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Ahmad J, Yasmeen R, Irfan M, Al-Huqail AA, Qureshi MI. Assessment of health risk, genotoxicity, and thiol compounds in Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) under arsenic stress. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:884-898. [PMID: 35907074 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22269-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) traces have been reported worldwide in vegetables and crops cultivated in As-polluted soils. Being carcinogenic, the presence of As in edibles is of great concern as it ultimately reaches humans and animals through the food chain. Besides, As toxicity adversely affects the growth, physiology, metabolism, and productivity of crops. In the present study, Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) was exposed to the As stress (0, 50, 100, and 150 μM sodium arsenate) for a week. Further, evaluation of As accumulation in roots and shoots, magnitude and visualization of oxyradicals, and thiol-based defence offered by Fenugreek was assessed. The root and leaf accumulated 258-453 μg g-1 dry wt (DW) and 81.4-102.1 μg g-1 DW of As, respectively. An arsenic-mediated decline in the growth index and increase in oxidative stress was noted. Arsenic stress modulated the content of thiol compounds; especially cysteine content increased from 0.36 to 0.43 µmole g-1 FW protein was noted. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-based analysis showed DNA damage in As-treated plants. Health risk assessment parameters showed that As concentration in the consumable plant shoot was below the critical hazard level (hazard quotient < 1). Moreover, T. foenum-graecum showed varied responses to As-induced oxidative stress with applied concentrations (150 μM being more toxic than lower concentrations). In addition, the RAPD profile and level of thiol compounds were proved significant biomarkers to assess the As toxicity in plants. The conclusion of this study will help users of fenugreek to have a clue and create awareness regarding the consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110 025, India
| | - Rubina Yasmeen
- Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110 025, India
| | - Mohammad Irfan
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Asma A Al-Huqail
- Chair of Climate Change, Environmental Development and Vegetation Cover, Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Liu N, Bu Z, Liu W, Kan H, Zhao Z, Deng F, Huang C, Zhao B, Zeng X, Sun Y, Qian H, Mo J, Sun C, Guo J, Zheng X, Weschler LB, Zhang Y. Indoor exposure levels and risk assessment of volatile organic compounds in residences, schools, and offices in China from 2000 to 2021: A systematic review. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e13091. [PMID: 36168233 DOI: 10.1111/ina.13091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The last two decades have witnessed rapid urbanization and economic growth accompanied by severe indoor air pollution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in China. However, indoor VOC pollution across China has not been well characterized and documented. This study is a systematic review of field measurements of eight target VOCs (benzene, toluene, xylenes, acetaldehyde, p-dichlorobenzene, butadiene, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene) in residences, offices, and schools in China from 2000 to 2021. The results show that indoor pollution of benzene, toluene, and xylenes has been more serious in China than in other countries. Spatiotemporal distribution shows lower indoor VOC levels in east and south-east regions and a declining trend from 2000 to 2021. Moving into a dwelling more than 1 year after decoration and improving ventilation could significantly reduce exposure to indoor VOCs. Reducing benzene exposure is urgently needed because it is associated with greater health risks (4.5 × 10-4 for lifetime cancer risk and 8.3 for hazard quotient) than any other VOCs. The present study enriches the database of indoor VOC levels and provides scientific evidence for improving national indoor air quality standards as well as estimating the attributable disease burden caused by VOCs in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningrui Liu
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongming Bu
- Department of Energy and Environmental System Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute for Health and Environment, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Haidong Kan
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Furong Deng
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Huang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangang Zeng
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhan Mo
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing, China
| | - Chanjuan Sun
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianguo Guo
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Zheng
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Yinping Zhang
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Indoor Air Quality Evaluation and Control, Beijing, China
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Hoang MTT, Anh HQ, Kadokami K, Duong HT, Hoang HM, Van Nguyen T, Takahashi S, Le GT, Trinh HT. Contamination status, emission sources, and human health risk of brominated flame retardants in urban indoor dust from Hanoi, Vietnam: the replacement of legacy polybrominated diphenyl ether mixtures by alternative formulations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:43885-43896. [PMID: 33837942 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13822-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence, distribution of several additive brominated flame retardants (BFRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and some novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in urban indoor dust collected from ten inner districts of Hanoi, Vietnam to assess the contamination status, emission sources, as well as their associated human exposure through indoor dust ingestion and health risks. Total concentrations of PBDEs and NBFRs in indoor dust samples ranged from 43 to 480 ng g-1 (median 170 ng g-1) and from 56 to 2200 ng g-1 (median 180 ng g-1), respectively. The most abundant PBDE congener in these dust samples was BDE-209 with concentrations ranging from 29 to 360 ng g-1, accounting for 62.6-86.5% of total PBDE levels. Among the NBFRs analyzed, decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) was the predominant compound with a mean contribution of 98.6% total NBFR amounts. Significant concentrations of DBDPE were detected in all dust samples (median 180 ng g-1, range 54-2200 ng g-1), due to DBDPE as a substitute for deca-BDE. Other NBFRs such as 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153) were found at very low levels. Based on the measured BFR concentrations, daily intake doses (IDs) of PBDEs and NBFRs via dust ingestion at exposure scenarios using the median and 95th percentile levels for both adults and children were calculated for risk assessment. The results showed that the daily exposure doses via dust ingestion of all compounds, even in the high-exposure scenarios were also lower than their reference dose (RfD) values. The lifetime cancer risks (LTCR) were much lower than the threshold level (10-6), which indicated the acceptable health risks resulting from indoor BFRs exposure for urban residents in Hanoi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Tue Thi Hoang
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Quoc Anh
- Faculty of Chemistry, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
- Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment (CATE), Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, 790-8566, Japan
| | - Kiwao Kadokami
- The University of Kitakyushu, 1-1 Hibikino, Kitakyushu, 808-0135, Japan
| | - Hanh Thi Duong
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Ha Mai Hoang
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Tuyen Van Nguyen
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Shin Takahashi
- Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment (CATE), Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, 790-8566, Japan
| | - Giang Truong Le
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Ha Thu Trinh
- Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam.
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Bu Z, Xu X, Xu Q, Mmereki D, Wang J, Cheng Z, Li K, Dong C. Indoor polybrominated diphenyl ethers in urban China: An exposure and risk assessment based on settled dust from selected urban regions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 714:136808. [PMID: 31982732 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, measurements of seven typical polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in indoor settled dust were summarized in selected urban regions of China. BDE-209 was the most dominant congener in settled dust (1.4-101 μg/g), with a mean contribution of 95%. Indoor exposures to PBDEs were estimated via inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal absorption. The average daily intake of ΣPBDE was 4.9 to 19.1 ng/day/kg for all the population groups, with >80% of the total exposures from dust ingestion. Exposures in commuting environments (contributing 60%-80% of the total exposures) were higher than those in other microenvironments. The means of hazard indexes ranged from 1.66 × 10-3 to 5.26 × 10-3, which were mainly as a result of exposure to BDE-209, BDE-47, and BDE-99. The average lifetime cancer risks were from 0.03 × 10-9 to 2.37 × 10-9, which indicated the acceptable health risks resulting from indoor PBDE exposure for the Chinese population. The present study could provide valuable information that could be helpful for decision-makers, analysts and researchers to develop, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for the reduction of exposures to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) for large population groups in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongming Bu
- Department of Energy and Environmental System Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Xiaoxue Xu
- Hangzhou Architectural and Civil Engineering Design Institute Company Limited, Hangzhou 310020, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Energy and Environmental System Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Daniel Mmereki
- Occupational Health Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown Education Campus, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Institute of Urban Construction, Hangzhou Polytechnic, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Zhu Cheng
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Energy and Environmental System Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Cong Dong
- Department of Energy and Environmental System Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China.
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Air Quality Impacts of Smoke from Hazard Reduction Burns and Domestic Wood Heating in Western Sydney. ATMOSPHERE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos10090557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Air quality was measured in Auburn, a western suburb of Sydney, Australia, for approximately eighteen months during 2016 and 2017. A long open-path infrared spectrometer sampled path-averaged concentrations of several gaseous species, while other pollutants such as PM 2.5 and PM 10 were sampled by a mobile air quality station. The measurement site was impacted by a number of indoor wood-heating smoke events during cold winter nights as well as some major smoke events from hazard reduction burning in the spring of 2017. In this paper we compare the atmospheric composition during these different smoke pollution events and assess the relative overall impact on air quality from domestic wood-heaters and prescribed forest fires during the campaign. No significant differences in the composition of smoke from these two sources were identified in this study. Despite the hazard reduction burning events causing worse peak pollution levels, we find that the overall exposure to air toxins was greater from domestic wood-heaters due to their higher frequency and total duration. Our results suggest that policy-makers should place a greater focus on reducing wood-smoke pollution in Sydney and on communicating the issue to the public.
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Bu Z, Mmereki D, Wang J, Dong C. Exposure to commonly-used phthalates and the associated health risks in indoor environment of urban China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 658:843-853. [PMID: 30583180 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and modernization have increased exposures to phthalates from synthetic materials used indoors in China. However, exposure to phthalates from indoor environment and the associated health risks to the urban population have not been adequately characterized and documented. In this study, we summarized the recent measurements of five commonly-used phthalates in indoor environment in urban China and documented their distributions. Based on the activity patterns and exposure factors of Chinese population, Monte-Carlo simulation was used to derive their exposures. On average, the daily intake of all the targeted phthalates was 3.6 μg/kg/day for adults; and for children it ranged from 4.4 μg/kg/day to 8.1 μg/kg/day. For children, the total risk from exposures inside residences and offices was 32%-90% and 4%-19%, respectively. From commuting environments and other indoor environments, it was 5%-31%, and 3%-26%, respectively. For adults, the total risk from residences and offices was 26%-78% and 9%-35%. Additionally, from commuting environments and other indoor environments, it was 8%-35% and 5%-11%, respectively. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment was based on a cumulative Tolerable Daily Intake (TDIcum), with means ranging from 0.18 to 0.41, which was mainly as a result of exposure to DiBP and DnBP. The means for lifetime cancer risk resulting from DEHP exposure ranged from 0.4 × 10-6 to 2.0 × 10-6 for urban population groups. For 80% of working adults and 40%-75%% of children, their cancer risks exceeded the EPA's benchmark (1.0 × 10-6). The present study could provide important information for decision makers to reduce indoor phthalate exposures as well as the associated health risks for larger population groups in Chinese cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongming Bu
- Department of Energy and Environmental System Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China.
