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Samon SM, Hoffman K, Herkert N, Stapleton HM. Chemical uptake into silicone wristbands over a five day period. Environ Pollut 2024; 349:123877. [PMID: 38574945 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Silicone wristbands are a noninvasive personal exposure assessment tool. However, despite their utility, questions remain about the rate at which chemicals accumulate on wristbands when worn, as validation studies utilizing wristbands worn by human participants are limited. This study evaluated the chemical uptake rates of 113 organic pollutants from several chemical classes (i.e., polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), organophosphate esters (OPEs), alkyl OPEs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), brominated flame retardants (BFR), phthalates, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) over a five-day period. Adult participants (n = 10) were asked to wear five silicone wristbands and then remove one wristband each day. Several compounds were detected in all participants' wristbands after only one day. The number of chemicals detected frequently (i.e. in at least seven participants wristbands) increased from 20% of target compounds to 26% after three days and more substantially increased to 34% of target compounds after four days of wear. Chemicals detected in at least seven participants' day five wristbands (n = 24 chemicals) underwent further statistical analysis, including estimating the chemical uptake rates over time. Some chemicals, including pesticides and phthalates, had postive and significant correlations between concentrations on wristbands worn five days and concentrations of wristbands worn fewer days suggesting chronic exposure. For 23 of the 24 compounds evaluated there was a statistically significant and positive linear association between the length of time wristbands were worn and chemical concentrations in wristbands. Despite the differences that exist between laboratory studies using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) environmental samplers and worn wristbands, these results indicate that worn wristbands are primarily acting as first-order kinetic samplers. These results suggest that studies using different deployment lengths should be comparable when results are normalized to the length of the deployment period. In addition, a shorter deployment period could be utilized for compounds that were commonly detected in as little as one day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Samon
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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2
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Chen X, Birnbaum LS, Babich MA, de Boer J, White KW, Barone S, Fehrenbacher C, Stapleton HM. Opportunities in Assessing and Regulating Organohalogen Flame Retardants (OFRs) as a Class in Consumer Products. Environ Health Perspect 2024; 132:15001. [PMID: 38175186 PMCID: PMC10766010 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2015, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received and then, in 2017, granted a petition under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act to declare certain groups of consumer products as banned hazardous substances if they contain nonpolymeric, additive organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs). The petitioners asked the CPSC to regulate OFRs as a single chemical class with similar health effects. The CPSC later sponsored a National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report in 2019, which ultimately identified 161 OFRs and grouped them into 14 subclasses based on chemical structural similarity. In 2021, a follow-up discussion was held among a group of scientists from both inside and outside of the CPSC for current research on OFRs and to promote collaboration that could increase public awareness of CPSC work and support the class-based approach for the CPSC's required risk assessment of OFRs. OBJECTIVES Given the extensive data collected to date, there is a need to synthesize what is known about OFR and how class-based regulations have previously managed this information. This commentary discusses both OFR exposure and OFR toxicity and fills some gaps for OFR exposure that were not within the scope of the NASEM report. The objective of this commentary is therefore to provide an overview of the OFR research presented at SOT 2021, explore opportunities and challenges associated with OFR risk assessment, and inform CPSC's work on an OFR class-based approach. DISCUSSION A class-based approach for regulating OFRs can be successful. Expanding the use of read-across and the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in assessing and regulating existing chemicals was considered as a necessary part of the class-based process. Recommendations for OFR class-based risk assessment include the need to balance fire and chemical safety and to protect vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women. The authors also suggest the CPSC should consider global, federal, and state OFR regulations. The lack of data or lack of concordance in toxicity data could present significant hurdles for some OFR subclasses. The potential for cumulative risks within or between subclasses, OFR mixtures, and metabolites common to more than one OFR all add extra complexity for class-based risk assessment. This commentary discusses scientific and regulatory challenges for a class-based approach suggested by NASEM. This commentary is offered as a resource for anyone performing class-based assessments and to provide potential collaboration opportunities for OFR stakeholders. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12725.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Chen
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Linda S. Birnbaum
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jacob de Boer
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Stanley Barone
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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3
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Overdahl KE, Tighe RM, Stapleton HM, Ferguson PL. Investigating sensitization activity of azobenzene disperse dyes via the Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (DPRA). Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 182:114108. [PMID: 37890762 PMCID: PMC10872524 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Azobenzene disperse dyes are the fastest-growing category of commercial dyestuffs and have been found in indoor house dust and in children's polyester apparel. Azobenzene disperse dyes are implicated as potentially allergenic; however, little experimental data is available on allergenicity of these dyes. Here, we examine the binding of azobenzene disperse dyes to nucleophilic peptide residues as a proxy for their potential reactivity as electrophilic allergenic sensitizers. The Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (DPRA) was utilized via both a spectrophotometric method and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. We tested dyes purified from commercial dyestuffs as well as several known transformation products. All dyes were found to react with nucleophilic peptides in a dose-dependent manner with pseudo-first order kinetics (rate constants as high as 0.04 h-1). Rates of binding reactivity were also found to correlate to electrophilic properties of dyes as measured by Hammett constants and electrophilicity indices. Reactivities of polyester shirt extracts were also tested for DPRA activity and the shirt extracts with high measured abundances of azobenzene disperse dyes were observed to induce greater peptide reactivity. Results suggest that azobenzene disperse dyes may function as immune sensitizers, and that clothing containing these dyes may pose risks for skin sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E Overdahl
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - Robert M Tighe
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Duke School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States.
