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Yan H, Zhai B, Feng R, Wang P, Yang F, Zhou Y. Distribution of blood lead and cadmium levels in healthy children aged 0 to 18 years and analysis of related influencing factors in Henan, China: data findings from 2017 to 2022. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:43. [PMID: 38454525 PMCID: PMC10918998 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01614-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is still a lack of data on blood lead levels (BLLs) and blood lead levels (BLLs) in healthy children of all ages from 0 to 18 years in China. This study was performed to analyze the BLLs and BCLs in healthy children aged 0-18 years from 2017 to 2022 in urban and rural areas of Henan Province, Central China, as well as their relationships with socio-demographic variables and certain relevant exposure factors. To provide a basis for evaluating public health policy development and exposure risk management. METHODS This was an observational study containing data from 17 prefecture-level cities in Henan, China. Blood Pb and Cd levels were determined using a triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer equipped with an autosampler. We first calculated the concentrations of Pb and Cd elements in participants of different genders, ages and years, and then created visual graphs depicting the distribution of each element in terms of gender, age and year (2017-2022). The rates between different groups were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher exact test (if applicable). The means were compared by one-way ANOVA, medians were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test. Generalized linear models (GLM) were performed to estimate the effects of various factors on blood Pb and Cd concentrations in children. RESULTS We recruited a total of 25,920 children (16,142 boys and 9,778 girls) aged 0.01 to 18.00 years (2.58 (1.00,6.25)). The median of BLLs was 23.48µg/L, around 9.39% of studied children had elevated BLLs. The median of BCLs was 0.66µg/L, around 1.84% of studied children had elevated BCLs. The median blood Pb concentration was higher in boys (23.90µg/L) than in girls (22.75µg/L) (P<0.001). The median blood Pb concentration was highest in the 3-7 years group (24.51µg/L) and the median blood Cd concentration was highest in the 1-3 years group (0.66µg/L) among all age groups. Both BLLs and BCLs were substantially higher in children in 2020-2022 compared to 2017-2019. Rural children had lower BLLs and higher BCLs. The results of the generalized linear model showed that children in households using Oil, coal, pellet or other wood as a fuel for heating, children with higher frequency of exposure to tobacco smoke and beverage intake had significantly increased chances of elevated BLLs and BCLs. CONCLUSIONS Pb and Cd exposure of children in this area is relatively low, but associated risk factors continue to exist in vulnerable populations. This study is the first big data analysis of Pb and Cd in children in Henan, China, and provides baseline information for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yan
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Bo Zhai
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Ruiling Feng
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Penggao Wang
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
| | - Yang Zhou
- Henan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Diseases, Henan Key Laboratory of Pediatric Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
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Aryal P, Hefner C, Martinez B, Henry CS. Microfluidics in environmental analysis: advancements, challenges, and future prospects for rapid and efficient monitoring. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1175-1206. [PMID: 38165815 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00871a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have emerged as advantageous tools for detecting environmental contaminants due to their portability, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and rapid response capabilities. These devices have wide-ranging applications in environmental monitoring of air, water, and soil matrices, and have also been applied to agricultural monitoring. Although several previous reviews have explored microfluidic devices' utility, this paper presents an up-to-date account of the latest advancements in this field for environmental monitoring, looking back at the past five years. In this review, we discuss devices for prominent contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, nutrients, microorganisms, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), etc. We cover numerous detection methods (electrochemical, colorimetric, fluorescent, etc.) and critically assess the current state of microfluidic devices for environmental monitoring, highlighting both their successes and limitations. Moreover, we propose potential strategies to mitigate these limitations and offer valuable insights into future research and development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Aryal
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Claire Hefner
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Brandaise Martinez
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
| | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
- Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Queirolo EI, Kordas K, Martínez G, Ahmed Z, Barg G, Mañay N. Secular trends in blood lead concentrations of school-age children in Montevideo, Uruguay from 2009 to 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123160. [PMID: 38104764 PMCID: PMC10922799 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Lead exposure continues to be a public health problem globally, yet very few countries perform systematic biomonitoring or surveillance of children's blood lead levels (BLLs). Secular trends in children's BLLs have not been well characterized outside North America and Europe. In 2009-19, we conducted a series of non-representative cross-sectional surveys in Montevideo, Uruguay, enrolling children living in areas of the city with known or suspected lead contamination. Lead was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry on fasting venous blood samples. Of the 856 children representing independent (non-sibling) observations, 759 had BLL measures. Other missing data were imputed. Using linear and logistic regression models, we estimated the covariate-adjusted year to year difference in mean BLL and the likelihood of having BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL. At the start of the study, mean ± SD BLL was 4.8 ± 2.6 μg/dL, and at the end 1.4 ± 1.4 μg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL also differed markedly between 2009 and 2019 (30.8% vs. 2.7% and 53.8% vs. 5.8%). Similarly, where 80.8% of children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL in 2011, in 2019 that number was 19.3%. The estimated year to year difference in BLL was ∼0.3 μg/dL. Despite this progress, pediatric lead exposure remains a problem in Montevideo. In years 2015-19, between 19 and 48% of school children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL, a level at which adverse neurobehavioral outcomes continue to be reported in the literature. Continued prevention and risk-reduction efforts are needed in Montevideo, including systematic surveillance of BLLs in all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena I Queirolo
- Department of Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Gabriela Martínez
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Zia Ahmed
- RENEW Institute, University at Buffalo, 106 Cooke Hall, Buffalo NY, USA.
| | - Gabriel Barg
- Department of Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Nelly Mañay
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
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Zheng Q, Yan W, Gao S, Li X. The effect of PFAS exposure on glucolipid metabolism in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1261008. [PMID: 38425754 PMCID: PMC10902913 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1261008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies showed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely found in the environment, can disrupt endocrine homeostasis when they enter the human body. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate current human epidemiological evidence on the relationship between PFAS exposure and glucolipid metabolism in childhood and adolescence. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and identified population-based epidemiological studies related to PFAS and glucolipid metabolism indexes that were published before 30 December 2022. The heterogeneity of the included literature was assessed using the I-square (I2) test and statistics Q. Random-effects and fixed-effects models were used to combine the effect size. Subgroup analysis based on age and sex of the study participants was performed. A sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the robustness and reliability of the combined results. Egger's and Begg's tests were used to analyze publication bias. Results A total of 12 studies were included in this analysis. There was a positive association between PFAS and TC (β = 1.110, 95% CI: 0.601, 1.610) and LDL (β = 1.900, 95% CI: 1.030, 2.770), and a negative association between PFAS and HOMA-IR in children and adolescents (β = -0.130, 95% CI: -0. 200, -0.059). PFOS was significant positive associated with TC (β = 8.22, 95% CI: 3.93, 12.51), LDL (β = (12.04, 95% CI: 5.08, 18.99), and HOMA-IR (β = -0.165, 95% CI: -0.292, -0.038). Subgroup analysis showed that exposure to PFAS in the adolescent group was positively associated with TC and LDL levels, and the relationship was stronger in females. Conclusion PFAS exposure is associated with glucolipid metabolism in children and adolescents. Among them, PFOS may play an important role. Recognition of environmental PFAS exposure is critical for stabilizing the glycolipid metabolism relationship during the growth and development of children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zheng
- Department of Children Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wu Yan
- Department of Children Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shenghu Gao
- Department of Children Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaonan Li
- Department of Children Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Xu Y, Liu Y, Sun H, Gong X, Yu G, Zhai C, Hu W, Zong Q, Yu Y, Tang Y, Zhang M, Wang F, Zou Y. Global burden of leukemia attributable to occupational exposure to formaldehyde from 1990 to 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:3560-3571. [PMID: 38085479 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31350-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the worldwide burden of leukemia owing to occupational exposure to formaldehyde (OEF) from 1990 to 2019. Data on leukemia due to OEF were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. By region, age, sex, and disease subtype, the numbers and age-standardized rates (ASRs) associated with deaths, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were analyzed. Annual average percentage change (AAPC) was used to estimate disease burden trends from 1990 to 2019. To measure the risk of leukemia due to OEF, the population attributable fraction (PAF) was introduced. From 1990 to 2019, the number of deaths, DALYs, YLLs, and YLDs for leukemia caused by OEF increased by 44%, 34%, 33%, and 124%, respectively. Regarding the change in ASRs, the age-standardized YLDs (ASYLDs) rate of leukemia due to OEF, which was 38.03% (AAPC = 1.17 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11, 1.23]), indicated an increased trend. But the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), age-standardized DALY (ASDALY) rate, and age-standardized YLL (ASYLL) rate showed decline trends, with - 11.90% (AAPC = - 0.41 [95% CI - 0.45, - 0.37]), - 14.19% (AAPC = - 0.5 [95% CI - 0.55, - 0.45]), and - 14.97% (AAPC = - 0.53 [95% CI - 0.58, - 0.48]), respectively. In terms of PAFs, there were increasing trends in PAFs of age-standardized deaths, ASDALYs, ASYLLs, and ASYLDs for leukemia caused by OEF, with 20.15% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 11.76%, 30.25%), 36.28% (95% UI 21.46%, 53.42%), 51.91% (95% UI 35.05%, 72.07%), and 36.34% (95% UI 21.58%, 53.63%), respectively. Across the socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, the leukemia burden caused by OEF was concentrated in middle and high-middle SDI regions. Besides, OEF poses a more serious risk for acute leukemia among the leukemia subtype. Globally, leukemia caused by OEF remains a public health burden. Policies must be developed to avoid the burden of leukemia caused by OEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yuqi Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hongyu Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xingyu Gong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guanghui Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chunxia Zhai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wanqin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqun Zong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yingying Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yuqin Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Mingyi Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanfeng Zou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Ondayo MA, Watts MJ, Hamilton EM, Mitchell C, Mankelow J, Osano O. Artisanal gold mining in Kakamega and Vihiga counties, Kenya: potential human exposure and health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:6543-6565. [PMID: 37338637 PMCID: PMC10403399 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01647-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) represents 20% of gold supply and 90% of gold mining workforce globally, which operates in highly informal setups. Pollutants from mined ores and chemicals introduced during gold processing pose occupational and inadvertent health risks to the extent that has not been well elucidated in Africa. Trace and major elements were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in soil, sediment and water samples from 19 ASGM villages in Kakamega and Vihiga counties. Associated health risks for residents and ASGM workers were assessed. This paper focuses on As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb for which 96% of soil samples from mining and ore processing sites had As concentrations up to 7937 times higher than the US EPA 12 mg kg-1 standard for residential soils. Soil Cr, Hg and Ni concentrations in 98%, 49% and 68% of the samples exceeded respective USEPA and CCME standards, with 1-72% bioaccessibility. Twenty-five percentage of community drinking water sources were higher than the WHO 10 µg L-1 drinking water guideline. Pollution indices indicated significant enrichment and pollution of soils, sediment and water in decreasing order of As > Cr > Hg > Ni > Pb > Cd. The study revealed increased risks of non-cancer health effects (98.6) and cancer in adults (4.93 × 10-2) and children (1.75 × 10-1). The findings will help environment managers and public health authorities better understand the potential health risks in ASGM and support evidence-based interventions in ASGM processes, industrial hygiene and formulation of public health policy to protect residents and ASGM workers' health in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureene Auma Ondayo
- Department of Environmental Health and Biology, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Michael J Watts
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK.