| | - Daniel Mmereki
- National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Institute of Urban Construction, Hangzhou Polytechnic, Hangzhou 311402, China
| | - Cong Dong
- Department of Energy and Environmental System Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China
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Ryan BM. Lung cancer health disparities. Carcinogenesis 2019; 39:741-751. [PMID: 29547922 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with all other racial and ethnic groups in the United States, African Americans are disproportionally affected by lung cancer, both in terms of incidence and survival. It is likely that smoking, as the main etiological factor associated with lung cancer, contributes to these disparities, but the precise mechanism is still unclear. This paper seeks to explore the history of lung cancer disparities and review to the literature regarding the various factors that contribute to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bríd M Ryan
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Houston KA, Mitchell KA, King J, White A, Ryan BM. Histologic Lung Cancer Incidence Rates and Trends Vary by Race/Ethnicity and Residential County. J Thorac Oncol 2018; 13:497-509. [PMID: 29360512 PMCID: PMC5884169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lung cancer incidence is higher among non-Hispanic (NH) blacks than among the NH white and Hispanic populations in the United States. However, national cancer estimates may not always reflect the cancer burden in terms of disparities and incidence in small geographic areas, especially urban-rural disparities. Moreover, there is a gap in the literature regarding rural-urban disparities in terms of cancer histologic type. METHODS Using population-based cancer registry data-Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results and National Program of Cancer Registries data-we present age-adjusted histologic rates and trends by race/ethnicity and residential county location at the time of first cancer diagnosis. Rate ratios were calculated to examine racial/ethnic differences in rates. Annual percent change was calculated to measure changes in rates over time. RESULTS We found that declines in squamous cell carcinoma are occurring fastest in metropolitan counties, whereas rates of adenocarcinoma increased fastest in counties nonadjacent to metropolitan areas. Further, although NH black men have increased lung cancer incidence compared with NH white and Hispanic men in all geographic locations, we found that the degree of the disparity increases with increasing rurality of residence. Finally, we discovered that among women whose lung cancer was diagnosed when they were younger than 55 years, the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma was higher for NH blacks than for NH whites. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight disparities among NH blacks in nonadjacent rural areas. These findings may have significant impact for the implementation of smoking cessation and lung cancer screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisha A. Houston
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
| | - Khadijah A. Mitchell
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892
| | - Jessica King
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
| | - Arica White
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
| | - Bríd M. Ryan
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892
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Xu H, Zhang Q, Song N, Guo M, Zhang S, Ji G, Shi L. Personal exposure and health risk assessment of carbonyls in family cars and public transports-a comparative study in Nanjing, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:26111-26119. [PMID: 28944438 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0150-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate passenger health risks associated with inhalation exposure to carbonyl compounds mainly emitted from decoration materials of vehicles, we tested the carbonyl concentrations in interior air of 20 family cars, 6 metro lines, and 5 buses in the city of Nanjing. To assess non-carcinogenic health risks, we compared the data to the health guidelines of China, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), respectively. To assess carcinogenic risks, we followed a standard approach proposed by the OEHHA to calculate lifetime cancer risks (LCR) of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde for various age groups. The results showed that there are formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein concentrations in 40, 35, and 50% of family car samples exceeded the reference concentrations (RfCs) provided by Chinese guidelines (GB/T 27630-2011 and GB/T 18883-2002). Whereas, in the tested public transports, concentrations of the three carbonyls were all below the Chinese RfCs. Fifty and 90% of family cars had formaldehyde and acrolein concentrations exceeding the guidelines of OEHHA. Only one public transport sample (one bus) possesses formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations above the chronic inhalation reference exposure limits (RELs). Furthermore, the assessments of carcinogenic risk of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde showed that lifetime cancer risks were higher than the limits of EPA for some family cars and public transports. In the study, buses and metros appear to be relatively clean environments, with total carbonyl concentrations that do not exceed 126 μg/m3. In family cars, carbonyl levels showed significant variations from 6.1 to 811 μg/m3 that was greatly influenced by direct emissions from materials inside the vehicles. Public transports seemed to be the first choice for resident trips as compared to family cars. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaizhou Xu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, No.8 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, No.8 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ninghui Song
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, No.8 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Min Guo
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, No.8 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Shenghu Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, No.8 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Guixiang Ji
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, No.8 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, 210042, China.
| | - Lili Shi
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, No.8 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing, 210042, China.
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Cheng Z, Li B, Yu W, Wang H, Zhang T, Xiong J, Bu Z. Risk assessment of inhalation exposure to VOCs in dwellings in Chongqing, China. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2017; 7:59-72. [PMID: 30090563 DOI: 10.1039/c7tx00191f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper investigated the concentrations of eight types of indoor VOCs - benzene, toluene, xylenes, butyl acetate, styrene, isopropylbenzene, undecane and formaldehyde. The tests were carried out in 50 dwellings in the main urban areas of Chongqing, China. According to the detected concentration, toluene was the most predominant among all the targeted compounds. Benzene and formaldehyde concentrations were lower than the reference levels regulated by the Chinese National Standard (GB/T 50325). Based on the activity patterns and exposure factors of adults in urban Chongqing, we used concentration data to estimate adults' inhalation exposures as well as health risks using Monte-Carlo simulations. The results indicated that the exposure doses of benzene and formaldehyde exceeded the benchmark. The highest hazard quotient (HQ) values were found in the case of formaldehyde (median = 0.293 for females and 0.292 for males) and the hazard index (HI) values were 0.326 and 0.325 for females and males, respectively. The highest lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values were found in formaldehyde (median = 7.16 × 10-5 for females; 6.56 × 10-5 for males). Formaldehyde was found to be the most important pollutant with relatively high toxic and carcinogenic risk levels, based on the exposure and health assessment. This was followed by benzene, toluene, xylenes and butyl acetate. This study can help us better understand the concentration levels of VOC contaminants in residential buildings, and help select appropriate decoration materials for buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Cheng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments , Ministry of Education , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China . .,National Center for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments , Ministry of Education , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China . .,National Center for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments , Ministry of Education , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China . .,National Center for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
| | - Han Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments , Ministry of Education , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China . .,National Center for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
| | - Tujingwa Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments , Ministry of Education , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China . .,National Center for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments , Ministry of Education , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China . .,National Center for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
| | - Zhongming Bu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments , Ministry of Education , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China . .,National Center for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings , Chongqing University , Chongqing , China
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Pastor M, Sadd JL, Morello-Frosch R. Reading, Writing, and Toxics: Children's Health, Academic Performance, and Environmental Justice in Los Angeles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1068/c009r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A significant body of previous research on environmental justice has demonstrated a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards on low-income and minority residents. In this paper we evaluate spatially indexed data on estimated respiratory and cancer risks associated with exposures to ambient air toxics to show that children of color in the Los Angeles Unified School District suffer potentially disparate health impacts, and that disparities in environmental risks may be associated with diminished school performance—even after controlling for socioeconomic and demographic covariates that generally explain much of the variation in student scores. Remediating environmental health risks in distressed neighborhoods could, therefore, improve both health and human capital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Pastor
- Center for Justice, Tolerance, and Community, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - James L Sadd
- Environmental Science, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Center for Environmental Studies and Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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12
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Paulik LB, Donald CE, Smith BW, Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Kincl L, Haynes EN, Anderson KA. Emissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Natural Gas Extraction into Air. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:7921-9. [PMID: 27400263 PMCID: PMC5134738 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural gas extraction, often referred to as "fracking", has increased rapidly in the United States in recent years. To address potential health impacts, passive air samplers were deployed in a rural community heavily affected by the natural gas boom. Samplers were analyzed for 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results were grouped based on distance from each sampler to the nearest active well. Levels of benzo[a]pyrene, phenanthrene, and carcinogenic potency of PAH mixtures were highest when samplers were closest to active wells. PAH levels closest to natural gas activity were comparable to levels previously reported in rural areas in winter. Sourcing ratios indicated that PAHs were predominantly petrogenic, suggesting that PAH levels were influenced by direct releases from the earth. Quantitative human health risk assessment estimated the excess lifetime cancer risks associated with exposure to the measured PAHs. At sites closest to active wells, the risk estimated for maximum residential exposure was 0.04 in a million, which is below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acceptable risk level. Overall, risk estimates decreased 30% when comparing results from samplers closest to active wells to those farthest from them. This work suggests that natural gas extraction is contributing PAHs to the air, at levels that would not be expected to increase cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Carey E. Donald
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Brian W. Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Lane G. Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Kevin A. Hobbie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Erin N. Haynes
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Kim A. Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
- Corresponding Author: 1007 Ag & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States; Phone: 541-737-8501; Fax: 541-737-0497;