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4
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Overdahl KE, Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Getzinger GJ, Phillips A, Hammel S, Stapleton HM, Ferguson PL. Characterizing azobenzene disperse dyes and related compounds in house dust and their correlations with other organic contaminant classes. Environ Pollut 2023; 337:122491. [PMID: 37709124 PMCID: PMC10655148 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Azobenzene disperse dyes are the fastest-growing category of commercial dyestuffs and are implicated in the literature as potentially allergenic. In the indoor environment, these dyes may be shed from various textiles, including clothing and upholstery and accumulate in dust particles potentially leading to exposure in young children who have higher exposure to chemicals associated with dust due to their crawling and mouthing behaviors. Children may be more vulnerable to dye exposure due to their developing immune systems, and therefore, it is critical to characterize azobenzene disperse dyes in children's home environments. Here, we investigate azobenzene disperse dyes and related compounds in house dust samples (n = 124) that were previously analyzed for flame retardants, phthalates, pesticides and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to support both targeted and suspect screening of dyes in dust. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine if dye concentrations were related to demographic information. Detection frequencies for 12 target dyes ranged from 11% to 89%; of the dyes that were detected in at least 50% of the samples, geometric mean levels ranged from 32.4 to 360 ng/g. Suspect screening analysis identified eight additional high-abundance azobenzene compounds in dust. Some dyes were correlated to numerous flame retardants and several antimicrobials, and statistically higher levels of some dyes were observed in homes of non-Hispanic Black mothers than in homes of non-Hispanic white mothers. To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study of azobenzene disperse dyes in house dust to date. Future studies are needed to quantify additional dyes in dust and to examine exposure pathways of dyes in indoor environments where children are concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E Overdahl
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States; Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202. United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Gordon J Getzinger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Allison Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Stephanie Hammel
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States.
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708. United States.
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Hall SM, Zhang S, Tait GH, Hoffman K, Collier DN, Hoppin JA, Stapleton HM. PFAS levels in paired drinking water and serum samples collected from an exposed community in Central North Carolina. Sci Total Environ 2023; 895:165091. [PMID: 37355130 PMCID: PMC10529814 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The community of Pittsboro, North Carolina has been documented to have extensive per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in its drinking water source, the Haw River, over the last 20 years. However, a detailed exposure assessment has never been conducted. In this study, we sought to characterize the PFAS in paired drinking water and blood samples collected from a small cohort of Pittsboro residents (n = 49). Drinking water and serum from blood were collected from adults in late 2019 and early 2020 and were analyzed to quantify 13 PFAS analytes. In order to explore potential health effects of PFAS exposure, serum was further analyzed for clinical chemistry endpoints that could be potentially associated with PFAS (e.g., cholesterol, liver function biomarkers). PFAS were detected in all serum samples, and some serum PFAS concentrations were 2 to 4 times higher than the median U.S. serum concentrations reported in the general U.S. population. Of the 13 PFAS in drinking water, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was measured at the highest concentrations. PFAS levels in the current drinking water were not associated with current serum PFAS, suggesting that the serum PFAS in this cohort likely reflects historical exposure to PFAS with long half-lives (e.g., PFOS and PFOA). However, one PFAS with a shorter half-life (PFHxA) was observed to increase in serum, reflecting the temporal variability of PFHxA in river and drinking water. Statistical analyses indicated that serum PFOA and PFHxS were positively associated with total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol. No serum PFAS was associated with HDL cholesterol. In the clinical chemistry analyses, serum PFHxA was found to be negatively associated with electrolytes and liver enzymes (e.g., AST and ALT), and serum PFOS was found to be positively associated with the ratio of blood urea nitrogen to creatinine (BUN:Cre). While small in size, this study revealed extensive exposure to PFAS in Pittsboro and associations with clinical blood markers, suggesting potential health impacts in community residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Hall
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA.
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA.
| | - George H Tait
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham 27710, NC, USA.
| | - David N Collier
- Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
| | - Jane A Hoppin
- Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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Wiegand J, Hoang J, Avila-Barnard S, Nemarugommula C, Ha M, Zhang S, Stapleton HM, Volz DC. Triphenyl phosphate-induced pericardial edema in zebrafish embryos is reversible following depuration in clean water. Aquat Toxicol 2023; 263:106699. [PMID: 37734274 PMCID: PMC10878734 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) - a widely used organophosphate-based flame retardant - blocks cardiac looping during zebrafish development in a concentration-dependent manner, a phenotype that is dependent on disruption of embryonic osmoregulation and pericardial edema formation. However, it's currently unclear whether (1) TPHP-induced effects on osmoregulation are driven by direct TPHP-induced injury to the embryonic epidermis and (2) whether TPHP-induced pericardial edema is reversible or irreversible following cessation of exposure. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine whether TPHP-induced pericardial edema is reversible and whether TPHP causes injury to the embryonic epidermis by quantifying the number of DAPI-positive epidermal cells and analyzing the morphology of the yolk sac epithelium using scanning electron microscopy. First, we found that exposure to 5 μM TPHP from 24-72 h post-fertilization (hpf) did not increase prolactin - a hormone that regulates ions and water levels - in embryonic zebrafish, whereas high ionic strength exposure media was associated with elevated levels of prolactin. Second, we found that exposure to 5 μM TPHP from 24-72 hpf did not decrease DAPI-positive epidermal cells within the embryonic epithelium, and that co-exposure with 2.14 μM fenretinide - a synthetic retinoid that promotes epithelial wound repair - from 24-72 hpf did not mitigate the prevalence of TPHP-induced epidermal folds within the yolk sac epithelium when embryos were exposed within high ionic strength exposure media. Finally, we found that the pericardial area and body length of embryos exposed to 5 μM TPHP from 24-72 hpf were similar to vehicle-treated embryos at 120 hpf following transfer to clean water and depuration of TPHP from 72-120 hpf. Overall, our findings suggest that (1) the ionic strength of exposure media may influence the baseline physiology of zebrafish embryos; (2) TPHP does not cause direct injury to the embryonic epidermis; and (3) TPHP-induced effects on pericardial area and body length are reversible 48 h after transferring embryos to clean water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Wiegand
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - John Hoang
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Sarah Avila-Barnard
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Charvita Nemarugommula
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Megan Ha
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Division of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Division of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - David C Volz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States.