| | - Elliott M Hamilton
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Clive Mitchell
- Mineral Resource Security and Flows, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Joseph Mankelow
- Mineral Resource Security and Flows, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Odipo Osano
- Department of Environmental Health and Biology, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
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Liu X, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Wang J, Tan H, Piao J, Yang L, Yang X. The Time Trend of Blood Lead and Cadmium Levels in Rural Chinese Children: China Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 and 2012. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2162-2169. [PMID: 35725995 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03333-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study was to investigate blood lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels and time trend in rural Chinese children derived from the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 and 2012 (CNHS 2002, CNHS 2012). In total, 1698 and 1581 of rural Chinese children were selected from the CNHS 2002 and the CNHS 2012 databases, respectively. The blood Pb and Cd levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), whilst the prevalence of blood Pb levels >5 µg/dL and blood Cd levels >0.5 µg/L and the corresponding reference values (RV95s: the upper limit of 95% confidence interval of 95th percentile) were together calculated. From the CNHS 2002 to the CNHS 2012, median concentrations in blood were severally decreased from 6.3 to 3.1 µg/dL for Pb and from 0.64 to 0.39 µg/L for Cd. The prevalence of blood Pb levels >5 µg/dL had decreased from 63.6 to 14.2%, together with blood Cd levels >0.5 µg/L prevalence from 62.7 to 33.5%, respectively. The RV95s of blood Pb and Cd levels were 15.2 µg/dL and 1.54 µg/L in the CNHS 2002, as well as 6.3 µg/dL and 1.12 µg/L in the CNHS 2012. In conclusion, blood Pb and Cd levels had been obviously improved in rural Chinese children during the past 10 years. However, the risks of Pb and Cd exposure are still serious and required to have continuous health monitoring and evaluation, even call for greater collaboration of the government and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Liu
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Huidi Zhang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Food and Drug, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Hongxing Tan
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhua Piao
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lichen Yang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xiaoguang Yang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Poudel K, Ikeda A, Fukunaga H, Brune Drisse MN, Onyon LJ, Gorman J, Laborde A, Kishi R. How does formal and informal industry contribute to lead exposure? A narrative review from Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 0:reveh-2022-0224. [PMID: 36735953 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lead industries are one of the major sources of environmental pollution and can affect human through different activities, including industrial processes, metal plating, mining, battery recycling, etc. Although different studies have documented the various sources of lead exposure, studies highlighting different types of industries as sources of environmental contamination are limited. Therefore, this narrative review aims to focus mainly on lead industries as significant sources of environmental and human contamination. CONTENT Based on the keywords searched in bibliographic databases we found 44 relevant articles that provided information on lead present in soil, water, and blood or all components among participants living near high-risk areas. We presented three case scenarios to highlight how lead industries have affected the health of citizens in Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia. SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK Factories conducting mining, e-waste processing, used lead-acid battery recycling, electronic repair, and toxic waste sites were the primary industries for lead exposure. Our study has shown lead exposure due to industrial activities in Vietnam, Uruguay, Malaysia and calls for attention to the gaps in strategic and epidemiologic efforts to understand sources of environmental exposure to lead fully. Developing strategies and guidelines to regulate industrial activities, finding alternatives to reduce lead toxicity and exposure, and empowering the public through various community awareness programs can play a crucial role in controlling exposure to lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Poudel
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- WHO Collaborating Center for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Sapporo, Japan
- Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Atsuko Ikeda
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- WHO Collaborating Center for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Sapporo, Japan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Marie-Noel Brune Drisse
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lesley Jayne Onyon
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Gorman
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Republic University of Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- WHO Collaborating Center for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Sapporo, Japan
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Marín D, Orozco LY, Narváez DM, Ortiz-Trujillo IC, Molina FJ, Ramos CD, Rodriguez-Villamizar L, Bangdiwala SI, Morales O, Cuellar M, Hernández LJ, Henao EA, Lopera V, Corredor A, Toro MV, Groot H, Villamil-Osorio M, Muñoz DA, Hincapié RC, Amaya F, Oviedo AI, López L, Morales-Betancourt R, Marín-Ochoa BE, Sánchez-García OE, Marín JS, Abad JM, Toro JC, Pinzón E, Builes JJ, Rueda ZV. Characterization of the external exposome and its contribution to the clinical respiratory and early biological effects in children: The PROMESA cohort study protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0278836. [PMID: 36662732 PMCID: PMC9858469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution contains a mixture of different pollutants from multiple sources. However, the interaction of these pollutants with other environmental exposures, as well as their harmful effects on children under five in tropical countries, is not well known. OBJECTIVE This study aims to characterize the external exposome (ambient and indoor exposures) and its contribution to clinical respiratory and early biological effects in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort study will be conducted on children under five (n = 500) with a one-year follow-up. Enrolled children will be followed monthly (phone call) and at months 6 and 12 (in person) post-enrolment with upper and lower Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) examinations, asthma development, asthma control, and genotoxic damage. The asthma diagnosis will be pediatric pulmonologist-based and a standardized protocol will be used. Exposure, effect, and susceptibility biomarkers will be measured on buccal cells samples. For environmental exposures PM2.5 will be sampled, and questionnaires, geographic information, dispersion models and Land Use Regression models for PM2.5 and NO2 will be used. Different statistical methods that include Bayesian and machine learning techniques will be used for the ambient and indoor exposures-and outcomes. This study was approved by the ethics committee at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. EXPECTED STUDY OUTCOMES/FINDINGS To estimate i) The toxic effect of particulate matter transcending the approach based on pollutant concentration levels; ii) The risk of developing an upper and lower ARI, based on different exposure windows; iii) A baseline of early biological damage in children under five, and describe its progression after a one-year follow-up; and iv) How physical and chemical PM2.5 characteristics influence toxicity and children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Marín
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Luz Yaneth Orozco
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
- School of Engineering, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | - Laura Rodriguez-Villamizar
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Shrikant I. Bangdiwala
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Statistics Department, Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Olga Morales
- School of Medicine, Pediaciencias Group, Universidad de Antioquia, Noel Clinic, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital San Vicente Fundación, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Martha Cuellar
- School of Medicine, Pediaciencias Group, Universidad de Antioquia, Noel Clinic, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Pediatrics, SOMER Clinic, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | - Verónica Lopera
- Secretaría de Salud, Alcaldía de Medellín, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Andrea Corredor
- Department of Pediatrics, ONIROS Centro Especializado en Medicina Integral del Sueño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - María Victoria Toro
- School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Helena Groot
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Milena Villamil-Osorio
- Department of Pediatrics, Fundación Hospital Pediátrico la Misericordia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | - Ferney Amaya
- School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ana Isabel Oviedo
- School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Lucelly López
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Beatriz Elena Marín-Ochoa
- School of Social Communications and Journalism, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | - Eliana Pinzón
- Secretaria distrital de Salud, Alcaldia de Bogota, Bogota, Colombia
| | | | - Zulma Vanessa Rueda
- School of Medicine, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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10
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Anesti O, Papaioannou N, Gabriel C, Karakoltzidis A, Dzhedzheia V, Petridis I, Stratidakis A, Dickinson M, Horvat M, Snoj Tratnik J, Tsatsakis A, Karakitsios S, Sarigiannis DA. An exposome connectivity paradigm for the mechanistic assessment of the effects of prenatal and early life exposure to metals on neurodevelopment. Front Public Health 2023; 10:871218. [PMID: 36699871 PMCID: PMC9869756 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.871218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposome paradigm through an integrated approach to investigating the impact of perinatal exposure to metals on child neurodevelopment in two cohorts carried out in Slovenia (PHIME cohort) and Greece (HERACLES cohort) respectively, is presented herein. Heavy metals are well-known neurotoxicants with well-established links to impaired neurodevelopment. The links between in utero and early-life exposure to metals, metabolic pathway dysregulation, and neurodevelopmental disorders were drawn through urinary and plasma untargeted metabolomics analysis, followed by the combined application of in silico and biostatistical methods. Heavy metal prenatal and postnatal exposure was evaluated, including parameters indirectly related to exposure and health adversities, such as sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters and dietary factors. The primary outcome of the study was that the identified perturbations related to the TCA cycle are mainly associated with impaired mitochondrial respiration, which is detrimental to cellular homeostasis and functionality; this is further potentiated by the capacity of heavy metals to induce oxidative stress. Insufficient production of energy from the mitochondria during the perinatal period is associated with developmental disorders in children. The HERACLES cohort included more detailed data regarding diet and sociodemographic status of the studied population, allowing the identification of a broader spectrum of effect modifiers, such as the beneficial role of a diet rich in antioxidants such as lycopene and ω-3 fatty acids, the negative effect the consumption of food items such as pork and chicken meat has or the multiple impacts of fish consumption. Beyond diet, several other factors have been proven influential for child neurodevelopment, such as the proximity to pollution sources (e.g., waste treatment site) and the broader living environment, including socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Overall, our results demonstrate the utility of exposome-wide association studies (EWAS) toward understanding the relationships among the multiple factors that determine human exposure and the underlying biology, reflected as omics markers of effect on neurodevelopment during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania Anesti
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Centre of Toxicology Science and Research, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nafsika Papaioannou
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Catherine Gabriel
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Achilleas Karakoltzidis
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vazha Dzhedzheia
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Petridis
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonios Stratidakis
- Science, Technology, and Society Department, Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (IUSS), University School for Advanced Study, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Josef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Josef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Centre of Toxicology Science and Research, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Spyros Karakitsios
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis A. Sarigiannis
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Centre of Toxicology Science and Research, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece,Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,*Correspondence: Dimosthenis A. Sarigiannis
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11
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Farías P, Hernández-Bonilla D, Moreno-Macías H, Montes-López S, Schnaas L, Texcalac-Sangrador JL, Ríos C, Riojas-Rodríguez H. Prenatal Co-Exposure to Manganese, Mercury, and Lead, and Neurodevelopment in Children during the First Year of Life. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13020. [PMID: 36293596 PMCID: PMC9603303 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and manganese (Mn) are neurotoxic, but little is known about the neurodevelopmental effects associated with simultaneous prenatal exposure to these metals. We aimed to study the associations of Pb, Hg, and Mn prenatal levels (jointly and separately) with neurodevelopment in the first year of life. Methods: Pb, Hg, and Mn blood lead levels were measured in 253 pregnant women. Their offspring's neurodevelopment was assessed through the Bayley Scale of Infant Development III® at one, three, six, and twelve months. The metals' mean blood levels (µg/L) were Pb = 11.2, Hg = 2.1, and Mn = 10.2. Mean language, cognitive, and motor development scores of the infants at each age were between low-average and average. Multilevel models' results showed that language development coefficients of the offspring decreased by 1.5 points per 1 µg/dL increase in maternal blood lead levels (p = 0.002); the magnitude of the aforementioned association increased in children with maternal blood Mn < 9.6 µg/L (ß = -1.9, p = 0.003) or Hg > 1.9 µg/L (ß = -1.6, p = 0.013). Cognitive and motor development had negative associations with maternal blood Pb levels; the latter was statistically significant when the interaction term between Pb, Mn, and Hg was included (ß = -0.037, p = 0.03). Prenatal exposure to low Pb levels may impair infants' neurodevelopment in the first year of life, even more so if they are exposed to Hg or deficient in Mn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Farías
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Dirección de Salud Ambiental, Universidad 655, Col. Sta. Ma. Ahucatitlán, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
| | - David Hernández-Bonilla
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Dirección de Salud Ambiental, Universidad 655, Col. Sta. Ma. Ahucatitlán, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
| | - Hortensia Moreno-Macías
- Unidad Iztapalapa, División de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México 09340, Mexico
| | - Sergio Montes-López
- Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Reynosa-Aztlán, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Lago de Chapala y Calle 16, Aztlán, Reynosa 88740, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Schnaas
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Montes Urales 800, Lomas de Virreyes, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - José Luis Texcalac-Sangrador
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Dirección de Salud Ambiental, Universidad 655, Col. Sta. Ma. Ahucatitlán, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
| | - Camilo Ríos
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Av. Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, La Fama, Ciudad de México 14269, Mexico
| | - Horacio Riojas-Rodríguez
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Dirección de Salud Ambiental, Universidad 655, Col. Sta. Ma. Ahucatitlán, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
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12
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Perera-Rios J, Ruiz-Suarez E, Bastidas-Bastidas PDJ, May-Euán F, Uicab-Pool G, Leyva-Morales JB, Reyes-Novelo E, Pérez-Herrera N. Agricultural pesticide residues in water from a karstic aquifer in Yucatan, Mexico, pose a risk to children's health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2218-2232. [PMID: 34282684 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1950652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Yucatan is a region with a high impact of water contamination since it has a karst type soil favoring contaminants entry into the phreatic level, the only source of freshwater in the area. However, no studies report pesticides in water for human consumption or the risk it represents. The objective of this study was to detect and measure pesticide concentrations in domestic tap water to estimate the risk (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) to health. A non-probabilistic sampling was applied of 48 tap water sources, and then pesticide detection with solid-phase extraction gas chromatography coupled to the electron capture and flame photometric detectors allowed the estimation of risk through hazard ratios. The present results suggest that aldrin, heptachlor, and β-BHC residues in domestic tap water from Ticul, Yucatan, pose a risk to children's health, particularly for potential carcinogenic risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Perera-Rios
- Facultad De Medicina, Universidad Autónoma De Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | | | - Pedro de Jesús Bastidas-Bastidas
- Laboratorio Nacional Para La Investigación En Inocuidad Alimentaria (Residuos De Plaguicidas), CIAD, A.C. Unidad Culiacán, Culiacán, Sinaloa, México
| | - Fernando May-Euán
- Facultad De Medicina, Universidad Autónoma De Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
- Facultad De Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma De Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Gloria Uicab-Pool
- Facultad De Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma De Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - José Belisario Leyva-Morales
- Centro De Investigación En Recursos Naturales Y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago De Chile, Chile
- Doctorado En Sustentabilidad, Universidad Autónoma De Occidente (Unidad Guasave, Sinaloa), Guasave, Sinaloa, México
| | - Enrique Reyes-Novelo
- Centro De Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Unidad Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma De Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Norma Pérez-Herrera
- Facultad De Medicina, Universidad Autónoma De Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México
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A Call for Biomonitoring Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Considerations for Potentially Toxic Metals/Metalloids. Ann Glob Health 2022; 88:80. [PMID: 36185997 PMCID: PMC9479654 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region makes up 8.4% of the world’s population. Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs, which can shed light on population-level exposure to environmental contaminants such as toxic metals and thus, improve the health of the populations are inexistent in LAC countries. We call for the creation of HBM programs in the region and identify three viable design options for HBM at the individual level, through national surveys, newborn blood collection, and biobanks. We highlight some of challenges to the implementation of HBM programs, including financial and human resources, technical constrains (laboratory), sample, and data logistics. Finally, we provide the case studies of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, to illustrate a range of responses to toxic metal exposure in non-occupational populations. Although different in many respects, the individual country responses share two commonalities: 1) academic centers drive the research to raise awareness of governmental entities; 2) reference levels are adapted from international norms rather than arising from the studied populations. Well-designed and sufficiently funded biomonitoring systems need to be established in each country of the LAC region. HBM programs are key to promoting human health by informing the public and contributing to policy processes that establish sustainable environmental controls and health prevention programs.