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Paulik LB, Donald CE, Smith BW, Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Kincl L, Haynes EN, Anderson KA. Impact of natural gas extraction on PAH levels in ambient air. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:5203-10. [PMID: 25810398 PMCID: PMC4415607 DOI: 10.1021/es506095e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural gas extraction, often referred to as "fracking," has increased rapidly in the U.S. in recent years. To address potential health impacts, passive air samplers were deployed in a rural community heavily affected by the natural gas boom. Samplers were analyzed for 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results were grouped based on distance from each sampler to the nearest active well. PAH levels were highest when samplers were closest to active wells. Additionally, PAH levels closest to natural gas activity were an order of magnitude higher than levels previously reported in rural areas. Sourcing ratios indicate that PAHs were predominantly petrogenic, suggesting that elevated PAH levels were influenced by direct releases from the earth. Quantitative human health risk assessment estimated the excess lifetime cancer risks associated with exposure to the measured PAHs. Closest to active wells, the risk estimated for maximum residential exposure was 2.9 in 10 000, which is above the U.S. EPA's acceptable risk level. Overall, risk estimates decreased 30% when comparing results from samplers closest to active wells to those farthest. This work suggests that natural gas extraction may be contributing significantly to PAHs in air, at levels that are relevant to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Carey E. Donald
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Brian W. Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Lane G. Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Kevin A. Hobbie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Erin N. Haynes
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Kim A. Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
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Du Z, Mo J, Zhang Y. Risk assessment of population inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds and carbonyls in urban China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 73:33-45. [PMID: 25090575 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, China has experienced rapid urbanization. The risks to its urban population posed by inhalation exposure to hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) have not been well characterized. Here, we summarize recent measurements of 16 highly prevalent HAPs in urban China and compile their distribution inputs. Based on activity patterns of urban Chinese working adults, we derive personal exposures. Using a probabilistic risk assessment method, we determine cancer and non-cancer risks for working females and males. We also assess the uncertainty associated with risk estimates using Monte Carlo simulation, accounting for variations in HAP concentrations, cancer potency factors (CPFs) and inhalation rates. Average total lifetime cancer risks attributable to HAPs are 2.27×10(-4) (2.27 additional cases per 10,000 people exposed) and 2.93×10(-4) for Chinese urban working females and males, respectively. Formaldehyde, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, benzene and 1,3-butadiene are the major risk contributors yielding the highest median cancer risk estimates, >1×10(-5). About 70% of the risk is due to exposures occurring in homes. Outdoor sources contribute most to the risk of benzene, ethylbenzene and carbon tetrachloride, while indoor sources dominate for all other compounds. Chronic exposure limits are not exceeded for non-carcinogenic effects, except for formaldehyde. Risks are overestimated if variation is not accounted for. Sensitivity analyses demonstrate that the major contributors to total variance are range of inhalation rates, CPFs of formaldehyde, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, benzene and 1,3-butadiene, and indoor home concentrations of formaldehyde and benzene. Despite uncertainty, risks exceeding the acceptable benchmark of 1×10(-6) suggest actions to reduce exposures. Future efforts should be directed toward large-scale measurements of air pollutant concentrations, refinement of CPFs and investigation of population exposure parameters. The present study is a first effort to estimate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of inhalation exposure to HAPs for the large working populations of Chinese cites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjian Du
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Jinhan Mo
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Department of Building Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
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Hochman DJ, Collaco CR, Brooks EG. Acrolein induction of oxidative stress and degranulation in mast cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2014; 29:908-915. [PMID: 23047665 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Revised: 09/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Increases in asthma worldwide have been associated epidemiologically with expanding urban air pollution. The mechanistic relationship between airway hyper-responsiveness, inflammation, and ambient airborne triggers remains ambiguous. Acrolein, a ubiquitous aldehyde pollutant, is a product of incomplete combustion reactions. Acrolein is abundant in cigarette smoke, effluent from industrial smokestacks, diesel exhaust, and even hot oil cooking vapors. Acrolein is a potent airway irritant and can induce airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammation in the lungs of animal models. In the present study, we utilized the mast cell analog, RBL-2H3, to interrogate the responses of cells relevant to airway inflammation and allergic responses as a model for the induction of asthma-like conditions upon exposure to acrolein. We hypothesized that acrolein would induce oxidative stress and degranulation in airway mast cells. Our results indicate that acrolein at 1 ppm initiated degranulation and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Introduction of antioxidants to the system significantly reduced both ROS generation and degranulation. At higher levels of exposure (above 100 ppm), RBL-2H3 cells displayed signs of severe toxicity. This experimental data indicates acrolein can induce an allergic inflammation in mast cell lines, and the initiation of degranulation was moderated by the application of antioxidants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Hochman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, Texas 77555-0369
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Li S, Batterman S, Su FC, Mukherjee B. Addressing extrema and censoring in pollutant and exposure data using mixture of normal distributions. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT (OXFORD, ENGLAND : 1994) 2013; 77:10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.05.004. [PMID: 24348086 PMCID: PMC3857711 DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volatile organic compounds (VOC), which include many hazardous chemicals, have been used extensively in personal, commercial and industrial products. Due to the variation in source emissions, differences in the settings and environmental conditions where exposures occur, and measurement issues, distributions of VOC concentrations can have multiple modes, heavy tails, and significant portions of data below the method detection limit (MDL). These issues challenge standard parametric distribution models needed to estimate the exposures, even after log-transformation of the data. METHODS This paper considers mixture of distributions that can be directly applied to concentration and exposure data. Two types of mixture distributions are considered: the traditional finite mixture of normal distributions, and a semi-parametric Dirichlet process mixture (DPM) of normal distributions. Both methods are implemented for a sample data set obtained from the Relationship between Indoor, Outdoor and Personal Air (RIOPA) study. Performance is assessed based on goodness-of-fit criteria that compare the closeness of the density estimates with the empirical density based on data. The goodness-of-fit for the proposed density estimation methods are evaluated by a comprehensive simulation study. RESULTS The finite mixture of normals and DPM of normals have superior performance when compared to the single normal distribution fitted to log-transformed exposure data. The advantages of using these mixture distributions are more pronounced when exposure data have heavy tails or a large fraction of data below the MDL. Distributions from the DPM provided slightly better fits than the finite mixture of normals. Additionally, the DPM method avoids certain convergence issues associated with the finite mixture of normals, and adaptively selects the number of components. CONCLUSIONS Compared to the finite mixture of normals, DPM of normals has advantages by characterizing uncertainty around the number of components, and by providing a formal assessment of uncertainty for all model parameters through the posterior distribution. The method adapts to a spectrum of departures from standard model assumptions and provides robust estimates of the exposure density even under censoring due to MDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Li
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Feng-Chiao Su
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Su FC, Jia C, Batterman S. Extreme value analyses of VOC exposures and risks: A comparison of RIOPA and NHANES datasets. ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT (OXFORD, ENGLAND : 1994) 2012; 62:97-106. [PMID: 25705112 PMCID: PMC4334151 DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Extreme value theory, which characterizes the behavior of tails of distributions, is potentially well-suited to model exposures and risks of pollutants. In this application, it emphasizes the highest exposures, particularly those that may be high enough to present acute or chronic health risks. The present study examines extreme value distributions of exposures and risks to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposures of 15 different VOCs were measured in the Relationship between Indoor, Outdoor and Personal Air (RIOPA) study, and ten of the same VOCs were measured in the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Both studies used similar sampling methods and study periods. Using the highest 5 and 10% of measurements, generalized extreme value (GEV), Gumbel and lognormal distributions were fit to each VOC in these two large studies. Health risks were estimated for individual VOCs and three VOC mixtures. Simulated data that matched the three types of distributions were generated and compared to observations to evaluate goodness-of-fit. The tail behavior of exposures, which clearly neither fit normal nor lognormal distributions for most VOCs in RIOPA, was usually best fit by the 3-parameter GEV distribution, and often by the 2-parameter Gumbel distribution. In contrast, lognormal distributions significantly underestimated both the level and likelihood of extrema. Among the RIOPA VOCs, 1,4-dichlorobenzene (1,4-DCB) caused the greatest risks, e.g., for the top 10% extrema, all individuals had risk levels above 10-4, and 13% of them exceeded 10-2. NHANES had considerably higher concentrations of all VOCs with two exceptions, methyl tertiary-butyl ether and 1,4-DCB. Differences between these studies can be explained by sampling design, staging, sample demographics, smoking and occupation. This analysis shows that extreme value distributions can represent peak exposures of VOCs, which clearly are neither normally nor lognormally distributed. These exposures have the greatest health significance, and require accurate modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Chiao Su
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | | | - Stuart Batterman
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
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McKenzie LM, Witter RZ, Newman LS, Adgate JL. Human health risk assessment of air emissions from development of unconventional natural gas resources. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 424:79-87. [PMID: 22444058 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technological advances (e.g. directional drilling, hydraulic fracturing), have led to increases in unconventional natural gas development (NGD), raising questions about health impacts. OBJECTIVES We estimated health risks for exposures to air emissions from a NGD project in Garfield County, Colorado with the objective of supporting risk prevention recommendations in a health impact assessment (HIA). METHODS We used EPA guidance to estimate chronic and subchronic non-cancer hazard indices and cancer risks from exposure to hydrocarbons for two populations: (1) residents living >½ mile from wells and (2) residents living ≤ ½ mile from wells. RESULTS Residents living ≤ ½ mile from wells are at greater risk for health effects from NGD than are residents living >½ mile from wells. Subchronic exposures to air pollutants during well completion activities present the greatest potential for health effects. The subchronic non-cancer hazard index (HI) of 5 for residents ≤ ½ mile from wells was driven primarily by exposure to trimethylbenzenes, xylenes, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Chronic HIs were 1 and 0.4. for residents ≤ ½ mile from wells and >½ mile from wells, respectively. Cumulative cancer risks were 10 in a million and 6 in a million for residents living ≤ ½ mile and >½ mile from wells, respectively, with benzene as the major contributor to the risk. CONCLUSIONS Risk assessment can be used in HIAs to direct health risk prevention strategies. Risk management approaches should focus on reducing exposures to emissions during well completions. These preliminary results indicate that health effects resulting from air emissions during unconventional NGD warrant further study. Prospective studies should focus on health effects associated with air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McKenzie
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.