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7
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Samon S, Herkert N, Ghassabian A, Liu H, Hammel SC, Trasande L, Stapleton HM, Hoffman K. Measuring semi-volatile organic compound exposures during pregnancy using silicone wristbands. Chemosphere 2023; 339:139778. [PMID: 37567263 PMCID: PMC10552498 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Silicone wristbands were utilized as personal passive samplers in a sub-cohort of 92 women, who participated in New York University Children's Health and Environment Study, to assess exposure to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Wristbands were analyzed for 77 SVOCs, including halogenated and non-halogenated organophosphate esters (OPEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, phthalates, and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) (e.g. polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)). This study aimed to look for patterns in chemical exposure utilizing participant demographics gathered from a questionnaire, and chemical exposure data across multiple timepoints during pregnancy. Analysis focused on 27 compounds detected in at least 80% of the wristbands examined. The chemicals detected most frequently included two pesticides, eight phthalates, one phthalate alternative, seven BFRs, and nine OPEs, including isopropylated and tert-butylated triarylphosphate esters (ITPs and TBPPs). Co-exposure to different SVOCs was most prominent in compounds that were within the same chemical class or were used in similar consumer applications such as phthalates and OPEs, which are often used as plasticizers. Pre-pregnancy BMI was positively associated with multiple compounds, and there were both positive and negative associations between women's parity and SVOC exposure. Outdoor temperature was not correlated with the wristband concentrations over a five-day sampling period. Lastly, significant and moderately high Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) (0.66-0.84) values for phthalate measurementsacross pregnancy indicate chronic exposure and suggest that using wristbands during one sampling period may reliably predict exposure. However, multiple sampling periods may be necessary to accurately determine indoor exposure to other SVOCs including OPEs and BFRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Samon
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Hongxiu Liu
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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8
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Carignan CC, Bauer RA, Patterson A, Phomsopha T, Redman E, Stapleton HM, Higgins CP. Self-Collection Blood Test for PFASs: Comparing Volumetric Microsamplers with a Traditional Serum Approach. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:7950-7957. [PMID: 37189231 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A remote sampling approach was developed at Eurofins for quantifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in whole blood samples collected using volumetric absorptive microsamplers (VAMSs), which allow for self-collection of blood using a finger prick. This study compares PFAS exposure measured by self-collection of blood using VAMSs to the standard venous serum approach. Blood samples were collected from participants (n = 53) in a community with prior PFAS drinking water contamination using a venous blood draw as well as participant self-collection using VAMSs. Whole blood from the venous tubes was also loaded onto VAMSs to compare differences in capillary vs venous whole blood PFAS levels. Samples were quantified for PFASs using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and online solid-phase extraction. PFAS levels in serum were highly correlated with measurements in capillary VAMSs (r ≥ 0.91 and p < 0.05). Serum PFAS levels were generally twofold higher than whole blood, reflecting expected differences in their composition. Of interest, FOSA was detected in whole blood (both venous and capillary VAMSs) but not in serum. Overall, these findings indicate that VAMSs are useful self-collection tools for assessing elevated human exposure to PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney C Carignan
- Department Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48864, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48864, United States
| | - Rachel A Bauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48864, United States
| | - Andrew Patterson
- Eurofins Environment Testing America, West Sacramento, California 95605, United States
| | - Thep Phomsopha
- Eurofins Environment Testing America, West Sacramento, California 95605, United States
| | - Eric Redman
- Eurofins Environment Testing America, West Sacramento, California 95605, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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Ruis M, Hoffman K, Stapleton HM. Brominated flame retardants and legacy organochlorines in archived human placenta samples: Sex differences, temporal analysis and associations with infant birth weight. Chemosphere 2023; 322:138170. [PMID: 36804493 PMCID: PMC10039416 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been suggested to play a role in the etiology of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study evaluated temporal changes in the accumulation of several classes of POPs, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and several organochlorine pesticides in human placenta and examined their associations with birth outcomes at delivery. Placental tissues (n = 99) previously collected and archived at the Duke University Medical Center from 2009 to 2015 were analyzed for 22 POPs using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The mean age of mothers was 30.6 years; 8% of newborns were characterized as low birthweight (<2500 g). Of the 22 POPs targeted in the analysis, only p,p'-DDE, BDE-47 and BDE-100 were detected in more than 50% of the samples, with median concentrations of 0.110, 0.310, and 0.033 ng/g wet weight, respectively. Placental PBDE concentrations generally decreased over time, particularly BDE-47. Placental tissues associated with female infants had significantly higher levels of BDE-100 than placental tissues associated with male infants (p = 0.02) and a similar, but not statistically significant trend was observed for BDE-47 (p = 0.07). Multivariate regression models revealed that placental BDE-47 concentrations were associated with a significantly lower birthweight among male, but not female infants. A similar, although non-statistically significant, trend was observed for other POPs, further suggesting sex-specific associations between gestational exposure to POPs and birthweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ruis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Levine Science Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Levine Science Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA; Children's Health Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, North Carolina, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Levine Science Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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Crute CE, Landon CD, Garner A, Hall SM, Everitt JI, Zhang S, Blake B, Olofsson D, Chen H, Stapleton HM, Murphy SK, Feng L. Maternal exposure to perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) during pregnancy: evidence of adverse maternal and fetoplacental effects in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Toxicol Sci 2023; 191:239-252. [PMID: 36453863 PMCID: PMC9936209 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) is a replacement for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) that is increasingly detected in drinking water and human serum. Higher PFBS exposure is