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14
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Atmospheric Modelling of Mercury in the Southern Hemisphere and Future Research Needs: A Review. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13081226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a toxic pollutant that can negatively impact the population’s health and the environment. The research on atmospheric mercury is of critical concern because of the diverse process that this pollutant suffers in the atmosphere as well as its deposition capacity, which can provoke diverse health issues. The Minamata Convention encourages the protection of the adverse effects of mercury, where research is a part of the strategies and atmospheric modelling plays a critical role in achieving the proposed aim. This paper reviews the study of modelling atmospheric mercury based on the southern hemisphere (SH). The article discusses diverse aspects focused on the SH such as the spatial distribution of mercury, its emissions projections, interhemispheric transport, and deposition. There has been a discrepancy between the observed and the simulated values, especially concerning the seasonality of gaseous elemental mercury and total gaseous mercury. Further, there is a lack of research about the emissions projections in the SH and mercury deposition, which generates uncertainty regarding future global scenarios. More studies on atmospheric mercury behaviour are imperative to better understand the SH’s mercury cycle.
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15
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Xu S, Hansen S, Sripada K, Aarsland T, Horvat M, Mazej D, Alvarez MV, Odland JØ. Maternal Blood Levels of Toxic and Essential Elements and Birth Outcomes in Argentina: The EMASAR Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063643. [PMID: 35329330 PMCID: PMC8954125 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Pregnant women’s levels of toxic and essential minerals have been linked to birth outcomes yet have not been adequately investigated in South America. In Argentina, n = 696 maternal whole blood samples from Ushuaia (n = 198) and Salta (n = 498) were collected in 2011–2012 among singleton women at 36 ± 12 h postpartum and analyzed for blood concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). This study examined the associations between maternal elements levels and birth outcomes, and sociodemographic factors contributing to elements levels. Maternal age, parity, body mass index, smoking, and education were linked to concentrations of some but not all elements. In adjusted models, one ln-unit increase in Pb levels was associated with increased gestational age (0.2 weeks, 95% CI = 0.01–0.48) and decreased birth weight (−88.90 g, 95% CI = −173.69 to −4.11) and birth length (−0.46 cm, 95% CI = −0.85 to −0.08) in the Salta sample. Toxic elements concentrations were not associated with birth outcomes in Ushuaia participants. Birth outcomes are multifactorial problems, and these findings provide a foundation for understanding how the body burden of toxic and essential elements, within the socioeconomic context, may influence birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xu
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
- Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Solrunn Hansen
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromso, Norway;
| | - Kam Sripada
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
- Centre for Digital Life Norway, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torbjørn Aarsland
- Research Department, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.H.); (D.M.)
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.H.); (D.M.)
| | - Marisa Viviana Alvarez
- Pediatric Department, Hospital Público Materno Infantil de Salta, Sarmiento 1301, Salta 4400, Argentina;
| | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway;
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Correspondence:
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Xu H, Jia Y, Sun Z, Su J, Liu QS, Zhou Q, Jiang G. Environmental pollution, a hidden culprit for health issues. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:31-45. [PMID: 38078200 PMCID: PMC10702928 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2023]
Abstract
The environmental and health impacts from the massive discharge of chemicals and subsequent pollution have been gaining increasing public concern. The unintended exposure to different pollutants, such as heavy metals, air pollutants and organic chemicals, may cause diverse deleterious effects on human bodies, resulting in the incidence and progression of different diseases. The article reviewed the outbreak of environmental pollution-related public health emergencies, the epidemiological evidence on certain pollution-correlated health effects, and the pathological studies on specific pollutant exposure. By recalling the notable historical life-threatening disasters incurred by local chemical pollution, the damning evidence was presented to criminate certain pollutants as the main culprit for the given health issues. The epidemiological data on the prevalence of some common diseases revealed a variety of environmental pollutants to blame, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), fine particulate matters (PMs) and heavy metals. The retrospection of toxicological studies provided illustrative clues for evaluating ambient pollutant-induced health risks. Overall, environmental pollution, as the hidden culprit, should answer for the increasing public health burden, and more efforts are highly encouraged to strive to explore the cause-and-effect relationships through extensive epidemiological and pathological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yang Jia
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Zhendong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Jiahui Su
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qian S. Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Qunfang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, China
- Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, China
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17
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Zamora AN, Watkins DJ, Peterson KE, Téllez-Rojo MM, Hu H, Meeker JD, Cantoral A, Mercado-García A, Jansen EC. Prenatal maternal pesticide exposure in relation to sleep health of offspring during adolescence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:111977. [PMID: 34469742 PMCID: PMC8639673 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The neurobiological processes involved in establishing sleep regulation are vulnerable to environmental exposures as early as seven weeks of gestation. Studies have linked in utero pesticide exposure to childhood sleep-disordered breathing. However, the impact of in utero pesticide exposure on the sleep health of adolescents remains unexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from 137 mother-adolescent pairs from a Mexico City cohort were analyzed. We used maternal urinary 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA, pyrethroid metabolite) and 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy, chlorpyrifos metabolite) from trimester three to estimate in utero pesticide exposure. Among adolescents, we obtained repeated measures of objectively assessed sleep duration, midpoint, and fragmentation using wrist-actigraphy devices for 7 consecutive days in 2015 and 2017. Unstratified and sex-stratified associations between maternal urinary 3-PBA and TCPy and adolescent sleep measures were examined using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). We also examined the interactive effects of maternal pesticide exposure and offspring sex on sleep outcomes. RESULTS 3-PBA and TCPy were detected in 44.4% and 93% of urine samples, respectively. Adjusted findings demonstrated that higher exposure to maternal TCPy was associated with longer sleep duration and later sleep timing. Findings from interaction tests between maternal pesticide exposure and offspring sex were not statistically significant, although adjusted sex-stratified findings showed that the association between TCPy with duration and midpoint was evident only among female offspring. To illustrate, those in the highest tertile of exposure had a 59 minute (95% CI: 12.2, 104.8) (p, trend = 0.004) longer sleep duration and a 0.6 hour (95% CI: 0.01, 1.3) (p, trend = 0.01) later sleep midpoint. We found no significant associations between 3-PBA and sleep outcomes. CONCLUSION Within a cohort of mother-adolescent pairs, we found associations between maternal prenatal pesticide exposure and longer sleep duration and later sleep timing among adolescent offspring. Further, this association may be female-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid N Zamora
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karen E Peterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Martha M Téllez-Rojo
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Howard Hu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Adriana Mercado-García
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Erica C Jansen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Neurology, Division of Sleep Medicine, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Feng L, Hou C, Gu Q. Effects of air pollution and green spaces on impaired lung function in children: a case-control study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:11907-11919. [PMID: 34553284 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16554-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The occurrences of impaired lung function during childhood could substantially influence the health states of the respiratory system in adults. So, the effects of air pollution and green spaces on impaired lung function in children were investigated in this study. The lung function of each student was tested every year from 2015 to 2017 and the method of case-control study was applied. 2087 students aged from 9 to 11 years old of primary schools in Tianjin were ultimately included in this study. The method of propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize the confounding bias and the conditional logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate the effects of indoor and outdoor environmental risk factors on the occurrences of impaired lung function in children. For every interquartile range (IQR) increase in the mixture of six air pollutants at the lag1, lag2, and lag3 periods, the risks of getting impaired lung function were increased by 53.4%, 34.7%, and 16.9%, respectively. The protective effect of greenness at lag2 period (odds ratios (OR)) = 0.022 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.008-0.035)) was stronger than that at lag1and lag3 periods, respectively. Separate and combined effects of most air pollutants at different lag periods exerted hazardous effects on the lung function of students. Exposure to greenness had protective effects on the lung health of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Zhang
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, No.6 Huayue Rd, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qixiangtai Rd, Tianjin, China
| | - Lihong Feng
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, No.6 Huayue Rd, Tianjin, China
| | - Changchun Hou
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, No.6 Huayue Rd, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing Gu
- Department of Environment and Health, Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, No.6 Huayue Rd, Tianjin, China.
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qixiangtai Rd, Tianjin, China.