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Niu Z, Zhang H, Xu Y, Liao X, Xu L, Chen J. Pollution characteristics of volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere of Haicang District in Xiamen City, Southeast China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:1145-52. [DOI: 10.1039/c2em10884d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Zhang Y, Li C, Wang X, Guo H, Feng Y, Chen J. Rush-hour aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons in selected subway stations of Shanghai, China. J Environ Sci (China) 2012; 24:131-141. [PMID: 22783624 DOI: 10.1016/s1001-0742(11)60736-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Air samples were collected simultaneously at platform, mezzanine and outdoor in five typical stations of subway system in Shanghai, China using stainless steel canisters and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass selective detector (GC-MSD) after cryogenic preconcentration. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) at the platforms and mezzanines inside the stations averaged (10.3 +/- 2.1), (38.7 +/- 9.0), (19.4 +/- 10.1) and (30.0 +/- 11.1) microg/m3, respectively; while trichloroethylene (TrCE), tetrachloroethylene (TeCE) and para-dichlorobenzene (pDCB), vinyl chloride and carbon tetrachloride were the most abundant chlorinated hydrocarbons inside the stations with average levels of (3.6 +/- 1.3), (1.3 +/- 0.5), (4.1 +/- 1.1), (2.2 +/- 1.1) and (1.2 +/- 0.3) microg/m3, respectively. Mean levels of major aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons were higher indoor (platforms and mezzanines) than outdoor with average indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios of 1.1-9.5, whereas no significant indoor/outdoor differences were found except for benzene and TrCE. The highly significant mutual correlations (p < 0.01) for BTEX between indoor and outdoor and their significant correlation (p < 0.05) with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a marker of traffic-related emission without other indoor and outdoor sources, indicated that BTEX were introduced into the subway stations from indoor/outdoor air exchange and traffic emission should be their dominant source. TrCE and pDCB were mainly from indoor emission and TeCE might have both indoor emission sources and contribution from outdoor air, especially in the mezzanines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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Lioy PJ, Georgopoulos PG. New Jersey: a case study of the reduction in urban and suburban air pollution from the 1950s to 2010. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:1351-5. [PMID: 21622086 PMCID: PMC3230450 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1103540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution has been a topic of intense concern and study for hundreds of years. During the second half of the 20th century, the United States implemented regulations and controls to reduce the levels of criteria air pollutants and achieve the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for the protection of human health, while concurrently reducing the levels of toxic air pollutants. OBJECTIVE In this commentary we trace the changes in air pollution in New Jersey as a case study, demonstrating the impact of local, state, and federal strategies to control emissions of pollutants and pollutant precursors from the 1950s until today. DISCUSSION The original NAAQS (1970-1995) have been achieved, and significant progress has been made to achieve revised standards for ozone and particulate matter (PM) < 2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) in New Jersey, which in the past was considered a highly polluted industrial state. CONCLUSIONS Assuming no reversals on current regulations because of some major event or energy infrastructure disruption, outdoor air pollution reductions will continue to address health risks among specific segments of the general population affected by ozone/PM and pollution caused by neighborhood, local, and regional point and mobile sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Lioy
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
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Zhou J, You Y, Bai Z, Hu Y, Zhang J, Zhang N. Health risk assessment of personal inhalation exposure to volatile organic compounds in Tianjin, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 409:452-9. [PMID: 21078521 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Revised: 10/09/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) exposure can induce a range of adverse human health effects. To date, however, personal VOCs exposure and residential indoor and outdoor VOCs levels have not been well characterized in the mainland of China, less is known about health risk of personal exposure to VOCs. In this study, personal exposures for 12 participants as well as residential indoor/outdoor, workplace and in vehicle VOCs concentrations were measured simultaneously in Tianjin, China. All VOCs samples were collected using passive samplers for 5 days and were analyzed using Thermal Desorption GC-MS method. U.S. Environmental Protect Agency's Inhalation Unit Risks were used to calculate the inhalation cancer health risk. To assess uncertainty of health risk estimate, Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis were implemented. Personal exposures were greater than residential indoor exposures as expected with the exception of carbon tetrachloride. Exposure assessment showed modeled and measured concentrations are statistically linearly correlated for all VOCs (P<0.01) except chloroform, confirming that estimated personal exposure using time-weighted model can provide reasonable estimate of personal inhalation exposure to VOCs. Indoor smoking and recent renovation were identified as two major factors influencing personal exposure based on the time-activity pattern and factor analysis. According to the cancer risk analysis of personal exposure, benzene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and 1,3-butadiene had median upper-bound lifetime cancer risks that exceeded the U.S. EPA benchmark of 1 per one million, and benzene presented the highest median risks at about 22 per one million population. The median cumulative cancer risk of personal exposure to 5 VOCs was approximately 44 per million, followed by indoor exposure (37 per million) and in vehicle exposure (36 per million). Sensitivity analysis suggested that improving the accuracy of exposure measurement in further research would advance the health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Urban Ambient Air Particulate Matter Pollution Prevention and Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Morello-Frosch R, Jesdale BM, Sadd JL, Pastor M. Ambient air pollution exposure and full-term birth weight in California. Environ Health 2010; 9:44. [PMID: 20667084 PMCID: PMC2919523 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-9-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have identified relationships between air pollution and birth weight, but have been inconsistent in identifying individual pollutants inversely associated with birth weight or elucidating susceptibility of the fetus by trimester of exposure. We examined effects of prenatal ambient pollution exposure on average birth weight and risk of low birth weight in full-term births. METHODS We estimated average ambient air pollutant concentrations throughout pregnancy in the neighborhoods of women who delivered term singleton live births between 1996 and 2006 in California. We adjusted effect estimates of air pollutants on birth weight for infant characteristics, maternal characteristics, neighborhood socioeconomic factors, and year and season of birth. RESULTS 3,545,177 singleton births had monitoring for at least one air pollutant within a 10 km radius of the tract or ZIP Code of the mother's residence. In multivariate models, pollutants were associated with decreased birth weight; -5.4 grams (95% confidence interval -6.8 g, -4.1 g) per ppm carbon monoxide, -9.0 g (-9.6 g, -8.4 g) per pphm nitrogen dioxide, -5.7 g (-6.6 g, -4.9 g) per pphm ozone, -7.7 g (-7.9 g, -6.6 g) per 10 microg/m3 particulate matter under 10 microm, -12.8 g (-14.3 g, -11.3 g) per 10 microg/m3 particulate matter under 2.5 microm, and -9.3 g (-10.7 g, -7.9 g) per 10 microg/m3 of coarse particulate matter. With the exception of carbon monoxide, estimates were largely unchanged after controlling for co-pollutants. Effect estimates for the third trimester largely reflect the results seen from full pregnancy exposure estimates; greater variation in results is seen in effect estimates specific to the first and second trimesters. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that maternal exposure to ambient air pollution results in modestly lower infant birth weight. A small decline in birth weight is unlikely to have clinical relevance for individual infants, and there is debate about whether a small shift in the population distribution of birth weight has broader health implications. However, the ubiquity of air pollution exposures, the responsiveness of pollutant levels to regulation, and the fact that the highest pollution levels in California are lower than those regularly experienced in other countries suggest that precautionary efforts to reduce pollutants may be beneficial for infant health from a population perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 137 Mulford Hall, Berkeley CA 94720-3114, USA
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 137 Mulford Hall, Berkeley CA 94720-3114, USA
| | - Bill M Jesdale
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 137 Mulford Hall, Berkeley CA 94720-3114, USA
| | - James L Sadd
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Occidental College, 1600 Campus Road, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA
| | - Manuel Pastor
- Program on Environmental and Regional Equity, University of Southern California, 3620 S. Vermont Ave, KAP-462, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0255, USA
- Department of American Studies and Ethnicity, University of Southern California, 3620 S. Vermont Ave, KAP-462, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0255, USA
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Hun DE, Siegel JA, Morandi MT, Stock TH, Corsi RL. Cancer risk disparities between hispanic and non-hispanic white populations: the role of exposure to indoor air pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:1925-31. [PMID: 20049213 PMCID: PMC2799468 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0900925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the United States; however, minimal information is available on their cancer risks from exposures to hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and how these risks compare to risks to non-Hispanic whites. METHODS We estimated the personal exposure and cancer risk of Hispanic and white adults who participated in the Relationships of Indoor, Outdoor, and Personal Air (RIOPA) study. We evaluated 12 of the sampled volatile organic compounds and carbonyls and identified the HAPs of most concern and their possible sources. Furthermore, we examined sociodemographic factors and building characteristics. RESULTS Cumulative cancer risks (CCRs) estimated for Hispanics (median = 519 x 10(-6), 90th percentile = 3,968 x 10(-6)) and for whites (median = 443 x 10(-6), 90th percentile = 751 x 10(-6)) were much greater than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benchmark of 10(-6). Cumulative risks were dominated by formaldehyde and p-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) and, to a lesser extent, by acetaldehyde, chloroform, and benzene. Exposure to all of these compounds except benzene was primarily due to indoor residential sources. Hispanics had statistically higher CCRs than did whites (p </= 0.05) because of differences in exposure to p-DCB, chloroform, and benzene. Formaldehyde was the largest contributor to CCR for 69% of Hispanics and 88% of whites. Cancer risks for pollutants emitted indoors increased in houses with lower ventilation rates. CONCLUSIONS Hispanics appear to be disproportionately affected by certain HAPs from indoor and outdoor sources. Policies that aim to reduce risk from exposure to HAPs for the entire population and population subgroups should consider indoor air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana E. Hun
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | - Maria T. Morandi
- University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas H. Stock
- University of Texas Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard L. Corsi
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Address correspondence to R.L. Corsi, University of Texas at Austin, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, 1 University Station C1786, Austin, TX 78712 USA. Telephone: (512) 471-3611. Fax: (512) 471-5870. E-mail:
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Kim SH, Kelly PB, Clifford AJ. Accelerator mass spectrometry targets of submilligram carbonaceous samples using the high-throughput Zn reduction method. Anal Chem 2009; 81:5949-54. [PMID: 19548665 PMCID: PMC2710856 DOI: 10.1021/ac900406r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The high-throughput Zn reduction method was developed and optimized for various biological/biomedical accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) applications of mg of C size samples. However, high levels of background carbon from the high-throughput Zn reduction method were not suitable for sub-mg of C size samples in environmental, geochronology, and biological/biomedical AMS applications. This study investigated the effect of background carbon mass (mc) and background 14C level (Fc) from the high-throughput Zn reduction method. Background mc was 0.011 mg of C and background Fc was 1.5445. Background subtraction, two-component mixing, and expanded formulas were used for background correction. All three formulas accurately corrected for backgrounds to 0.025 mg of C in the aerosol standard (NIST SRM 1648a). Only the background subtraction and the two-component mixing formulas accurately corrected for backgrounds to 0.1 mg of C in the IAEA-C6 and -C7 standards. After the background corrections, our high-throughput Zn reduction method was suitable for biological (diet)/biomedical (drug) and environmental (fine particulate matter) applications of sub-mg of C samples (≥ 0.1 mg of C) in keeping with a balance between throughput (270 samples/day/analyst) and sensitivity/accuracy/precision of AMS measurement. The development of a high-throughput method for examination of ≥ 0.1 mg of C size samples opens up a range of applications for 14C AMS studies. While other methods do exist for ≥ 0.1 mg of C size samples, the low throughput has made them cost prohibitive for many applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA
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McCarthy MC, O'Brien TE, Charrier JG, Hafner HR. Characterization of the chronic risk and hazard of hazardous air pollutants in the United States using ambient monitoring data. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:790-6. [PMID: 19479023 PMCID: PMC2685843 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2008] [Accepted: 01/09/2009] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient measurements of hazardous air pollutants (air toxics) have been used to validate model-predicted concentrations of air toxics but have not been used to perform risk screening at the national level. OBJECTIVES We used ambient concentrations of routinely measured air toxics to determine the relative importance of individual air toxics for chronic cancer and noncancer exposures. METHODS We compiled 3-year averages for ambient measurement of air toxics collected at monitoring locations in the United States from 2003 through 2005. We then used national distributions of risk-weighted concentrations to identify the air toxics of most concern. RESULTS Concentrations of benzene, carbon tetrachloride, arsenic, 1,3-butadiene, and acetaldehyde were above the 10(-6) cancer risk level at most sites nationally with a high degree of confidence. Concentrations of tetrachloroethylene, ethylene oxide, acrylonitrile, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene were also often greater than the 10(-6) cancer risk level, but we have less confidence in the estimated risk associated with these pollutants. Formaldehyde and chromium VI concentrations were either above or below the 10(-6) cancer risk level, depending on the choice of agency-recommended 10(-6) level. The method detection limits of eight additional pollutants were too high to rule out that concentrations were above the 10(-6) cancer risk level. Concentrations of 52 compounds compared with chronic noncancer benchmarks indicated that only acrolein concentrations were greater than the noncancer reference concentration at most monitoring sites. CONCLUSIONS Most pollutants with national site-level averages greater than health benchmarks were also pollutants of concern identified in modeled national-scale risk assessments. Current monitoring networks need more sensitive ambient measurement techniques to better characterize the air toxics problem in the United States.