associated with risk for preeclampsia, the leading cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in the United States. This study investigated relevant maternal and fetal health outcomes after gestational exposure to PFBS in a New Zealand White rabbit model. Nulliparous female rabbits were supplied drinking water containing 0 mg/l (control), 10 mg/l (low), or 100 mg/l (high) PFBS. Maternal blood pressure, body weights, liver and kidney weights histopathology, clinical chemistry panels, and thyroid hormone levels were evaluated. Fetal endpoints evaluated at necropsy included viability, body weights, crown-rump length, and liver and kidney histopathology, whereas placenta endpoints included weight, morphology, histopathology, and full transcriptome RNA sequencing. PFBS-high dose dams exhibited significant changes in blood pressure markers, seen through increased pulse pressure and renal resistive index measures, as well as kidney histopathological changes. Fetuses from these dams showed decreased crown-rump length. Statistical analysis of placental weight via a mixed model statistical approach identified a significant interaction term between PFBS high dose and fetal sex, suggesting a sex-specific effect on placental weight. RNA sequencing identified the dysregulation of angiotensin (AGT) in PFBS high-dose placentas. These results suggest that PFBS exposure during gestation leads to adverse maternal outcomes, such as renal injury and hypertension, and fetal outcomes, including decreased growth parameters and adverse placenta function. These outcomes raise concerns about pregnant women's exposure to PFBS and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Crute
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Chelsea D Landon
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Angela Garner
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Samantha M Hall
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Jeffery I Everitt
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Bevin Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | | | - Henry Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Liping Feng
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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11
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Wiegand J, Avila-Barnard S, Nemarugommula C, Lyons D, Zhang S, Stapleton HM, Volz DC. Triphenyl phosphate-induced pericardial edema in zebrafish embryos is dependent on the ionic strength of exposure media. Environ Int 2023; 172:107757. [PMID: 36680802 PMCID: PMC9974852 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pericardial edema is commonly observed in zebrafish embryo-based chemical toxicity screens, and a mechanism underlying edema may be disruption of embryonic osmoregulation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify whether triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) - a widely used aryl phosphate ester-based flame retardant - induces pericardial edema via impacts on osmoregulation within embryonic zebrafish. In addition to an increase in TPHP-induced microridges in the embryonic yolk sac epithelium, an increase in ionic strength of exposure media exacerbated TPHP-induced pericardial edema when embryos were exposed from 24 to 72 h post-fertilization (hpf). However, there was no difference in embryonic sodium concentrations in situ within TPHP-exposed embryos relative to embryos exposed to vehicle (0.1% DMSO) from 24 to 72 hpf. Interestingly, increasing the osmolarity of exposure media with mannitol (an osmotic diuretic which mitigates TPHP-induced pericardial edema) and increasing the ionic strength of the exposure media (which exacerbates TPHP-induced pericardial edema) did not affect embryonic doses of TPHP, suggesting that TPHP uptake was not altered under these varying experimental conditions. Overall, our findings suggest that TPHP-induced pericardial edema within zebrafish embryos is dependent on the ionic strength of exposure media, underscoring the importance of further standardization of exposure media and embryo rearing protocols in zebrafish-based chemical toxicity screening assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Wiegand
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Sarah Avila-Barnard
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Charvita Nemarugommula
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - David Lyons
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Division of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Division of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - David C Volz
- Division of Environmental Sciences and Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
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12
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Young AS, Herkert N, Stapleton HM, Coull BA, Hauser R, Zoeller T, Behnisch PA, Felzel E, Brouwer A, Allen JG. Hormone receptor activities of complex mixtures of known and suspect chemicals in personal silicone wristband samplers worn in office buildings. Chemosphere 2023; 315:137705. [PMID: 36592838 PMCID: PMC9937064 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to increasingly complex mixtures of hormone-disrupting chemicals from a variety of sources, yet, traditional research methods only evaluate a small number of chemicals at a time. We aimed to advance novel methods to investigate exposures to complex chemical mixtures. Silicone wristbands were worn by 243 office workers in the USA, UK, China, and India during four work shifts. We analyzed extracts of the wristbands for: 1) 99 known (targeted) chemicals; 2) 1000+ unknown chemical features, tentatively identified through suspect screening; and 3) total hormonal activities towards estrogen (ER), androgen (AR), and thyroid hormone (TR) receptors in human cell assays. We evaluated associations of chemicals with hormonal activities using Bayesian kernel machine regression models, separately for targeted versus suspect chemicals (with detection ≥50%). Every wristband exhibited hormonal activity towards at least one receptor: 99% antagonized TR, 96% antagonized AR, and 58% agonized ER. Compared to men, women were exposed to mixtures that were more estrogenic (180% higher, adjusted for country, age, and skin oil abundance in wristband), anti-androgenic (110% higher), and complex (median 836 detected chemical features versus 780). Adjusted models showed strong associations of jointly increasing chemical concentrations with higher hormonal activities. Several targeted and suspect chemicals were important co-drivers of overall mixture effects, including chemicals used as plasticizers, fragrance, sunscreen, pesticides, and from other or unknown sources. This study highlights the role of personal care products and building microenvironments in hormone-disrupting exposures, and the substantial contribution of chemicals not often identifiable or well-understood to those exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Young
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Nicholas Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thomas Zoeller
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Morrill Science Center, Amherst 01003, USA
| | - Peter A Behnisch
- BioDetection Systems, Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Emiel Felzel
- BioDetection Systems, Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Abraham Brouwer
- BioDetection Systems, Science Park 406, 1098 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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13