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Korc M, Hauchman F. Advancing environmental public health in Latin America and the Caribbean. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2021; 45:e118. [PMID: 34539765 PMCID: PMC8442713 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2021.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper highlights the important leadership role of the public health sector, working with other governmental sectors and nongovernmental entities, to advance environmental public health in Latin America and the Caribbean toward the achievement of 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 3: Health and Well-Being. The most pressing current and future environmental public health threats are discussed, followed by a brief review of major historical and current international and regional efforts to address these concerns. The paper concludes with a discussion of three major components of a regional environmental public health agenda that responsible parties can undertake to make significant progress toward ensuring the health and well-being of all people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Korc
- Pan American Health OrganizationWashington, D.C.United States of AmericaPan American Health Organization, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Fred Hauchman
- PAHO Climate Change and Environmental Determinants of Health Technical Advisory GroupVirginiaUnited States of AmericaPAHO Climate Change and Environmental Determinants of Health Technical Advisory Group, Virginia, United States of America
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Cortés S, Burgos S, Adaros H, Lucero B, Quirós-Alcalá L. Environmental Health Risk Perception: Adaptation of a Population-Based Questionnaire from Latin America. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168600. [PMID: 34444349 PMCID: PMC8394931 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Environmental risk assessments and interventions to mitigate environmental risks are essential to protect public health. While the objective measurement of environmental hazards is important, it is also critical to address the subjective perception of health risks. A population’s perception of environmental health hazards is a powerful driving force for action and engagement in safety and health behaviors and can also inform the development of effective and more sustainable environmental health policies. To date, no instruments are available to assess risk perception of environmental health hazards in South America even though there are many concerning issues in the region, including mining. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to adapt and validate an environmental health risk perception questionnaire in a Chilean population affected by mining activity among other risks frequently reported in Latin American countries and included the collection of information on trust on public information sources. METHODS: We adapted an Australian risk perception questionnaire for validation in an adult population from a Chilean mining community. This adaptation included two blinded translations (direct, inverse), a pre-test study (n = 20) and a review by environmental health experts. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) was used to identify factors within major domains of interest. The Bartlett test of sphericity, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and the Cronbach α test were used to assess the instrument’s validity and reliability. The instrument was pilot tested in 205 adults from a mining community in Chañaral. RESULTS: The final adapted questionnaire proved to be a good instrument to measure risk perception in a community chronically exposed to mining waste. For community risks, four factors explained 59.4% of the variance. “Global Issues” (30.2%) included air pollution, contamination of mining, ozone layer depletion and vector diseases. For personal risks, the first two components explained 59.5% of the variance, the main factor (36.7%) was “unhealthy behaviors within the household”. For trust in information, the first factor (36.2%) included as main sources “Media and authorities”. The Cronbach α ranged between 0.68 and 0.75; and the KMO test between 0.7 to 0.79 for community and personal risks and trust. CONCLUSIONS: The final questionnaire is a simple, reliable and useful instrument that can assist in evaluating environmental health risk perceptions in Latin American countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Cortés
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Centro de Desarrollo Urbano Sustentable (CEDEUS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Correspondence:
| | - Soledad Burgos
- School of Public Health, University of Chile, Santiago, 7500011, Chile;
| | - Héctor Adaros
- Hospital Jerónimo Méndez Arancibia, Chañaral 1490000, Chile;
| | - Boris Lucero
- The Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neurosciences Research Center (CINPSI Neurocog), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca 3466076, Chile;
| | - Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA;
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Associação da distância da habitação em relação a sítios de reciclagem sobre habilidades cognitivas em escolares. SCIENTIA MEDICA 2021. [DOI: 10.15448/1980-6108.2021.1.38664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivos: Verificar a associação da distância da habitação em relação a sítios de reciclagem sobre habilidades cognitivas em escolares.Métodos: Estudo transversal, no qual aplicou-se a escala Wechsler Abreviada de Inteligência em 100 escolares de 6 a 14 anos. As crianças foram divididas em um grupo de estudo (expostos), cujas residências estavam situadas a menos de 100 metros de sítios de reciclagem, em um bairro da cidade de Caxias do Sul. Houve um grupo controle, cujas residências estavam a mais de 150 metros de algum sítio de reciclagem, no mesmo bairro ou adjacências.Resultados: A habitação próxima a sítios de reciclagem aumentou a chance de apresentar quociente de inteligência baixo nos escolares na análise univariada (OR 2,19; IC95% 1,21–3,95). No quociente de inteligência total, o escore obtido foi de 84 no grupo exposto e 95 no grupo controle (p≤0,01). Quando ajustadas para outras variáveis potencialmente prejudiciais, a escolaridade materna elevada mostrou-se um fator atenuador do impacto da distância (OR 0,28; IC95% 0,11–0,72). A diferença encontrada entre os escores de quociente de inteligência verbal foi de 14 pontos (p<0,01); no quociente de inteligência de execução a diferença foi de 4 pontos (p=0,04).Conclusões: A distância entre a habitação e os sítios de reciclagem de resíduos pode reduzir habilidades cognitivas em escolares, mas esse efeito parece ser atenuado pela escolaridade materna. Essa associação reforça as preocupações sobre o impacto do manejo inadequado de resíduos urbanos, podendo vir a subsidiar a criação de políticas públicas que visem diminuir exposições ambientais potencialmente danosas.
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Elevated blood lead and metal/metalloid levels and environmental exposure sources in urban Ecuadorian school-age children and mothers. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 235:113770. [PMID: 34044248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead and other toxic and potentially toxic metals and metalloids are significant contributors to the global burden of disease and disability. Studies characterizing blood metal/metalloid levels and potential sources of environmental exposures are limited for populations living in the major urban centers of Andean-area countries. METHODS We used ICP-MS to quantify blood levels of lead (PbB), cadmium (CdB), manganese (MnB), total arsenic (AsB), and total mercury (HgB) in school-age children (n = 47) and their reproductive-age mothers (n = 49) from low-resource households in Quito, Ecuador. These were compared to published 95th percentile reference values (RV95) and for PbB, also to CDC reference values. We used a detailed environmental questionnaire to examine the contribution of residential and neighborhood environmental exposure sources with participant blood metal/metalloid levels. We used ICP-MS to measure Pb levels in residential windowsill dust, floor dust, and drinking water samples and used XRF for paint samples. RESULTS Forty-five percent of the mothers had PbBs ≥ 5 μg/dL; 14.3% had PbBs ≥10 μg/dL. Maternal blood levels exceeded RV95s for PbB (76%), CdB (41%), MnB (88%), HgB (57%), and AsB (90%). Of children, 68% had PbBs ≥ 5 μg/dL, and 21.3% had PbB ≥10 μg/dL. Most child blood levels exceeded the RV95s for PbB (100%), CdB (100%), MnB (94%), and total HgB (94%) and AsB (98%). Most mothers (97%) and all children had blood levels indicating exposure to multiple metal/metalloid mixtures. Maternal and child PbBs were moderately correlated with each other but the other four metals/metalloids were not. Factors associated with maternal blood metal/metalloid levels were residence in a home with an earthen floor (PbB) or bare cement block walls (MnB), living near a dirt-paved or cobblestone street (PbB), <50 m from a heavily trafficked major roadway (PbB, HgB), living in the Los Chillos (PbB) or Cotocollao neighborhoods (PbB, HgB), or in areas where street vendors grilled food using charcoal (MnB). Factors associated with child blood metal/metalloid levels were residence in a dirt floor home (PbB, CdB, AsB), living near a dirt-paved or cobblestone street (PbB), living in the El Camal or Cotocollao neighborhoods (AsB), or in local neighborhoods where scrap metal smelters (MnB) and LPG gas depositories (PbB) were present. CONCLUSIONS The elevated blood levels of PbB, other metal/metalloids, and metal/metalloid mixtures identified mothers and children in this exploratory study is an urgent public health and clinical concern. The exposure patterns suggest that traffic-related exposures, especially the resuspension of legacy Pb in dust, as well as other anthropogenic and geogenic sources may be important environmental contributors to metal/metalloid exposures in urban Ecuadorian mothers and children. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore other potential exposure sources. Biomonitoring is also needed in order to formulate effective intervention strategies to reduce population exposure to toxic levels of environmental metals/metalloids.
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Larson AJ, Paz-Soldán VA, Arevalo-Nieto C, Brown J, Condori-Pino C, Levy MZ, Castillo-Neyra R. Misuse, perceived risk, and safety issues of household insecticides: Qualitative findings from focus groups in Arequipa, Peru. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009251. [PMID: 33956803 PMCID: PMC8101955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current body of research on insecticide use in Peru deals primarily with application of insecticides offered through Ministry of Health-led campaigns against vector-borne disease. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the individual use, choice and perceptions of insecticides which may influence uptake of public health-based vector control initiatives and contribute to the thousands of deaths annually from acute pesticide poisoning in Peru. METHODS Residents (n = 49) of the Alto Selva Alegre and CC districts of peri-urban Arequipa participated in seven focus group discussions (FGD). Using a FGD guide, two facilitators led the discussion and conducted a role-playing activity. this activity, participants insecticides (represented by printed photos of insecticides available locally) and pretended to "sell" the insecticides to other participants, including describing their qualities as though they were advertising the insecticide. The exercise was designed to elicit perceptions of currently available insecticides. The focus groups also included questions about participants' preferences, use and experiences related to insecticides outside the context of this activity. Focus group content was transcribed, and qualitative data were analyzed with Atlas.ti and coded using an inductive process to generate major themes related to use and choice of insecticides, and perceived risks associated with insecticide use. RESULTS The perceived risks associated with insecticides included both short- and long-term health impacts, and safety for children emerged as a priority. However, in some cases insecticides were reportedly applied in high-risk ways including application of insecticides directly to children and bedding. Some participants attempted to reduce the risk of insecticide use with informal, potentially ineffective personal protective equipment and by timing application when household members were away. Valued insecticide characteristics, such as strength and effectiveness, were often associated with negative characteristics such as odor and health impacts. "Agropecuarios" (agricultural supply stores) were considered a trusted source of information about insecticides and their health risks. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to characterize misuse and perceptions of health impacts and risks of insecticides at the local level, as well as to find common themes and patterns across populations to inform national and regional programs to prevent acute insecticide poisoning and increase community participation in insecticide-based vector control campaigns. We detected risky practices and beliefs about personal protective equipment, risk indicators, and safety levels that could inform such preventive campaigns, as well as trusted information sources such as agricultural stores for partnerships in disseminating information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika J. Larson
- University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Valerie A. Paz-Soldán
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab (LIEZ), One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Claudia Arevalo-Nieto
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab (LIEZ), One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Joanna Brown
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab (LIEZ), One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos Condori-Pino
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab (LIEZ), One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Michael Z. Levy
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab (LIEZ), One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ricardo Castillo-Neyra
- Zoonotic Disease Research Lab (LIEZ), One Health Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Turner C, Powell MA, Finalle RR, Westmoreland K, Osterhoudt K, Cordero Paulino R, Lowenthal ED. Talking trash: Perspectives on community environmental health in the Dominican Republic. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248843. [PMID: 33780494 PMCID: PMC8007031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A safe and healthy natural and built environment is fundamental to children’s health and represents a significant determinant of community well-being. We aimed to identify and prioritize environmental health concerns within resource-poor neighborhoods in the Dominican Republic using free-listing and semi-structured focus groups composed of parents and caregivers in the perirural community of Consuelo, Dominican Republic. Transcripts were coded and relevant themes identified using qualitative content analysis. Demographic data and information regarding trash disposal practices were also collected. Participants described common health concerns, including respiratory infections, asthma, vector-borne illnesses, and diarrheal diseases and linked them to environmental hazards in their communities, such as air quality and sanitation. Interventional priorities that emerged included reduction of trash accumulation and trash burning as well as improvement of sanitation facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Turner
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Maura A. Powell
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Rodney R. Finalle
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kate Westmoreland
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kevin Osterhoudt
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ramona Cordero Paulino
- Niños Primeros en Salud Program (Affiliate of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), Consuelo, Dominican Republic
