Status and Recognition was associated with higher birth weight among women with low (versus high) income and with lower odds of preterm birth among women with low (versus high) education. Physical Demands were associated with higher rates of preterm birth among women with low (versus high) income and education and among African-American mothers (compared to Whites). CONCLUSIONS The work environment is an important predictor of healthy births. Relations between maternal work attributes and birth outcomes differ by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status and according to the outcome under investigation. Further research with measures of work attributes specific to maternal work experiences is recommended to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice F Bell
- Health Services, University of Washington, Box 357668, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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Hougaard KS, Hansen AM. Enhancement of developmental toxicity effects of chemicals by gestational stress. A review. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2007; 29:425-45. [PMID: 17433620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2007.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2006] [Revised: 02/21/2007] [Accepted: 02/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessment of developmental toxicants is almost exclusively based on single chemicals studied in animals under controlled experimental conditions, as to reduce stress. Although humans may be exposed simultaneously to numerous hazards, little is known about the interaction of prenatal chemical exposures with other factors, such as maternal stress, itself a modifier of fetal development. Gestational stress has been hypothesized to enhance the developmental toxicity of chemicals. This review identified 36 animal studies investigating if maternal stress may enhance the effects of prenatal chemical exposure, and evaluated the presented hypothesis. Studies of a broad range of chemicals and developmental endpoints support the notion, that maternal stress is able to enhance the effects of developmental toxicants, although stress mitigated chemically induced effects in a few cases. Maternal stress most often enhanced chemical developmental toxicity at dose levels associated with severe maternal toxicity or where test agents were already above threshold for effect. Thus, LOAEL(chemical) was generally similar to LOAEL(chemical+stress), although not necessarily for the same endpoint. It should be noted that the database contained a limited number of studies, and only a single high dose level was applied in most studies, rendering establishment of NOAELs for combined exposures impossible. Furthermore, for some compounds, the margin between human exposure levels and the LOAEL(chemical+stress) seems small. Future studies are recommended to investigate compounds, for which maternal stress was already proven as an enhancer, at lower dose levels. Interactive response seems to depend on stressor severity and timing of chemical exposure relative to maternal stress which should be further scrutinized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin S Hougaard
- Laboratory: National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Deniaud E, Baguet J, Mathieu AL, Pagès G, Marvel J, Leverrier Y. Overexpression of Sp1 transcription factor induces apoptosis. Oncogene 2006; 25:7096-105. [PMID: 16715126 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor Sp1 has recently been shown to be overexpressed in a number of human cancers and its overexpression contributes to malignant transformation. Sp1 regulates the expression of a number of genes participating in multiple aspects of tumorigenesis such as angiogenesis, cell growth and apoptosis resistance. To better understand the role of increased Sp1 levels on apoptosis regulation we have used retroviruses to overexpress this protein in haematopoietic Baf-3 cells and in 3T3 fibroblasts. We have also used inducible expression systems to control ectopic Sp1 levels in different cell types. Surprisingly, Sp1 overexpression on its own induces apoptosis in all the cellular models tested. The apoptotic pathways induced by Sp1 overexpression are cell type specific. Finally, using a truncated form of Sp1, we show that Sp1-induced apoptosis requires its DNA-binding domain. Our results highlight that Sp1 levels in untransformed cells must be tightly regulated as Sp1 overexpression leads to the induction of apoptosis. Our results also suggest that cancer cells overexpressing Sp1 can avoid Sp1-induced apoptosis.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Biological hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli is a fundamental feature of atopy predisposing to a number of clinically expressed disorders including allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis or eczema, and allergic asthma. There is provocative evidence that psychological stress constitutes an increased risk for atopy. This risk is thought to be mediated by the effects of stress on neuroimmunoregulation which in turn modulates the hypersensitivity response. The primary objective is to review recent evidence updating our understanding of the role for psychological stress in atopy. RECENT FINDINGS The Th1-Th2 paradigm has been central to interpreting quantitative differences in cytokine expression in response to environmental stimuli like stress. Here we argue that examination of other mechanisms (e.g. oxidative stress pathways, glucocorticoid resistance, nerve-mast cell interactions, intestinal dysbiosis) and a broader range of cytokines and neuropeptides produced by cells both within and outside the immune system may better delineate the true complexity of the underlying mechanisms linking stress to allergic sensitization and asthma. The role of genetics and gene by environment interactions - based on evolving knowledge of candidate genes that may be relevant to both the stress response in general and pathways linked specifically to atopy - is also discussed. SUMMARY Psychological stress may be conceptualized as a social pollutant that, when 'breathed' into the body, may disrupt biological systems related to inflammation through mechanisms potentially overlapping with those altered by physical pollutants and toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind J Wright
- Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Wennborg H, Magnusson LL, Bonde JP, Olsen J. Congenital malformations related to maternal exposure to specific agents in biomedical research laboratories. J Occup Environ Med 2005; 47:11-9. [PMID: 15643154 DOI: 10.1097/01.jom.0000150237.67801.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate major congenital and neural crest malformations (NCM; craniofacial and conotruncal defects) in the offspring of laboratory employees. METHODS Data for 1951 females was linked to the Medical Birth Register (3003 pregnancies). Exposure information was based on questionnaires. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS The prevalence of "major malformations" were 2.3% (n = 41; exposed) and 1.9% (n = 23; unexposed). For the major malformations, solvent exposure before the third trimester gave an OR of 1.8 (CI = 1.0-2.9); "laboratory work in general," of 1.2 (CI = 0.7-2.0) unadjusted. OR for benzene use around conception/organogenesis was 5.3 (CI = 1.4-21.1) for NCM. CONCLUSION No significant risk for laboratory work in general was seen, but there was an increased ratio for NCM relative to solvents, especially benzene. These results are based on small numbers and should be interpreted cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Wennborg
- Department of Biosciences, Novum Research Park, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
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Hopenhayn C, Ferreccio C, Browning SR, Huang B, Peralta C, Gibb H, Hertz-Picciotto I. Arsenic exposure from drinking water and birth weight. Epidemiology 2003; 14:593-602. [PMID: 14501275 DOI: 10.1097/01.ede.0000072104.65240.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arsenic exposures from drinking water increase the risk of various cancers and noncancer health endpoints. Limited evidence suggests that arsenic may have adverse human reproductive effects. We investigated the association between drinking water arsenic exposure and fetal growth, as manifest in birth weight. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study in two Chilean cities with contrasting drinking water arsenic levels: Antofagasta (40 micro g/L) and Valparaíso (<1 micro g/L). Study subjects completed in-depth interviews and provided urine samples for exposure analysis. We obtained pregnancy and birth information from medical records. The birth weight analysis was restricted to liveborn, singleton infants born between December 1998 and February 2000. RESULTS The final study group consisted of 424 infants from Antofagasta and 420 from Valparaíso. After controlling for confounders, results of the multivariable analysis indicated that Antofagasta infants had lower mean birth weight (-57 g; 95% confidence interval = -123 to 9). CONCLUSION This study suggests that moderate arsenic exposures from drinking water (<50 micro g/L) during pregnancy are associated with reduction in birth weight, similar in magnitude to that resulting from other environmental exposures such as environmental tobacco smoke and benzene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hopenhayn
- School of Public Health and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40504, USA.
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Ha E, Cho SI, Chen D, Chen C, Ryan L, Smith TJ, Xu X, Christiani DC. Parental exposure to organic solvents and reduced birth weight. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2002; 57:207-14. [PMID: 12510663 DOI: 10.1080/00039890209602938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The authors investigated the association of birth weight with maternal and paternal exposure to organic solvents in 1,222 couples employed in a large petrochemical corporation in Beijing, China, during the period between 1994 and 1998. A trained interviewer assessed parental exposures to organic solvents. The authors used generalized additive models to examine the association between birth weight and parental exposure to organic solvents. After the authors adjusted for potential confounders, maternal exposure to solvents was significantly associated with reduced birth weight (-81.7 gm, 95% confidence interval = -106.3, -3.1), and reduced birth weights of female babies and of younger mothers' babies were statistically significant. Maternal exposure to organic solvents was associated with reduced birth weight in this population, but paternal exposure to organic solvents was not similarly associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Ewha Woman's Medical University, Seoul, South Korea.
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