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Samon SM, Hammel SC, Stapleton HM, Anderson KA. Silicone wristbands as personal passive sampling devices: Current knowledge, recommendations for use, and future directions. Environ Int 2022; 169:107339. [PMID: 36116363 PMCID: PMC9713950 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Personal chemical exposure assessment is necessary to determine the frequency and magnitude of individual chemical exposures, especially since chemicals present in everyday environments may lead to adverse health outcomes. In the last decade, silicone wristbands have emerged as a new chemical exposure assessment tool and have since been utilized for assessing personal exposure to a wide range of chemicals in a variety of populations. Silicone wristbands can be powerful tools for quantifying personal exposure to chemical mixtures in a single sample, associating exposure with health outcomes, and potentially overcoming some of the challenges associated with quantifying the chemical exposome. However, as their popularity grows, it is crucial that they are used in the appropriate context and within the limits of the technology. This review serves as a guide for researchers interested in utilizing silicone wristbands as a personal exposure assessment tool. Along with briefly discussing the passive sampling theory behind silicone wristbands, this review performs an in-depth comparison of wristbands to other common exposure assessment tools, including biomarkers of exposure measured in biospecimens, and evaluates their utility in exposure assessments and epidemiological studies. Finally, this review includes recommendations for utilizing silicone wristbands to evaluate personal chemical exposure and provides suggestions on what research is needed to recognize silicone wristbands as a premier chemical exposure assessment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Samon
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Stephanie C Hammel
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States.
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14
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Crute CE, Hall SM, Landon CD, Garner A, Everitt JI, Zhang S, Blake B, Olofsson D, Chen H, Murphy SK, Stapleton HM, Feng L. Evaluating maternal exposure to an environmental per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mixture during pregnancy: Adverse maternal and fetoplacental effects in a New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit model. Sci Total Environ 2022; 838:156499. [PMID: 35679923 PMCID: PMC9374364 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are often found in drinking water, and serum PFAS are detected in up to 99% of the population. However, very little is known about how exposure to mixtures of PFAS affects maternal and fetal health. The aim of this study was to investigate maternal, fetal, and placental outcomes after preconceptional and gestational exposure to an environmentally relevant PFAS mixture in a New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit model. Dams were exposed via drinking water to control (no detectable PFAS) or a PFAS mixture for 32 days. This mixture was formulated with PFAS to resemble levels measured in tap water from Pittsboro, NC (10 PFAS compounds; total PFAS load = 758.6 ng/L). Maternal, fetal, and placental outcomes were evaluated at necropsy. Thyroid hormones were measured in maternal serum and kit blood. Placental gene expression was evaluated by RNAseq and qPCR. PFAS exposure resulted in higher body weight (p = 0.01), liver (p = 0.01) and kidney (p = 0.01) weights, blood pressure (p = 0.05), and BUN:CRE ratio (p = 0.04) in dams, along with microscopic changes in renal cortices. Fetal weight, measures, and histopathology were unchanged, but a significant interaction between dose and sex was detected in the fetal: placental weight ratio (p = 0.036). Placental macroscopic changes were present in PFAS-exposed dams. Dam serum showed lower T4 and a higher T3:T4 ratio, although not statistically significant. RNAseq revealed that 11 of the 14 differentially expressed genes (adj. p < 0.1) are involved in placentation or pregnancy complications. In summary, exposure elicited maternal weight gain and signs of hypertension, renal injury, sex-specific changes in placental response, and differential expression of genes involved in placentation and preeclampsia. Importantly, these are the first results to show adverse maternal and placental effects of an environmentally-relevant PFAS mixture in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Crute
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Samantha M Hall
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chelsea D Landon
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Angela Garner
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey I Everitt
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bevin Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Didrik Olofsson
- Omiqa Bioinformatics GmbH, Altensteinstasse 40, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Henry Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Liping Feng
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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15
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Hammel SC, Nordone S, Zhang S, Lorenzo AM, Eichner B, Moody MA, Harrington L, Gandee J, Schmidt L, Smith S, Stapleton HM, Hoffman K. Infants' diminished response to DTaP vaccine is associated with exposure to organophosphate esters. Sci Total Environ 2022; 837:155782. [PMID: 35533854 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are commonly applied as flame retardants and plasticizers. Toxicological studies suggest exposure effects on immune endpoints, raising concerns as infants' OPE exposures are elevated compared to older children and adults due to hand-to-mouth behavior and breastfeeding. Here, we sought to evaluate the immune responsiveness of infants to a neoantigen (e.g., a newly encountered antigen) in the presence of OPE exposures. As a proxy for immune responsiveness, children were given three doses of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine as recommended, and diphtheria and tetanus antibodies were evaluated in serum samples collected when children were 12 months old (n = 84). Titers were compared, based on maximum sample overlap, to measurements of OPE metabolites in spot urine samples collected before vaccination (age 2 months, n = 73) and at the time of antibody assessment (12 months of age, n = 46). Metabolites of two chlorinated OPEs were significantly associated with diminished antibodies for diphtheria and tetanus. A metabolite of tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl)phosphate (TDCIPP) measured at 2 months was associated with decreased diphtheria antibodies (-0.07 IU/mL per log10 increase in metabolite). One metabolite of tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCIPP) measured at 12 months was associated with decreased tetanus antibodies (-0.57 IU/mL per log10 increase in metabolite). These results provide some preliminary insights for OPE exposure impacts on vaccine responses in early life and may have important implications for immune health through childhood and adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Hammel
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Children's Health & Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main St., Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Shila Nordone
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Amelia M Lorenzo
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Brian Eichner
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - M Anthony Moody
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, 2 Genome Court, MSRB II, DUMC 103020, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lynn Harrington
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, 2 Genome Court, MSRB II, DUMC 103020, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joyce Gandee
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, 2 Genome Court, MSRB II, DUMC 103020, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Liz Schmidt