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Department of Pediatrics (Global Health), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Dórea JG. Exposure to environmental neurotoxic substances and neurodevelopment in children from Latin America and the Caribbean. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110199. [PMID: 32941839 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Environmental (and occupational) exposure to neurotoxic substances is a worldwide problem that can affect children's neurodevelopment (ND). In Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries there are over 300 million children living under the threat of neurodevelopmental delays due to toxic environmental exposure. Large industrial centers, intense mining and agricultural activities, along with changing complex ecosystems constitute a mosaic that drives contamination of air, water and the food chain. Neurotoxic contaminants such as pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and manganese fungicides), chemicals of industrial use (phthalates), and metals (Hg, Pb, Al, As, F, Cd, Mo, Mn) are at the center of environmental exposure studies. Exposure to neurotoxic substances singly or in combination with other compounds or socioeconomic stressors (maternal education, socio-economic and nutritional status) intertwined with occupational and para-occupational exposure can affect ND (motor, cognition, behavior) of children. Significant negative effects of pesticides and neurotoxic elements on ND were found in all studied countries, affecting especially the less-privileged children from laboring families. Studies showed that exposures to the neurotoxicants in human milk are secondary to their more lasting effects during prenatal exposure. This review integrates exposure (prenatal and breastfeeding), metabolism, and ND effects of neurotoxicants. It highlights the overwhelming evidence showing that current levels of exposures are hazardous and detrimental to children's ND in LAC countries. The evidence indicates that a reduction in neurotoxicant exposure is essential to protect children's ND. Therefore, it is urgent to adopt policies and actions that prevent and remediate region-specific children's ND issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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Papaioannou N, Distel E, de Oliveira E, Gabriel C, Frydas IS, Anesti O, Attignon EA, Odena A, Díaz R, Aggerbeck Μ, Horvat M, Barouki R, Karakitsios S, Sarigiannis DA. Multi-omics analysis reveals that co-exposure to phthalates and metals disturbs urea cycle and choline metabolism. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110041. [PMID: 32949613 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the response of HepaRG cells after co-exposure to phthalates and heavy metals, using a high-dimensional biology paradigm (HDB). Liver is the main metabolism site for the majority of xenobiotics. For this reason, the HepaRG cell line was used as an in vitro model, and cells were exposed to two characteristic mixtures of phthalates and heavy metals containing phthalates (DEHP, DiNP, BBzP) and metals (lead, methylmercury, total mercury) in a concentration-dependent manner. The applied chemical mixtures were selected as the most abundant pollutants in the REPRO_PL and PHIME cohorts, which were studied using the exposome-wide approach in the frame of the EU project HEALS. These studies investigated the environmental causation of neurodevelopmental disorders in neonates and across Europe. The INTEGRA computational platform was used for the calculation of the effective concentrations of the chemicals in the liver through extrapolation from human biomonitoring data and this dose (and a ten-times higher one) was applied to the hepatocyte model. Multi-omics analysis was performed to reveal the genes, proteins, and metabolites affected by the exposure to these chemical mixtures. By extension, we could detect the perturbed metabolic pathways. The generated data were analyzed using advanced bioinformatic tools following the HEALS connectivity paradigm for multi-omics pathway analysis. Co-mapped transcriptomics and proteomics data showed that co-exposure to phthalates and heavy metals leads to perturbations of the urea cycle due to differential expression levels of arginase-1 and -2, argininosuccinate synthase, carbamoyl-phosphate synthase, ornithine carbamoyltransferase, and argininosuccinate lyase. Joint pathway analysis of proteomics and metabolomics data revealed that the detected proteins and metabolites, choline phosphate cytidylyltransferase A, phospholipase D3, group XIIA secretory phospholipase A2, α-phosphatidylcholine, and the a 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, are responsible for the homeostasis of the metabolic pathways phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis I, and phospholipases metabolism. The urea, phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis I and phospholipase metabolic pathways are of particular interest since they have been identified also in human samples from the REPRO_PL and PHIME cohorts using untargeted metabolomics analysis and have been associated with impaired psychomotor development in children at the age of two. In conclusion, this study provides the mechanistic evidence that co-exposure to phthalates and metals disturb biochemical processes related to mitochondrial respiration during critical developmental stages, which are clinically linked to neurodevelopmental perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafsika Papaioannou
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece
| | - Emilie Distel
- INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 Rue des Saints Pères, 75006, Paris, France; Université de Paris, 45 Rue des Saints Pères, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Eliandre de Oliveira
- Barcelona Science Park, Proteomics Platform, Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catherine Gabriel
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece
| | - Ilias S Frydas
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece
| | - Ourania Anesti
- HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece; Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003, Greece
| | - Eléonore A Attignon
- INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 Rue des Saints Pères, 75006, Paris, France; Université de Paris, 45 Rue des Saints Pères, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Antonia Odena
- Barcelona Science Park, Proteomics Platform, Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Díaz
- Barcelona Science Park, Proteomics Platform, Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain; Proteomics Facility, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Μartine Aggerbeck
- INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 Rue des Saints Pères, 75006, Paris, France; Université de Paris, 45 Rue des Saints Pères, 75006, Paris, France
| | | | - Robert Barouki
- INSERM UMR-S 1124, 45 Rue des Saints Pères, 75006, Paris, France; Université de Paris, 45 Rue des Saints Pères, 75006, Paris, France; Service de Biochimie Métabolomique et Protéomique, Hôpital Universitaire Necker Enfants Malades, AP-HP, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Spyros Karakitsios
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece
| | - Denis A Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th Km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001, Greece; School for Advanced Study (IUSS), Science, Technology and Society Department, Environmental Health Engineering, Piazza Della Vittoria 15, Pavia, 27100, Italy.
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Pascale A, Laborde A. Impact of pesticide exposure in childhood. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:221-227. [PMID: 32598326 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2020-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides represent a wide variety of chemicals presented as different formulations and concentrations and used in different settings: agriculture, animal sanitary bath, domestic use, and vector control. Lack of awareness, poor agricultural practices, and inappropriate disposal of containers will increase the exposure and risk of health effects during childhood. The concern about children's exposure to pesticides is based on their toxic properties and the special vulnerability to the exposure, which may occur in different stages, from the prenatal period to infancy. Pesticide related diseases may manifest during the infancy, adolescence, or adulthood. Children may be exposed by multiple routes of exposure, in different scenarios. In domestic settings, insecticides and rodenticides are usually stored within the reach of children, or may be transferred to non-original containers, leading to acute non intentional ingestion. Exploratory behavior increases the risk for exposure to pesticides present on the ground. Gardens and playgrounds may have pesticides residues. Children may be in contact with domestic animals that have been treated with pesticides. In rural settings, children can be exposed to pesticide residues in areas where they have been applied, or by contamination of work equipment and parents clothing. Families dedicated to rural activity have higher levels of exposure, through ingesting contaminated fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and water. Several studies confirmed pesticide exposure in children by biomonitoring. Higher levels of organophosphate metabolites have been reported in children compared to adult populations. Toxic effects of pesticides depend on their intrinsic toxic properties as well as on the dose, duration, and life period of exposure. Acute poisonings are related to high doses exposure, while chronic, subtle and delayed effects are often related to low levels/doses exposure. Epidemiologic, animal, and clinical studies suggest an association between chronic, low-level exposures and alterations in growth and development (particularly impaired neurobehavioral development), cancer and increased susceptibility to infections. New research presents evidence that some pesticides are a risk factor of a wide range of acute and chronic diseases. Better practices and public health policies are needed to prevent and protect children from pesticides exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pascale
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Kirichuk AA, Skalny AA, Rusakov AI, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV. Arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead levels in hair and urine in first-year RUDN University students of different geographic origins. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:34348-34356. [PMID: 32557050 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09683-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to assess the markers of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead exposure in first-year RUDN University students of different geographic origins. A total of 274 first-year students of the RUDN University originating from Russia (n = 65), Asia (n = 57), Middle East (n = 84), Africa (n = 40), and Latin America (n = 28) were enrolled in the present study. Evaluation of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb levels in urine and hair was performed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that hair As levels in foreign students exceed that in Russian examinees. The highest Cd and Pb levels were detected in subjects from Africa and Latin America, whereas hair Hg content was significantly higher in Latin America students. Urinary Cd levels in foreign students exceeded those in Russian counterparts. In turn, the highest Hg concentration in urine was revealed in students originating from Middle East and especially Latin America. Urinary Pb levels were found to be the highest in students from Africa. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that Asian, African, and Latin American origins were considered as a significant predictor of hair Hg content. Higher urinary Hg levels were associated with Asia, Middle East, and Latin American origins. Prior habitation in Africa and Asia was considered as predictor of higher hair Pb and urinary Cd levels. The observed difference may be indicative of geographic difference in toxic metal exposure patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly A Kirichuk
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia, 117198
| | - Andrey A Skalny
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia, 117198
| | | | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia, 117198
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia, 150003
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia, 119146
| | - Anatoly V Skalny
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russia, 117198.
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia, 119146.
- Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems and Agro-technologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia, 460000.
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Liu W, Huang C, Cai J, Fu Q, Zou Z, Sun C, Zhang J. Prenatal and postnatal exposures to ambient air pollutants associated with allergies and airway diseases in childhood: A retrospective observational study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105853. [PMID: 32585502 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
It's inconsistent about associations of early exposures to outdoor air pollutants with allergies and airway diseases in childhood. Here, we investigated associations of prenatal and postnatal exposures to outdoor nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and PM10 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm) with asthma, wheeze, hay fever, rhinitis, pneumonia, and eczema in childhood. We surveyed 3,177 preschoolers who never change residences since birth in Shanghai, China. Parents reported information regarding children's health status. Daily-averaged concentrations of these pollutants in the children's gestation and in the first year of lifetime for district where children lived were collected by Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center. After adjusting for covariates, exposures to higher level of NO2 during different trimesters of gestation and of the first year of lifetime had significant associations with the increased odds of asthma, hay fever, rhinitis, pneumonia, and eczema in childhood. Associations of NO2 exposures in the early trimesters of gestation and of the first year of lifetime with pneumonia were stronger than in the later trimesters, whereas associations of NO2 exposures in the early trimesters with hay fever and eczema were weaker than in the later trimesters. Our results indicated that prenatal and postnatal exposures to outdoor NO2 could be risk factors for allergies and airway diseases in childhood. Both dose and duration were related with the influence degree of early NO2 exposure on childhood allergies and airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Institute for Health and Environment, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyan Fu
- Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chanjuan Sun
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialing Zhang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Liu W, Cai J, Fu Q, Zou Z, Sun C, Zhang J, Huang C. Associations of ambient air pollutants with airway and allergic symptoms in 13,335 preschoolers in Shanghai, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 252:126600. [PMID: 32234631 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Findings are inconsistent in studies for impacts of outdoor air pollutants on airway health in childhood. In this paper, we collected data regarding airway and allergic symptoms in the past year before a survey in 13,335 preschoolers from a cross-sectional study. Daily averaged concentrations of ambient sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm (PM10) in the past year before the survey were collected in the kindergarten-located district. We investigated associations of 12-month average concentrations of these pollutants with childhood airway and allergic symptoms. In the two-level (district-child) logistic regression analyses, exposure to higher level of NO2 and of PM10 increased odds of wheeze symptoms (adjusted OR, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.01-1.05 for per 3.0 μg/m3 increase in NO2; 1.22, 1.09-1.39 for per 7.6 μg/m3 increase in PM10), wheeze with a cold (1.03, 1.01-1.06; 1.22, 1.08-1.39), dry cough during night (1.05, 1.03-1.08; 1.23, 1.09-1.40), rhinitis symptoms (1.11, 1.08-1.13; 1.32, 1.07-1.63), rhinitis on pet (1.11, 1.05-1.18; 1.37, 0.95-1.98) and pollen (1.12, 1.03-1.21; 1.23, 0.84-1.82) exposure, eczema symptoms (1.09, 1.05-1.12; 1.22, 0.98-1.52), and lack of sleep due to eczema (1.12, 1.07-1.18; 1.58, 1.25-1.98). Exposures to NO2 and PM10 were also significantly and positively associated with the accumulative score of airway symptoms. Similar positive associations were found of NO2 and of PM10 with the individual symptoms and symptom scores among preschoolers from different kindergarten-located district. These results indicate that ambient NO2 and PM10 likely are risk factors for airway and allergic symptoms in childhood in Shanghai, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Institute for Health and Environment, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China; School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyan Fu
- Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijun Zou
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chanjuan Sun
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialing Zhang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
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Velázquez-Gómez M, Lacorte S. Organic pollutants in indoor dust from Ecuadorian Amazonia areas affected by oil extractivism. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109499. [PMID: 32334168 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fifty-five household dust samples collected within six settlements surrounding oil production complexes along the Ecuadorian Amazonia were analysed to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, alkylphenols (APs), bisphenol A (BPA), nicotine, organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), legacy organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and organophosphorus pesticides. Studied areas are mainly affected by gas flares emissions and oil spilling coming from extractivist operations and pesticides used in agriculture. Median ΣPAHs values ranged from 739 to 1182 ng g-1 and up to 52% of the PAH dust concentrations were associated to petrogenic activities from crude oil extraction, according to diagnostic ratios. ΣPAHs and toxic equivalents based on benzo[a]pyrene concentration (ΣTEQBaP, ng g-1) suggested similar toxicities among the different areas. Individual lifetime cancer risk (ILCRdust) was calculated for ingestion and dermal contact exposure routes and a non-acceptable total carcinogenic risk of up to 10-4 (one case per ten thousand people) was found for newborns from 0 to 3 years-old in Pimampiro area. Plasticisers and OPFRs were present in dust at maximum median concentrations of 332,507 ng g-1 (DEHP), 5,249 ng g-1 (DBP), 1,885 ng g-1 (BPA), 871 ng g-1 (TBOEP) and 122 ng g-1 (TEHP). Some dust samples from Ecuadorian houses had high maximum levels of legacy and modern pesticides such as chlorpyrifos (up to 44,176 ng g-1), 4,4'-DDT (12,958 ng g-1), malathion (34,748 ng g-1) and α+β-endosulfan (10,660 ng g-1) attributed to inappropriate use and storage of the pesticides. Finally, nicotine was seldom detected (36 ng g-1). The sources and risks of these compounds are discussed based on the activities carried out in the study areas and attending to an additional non-cancer risk assessment which showed high hazard quotients (HQ) and hazard indexes (HI) for DEHP, DBP, 4,4'-DDT, malathion, chlorpyrifos, naphthalene and benzo[a]pyrene in newborns and children up to 16 years-old.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Velázquez-Gómez
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - S Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.