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Liu J, Drane W, Liu X, Wu T. Examination of the relationships between environmental exposures to volatile organic compounds and biochemical liver tests: application of canonical correlation analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2009; 109:193-9. [PMID: 19117555 PMCID: PMC2680193 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2008] [Revised: 10/28/2008] [Accepted: 11/10/2008] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This study was to explore the relationships between personal exposure to 10 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and biochemical liver tests with the application of canonical correlation analysis. Data from a subsample of the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Serum albumin, total bilirubin (TB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) served as the outcome variables. Personal exposures to benzene, chloroform, ethylbenzene, tetrachloroethene, toluene, trichloroethene, o-xylene, m-,p-xylene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) were assessed through the use of passive exposure monitors worn by study participants. The first two canonical correlations were 0.3218 and 0.2575, suggesting a positive correlation mainly between the six VOCs (benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, o-xylene, m-,p-xylene, and MTBE) and the three biochemical liver tests (albumin, ALP, and GGT) and a positive correlation mainly between the two VOCs (1,4-dichlorobenzene and tetrachloroethene) and the two biochemical liver tests (LDH and TB). Subsequent multiple linear regressions show that exposure to benzene, toluene, or MTBE was associated with serum albumin, while exposure to tetrachloroethene was associated with LDH and total bilirubin. In conclusion, exposure to certain VOCs as a group or individually may influence certain biochemical liver test results in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
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Linder SH, Marko D, Sexton K. Cumulative cancer risk from air pollution in Houston: disparities in risk burden and social disadvantage. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:4312-22. [PMID: 18605549 DOI: 10.1021/es072042u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Air toxics are of particular concern in Greater Houston, home to one of the world's largest petrochemical complexes and a quarter ofthe nation's refining capacity. Much of this complex lies along a navigable ship channel that flows 50 miles from east of the central business district through Galveston Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous communities, including both poor and affluent neighborhoods, are located in close proximity to the 200 facilities along this channel. Our aim is to examine the spatial distribution of cumulative, air-pollution-related cancer risks in Houston and Harris County, with particular emphasis on identifying ethnic, economic, and social disparities. We employ exposure estimates from NATA-1999 and census data to assess whether the cumulative cancer risks from air toxics in Houston (and Harris County) fall disproportionately on certain ethnicities and on the socially and economically disadvantaged. The cancer risk burden across Harris County census tracts increases with the proportion of residents who are Hispanic and with key indicators of relative social disadvantage. Aggregate disadvantage grows at each higher level of cancer risk. The highest cancer risk in Harris County is concentrated along a corridor flanking the ship channel. These high-risk neighborhoods, however, vary markedly in relative disadvantage, as well as in emission source mix. Much of the risk they face appears to be driven by only a few hazardous air pollutants. Results provide evidence of risk disparities from hazardous air pollution based on ethnicity and social disadvantage. At the highest levels of risk the pattern is more complex, arguing for a neighborhood level of analysis, especially when proximity to high-emissions industries is a substantial contributor to cumulative cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H Linder
- Institute for Health Policy, E-1023, The University of Texas School of Public Health, 1200 Herman Pressler Street, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Borchers MT, Wesselkamper SC, Eppert BL, Motz GT, Sartor MA, Tomlinson CR, Medvedovic M, Tichelaar JW. Nonredundant functions of alphabeta and gammadelta T cells in acrolein-induced pulmonary pathology. Toxicol Sci 2008; 105:188-99. [PMID: 18515264 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfn106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acrolein exposure represents a significant human health hazard. Repeated acrolein exposure causes the accumulation of monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes, mucous cell metaplasia, and epithelial injury. Currently, the mechanisms that control these events are unclear, and the relative contribution of T-cell subsets to pulmonary pathologies following repeated exposures to irritants is unknown. To examine whether lymphocyte subpopulations regulate inflammation and epithelial cell pathology, we utilized a mouse model of pulmonary pathology induced by repeated acrolein exposures. The role of lymphocyte subsets was examined by utilizing transgenic mice genetically deficient in either alphabeta T cells or gammadelta T cells, and changes in cellular, molecular, and pathologic outcomes associated with repeated inhalation exposure to 2.0 and 0.5 ppm acrolein were measured. To examine the potential functions of lymphocyte subsets, we purified these cells from the lungs of mice repeatedly exposed to 2.0 ppm acrolein, isolated and amplified messenger RNA, and performed microarray analysis. Our data demonstrate that alphabeta T cells are required for macrophage accumulation, whereas gammadelta T cells are critical regulators of epithelial cell homeostasis, as identified by epithelial cell injury and apoptosis, following repeated acrolein exposure. This is supported by microarray analyses that indicated the T-cell subsets are unique in their gene expression profiles following acrolein exposures. Microarray analyses identified several genes that may contribute to phenotypes mediated by T-cell subpopulations including those involved in cytokine receptor signaling, chemotaxis, growth factor production, lymphocyte activation, and apoptosis. These data provide strong evidence that T-cell subpopulations in the lung are major determinants of pulmonary pathology and highlight the advantages of dissecting their effector functions in response to toxicant exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Borchers
- Division of Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA.
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Zuraimi MS, Tham KW. Effects of child care center ventilation strategies on volatile organic compounds of indoor and outdoor origins. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:2054-2059. [PMID: 18409636 DOI: 10.1021/es0714033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Preschool children can be at risk from harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposures in child care centers (CCCs). However, the effectiveness of ventilation for mitigating indoor VOCs exposures from myriad sources in CCCs is unclear. We investigated relationships between indoor exposures and risks of VOCs from indoor and outdoor sources under differentventilation strategies in 104 tropical CCCs. Factor analyses identified five dominant source groups of which four were associated with indoor sources, and one was associated with both indoor and outdoor sources. Indoor VOCs exposures and risks associated with indoor sources were lower in naturally (NV) and hybrid ventilated (HB) CCCs compared to air-conditioned CCCs (ACMV and AC). This is attributed to enhanced dilution via higher ventilation in NV and HB CCCs compared to ACMV and AC CCCs. Conversely, there were no discernible differences in VOCs exposures and risk associated with both indoorand outdoor sources across differentventilation strategies. The observations made in this study have implications of ventilation strategies used in other settings. To mitigate VOCs exposures and risk, it is important to identify their major indoor and outdoor sources first.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Zuraimi
- Department of Building, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, SDE2, Singapore.
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31
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Walker DE, Lutz GP, Alvarez CJ. Development of a cross-disciplinary investigative model for the introduction of microarray techniques at non-r1 undergraduate institutions. CBE LIFE SCIENCES EDUCATION 2008; 7:118-131. [PMID: 18316815 PMCID: PMC2262120 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.07-01-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2007] [Revised: 10/09/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Integrating advanced biological techniques into instruction at non-R1 institutions can prove to be a challenge. Here, we report the creation of a model for the introduction of gene expression microarray technology into a research laboratory. A student assessment tool was used to evaluate 1) technical skill development, 2) cross-disciplinary issues, 3) development of trouble-shooting skills, and 4) career evaluation. The exposure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells to three plasticizers served as a template for the introduction of this technology. Cells were harvested at mid-log phase, and RNA was extracted. The mRNA was converted to cDNA by using reverse transcriptase primers containing a capture sequence that was later recognized by a fluorescent dendrimer by using cyanine (Cy)3 or Cy5 dyes. cDNA was hybridized onto yeast microarray chips provided by the Genome Consortium for Active Teaching. Exposure to phthalate plasticizers revealed genes with differential gene expression. Trouble-shooting approaches were used as learning opportunities for the evaluation of RNA extraction methods, and data analysis highlighted the use of mathematics in a molecular biology context. This article describes a promising model for the introduction of interdisciplinary, student-based projects involving microarray technology at non-R1 undergraduate institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Walker
- *College of Dental Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2018
| | - Gary P. Lutz
- Prince Edward County High School, Farmville, VA 23901; and
| | - Consuelo J. Alvarez
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science at Longwood University, Farmville, VA 23909
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Sexton K, Linder SH, Marko D, Bethel H, Lupo PJ. Comparative assessment of air pollution-related health risks in Houston. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:1388-93. [PMID: 17938725 PMCID: PMC2022677 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2007] [Accepted: 07/05/2007] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Airborne emissions from numerous point, area, and mobile sources, along with stagnant meteorologic conditions, contribute to frequent episodes of elevated air pollution in Houston, Texas. To address this problem, decision makers must set priorities among thousands of individual air pollutants as they formulate effective and efficient mitigation strategies. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to compare and rank relative health risks of 179 air pollutants in Houston using an evidence-based approach supplemented by the expert judgment of a panel of academic scientists. METHODS Annual-average ambient concentrations by census tract were estimated from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National-scale Air Toxics Assessment and augmented with measured levels from the Houston monitoring network. Each substance was assigned to one of five risk categories (definite, probable, possible, unlikely, uncertain) based on how measured or monitored concentrations translated into comparative risk estimates. We used established unit risk estimates for carcinogens and/or chronic reference values for noncarcinogens to set thresholds for each category. Assignment to an initial risk category was adjusted, as necessary, based on expert judgment about the quality and quantity of information available. RESULTS Of the 179 substances examined, 12 (6.7%) were deemed definite risks, 9 (5.0%) probable risks, 24 (13.4%) possible risks, 16 (8.9%) unlikely risks, and 118 (65.9%) uncertain risks. CONCLUSIONS Risk-based priority setting is an important step in the development of cost-effective solutions to Houston's air pollution problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Sexton
- The University of Texas School of Public Health, Brownsville, Texas 78520-4956, USA.