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, 2 Genome Court, MSRB II, DUMC 103020, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Stephanie Smith
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, 2 Genome Court, MSRB II, DUMC 103020, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Children's Health & Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main St., Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Children's Health & Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, Chesterfield Building, 701 W. Main St., Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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16
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Levasseur JL, Hoffman K, Herkert NJ, Cooper E, Hay D, Stapleton HM. Characterizing firefighter's exposure to over 130 SVOCs using silicone wristbands: A pilot study comparing on-duty and off-duty exposures. Sci Total Environ 2022; 834:155237. [PMID: 35447169 PMCID: PMC9728008 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are occupationally exposed to an array of hazardous chemicals, and these exposures have been linked to the higher rates of some cancer in firefighters. However, additional research that characterizes firefighters' exposure is needed to fully elucidate the impacts on health risks. In this pilot study, we used silicone wristbands to quantify off-duty and on-duty chemical exposures experienced by 20 firefighters in Durham, North Carolina. By using each firefighter's off-duty wristband to represent individual baseline exposures, we assessed occupation-related exposures (i.e. on-duty exposures). We also investigated the influence of responding to a fire event while on-duty. In total, 134 chemicals were quantified using both GC-MS and LC-MS/MS targeted methods. Seventy-one chemicals were detected in at least 50% of all silicone wristbands, including 7 PFAS, which to our knowledge, have not been reported in wristbands previously. Of these, phthalates were generally measured at the highest concentrations, followed by brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs). PFAS were measured at lower concentrations overall, but firefighter PFOS exposures while on-duty and responding to fires were 2.5 times higher than off-duty exposures. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), BFRs, and some OPEs were occupationally associated, with firefighters experiencing 0.5 to 8.5 times higher exposure while on-duty as compared to off-duty. PAH exposures were also higher for firefighters who respond to a fire than those who did not while on-duty. Additional research with a larger population of firefighters that builds upon this pilot investigation may further pinpoint exposure sources that may contribute to firefighters' risk for cancer, such as those from firefighter gear or directly from fires. This research demonstrates the utility of using silicone wristbands to quantify occupational exposure in firefighters and the ability to disentangle exposures that may be specific to fire events as opposed to other sources that firefighters might experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Nicholas J Herkert
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Ellen Cooper
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Duncan Hay
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
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17
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Habre R, Dorman DC, Abbatt J, Bahnfleth WP, Carter E, Farmer D, Gawne-Mittelstaedt G, Goldstein AH, Grassian VH, Morrison G, Peccia J, Poppendieck D, Prather KA, Shiraiwa M, Stapleton HM, Williams M, Harries ME. Why Indoor Chemistry Matters: A National Academies Consensus Report. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:10560-10563. [PMID: 35833728 PMCID: PMC9352310 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rima Habre
- University
of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - David C. Dorman
- North
Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | | | - William P. Bahnfleth
- Pennsylvania
State University, University
Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States
| | - Ellison Carter
- Colorado
State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Delphine Farmer
- Colorado
State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | | | - Allen H. Goldstein
- University
of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Vicki H. Grassian
- University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Glenn Morrison
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27515, United States
| | - Jordan Peccia
- Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Dustin Poppendieck
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Kimberly A. Prather
- University
of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Manabu Shiraiwa
- University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | | | - Meredith Williams
- California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California 95814, United States
| | - Megan E. Harries
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington, District of
Columbia 20001, United
States
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18
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Pétré MA, Salk KR, Stapleton HM, Ferguson PL, Tait G, Obenour DR, Knappe DRU, Genereux DP. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in river discharge: Modeling loads upstream and downstream of a PFAS manufacturing plant in the Cape Fear watershed, North Carolina. Sci Total Environ 2022; 831:154763. [PMID: 35339537 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The Cape Fear River is an important source of drinking water in North Carolina, and many drinking water intakes in the watershed are affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We quantified PFAS concentrations and loads in river water upstream and downstream of a PFAS manufacturing plant that has been producing PFAS since 1980. River samples collected from September 2018 to February 2021 were analyzed for 13 PFAS at the upstream station and 43-57 PFAS downstream near Wilmington. Frequent PFAS sampling (daily to weekly) was conducted close to gauging stations (critical to load estimation), and near major drinking water intakes (relevant to human exposure). Perfluoroalkyl acids dominated upstream while fluoroethers associated with the plant made up about 47% on average of the detected PFAS downstream. Near Wilmington, Σ43PFAS concentration averaged 143 ng/L (range 40-377) and Σ43PFAS load averaged 3440 g/day (range 459-17,300), with 17-88% originating from the PFAS plant. LOADEST was a useful tool in quantifying individual and total quantified PFAS loads downstream, however, its use was limited at the upstream station where PFAS levels in the river were affected by variable inputs from a wastewater treatment plant. Long-term monitoring of PFAS concentrations is warranted, especially at the downstream station. Results suggest a slight downward trend in PFAS levels downstream, as indicated by a decrease in flow-weighted mean concentrations and the best-fitting LOADEST model. However, despite the cessation of PFAS process wastewater discharge from the plant in November 2017, and the phase-out of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in North America, both fluoroethers and legacy PFAS continue to reach the river in significant quantities, reflecting groundwater discharge to the river and other continuing inputs. Persistence of PFAS in surface water and drinking water supplies suggests that up to 1.5 million people in the Cape Fear watershed might be exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-A Pétré
- Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States; Now at Geological Survey of Finland, Espoo, Finland.