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32
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Dumcke TS, Benedetti A, Selistre LDS, Camardelo AMP, Silva ERD. Association between exposure to urban waste and emotional and behavioral difficulties in schoolchildren. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
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Dumcke TS, Benedetti A, Selistre LDS, Camardelo AMP, Silva ERD. Association between exposure to urban waste and emotional and behavioral difficulties in schoolchildren. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2020; 96:364-370. [PMID: 30817895 PMCID: PMC9432178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between living near waste recycling sites and emotional or behavioral difficulties in schoolchildren. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study with schoolchildren aged 6-13 years old from disadvantaged communities in a Brazilian city, divided between those who live less than 100m away from the central point of the recycling site and those that live more than 150m away from the site, as a control group and classified through georeferencing. The emotional and behavioral difficulties were investigated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire tool. Other variables were analyzed through logistic regression to determine their contribution to the outcomes. RESULTS Children living near waste recycling sites had a higher prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems than children living farther away. In the logistic regression model, no other covariates had a significant impact on the results, except for attending preschool. As expected, the families of the exposed group had lower income and lower levels of schooling, thus being characterized as a highly vulnerable population. CONCLUSION The association between living near waste recycling sites and lower test performance raises concerns about the impact of inappropriate waste management in urban centers on children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Sacchet Dumcke
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Alais Benedetti
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Políticas Públicas e Sociais (NEPPPS), Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil; Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS) e Programa de Pós Graduação em Direito (PPGDir), Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Luciano da Silva Selistre
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Paim Camardelo
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Núcleo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Políticas Públicas e Sociais (NEPPPS), Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil; Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS) e Programa de Pós Graduação em Direito (PPGDir), Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Emerson Rodrigues da Silva
- Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil.
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de Assis Araujo MS, Figueiredo ND, Camara VM, Froes Asmus CIR. Maternal-child exposure to metals during pregnancy in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil: The Rio Birth Cohort Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA project). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109155. [PMID: 32006767 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental metal exposure during pregnancy can affect intrauterine growth and disrupt child development. Metal exposure in urban areas can occur through the air, water and food routes. The city of Rio de Janeiro is the second more populous of Brazil and the sixth most populous in the American continent and is characterized by a significant social-economic inequality and a large range of urban organization problems. OBJECTIVES To evaluate environmental heavy metal (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury) exposure in mother-newborns pairs in an urban area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS All pregnant women, over 16 years of age, who came to the University Maternity School for newborn delivery orientation, between October and November 2017, were invited to participate in the project. Socioeconomic, cultural, leisure, and living conditions data of from the parents were collected via questionnaire; whole maternal blood and umbilical cord blood samples were also collected. RESULTS Of the 209 eligible pregnant women 142 (68%) accepted the invitation to participate in the study. A total of 131 (92.3%) mothers delivered live born children, and maternal blood and umbilical cord blood were collected from 117 mother-newborn pairs. Metal concentrations above the detection limit were detected in all maternal and cord blood samples. Strong correlations of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations between maternal and umbilical cord blood were observed. Median lead and arsenic concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood were higher than values reported in other studies conducted in Brazil and worldwide. Lead concentrations in 25% of the umbilical cord blood samples were near of 5 μg/dL (P75 = 4.92 μg/dL). CONCLUSION The results reported herein indicate the need for the establishment of health surveillance programs in Brazil, in order to investigate and monitor the health effects of environmental heavy metal exposure in children since the gestation period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Volney M Camara
- Public Health Institute, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carmen I R Froes Asmus
- Public Health Institute, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Courses on Basic Occupational Safety and Health: A Train-the-Trainer Educational Program for Rural Areas of Latin America. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061842. [PMID: 32178363 PMCID: PMC7143534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Integrating basic occupational health services into primary care is encouraged by the Pan American Health Organization. However, concrete initiatives are still scarce. We aimed to develop a training program focusing on prevention of occupational risks for primary healthcare professionals. This train-the-trainer program was piloted at four universities in Chile and Peru. Occupational health or primary healthcare lecturers formed a team with representative(s) of one rural primary healthcare center connected to their university (Nparticipants = 15). Training started with a workshop on participatory diagnosis of working conditions. Once teams had conducted the participatory diagnosis in the rural communities, they designed in a second course an active teaching intervention. The intervention was targeted at the main occupational health problem of the community. After implementation of the intervention, teams evaluated the program. Evaluation results were very positive with an overall score of 9.7 out of 10. Teams reported that the methodology enabled them to visualize hazardous working conditions. They also stated that the training improved their abilities for problem analysis and preventive actions. Aspects like time constraints and difficult geographical access were mentioned as challenges. In summary, addressing occupational health in primary care through targeted training modules is feasible, but long-term health outcomes need to be evaluated.
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Marsili D, Canepa A, Mossone N, Comba P. Environmental Health Education for Asbestos-Contaminated Communities in Italy: The Casale Monferrato Case Study. Ann Glob Health 2019; 85:84. [PMID: 31225962 PMCID: PMC6634471 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental health education contributes towards increasing awareness of communities to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. Casale Monferrato, the operating site for the Eternit asbestos-cement factory from 1907 to 1986, is a prioritized asbestos-contaminated site for remediation in Italy. The area is prone to severe asbestos-related diseases. About 50 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in Casale Monferrato annually; mesothelioma has been shown to be caused by occupational, environmental and domestic asbestos exposure. OBJECTIVES The goal of this paper is to analyze the Casale Monferrato case study in terms of youth engagement in environmental health education initiatives on asbestos risk and health impact. The paper aims at underlining the lessons learned in order to share the success of this initiative with other communities living in asbestos-contaminated sites in different countries. METHODS Peer education methodology has been used through the Asbestos Classroom to involve teachers, students and other local stakeholders in training activities, in selection of the contents for educational materials and interactive tools, as well as in choosing the presentation process for the aforementioned knowledge sharing instruments. FINDINGS From November 2014 to June 2018, 185 high school students and teachers were trained through the Asbestos Classroom. Through December 2018, they trained 3,241 classroom visitors. The Classroom relies on an inclusive participative process in which young people play a key role in the network of relationships within their community. CONCLUSIONS The paper corroborates the importance of engaging the educational system in communication efforts aimed at fostering collective awareness on environmental risk and health-related impacts for communities living in industrially contaminated sites. Considering the global dimension of the asbestos contamination and disease burden, this experience might be of relevance both in countries that banned asbestos and in those where asbestos is not yet prohibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Marsili
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, IT
- WHO Collaborating Centre on Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, IT
| | - Adriana Canepa
- Cesare Balbo High School of the Network “ScuoleInsieme”, Casale Monferrato, IT
| | - Nicola Mossone
- Cesare Balbo High School of the Network “ScuoleInsieme”, Casale Monferrato, IT
| | - Pietro Comba
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, IT
- WHO Collaborating Centre on Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, IT
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Mendivelso Duarte FO, Robayo García A, Rodríguez Bedoya M, Suárez Rángel G. [Reporting of birth defects from the Zika outbreak in Colombia, 2015-2017Notificação de defeitos congênitos associados ao surto de vírus zika na Colômbia, 2015-2017]. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2019; 43:e38. [PMID: 31093262 PMCID: PMC6499088 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2019.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo. El brote por virus del Zika afectó a varios países tropicales durante 2015 y 2016. Esto obligó a crear estrategias de vigilancia intensificada de microcefalia y otros síndromes neurológicos. Se evaluó el efecto del brote por virus del Zika en la notificación de defectos congénitos en Colombia desde la perspectiva del sistema nacional de vigilancia. Métodos. Se analizó la notificación nacional de recién nacidos con diferentes defectos congénitos y se determinaron las variaciones en la notificación atribuidas a la epidemia mediante un modelo semiparamétrico denominado “diferencia en diferencias” (DID). Resultados. Un total de 18 234 casos por defectos congénitos fueron notificados en Colombia durante el período de estudio. La mayoría eran malformaciones congénitas (91,9%). El 82,3% se confirmó por diagnóstico clínico o nexo epidemiológico. En el caso de la microcefalia, se notificaron ocho casos nuevos por semana epidemiológica (coeficiente de notificación de casos [D] = 8,8; P = 0,000) y 32 casos por otras malformaciones congénitas anatómicas (D = 32,0; P = 0,000). El valor absoluto del estimador de diferencia en diferencias atribuido al brote por virus del Zika incrementó la notificación semanal de casos de microcefalia (DID = |-5,0|; P = 0,008) y malformaciones congénitas (DID = |-12,0|; P = 0,111). Conclusiones. El brote por virus del Zika incrementó la notificación de recién nacidos con microcefalia, pero sin ninguna variación significativa en la notificación de otras malformaciones y defectos congénitos funcionales de origen sensorial o metabólico en el sistema de vigilancia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredy Orlando Mendivelso Duarte
- Centro de Medicina Basada en la Evidencia Keralty Centro de Medicina Basada en la Evidencia Keralty Bogotá Colombia Centro de Medicina Basada en la Evidencia Keralty, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Robayo García
- Programa de Entrenamiento en Epidemiología de Campo (FETP) del Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia Programa de Entrenamiento en Epidemiología de Campo (FETP) del Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia Colombia Colombia Programa de Entrenamiento en Epidemiología de Campo (FETP) del Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia, Colombia
| | - Milena Rodríguez Bedoya
- Fundación Universitaria Sanitas Fundación Universitaria Sanitas Bogotá Colombia Fundación Universitaria Sanitas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gloria Suárez Rángel
- Programa de Entrenamiento en Epidemiología de Campo (FETP) del Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia Programa de Entrenamiento en Epidemiología de Campo (FETP) del Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia Colombia Colombia Programa de Entrenamiento en Epidemiología de Campo (FETP) del Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia, Colombia
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Cai J, Li B, Yu W, Wang H, Du C, Zhang Y, Huang C, Zhao Z, Deng Q, Yang X, Zhang X, Qian H, Sun Y, Liu W, Wang J, Yang Q, Zeng F, Norbäck D, Sundell J. Household dampness-related exposures in relation to childhood asthma and rhinitis in China: A multicentre observational study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 126:735-746. [PMID: 30878869 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