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Drew R, Frangos J. The concentration of no toxicological concern (CoNTC): a risk assessment screening tool for air toxics. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2007; 70:1584-93. [PMID: 17763076 DOI: 10.1080/15287390701429539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Although numerous chemicals might occur in ambient air as a result of natural or anthropogenic activity (primarily through vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions), not all are necessarily of concern for public health even if they are classified as hazardous. There are many minor components in emissions that are predicted to be present at small concentrations. For the majority of these chemicals a health-based guideline does not exist to facilitate risk assessment. Furthermore, there are no appropriate toxicological or health data to enable health-based guidelines to be established. Consequently in most risk assessments these substances are usually, and conveniently, ignored. The tacit justification is that concentrations in ambient air are small and thus insignificant. For many stakeholders this is an inadequate explanation, and the justifiable question of how it is known exposures are insignificant for health is often asked. The concept of a "concentration of no toxicological concern" (CoNTC) was developed for air toxics and can be applied as a risk assessment screening tool to legitimately dismiss substances whose ground-level concentrations are predicted to be trivial. The CoNTC helps define trivial and is grounded in regulatory and scientific deliberations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission for developing concentrations of no toxicological or regulatory concern for contaminants in food. The suggested conservative generic CoNTC value that can be applied to most organic chemicals in air is 0.03 microg/m3. The derivation of the CoNTC and its validation and limitations are discussed, and its utility as a screening tool is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Drew
- Toxikos Pty Ltd, East Caulfield, Victoria, Australia.
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Callahan MA, Sexton K. If cumulative risk assessment is the answer, what is the question? ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:799-806. [PMID: 17520071 PMCID: PMC1867996 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2006] [Accepted: 09/26/2006] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Cumulative risk refers to the combined threats from exposure via all relevant routes to multiple stressors including biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial entities. Cumulative risk assessment is a tool for organizing and analyzing information to examine, characterize, and possibly quantify the combined adverse effects on human health or ecologic resources from multiple environmental stressors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated a long-term effort to develop future guidelines for cumulative risk assessment, including publication in 2003 of a framework that describes important features of the process and discusses theoretical issues, technical matters, and key definitions. The framework divides the process of cumulative risk assessment into three interrelated phases: a) planning, scoping, and problem formulation; b) analysis; and c) interpretation and risk characterization. It also discusses the additional complexities introduced by attempts to analyze cumulative risks from multiple stressors and describes some of the theoretical approaches that can be used. The development of guidelines for cumulative risk assessment is an essential element in the transition of the U.S. EPA risk assessment methodology from a narrow focus on a single stressor, end point, source, pathway, and exposure route to a broader, more holistic approach involving analysis of combined effects of cumulative exposure to multiple stressors via all relevant sources, pathways, and routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Callahan
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Dallas, Texas 75202-2733, USA.
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Sexton K, Hattis D. Assessing cumulative health risks from exposure to environmental mixtures - three fundamental questions. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:825-32. [PMID: 17520074 PMCID: PMC1867955 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2006] [Accepted: 09/26/2006] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Differential exposure to mixtures of environmental agents, including biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial stressors, can contribute to increased vulnerability of human populations and ecologic systems. Cumulative risk assessment is a tool for organizing and analyzing information to evaluate the probability and seriousness of harmful effects caused by either simultaneous and/or sequential exposure to multiple environmental stressors. In this article we focus on elucidating key challenges that must be addressed to determine whether and to what degree differential exposure to environmental mixtures contributes to increased vulnerability of exposed populations. In particular, the emphasis is on examining three fundamental and interrelated questions that must be addressed as part of the process to assess cumulative risk: a) Which mixtures are most important from a public health perspective? and b) What is the nature (i.e., duration, frequency, timing) and magnitude (i.e., exposure concentration and dose) of relevant cumulative exposures for the population of interest? c) What is the mechanism (e.g., toxicokinetic or toxicodynamic) and consequence (e.g., additive, less than additive, more than additive) of the mixture's interactive effects on exposed populations? The focus is primarily on human health effects from chemical mixtures, and the goal is to reinforce the need for improved assessment of cumulative exposure and better understanding of the biological mechanisms that determine toxicologic interactions among mixture constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Sexton
- University of Texas School of Public Health, Brownsville Regional Campus, Brownsville, Texas 78520-4956, USA.
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Woodruff TJ, Wells EM, Holt EW, Burgin DE, Axelrad DA. Estimating risk from ambient concentrations of acrolein across the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:410-5. [PMID: 17431491 PMCID: PMC1849926 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2006] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimated ambient concentrations of acrolein, a hazardous air pollutant, are greater than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reference concentration throughout the United States, making it a concern for human health. However, there is no method for assessing the extent of risk under the U.S. EPA noncancer risk assessment framework. OBJECTIVES We estimated excess risks from ambient concentrations of acrolein based on dose-response modeling of a study in rats with a relationship between acrolein and residual volume/total lung capacity ratio (RV/TLC) and specific compliance (sC(L)), markers for altered lung function. METHODS Based on existing literature, we defined values above the 90th percentile for controls as "adverse." We estimated the increase over baseline response that would occur in the human population from estimated ambient concentrations of acrolein, taken from the U.S. EPA's National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment for 1999, after standard animal-to-human conversions and extrapolating to doses below the experimental data. RESULTS The estimated median additional number of adverse sC(L) outcomes across the United States was approximately 2.5 cases per 1,000 people. The estimated range of additional outcomes from the 5th to the 95th percentile of acrolein concentration levels across census tracts was 0.28-14 cases per 1,000. For RV/TLC, the median additional outcome was 0.002 per 1,000, and the additional outcome at the 95th percentile was 0.13 per 1,000. CONCLUSIONS Although there are uncertainties in estimating human risks from animal data, this analysis demonstrates a method for estimating health risks for noncancer effects and suggests that acrolein could be associated with decreased respiratory function in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey J Woodruff
- Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, San Francisco, California 94118, USA.
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Brody M, Caldwell J, Golub A. Developing risk-based priorities for reducing air pollution in urban settings in Ukraine. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2007; 70:352-8. [PMID: 17365597 DOI: 10.1080/15287390600885021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Ukraine, when part of the former Soviet Union, was responsible for about 25% of its overall industrial production. This aging industrial infrastructure continues to emit enormous volumes of air and water pollution and wastes. The National Report on the State of Environment in Ukraine 1999 (Ukraine Ministry of Environmental Protection [MEP], 2000) shows significant air pollution. There are numerous emissions that have been associated with developmental effects, chronic long-term health effects, and cancer. Ukraine also has been identified as a major source of transboundary air pollution for the eastern Mediterranean region. Ukraine's Environment Ministry is not currently able to strategically target high-priority emissions and lacks the resources to address all these problems. For these reasons, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set up a partnership with Ukraine's Ministry of Environmental Protection to strengthen its capacity to set environmental priorities through the use of comparative environmental risk assessment and economic analysis--the Capacity Building Project. The project is also addressing improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of its National Environmental Protection Fund. The project consists of a series of workshops with Ukrainian MEP officials in comparative risk assessment of air pollutant emissions in several heavily industrialized oblasts; cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis; and environmental finance. Pilot risk assessment analyses have been completed. At the end of the Capacity Building Project it is expected that the use of the National Environmental Protection fund and the regional level oblast environmental protection funds will begin to target and identify the highest health and environmental risk emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brody
- Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA.
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Hinwood AL, Rodriguez C, Runnion T, Farrar D, Murray F, Horton A, Glass D, Sheppeard V, Edwards JW, Denison L, Whitworth T, Eiser C, Bulsara M, Gillett RW, Powell J, Lawson S, Weeks I, Galbally I. Risk factors for increased BTEX exposure in four Australian cities. CHEMOSPHERE 2007; 66:533-41. [PMID: 16837022 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2006] [Revised: 05/12/2006] [Accepted: 05/21/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in urban airsheds. Elevated levels of VOCs have been reported in many airsheds at many locations, particularly those associated with industrial activity, wood heater use and heavy traffic. Exposure to some VOCs has been associated with health risks. There have been limited investigations into community exposures to BTEX using personal monitoring to elucidate the concentrations to which members of the community may be exposed and the main contributors to that exposure. In this cross sectional study we investigated BTEX exposure of 204 non-smoking, non-occupationally exposed people from four Australian cities. Each participant wore a passive BTEX sampler over 24h on five consecutive days in both winter and summer and completed an exposure source questionnaire for each season and a diary for each day of monitoring. The geometric mean (GM) and range of daily BTEX concentrations recorded for the study population were benzene 0.80 (0.04-23.8 ppb); toluene 2.83 (0.03-2120 ppb); ethylbenzene 0.49 (0.03-119 ppb); and xylenes 2.36 (0.04-697 ppb). A generalised linear model was used to investigate significant risk factors for increased BTEX exposure. Activities and locations found to increase personal exposure included vehicle repair and machinery use, refuelling of motor vehicles, being in an enclosed car park and time spent undertaking arts and crafts. A highly significant difference was found between the mean exposures in each of the four cities, which may be explained by differences in fuel composition, differences in the mix and density of industry, density of motor vehicles and air pollution meteorology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Hinwood
- Centre for Ecosystem Management, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia.