| | - K R Salk
- Tetra Tech Center for Ecological Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - H M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - P L Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - G Tait
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - D R Obenour
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - D R U Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - D P Genereux
- Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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19
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Hall SM, Zhang S, Hoffman K, Miranda ML, Stapleton HM. Concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human placental tissues and associations with birth outcomes. Chemosphere 2022; 295:133873. [PMID: 35143854 PMCID: PMC8923299 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants commonly detected in human serum. Previous studies have observed associations between maternal serum PFAS and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes such as lower birth weight or pre-eclampsia; however, few studies have explored these associations with birth outcomes and placental tissue PFAS concentration. The placenta is a vital contributor to a healthy pregnancy and may be involved in the mechanism of PFAS reproductive toxicity. Our goal was to measure placental PFAS concentrations and examine associations with birth outcomes (e.g., birth weight, gestational duration). Placenta samples (n = 120) were collected during delivery from women enrolled in the Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby cohort (HPHB) in Durham, North Carolina. All placenta samples contained detectable PFAS, with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) being the most abundant and most frequently detected (all >96% detection frequency). While placental PFAS concentrations did not differ by infant sex, higher PFAS levels were observed in placenta from nulliparous women, suggesting that parity influences the accumulation of PFAS in the placenta. We used linear regression models to examine associations between placental PFAS and birth outcomes. After adjustment for parity, tobacco use, maternal age, and maternal race, we found that placental PFOS was associated with lower birth weight for gestational age in male infants and higher birth weight for gestational age in female infants. Similar findings were seen for PFNA for birth weight for gestational age. These differences in birth outcomes based on infant sex highlight a need to explore mechanistic differences in PFAS toxicity during gestation for male and female infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Hall
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27710, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27710, United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27710, United States
| | - Marie Lynn Miranda
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27710, United States.
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20
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Reddam A, Herkert N, Stapleton HM, Volz DC. Partial dust removal in vehicles does not mitigate human exposure to organophosphate esters. Environ Res 2022; 205:112525. [PMID: 34896084 PMCID: PMC8760154 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been detected within car interior dust, suggesting that the indoor microenvironment of vehicles may represent a potential route of human exposure to OPEs. We recently showed that people with longer commutes are exposed to higher concentrations of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-isopropyl)phosphate (TDCIPP) - a widely used OPE - and other studies have suggested that dust removal may lead to lower exposure to chemicals. Therefore, the overall objective of this study was to determine if a decrease in interior car dust results in mitigation of personal OPE exposure. Participants (N = 49) were asked to wear silicone wristbands, and a subset of them wiped interior parts at the front of their vehicles prior to one study week (N = 25) or both study weeks (N = 11). There were no significant differences in total OPE concentrations (77.79-13,660 ng/g) nor individual OPE concentrations (0.04-4852.81 ng/g) across the different wiping groups nor in relation to participant residence ZIP codes and AC/Heater usage. These findings suggest that higher exposure to TDCIPP for participants with longer commutes may be independent of dust located on interior parts at the front of the vehicle. Therefore, our study demonstrates that there is a need for research on the potential contribution of other sources of TDCIPP exposure within car interiors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalekhya Reddam
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - David C Volz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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21
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Wang Z, Wade AM, Richter DD, Stapleton HM, Kaste JM, Vengosh A. Legacy of anthropogenic lead in urban soils: Co-occurrence with metal(loids) and fallout radionuclides, isotopic fingerprinting, and in vitro bioaccessibility. Sci Total Environ 2022; 806:151276. [PMID: 34717995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic lead (Pb) in soils poses risks to human health, particularly to the neuropsychological development of exposed children. Delineating the sources and potential bioavailability of soil Pb, as well as its relationship with other contaminants is critical in mitigating potential human exposure. Here, we present an integrative geochemical analysis of total elemental concentrations, radionuclides of 137Cs and 210Pb, Pb isotopic compositions, and in vitro bioaccessibility of Pb in surface soils sampled from different locations near Durham, North Carolina. Elevated Pb (>400 mg/kg) was commonly observed in soils from urban areas (i.e., near residential house foundation and along urban streets), which co-occurred with other potentially toxic metal(loids) such as Zn, Cd, and Sb. In contrast, soils from city parks and suburban areas had systematically lower concentrations of metal(loids) that were comparable to geological background. The activities of 137Cs and excess 210Pb, coupled with their correlations with Pb and co-occurring metal(loids) were used to indicate the persistence and remobilization of historical atmospherically deposited contaminants. Coupled with total Pb concentrations, the soil Pb isotopic compositions further indicated that house foundation soils had significant input of legacy lead-based paint (mean = 1.1895 and 2.0618 for 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/206Pb, respectively), whereas urban streetside soils exhibited a clear mixed origin, dominantly of legacy leaded gasoline (1.2034 and 2.0416) and atmospheric deposition (1.2004-1.2055 and 2.0484-2.0525). The in vitro bioaccessibility of Pb in contaminated urban soils furthermore revealed that more than half of Pb in the contaminated soils was potentially bioavailable, whose Pb isotope ratios were identical to that of bulk soils, demonstrating the utility of using Pb isotopes for tracking human exposure to anthropogenic Pb in soils and house dust. Overall, this study demonstrated a holistic assessment for comprehensively understanding anthropogenic Pb in urban soils, including its co-occurrence with other toxic contaminants, dominant sources, and potential bioavailability upon human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Anna M Wade