During 2010-2012, we conducted an observational study on household environment and health outcomes among 40,010 preschool children from seven cities of China. Here we examined associations of six dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, visible damp stains, damp clothing and/or bedding, water damage, condensation on windowpane, moldy odor) in the current residence and three dampness-related indicators (visible mold spots, condensation on windowpane, moldy odor) in the early residence with childhood asthma and rhinitis. In the multi-level logistic regression analyses, visible mold spots and visible damp stains in the current residence were significantly associated with the increased odds of doctor-diagnosed asthma and allergic rhinitis during lifetime-ever (adjusted odd ratios (AORs) range: 1.18-1.35). All dampness-related indicators were significantly associated with increased odds of wheeze and rhinitis during lifetime-ever and in the past 12 months (AORs range: 1.16-2.64). The cumulative numbers of damp indicators had positively dose-response relationships with the increased odds of the studied diseases. These associations for wheeze and rhinitis were similar between northern children and southern children. Similar results were found in the sensitive analyses among children without a family history of allergies and among children without asthma and allergic rhinitis. For 3-6 years-old children in mainland of China in 2011, we speculated that about 90,000 (2.02%) children with asthma and about 59,000 (1.09%) children with allergic rhinitis could be attributable to exposing to visible mold spots in the current residence. Our results suggested that early and lifetime exposures to household dampness indicators are risk factors for childhood asthma and rhinitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Cai
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baizhan Li
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wei Yu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Han Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chenqiu Du
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Huang
- School of Environment and Architecture, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuohui Zhao
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihong Deng
- School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Research Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hua Qian
- School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuexia Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Qin Yang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fanbin Zeng
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments (Ministry of Education), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China; National Centre for International Research of Low-carbon and Green Buildings (Ministry of Science and Technology), Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Norbäck
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundell
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Tapia V, Carbajal L, Vásquez V, Espinoza R, Vásquez-Velásquez C, Steenland K, Gonzales GF. [Traffic regulation and environmental pollution by particulate material (2.5 and 10), sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide in Metropolitan Lima, Peru]. REVISTA PERUANA DE MEDICINA EXPERIMENTAL Y SALUD PUBLICA 2019. [PMID: 30183915 DOI: 10.17843/rpmesp.2018.352.3250.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. To assess the change in environmental levels of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2, after the application of a traffic regulation plan in Abancay Avenue between the years 2013-2015 vs. to 2007-2009, and comparing it against two other avenues, in which no traffic regulation was implemented: Guillermo de La Fuente Avenue in the district of Comas and Cesar Vallejo Avenue in El Agustino. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Environmental data were collected by three air monitors from the Ministry of Health's Environmental Health and Food Safety General Directorate (Dirección General de Salud Ambiental e Inocuidad Alimentaria) that are part of the Air Quality Surveillance network of the city of Lima. The beta coefficient of the linear regression allowed to assess change in the concentration of each pollutant. RESULTS. The traffic regulation plan of Abancay Av. reduced the levels of PM2.5 by 62%; 55% for PM10 levels; 65% for the NO2 levels, and 82% for the SO2 levels. In the other two avenues assess, this reduction was not observed. A significant reduction in PM2.5 (β: -53.11 μg/m3; 95% CI: -63.92 to -42.30), PM10 (β: -47.99 μg/m3; 95% CI: -62.61 to -33.37), NO2 (β: -41.71 μg/m3; 95% CI: -48.18 to -35.23), and SO2 (β: -28.59 μg/m3; 95% CI: -35.23 to -21.95) was observed in Abancay Av., with respect to the other two avenues, after the traffic regulation plan was implemented. CONCLUSIONS. Traffic regulation can contribute to the continuous reduction of different air pollutants. The expansion of this measure could improve air quality and the health status of the residents of Lima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Tapia
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Perú
| | - Luz Carbajal
- Departamento de Estadística, Demografía, Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Perú
| | - Vanessa Vásquez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Perú
| | - Rocío Espinoza
- Dirección General de Salud Ambiental e Inocuidad Alimentaria (DIGESA). Ministerio de Salud. Lima, Perú
| | - Cinthya Vásquez-Velásquez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Perú
| | - Kyle Steenland
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University. Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gustavo F Gonzales
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. Lima, Perú
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Budnik LT, Casteleyn L. Mercury pollution in modern times and its socio-medical consequences. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 654:720-734. [PMID: 30448663 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Mercury plays a critical role in serious health problems due to environmental or occupational exposures. Aquatic ecosystems are an essential component of the global biogeochemical cycle of mercury, as inorganic mercury can be converted to toxic methyl mercury in these environments and reemissions of elemental mercury rival anthropogenic mercury releases on a global scale. The history of the Minamata disease, a typical example of industrial pollution, has shown how corporate secrecy and ignorance on part of the health authorities may influence the devastating spread of environmental contamination and the progress of disease. While the Minamata Convention, in place since 2017, is aiming to lower mercury exposure and to prevent adverse effects, there are still knowledge gaps in the areas of global environmental mercury exposure. Areas of uncertainty in the global biogeochemical cycle of mercury include oxidation processes in the atmosphere, land-atmosphere and ocean-atmosphere cycling, and methylation processes in the ocean. Pollution related to climate change (especially in boreal and arctic regions), bioaccumulation and biomagnification of methyl mercury in the food chain, especially in fish and marine mammals, needs to be addressed in more detail. Information is lacking on numerous hidden contaminant exposures i.e. from globally applied traditional medicine, mercury containing skin creams and soaps, dental amalgam, ethyl mercury containing vaccines and latex paint additives, as well as on mercury releases from power plants, e-waste/fluorescent lamps, wildfire emissions, and global artisanal small-scale gold mining activities. Mercury occurs in various forms with different levels of toxicity. While much is already known and documented on the health effects of mercury, present knowledge and translation into preventive actions is still incomplete. Risks for long term health effects trough prolonged low dose exposure and trough cumulative exposures of various mercury forms should be further addressed. Preventive actions should include adequate human biomonitoring programs. Research data should be translated swiftly into management tools for local policy makers and health professionals, also paying attention at the major differences in mercury contamination across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lygia Therese Budnik
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, Translational Toxicology and Immunology Unit, Hamburg, Germany.
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Children's Environmental Health in South and Southeast Asia: Networking for Better Child Health Outcomes. Ann Glob Health 2019; 85. [PMID: 30873796 PMCID: PMC6571144 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental hazards because they receive higher doses of pollutants in any given environment and often do not have equitable access to social protection mechanisms such as environmental and health care services. The World Health Organization established a global network of collaborating centres that address children’s environmental health (CEH). The network developed a focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and is broadening its reach by conducting regional workshops for CEH.
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42
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Landrigan PJ, Fuller R, Fisher S, Suk WA, Sly P, Chiles TC, Bose-O'Reilly S. Pollution and children's health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:2389-2394. [PMID: 30292994 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
FINDINGS The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health found that pollution - air, water, soil, and chemical pollution - was responsible in 2016 for 940,000 deaths in children worldwide, two-thirds of them in children under the age of 5. Pollution is inequitably distributed, and the overwhelming majority of pollution-related deaths in children occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most were due to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases caused by polluted air and water. Pollution is linked also to multiple non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children including low birth weight, asthma, cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders, and these diseases are on the rise. The full impact of pollution, especially chemical pollution on the global burden of pediatric disease is not yet known, but almost certainly is undercounted because patterns of chemical exposure are not well charted and the potential toxicity of many chemical pollutants has not been characterized. The list of pediatric NCDs attributed to pollution will likely expand as the health effects of newer chemical pollutants are better defined and additional associations between pollution and disease are discovered. CONCLUSION Pollution prevention presents a major, largely unexploited opportunity to improve children's health and prevent NCDs, especially in LMICs. Failure to incorporate pollution prevention into NCD control programs is a major missed opportunity for disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Fuller
- Pure Earth, 475 Riverside Drive, 860, New York, NY 10115, USA
| | - Samantha Fisher
- Pure Earth, 475 Riverside Drive, 860, New York, NY 10115, USA
| | - William A Suk
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Peter Sly
- Child Health Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, 4072, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas C Chiles
- Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- University Hospital Munich, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Unit Global Environmental Health, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336 Munich, Germany; Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT (University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology), Hall i.T., Austria
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Chandravanshi LP, Gupta R, Shukla RK. Developmental Neurotoxicity of Arsenic: Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Functions. Biol Trace Elem Res 2018; 186:185-198. [PMID: 29502250 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1286-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been an increased concern about the health risks from exposure to arsenic at low doses, because of their neurotoxic effects on the developing brain. The exact mechanism underlying arsenic-induced neurotoxicity during sensitive periods of brain development remains unclear, although enhanced oxidative stresses, leading to mitochondrial dysfunctions might be involved. Here, we highlight the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress which leads to mitochondrial dysfunctions and apoptosis in arsenic-induced developmental neurotoxicity. Here, the administration of sodium arsenite at doses of 2 or 4 mg/kg body weight in female rats from gestational to lactational (GD6-PD21) resulted to increased ROS, led to oxidative stress, and increased the apoptosis in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and corpus striatum of developing rats on PD22, compared to controls. Enhanced levels of ROS were associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and the activity of mitochondrial complexes, and hampered antioxidant levels. Further, neuronal apoptosis, as measured by changes in the expression of pro-apoptotic (Bax, Caspase-3), anti-apoptotic (Bcl2), and stress marker proteins (p-p38, pJNK) in arsenic-exposed rats, was discussed. The severities of changes were found to more persist in the corpus striatum than in other brain regions of arsenic-exposed rats even after the withdrawal of exposure on PD45 as compared to controls. Therefore, our results indicate that perinatal arsenic exposure leads to abrupt changes in ROS, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial functions and that apoptotic factor in different brain regions of rats might contribute to this arsenic-induced developmental neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit P Chandravanshi
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
- Developmental Toxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Post Box No. 80, MG Marg, Lucknow, 226 001, India.