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Sax SN, Bennett DH, Chillrud SN, Ross J, Kinney PL, Spengler JD. A cancer risk assessment of inner-city teenagers living in New York City and Los Angeles. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2006; 114:1558-66. [PMID: 17035143 PMCID: PMC1626400 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Toxics Exposure Assessment Columbia-Harvard (TEACH) project assessed exposures and cancer risks from urban air pollutants in a population of high school teenagers in New York City (NYC) and Los Angeles (LA). Forty-six high school students participated in NYC and 41 in LA, most in two seasons in 1999 and 2000, respectively. METHODS Personal, indoor home, and outdoor home 48-hr samples of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < or = 2.5 microm, and particle-bound elements were collected. Individual cancer risks for 13 VOCs and 6 particle-bound elements were calculated from personal concentrations and published cancer unit risks. RESULTS The median cumulative risk from personal VOC exposures for this sample of NYC high school students was 666 per million and was greater than the risks from ambient exposures by a factor of about 5. In the LA sample, median cancer risks from VOC personal exposures were 486 per million, about a factor of 4 greater than ambient exposure risks. The VOCs with the highest cancer risk included 1,4-dichlorobenzene, formaldehyde, chloroform, acetaldehyde, and benzene. Of these, benzene had the greatest contributions from outdoor sources. All others had high contributions from indoor sources. The cumulative risks from personal exposures to the elements were an order of magnitude lower than cancer risks from VOC exposures. CONCLUSIONS Most VOCs had median upper-bound lifetime cancer risks that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benchmark of 1 x 10-6 and were generally greater than U.S. EPA modeled estimates, more so for compounds with predominant indoor sources. Chromium, nickel, and arsenic had median personal cancer risks above the U.S. EPA benchmark with exposures largely from outdoors and other microenvironments. The U.S. EPA-modeled concentrations tended to overestimate personal cancer risks for beryllium and chromium but underestimate risks for nickel and arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja N Sax
- Gradient Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
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Ohura T, Amagai T, Senga Y, Fusaya M. Organic air pollutants inside and outside residences in Shimizu, Japan: levels, sources and risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2006; 366:485-99. [PMID: 16298419 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2005] [Revised: 09/13/2005] [Accepted: 10/01/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of 38 organic air pollutants including aromatic hydrocarbons (AHCs), carbonyl compounds (CCs), volatile organic halogenated compounds (VOHCs), and organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) were measured in indoor and outdoor air in an industrial city, Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Levels of pollutants tended to be higher indoors than outdoors in both summer and winter except for benzene, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and dichlorvos (DDVP). This trend was especially pronounced for CCs such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. For the organic air pollutants, the concentrations of AHCs and VOHCs substantially increased in winter, but not those of CCs and OPCs; the trends were similar for both indoors and outdoors. We investigated possible indoor sources of pollutants statistically. Multiple regression analysis of corresponding indoor and outdoor concentrations and the responses to our questionnaire showed that indoor concentrations of certain AHCs were significantly affected by their outdoor concentrations and cigarette smoking. For formaldehyde, indoor concentrations were significantly affected by house age and the presence of carpet or pets. For p-dichlorobenzene (pDCB), the concentrations in bedroom trended to be higher than those in other indoors and outdoors, suggested that mothballs for clothes present in bedrooms are the principal indoor source of pDCB. We compared indoor and outdoor pollutant concentrations to acceptable risk limits for 11 organic air pollutants. In indoors without smoking samples, the geometric mean concentrations of benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, carbon tetrachloride, pDCB, and DDVP exceeded the equivalent concentration representing the upper bound of one-in-one-hundred-thousand (1x10(-5)) excess risk over a lifetime of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Ohura
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
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Apelberg BJ, Buckley TJ, White RH. Socioeconomic and racial disparities in cancer risk from air toxics in Maryland. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2005; 113:693-9. [PMID: 15929891 PMCID: PMC1257593 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We linked risk estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) to racial and socioeconomic characteristics of census tracts in Maryland (2000 Census) to evaluate disparities in estimated cancer risk from exposure to air toxics by emission source category. In Maryland, the average estimated cancer risk across census tracts was highest from on-road sources (50% of total risk from nonbackground sources), followed by nonroad (25%), area (23%), and major sources (< 1%). Census tracts in the highest quartile defined by the fraction of African-American residents were three times more likely to be high risk (> 90th percentile of risk) than those in the lowest quartile (95% confidence interval, 2.0-5.0). Conversely, risk decreased as the proportion of whites increased (p < 0.001). Census tracts in the lowest quartile of socioeconomic position, as measured by various indicators, were 10-100 times more likely to be high risk than those in the highest quartile. We observed substantial risk disparities for on-road, area, and nonroad sources by socioeconomic measure and on-road and area sources by race. There was considerably less evidence of risk disparities from major source emissions. We found a statistically significant interaction between race and income, suggesting a stronger relationship between race and risk at lower incomes. This research demonstrates the utility of NATA for assessing regional environmental justice, identifies an environmental justice concern in Maryland, and suggests that on-road sources may be appropriate targets for policies intended to reduce the disproportionate environmental health burden among economically disadvantaged and minority populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Apelberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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42
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Chillrud SN, Grass D, Ross JM, Coulibaly D, Slavkovich V, Epstein D, Sax SN, Pederson D, Johnson D, Spengler JD, Kinney PL, Simpson HJ, Brandt-Rauf P. Steel dust in the New York City subway system as a source of manganese, chromium, and iron exposures for transit workers. J Urban Health 2005; 82:33-42. [PMID: 15738337 PMCID: PMC3142770 DOI: 10.1093/jurban/jti006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The United States Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 reflected increasing concern about potential effects of low-level airborne metal exposure on a wide array of illnesses. Here we summarize results demonstrating that the New York City (NYC) subway system provides an important microenvironment for metal exposures for NYC commuters and subway workers and also describe an ongoing pilot study of NYC transit workers' exposure to steel dust. Results from the TEACH (Toxic Exposure Assessment, a Columbia and Harvard) study in 1999 of 41 high-school students strongly suggest that elevated levels of iron, manganese, and chromium in personal air samples were due to exposure to steel dust in the NYC subway. Airborne concentrations of these three metals associated with fine particulate matter were observed to be more than 100 times greater in the subway environment than in home indoor or outdoor settings in NYC. While there are currently no known health effects at the airborne levels observed in the subway system, the primary aim of the ongoing pilot study is to ascertain whether the levels of these metals in the subway air affect concentrations of these metals or related metabolites in the blood or urine of exposed transit workers, who due to their job activities could plausibly have appreciably higher exposures than typical commuters. The study design involves recruitment of 40 transit workers representing a large range in expected exposures to steel dust, the collection of personal air samples of fine particulate matter, and the collection of blood and urine samples from each monitored transit worker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven N Chillrud
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, 61 Rt 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, USA.
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Weisel CP, Zhang J, Turpin BJ, Morandi MT, Colome S, Stock TH, Spektor DM, Korn L, Winer A, Alimokhtari S, Kwon J, Mohan K, Harrington R, Giovanetti R, Cui W, Afshar M, Maberti S, Shendell D. Relationship of Indoor, Outdoor and Personal Air (RIOPA) study: study design, methods and quality assurance/control results. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE ANALYSIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2005; 15:123-37. [PMID: 15213705 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jea.7500379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The Relationship of Indoor, Outdoor and Personal Air (RIOPA) Study was undertaken to evaluate the contribution of outdoor sources of air toxics, as defined in the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, to indoor concentrations and personal exposures. The concentrations of 18 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 17 carbonyl compounds, and fine particulate matter mass (PM(2.5)) were measured using 48-h outdoor, indoor and personal air samples collected simultaneously. PM2.5 mass, as well as several component species (elemental carbon, organic carbon, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and elemental analysis) were also measured; only PM(2.5) mass is reported here. Questionnaires were administered to characterize homes, neighborhoods and personal activities that might affect exposures. The air exchange rate was also measured in each home. Homes in close proximity (<0.5 km) to sources of air toxics were preferentially (2:1) selected for sampling. Approximately 100 non-smoking households in each of Elizabeth, NJ, Houston, TX, and Los Angeles, CA were sampled (100, 105, and 105 respectively) with second visits performed at 84, 93, and 81 homes in each city, respectively. VOC samples were collected at all homes, carbonyls at 90% and PM(2.5) at 60% of the homes. Personal samples were collected from nonsmoking adults and a portion of children living in the target homes. This manuscript provides the RIOPA study design and quality control and assurance data. The results from the RIOPA study can potentially provide information on the influence of ambient sources on indoor air concentrations and exposure for many air toxics and will furnish an opportunity to evaluate exposure models for these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford P Weisel
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Valacchi G, Pagnin E, Phung A, Nardini M, Schock BC, Cross CE, van der Vliet A. Inhibition of NFkappaB activation and IL-8 expression in human bronchial epithelial cells by acrolein. Antioxid Redox Signal 2005; 7:25-31. [PMID: 15650393 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2005.7.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Lipid oxidation and environmental pollutants are major sources of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes such as acrolein and 4-hydroxynonenal. Acrolein (2-propenal), a major product of organic combustion such as tobacco smoke, represents the most reactive alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde, with high reactivity toward nucleophilic targets such as sulfhydryl groups. To investigate how acrolein affects respiratory tract cell activation, we exposed either primary (NHBE) or immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE1) to 0-25 microM acrolein, and determined effects on basal and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)-induced production of the chemokine interleukin (IL)-8. Cell exposure to acrolein dose-dependently suppressed IL-8 mRNA levels in HBE1 cells (26, 40, and 79% at 5, 10, and 25 microM acrolein concentrations, respectively) and resulted in corresponding decreases in IL-8 production. Studies of nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) activation, an essential event in IL-8 production, showed decreased TNFalpha-induced NFkappaB activation by acrolein, illustrated by inhibition of nuclear translocation of NFkappaB and reduced IkappaBalpha degradation. Immunochemical analysis of IkappaB kinase (IKK), a redox-sensitive regulator of NFkappaB activation, indicated direct modification of the IKK beta-subunit by acrolein, suggesting that acrolein may act directly on IKK. In summary, our results demonstrate that acrolein can suppress inflammatory processes in the airways by inhibiting epithelial IL-8 production through direct or indirect inhibitory effects on NFkappaB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Valacchi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Tam BN, Neumann CM. A human health assessment of hazardous air pollutants in Portland, OR. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2004; 73:131-145. [PMID: 15380318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2004.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2003] [Revised: 06/14/2004] [Accepted: 06/29/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Ambient air samples collected from five monitoring sites in Portland, OR during July 1999 to August 2000 were analyzed for 43 hazardous air pollutants (HAP). HAP concentrations were compared to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic benchmark levels. Carcinogenic benchmark concentrations were set at a risk level of one-in-one-million (1x10(-6)). Hazard ratios of 1.0 were used when comparing HAP concentrations to non-carcinogenic benchmarks. Emission sources (point, area, and mobile) were identified and a cumulative cancer risk and total hazard index were calculated for HAPs exceeding these health benchmark levels. Seventeen HAPs exceeded a cancer risk level of 1x10(-6) at all five monitoring sites. Nineteen HAPs exceeded this level at one or more site. Carbon tetrachloride, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane contributed more than 50% to the upper-bound lifetime cumulative cancer risk of 2.47x10(-4). Acrolein was the only non-carcinogenic HAP with hazard ratios that exceeded 1.0 at all five sites. Mobile sources contributed the greatest percentage (68%) of HAP emissions. Additional monitoring and health assessments for HAPs in Portland, OR are warranted, including addressing issues that may have overestimated or underestimated risks in this study. Abatement strategies for HAPs that exceeded health benchmarks should be implemented to reduce potential adverse health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- B N Tam
- Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406, USA
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Li H, Wang J, Kaphalia B, Ansari GAS, Khan MF. Quantitation of acrolein-protein adducts: potential biomarker of acrolein exposure. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2004; 67:513-524. [PMID: 14742096 DOI: 10.1080/15287390490276539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Acrolein, an alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde, is a ubiquitous environmental toxic pollutant. Because of potential human exposure, there is a need for a sensitive, reliable, and specific method to monitor acrolein exposure. Acrolein is a potent electrophile and reacts with proteins mainly through Michael addition reaction, leading to acrolein-protein adducts (APA). The present study aimed to develop a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method for the quantitation of APA in biological samples. Antibody to acrolein-keyhole limpet hemocyanin adduct was raised in rabbits, and the specificity of the antibody was determined by ELISA using acrolein-albumin adduct (AAA) or native albumin. A dose-dependent response was observed with AAA, but no immunoreactivity with native albumin. Further, lack of cross-reactivity of anti-acrolein antibody with formaldehyde-, malondialdehyde-, or 4-hydroxynonenal-albumin adducts indicates its specificity for acrolein. For the competitive ELISA, 1:16,000 diluted antisera was used with varying concentrations of AAA, which provided a linear detection range between 250 and 10,000 pg. To test the efficacy of the method for possible use as a biomarker of acrolein exposure, SD rats were orally administered 1 or 7 doses of 9.2 mg/kg/d acrolein. APA levels, quantitated in the serum, showed significantly greater formation (32% and 58% after 1 and 7 doses, respectively) in acrolein-treated rats as compared to the controls. Western blot analyses of APA in the sera from acrolein-treated rats showed APA bands (especially 29, 31, and 100 kD) with greater intensity in comparison to controls, further supporting our ELISA results. These results suggest that quantitation of APA has potential to be used as biomarker of acrolein exposure and eventually for molecular dosimetry and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0609, USA
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47
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Chillrud SN, Epstein D, Ross JM, Sax SN, Pederson D, Spengler JD, Kinney PL. Elevated airborne exposures of teenagers to manganese, chromium, and iron from steel dust and New York City's subway system. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2004; 38:732-7. [PMID: 14968857 PMCID: PMC3142791 DOI: 10.1021/es034734y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in potential health effects of airborne exposures to hazardous air pollutants at relatively low levels. This study focuses on sources, levels, and exposure pathways of manganese, chromium, and iron among inner-city high school students in New York City (NYC) and the contribution of subways. Samples of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were collected during winter and summer over 48 h periods in a variety of settings including inside homes, outdoors, and personal samples (i.e., sampling packs carried by subjects). PM2.5 samples were also collected in the NYC subway system. For NYC, personal samples had significantly higher concentrations of iron, manganese, and chromium than did home indoor and ambient samples. The ratios and strong correlations between pairs of elements suggested steel dust as the source of these metals for a large subset of the personal samples. Time-activity data suggested NYC subways as a likely source of these elevated personal metals. In duplicate PM2.5 samples that integrated 8 h of underground subway exposure, iron, manganese, and chromium levels (>2 orders of magnitude above ambient levels) and their ratios were consistent with the elevated personal exposures. Steel dust in the NYC subway system was the dominant source of airborne exposures to iron, manganese, and chromium for many young people enrolled in this study, with the same results expected for other NYC subway riders who do not have occupational exposures to these metals. However, there are currently no known health effects at the exposure levels observed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven N Chillrud
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, New York 10964, USA.
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48
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Báez AP, Padilla HG, García RM, Belmont RD, Torres MDCB. Measurements of carbonyls in a 13-story building. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2004; 11:400-404. [PMID: 15603530 DOI: 10.1007/bf02979660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are emitted by many mobile and stationary sources and secondary aldehydes are intermediates in the photo-oxidation of organic compounds in the atmosphere. These aldehydes are emitted indoors by many materials such as furniture, carpets, heating and cooling systems, an by smoking. Carbonyls, mainly formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, have been studied because of their adverse health effects. In addition, formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen. Therefore, the concentrations of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were determined to assess the inhalation exposure doses to carbonyls for people who work in a 13-story building and in order to evaluate the cancer hazard. METHODS Carbonyl compounds in indoor and outdoor air were measured at a 13-story building located in Mexico City. The mezzanine, fifth and tenth floors, and the third level-parking garage were selected for sampling. Samples were collected in two sampling periods, the first from April 20 to 29, 1998 and the second from December 1 to 20, 1998. Carbonyls were sampled by means of DNHP-coated cartridges at a flow rate of 1 l min(-1) from 9:00 to 19:00 hours, during 2-hour time intervals and analyzed by HPLC with hours, during 2-hour time intervals and analyzed by HPLC with UV/VIS detection. RESULTS Mean carbonyl concentrations were highest in the 3rd level-parking garage, with the formaldehyde concentration being the highest ranging from 108 to 418 microg m(-3). In working areas, the highest carbonyl arithmetic mean concentrations (AM) were observed on the 5th floor. Acetone and formaldehyde concentrations were highest in April ranging from 161 to 348 microg m(-3) (AM = 226) and from 157 to 270 microg m(-3) (AM = 221), respectively. Propionaldehyde and butyraldehyde were present in smaller concentrations ranging from 2 to 25 and 1 to 28 microg m(-3), respectively, considering all the samples. Mean indoor/outdoor ratios of carbonyls ranged from 1.8 to 9.6. A reduction of inhalation exposure doses of 41% and 45% was observed in the fifth floor air after the air conditioning systems had been repaired. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations were higher in smoking environments. CONCLUSION Indoor carbonyl concentrations were significantly greater than outdoor concentrations. Tobacco smoke seems to be the main indoor source of formaldehyde. After the air conditioning system was maintained and repaired (as was recommended), an important reduction in the emission of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was achieved on all floors, except for the 3rd level parking garage, thereby reducing the inhalation exposure doses. RECOMMENDATION The results obtained in this research demonstrated that maintenance of air conditioning systems must be carried out regularly in order to avoid possible adverse effects on health. Additionally, it is mandatory that isolated smoking areas, with air extraction systems, be installed in every public building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando P Báez
- Laboratorio de Química Atmosférica, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México, DF 04510, México.
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Destaillats H, Spaulding RS, Charles MJ. Ambient air measurement of acrolein and other carbonyls at the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge toll plaza. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2002; 36:2227-2235. [PMID: 12038834 DOI: 10.1021/es011394c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Interest in ambient concentrations of acrolein and other alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes and dicarbonyls (e.g., crotonaldehyde, methyl glyoxal, glyoxal, malonaldehyde (malondialdehyde)) is growing because either they exist at high levels in motor vehicle emissions or they arise from photooxidation of other hydrocarbons emitted from mobile sources. In addition, their mutagenic, genotoxic, or carcinogenic properties are well-established, and the results of a dispersion-modeling study regarding the health risks posed by the 188 hazardous air pollutants in California attributes the highest noncancer risk to exposure to acrolein. Such modeling studies, conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), also predict median ambient air concentrations of acrolein higher than 0.06 microg/m3, the chronic inhalation reference exposure level stipulated by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in counties surrounding the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge. We measured acrolein and other potentially toxic carbonyls in air sampled at the San Francisco Bay Bridge toll plaza during rush hour traffic, which may be considered a "worst case scenario" for outdoor airborne carbonyls. We identified 36 carbonyls in the sample extracts, including 14 saturated aliphatic carbonyls, six unsaturated carbonyls, four aromatic carbonyls, six dicarbonyls, and six hydroxy carbonyls. Structural information to support tentative identification of carbonyls and hydroxycarbonyls was obtained by using a method that involves O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine (PFBHA) and PFBHA/bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) derivatization in concert with gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry. Most notably, we report for the first time the presence of malonaldehyde in the ambient atmospheric environment. A relatively linear relationship between retention time and the molecular weight of the derivatives was established to assist in obtaining structural information about chemicals for which authentic standards are not readily available. Levels of acrolein exceeded the California reference exposure level during morning rush hour traffic. The measured values, however, were significantly lower than estimates of county-wide average acrolein concentrations predicted by a U.S. EPA modeling study based on 1996 data. Successful regulatory efforts such as the introduction of reformulated gasoline, together with the advancement of new catalysts and fleet turnover throughout the 1990s, are likely to account for part of the gap between our determination and the 1996 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Destaillats
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
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50
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Nardini M, Finkelstein EI, Reddy S, Valacchi G, Traber M, Cross CE, van der Vliet A. Acrolein-induced cytotoxicity in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells. Modulation by alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid. Toxicology 2002; 170:173-85. [PMID: 11788155 DOI: 10.1016/s0300-483x(01)00540-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Acrolein is a highly reactive unsaturated hazardous air pollutant of human health concern, particularly as a component of cigarette smoke. In this study, the mechanisms of acrolein-induced cytotoxicity in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE1) and the modulating effects of antioxidants were examined. Our results show that acrolein induces a cell death pathway in human bronchial epithelial cells, which retain key features of apoptosis, as indicated by phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization and DNA fragmentation. Acrolein-induced apoptosis was associated with depletion of cellular GSH and intracellular generation of oxidants. Supplementation of cells with either alpha-tocopherol or ascorbic acid was found to strongly inhibit acrolein-induced apoptosis and to prevent the increase in the generation of intracellular oxidants, although GSH depletion was unaffected. Moreover, recovery of cellular GSH levels after acrolein exposure was enhanced following either alpha-tocopherol or ascorbic acid supplementation. The intracellular generation of oxidants following acrolein exposure seems to be an important event triggering the apoptotic response in this model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Nardini
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178, Rome, Italy.
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