| | - Richa Gupta
- Developmental Toxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Post Box No. 80, MG Marg, Lucknow, 226 001, India
| | - Rajendra K Shukla
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India
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Carlson K, Schacht J, Neitzel RL. Assessing ototoxicity due to chronic lead and cadmium intake with and without noise exposure in the mature mouse. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2018; 81:1041-1057. [PMID: 30239325 PMCID: PMC6349363 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2018.1521320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals may lead to hearing impairment. However, experimental studies have not explored this issue with and without noise exposure in mature animals with environmentally relevant doses. The aim of this study was to investigate ototoxicity produced by lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) and noise, singly and in combination, in the adult CBA/CaJ mouse. Metals were delivered via drinking water (0.03 mM, 1 mM, and 3 mM Pb; or 30, 100, and 300 μM Cd) for 12 weeks, resulting in environmentally- and occupationally relevant mean (± standard deviations) blood levels of Pb (2.89 ± 0.44, 38.5 ± 4.9, and 60.1 ± 6.6 μg/dl, respectively) and Cd (1.3 ± 0.23, 6.37 ± 0.87, 27.2 ± 4.1 μg/L, respectively). Metal treatment was also combined with a noise exposure consisting of a 105 dB broadband (2-20 kHz) stimulus for 2 hr or a sham exposure. Auditory performance was determined by comparing auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) at baseline and after 11 weeks of metal treatment. Metal-exposed animals did not develop significant auditory deficits and did not exhibit morphological damage to cochlear hair cells. In contrast, noise-exposed animals, including those exposed to combinations of metals and noise, demonstrated significant hair cell loss, reduced DPOAE amplitudes, and ABR threshold shifts of 42.2 ± 13 dB at 32 kHz (105 dB noise alone). No significant potentiation or synergistic effects were found in groups exposed to multiple agents. This study establishes a highly reproducible adult mouse model that may be used to evaluate a variety of environmental exposure mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystin Carlson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Jochen Schacht
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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Manthari RK, Tikka C, Ommati MM, Niu R, Sun Z, Wang J, Zhang J, Wang J. Arsenic induces autophagy in developmental mouse cerebral cortex and hippocampus by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway: involvement of blood-brain barrier's tight junction proteins. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:3255-3275. [PMID: 30225639 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2304-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
For the past decade, there has been an increased concern about the health risks from arsenic (As) exposure, because of its neurotoxic effects on the developing brain. The exact mechanism underlying As-induced neurotoxicity during sensitive periods of brain development remains unclear, especially the role of blood-brain barrier's (BBB) tight junction (TJ) proteins during As-induced neurotoxicity. Here, we highlight the involvement of TJ proteins in As-induced autophagy in cerebral cortex and hippocampus during developmental periods [postnatal day (PND) 21, 28, 35 and 42]. Here, the administration of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) at doses of 0.15 mg or 1.5 mg or 15 mg As2O3/L in drinking water from gestational to lactational and continued to the pups till PND42 resulted in a significant decrease in the mRNA expression levels of TJ proteins (Occludin, Claudin, ZO-1 and ZO-2) and Occludin protein expression level. In addition, As exposure significantly decreased PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and p62 with a concomitant increase in Beclin1, LC3I, LC3II, Atg5 and Atg12. Moreover, As exposure also significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of mTOR with a concomitant upregulation of Beclin 1, LC3 and Atg12 in all the developmental age points. However, no significant alterations were observed in low and medium dose-exposed groups of PND42. Histopathological analysis in As-exposed mice revealed decreased number of pyramidal neurons in hippocampus; and neurons with degenerating axons, shrinkage of cells, remarkable vacuolar degeneration in cytoplasm, karyolysis and pyknosis in cerebral cortex. Ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy revealed the occurrence of autophagosomes and vacuolated axons in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the mice exposed to high dose As at PND21 and 42. The severities of changes were found to more persist in the cerebral cortex than in the hippocampus of As-exposed mice. Finally, we conclude that the leaky BBB in cerebral cortex and hippocampus may facilitate the transfer of As and induces autophagy by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in an age-dependent manner, i.e., among the four different developmental age points, PND21 animals were found to be more vulnerable to the As-induced neurotoxicity than the other three age points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Kumar Manthari
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Chiranjeevi Tikka
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China.,Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 71441-65186, Iran
| | - Ruiyan Niu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Zilong Sun
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Jinming Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Jianhai Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Jundong Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China.
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Olympio KPK, Silva JPDR, Silva ASD, Souza VCDO, Buzalaf MAR, Barbosa F, Cardoso MRA. Blood lead and cadmium levels in preschool children and associated risk factors in São Paulo, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 240:831-838. [PMID: 29783200 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.04.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In Brazil, there are scarce data on lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contamination, especially for more vulnerable populations such as preschool children. In this paper, we answer two questions: (1) What are the exposure levels of lead and cadmium in preschool children, in Sao Paulo, Brazil? and (2) What are the risk factors associated with this exposure? This cross-sectional study included 50 day care centers (DCCs), totaling 2463 children aged 1-4 years. Venous blood samples were analyzed by ICP-MS. Questionnaires were administered to the parents. Multiple logistic regression models were used to identify associations between blood lead levels (BLLs) and blood cadmium levels (BCLs) and potential risk factors. The geometric mean for BLLs was 2.16 μg/dL (95% CI: 2.10-2.22 μg/dL), and the 97.5th percentile was 13.9 μg/dL (95% CI: 10.0-17.3 μg/dL). For cadmium exposure, the geometric mean for BCLs was 0.48 μg/L (95% CI: 0.47-0.50 μg/L), and the 95th percentile was 2.57 μg/L (95% CI: 2.26-2.75 μg/L). The DCCs' geographic region was associated with high BLLs and BCLs, indicating hot spots for lead and cadmium exposures. In addition, it was found that the higher the vehicles flow, the higher were the BLLs in children. Red lead in household gates was also an important risk factor for lead exposure. Comparing these results with the findings of the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals by CDC-2013, it was found that in Brazilian preschool children the BLLs are almost three times higher (97.5th percentile) and the BCLs are almost twelve times higher (95th percentile) than those in U.S. children. This information is essential to formulate public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Agnes Soares da Silva
- Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health (CDE), Pan American Health Organization, PAHO/WHO, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vanessa Cristina de Oliveira Souza
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Regina Alves Cardoso
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Ramírez-Hernández H, Perera-Rios J, May-Euán F, Uicab-Pool G, Peniche-Lara G, Pérez-Herrera N. Environmental Risks and Children's Health in a Mayan Community from Southeast of Mexico. Ann Glob Health 2018; 84:292-299. [PMID: 30873789 PMCID: PMC6748245 DOI: 10.29024/aogh.917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 25% of global morbidity and one-third of childhood morbidity may be attributable to environment. Low and high-income countries displayed different environmental risks. Mexico demonstrates the necessity for creating a national environmental health program. In southeastern Mexico, Tixméhuac, is a Mayan community with a high marginalization degree and social backwardness. The main childhood morbidities are acute and chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to recognize environmental risks for children's health in Tixméhauc, Yucatan State. METHODS A total of one hundred children under five years old participated. To identify the environmental risks at home, items from the Green Sheet Guidance (WHO), Salamanca General Survey and Environmental Clinical History were used. To know the prevalence of respiratory diseases and asthma, the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) survey was used. Potentially hazardous sites were identified partially using the Methodology for Identification and Evaluation of Health Hazards in Contaminated Sites from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). FINDINGS The low stature of, malnutrition, presence of wheezing and asthma symptoms in children were higher than expected. The suspected cases of parasitosis and vector-borne disease occurred in 50% of the children. Indoor air quality perception was associated with respiratory pathology history; housing quality was related to suspected cases of vector-borne diseases; drinking water quality was linked to suspected cases of parasitosis. Risk areas in the community include agricultural activity, which has led to deposits of empty containers of agrochemicals and electronic waste among solid waste dump. CONCLUSION This study presents observed environmental risks to children in a low development country and in developing countries. The community has a low perception of the environmental risk. The need for public health programs reducing risks to children's environmental health is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Ramírez-Hernández
- Unidad Interinstitucional de Investigación Clínica y Epidemiológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Mérida, Yucatán, MX
| | - Javier Perera-Rios
- Unidad Interinstitucional de Investigación Clínica y Epidemiológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Mérida, Yucatán, MX
| | - Fernando May-Euán
- Unidad Interinstitucional de Investigación Clínica y Epidemiológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Mérida, Yucatán, MX
| | - Gloria Uicab-Pool
- Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, MX
| | - Gaspar Peniche-Lara
- Unidad Interinstitucional de Investigación Clínica y Epidemiológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Mérida, Yucatán, MX
| | - Norma Pérez-Herrera
- Unidad Interinstitucional de Investigación Clínica y Epidemiológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. Mérida, Yucatán, MX
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López-Carrillo L, González-González L, Piña-Pozas M, Mérida-Ortega Á, Gamboa-Loira B, Blanco-Muñoz J, Torres-Sánchez LE, Hurtado-Díaz M, Cortez-Lugo M, Guerra G, Salgado de Snyder N, Cebrian ME. State of Children Environmental Health Research in Latin America. Ann Glob Health 2018; 84:204-211. [PMID: 30873771 PMCID: PMC6748241 DOI: 10.29024/aogh.908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Promotion of biomedical research along with the development of evidence-based prevention policies have been suggested as an effective way to reduce environmental risks for children’s health in Latin America. However, there is little information on the current state of childhood environmental health research, which might help identify its strengths and limitations, as well as to design a strategy to improve the future of child environmental health research in the region. Objective: To describe the current state of environmental health research on children exposed to environmental pollutants in Latin America. Methodology: We performed a comprehensive search of published peer-reviewed environmental health articles (1994–2014), dealing with the exposure of Latin American children to chemical compounds. We described the type of studies and their research topics, and identified networks of co-authors. We also analyzed the relationship between research funding sources and the impact factor (IF) of the journal where research was published. Results: The average number of publications was about 20 per year. Mexico and Brazil produced almost 70% of the 409 identified papers. The most studied contaminant was lead, but research on this element has declined since 2005. Retrospective studies were the most frequent, and also showed a decreasing trend. Most studies did not assess health effects. Four groups of leading investigators and two collaboration models for scientific production were identified. Except for Mexico, there was very little collaboration with North American and European countries. Compared to articles that did not report financial support, those that received international funding had on average an IF around 7, and those with national funding reached a mean IF near 3. Conclusion: There is a limited number of publications and insufficient collaboration between Latin-American scientists. It is necessary to identify strategies to stimulate South-South-North alliances and strengthen the scarce research on the environmental health of children in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Germán Guerra
- National Institute of Public Health, Cuernacava, Morelos, MX
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Yu Y, Yu Z, Sun P, Lin B, Li L, Wang Z, Ma R, Xiang M, Li H, Guo S. Effects of ambient air pollution from municipal solid waste landfill on children's non-specific immunity and respiratory health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:382-390. [PMID: 29414361 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.12.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigated the association between air pollutant (AP) and respiratory health of 951 children residing near a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill in Northern China. Results showed that students in non-exposure areas had significantly higher levels of lysozyme, secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and better lung capacity than students in exposure areas (p < .05). Multiple regression model analysis indicated that lysozyme levels exhibited a consistent negative association with methane (CH4: β = -76.3, 95% CI -105 to -47.7) and sulfuretted hydrogen (H2S: β = -11.7, 95% CI -20.2 to -3.19). In addition, SIgA levels were negatively associated with H2S (β = -68.9, 95% CI -97.9 to -39.9) and ammonia (NH3: β = -30.3, 95% CI -51.7 to -8.96). Among all AP, H2S and sulfur dioxide (SO2) were the most robustly related with reduced lung function. H2S exposure was negatively associated with six lung function indices, 1-s forced expiratory volume (FEV1%), mean forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% (MMF), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV), and forced expiratory flow at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25, FEF50, FEF75); and SO2 was negatively associated with FEV1%, MVV, FEF25, FEF50 and FEF75. Our results suggested that AP exposure was negatively associated with more lung function parameters in boys than in girls. In conclusion, our findings suggested that children living adjacent to landfill sites were more likely to have deficient non-specific immunity and impaired lung function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Ziling Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Peng Sun
- China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, 102413, China
| | - Bigui Lin
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Liangzhong Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Zhengdong Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Ruixue Ma
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Mingdeng Xiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Hui Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Shu Guo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
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50
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Sanders AE, Slade GD. Blood Lead Levels and Dental Caries in U.S. Children Who Do Not Drink Tap Water. Am J Prev Med 2018; 54:157-163. [PMID: 29191396 PMCID: PMC5783762 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study's purpose is to determine whether nonconsumption of tap water is associated with lower prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and higher prevalence of dental caries in children and adolescents. METHODS Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2014 recorded drinking water source (n=15,604) and blood lead levels (n=12,373) for participants aged 2-19 years, and dental caries experience for the 2011-2014 subset (n=5,677). The threshold for elevated blood lead level was ≥3 μg/dL. A binary outcome indicated presence or absence of dental caries experience. Multivariable generalized linear models estimated adjusted prevalence ratios with 95% confidence limits. RESULTS In analysis conducted in 2017, 15% of children and adolescents did not drink tap water, 3% had elevated blood lead levels ≥3 μg/dL, and 50% had dental caries experience. Children and adolescents who did not drink water were less likely than tap water drinkers to have an elevated blood lead level (adjusted prevalence ratios=0.62, 95% confidence limits=0.42, 0.90). Nonconsumers of tap water were more likely to have dental caries (adjusted prevalence ratios=1.13, 95% confidence limits=1.03, 1.23). Results persisted after adjustment for other covariates and using a higher threshold for elevated blood lead level. CONCLUSIONS In this nationally representative U.S. survey, children and adolescents who did not drink tap water had lower prevalence of elevated blood lead levels and higher prevalence of dental caries than those who drank tap water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Sanders
- Department of Dental Ecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Gary D Slade
- Department of Dental Ecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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