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Daniel D Richter
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | | | - James M Kaste
- Department of Geology, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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22
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Wise CF, Hammel SC, Herkert NJ, Ospina M, Calafat AM, Breen M, Stapleton HM. Comparative Assessment of Pesticide Exposures in Domestic Dogs and Their Owners Using Silicone Passive Samplers and Biomonitoring. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:1149-1161. [PMID: 34964617 PMCID: PMC10150270 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides are used extensively in residential settings for lawn maintenance and in homes to control household pests including application directly on pets to deter fleas and ticks. Pesticides are commonly detected in the home environment where people and pets can be subject to chronic exposure. Due to increased interest in using companion animals as sentinels for human environmental health studies, we conducted a comparative pesticide exposure assessment in 30 people and their pet dogs to determine how well silicone wristbands and silicone dog tags can predict urinary pesticide biomarkers of exposure. Using targeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses, we quantified eight pesticides in silicone samplers and used a suspect screening approach for additional pesticides. Urine samples were analyzed for 15 pesticide metabolite biomarkers. Several pesticides were detected in >70% of silicone samplers including permethrin, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), and chlorpyrifos. Significant and positive correlations were observed between silicone sampler levels of permethrin and DEET with their corresponding urinary metabolites (rs = 0.50-0.96, p < 0.05) in both species. Significantly higher levels of fipronil were observed in silicone samplers from participants who reported using flea and tick products containing fipronil on their dog. This study suggests that people and their dogs have similar pesticide exposures in a home environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F Wise
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Stephanie C Hammel
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Nicholas J Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Maria Ospina
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MSS103-2, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MSS103-2, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Matthew Breen
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
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23
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Herkert NJ, Kassotis CD, Zhang S, Han Y, Pulikkal VF, Sun M, Ferguson PL, Stapleton HM. Characterization of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances Present in Commercial Anti-fog Products and Their In Vitro Adipogenic Activity. Environ Sci Technol 2022; 56:1162-1173. [PMID: 34985261 PMCID: PMC8908479 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Anti-fog sprays and solutions are used on eyeglasses to minimize the condensation of water vapor, particularly while wearing a mask. Given their water-repellent properties, we sought to characterize per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substance (PFAS) compounds in four anti-fog spray products, five anti-fog cloth products, and two commercial fluorosurfactant formulations suspected to be used in preparing anti-fog products. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and fluorotelomer ethoxylates (FTEOs) were detected in all products and formulations. While 6:2 FTOH and the 6:2 FTEO polymeric series were predominant, one anti-fog cloth and one formulation contained 8:2, 10:2, 12:2, 14:2, and 16:2 FTOH and FTEO polymeric series. PFAS concentrations varied in samples and were detected at levels up to 25,000 μg/mL in anti-fog sprays and 185,000 μg (g cloth)-1 in anti-fog cloth products. The total organic fluorine (TOF) measurements of anti-fog products ranged from 190 to 20,700 μg/mL in sprays and 44,200 to 131,500 μg (g cloth)-1 in cloths. Quantified FTOHs and FTEOs accounted for 1-99% of TOF mass. In addition, all four anti-fog sprays and both commercial formulations exhibited significant cytotoxicity and adipogenic activity (either triglyceride accumulation and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation) in murine 3T3-L1 cells. Results suggest that FTEOs are a significant contributor to the adipogenic activity exhibited by the anti-fog sprays. Altogether, these results suggest that FTEOs are present in commercial products at toxicologically relevant levels, and more research is needed to fully understand the health risks from using these PFAS-containing products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Christopher D Kassotis
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Yuling Han
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Vivek Francis Pulikkal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Mei Sun
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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24
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Kozlova EV, Valdez MC, Denys ME, Bishay AE, Krum JM, Rabbani KM, Carrillo V, Gonzalez GM, Lampel G, Tran JD, Vazquez BM, Anchondo LM, Uddin SA, Huffman NM, Monarrez E, Olomi DS, Chinthirla BD, Hartman RE, Kodavanti PRS, Chompre G, Phillips AL, Stapleton HM, Henkelmann B, Schramm KW, Curras-Collazo MC. Persistent autism-relevant behavioral phenotype and social neuropeptide alterations in female mice offspring induced by maternal transfer of PBDE congeners in the commercial mixture DE-71. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:335-365. [PMID: 34687351 PMCID: PMC8536480 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are known neuroendocrine disrupting chemicals with adverse neurodevelopmental effects. PBDEs may act as risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), characterized by abnormal psychosocial functioning, although direct evidence is currently lacking. Using a translational exposure model, we tested the hypothesis that maternal transfer of a commercial mixture of PBDEs, DE-71, produces ASD-relevant behavioral and neurochemical deficits in female offspring. C57Bl6/N mouse dams (F0) were exposed to DE-71 via oral administration of 0 (VEH/CON), 0.1 (L-DE-71) or 0.4 (H-DE-71) mg/kg bw/d from 3 wk prior to gestation through end of lactation. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated in utero and lactational transfer of PBDEs (in ppb) to F1 female offspring brain tissue at postnatal day (PND) 15 which was reduced by PND 110. Neurobehavioral testing of social novelty preference (SNP) and social recognition memory (SRM) revealed that adult L-DE-71 F1 offspring display deficient short- and long-term SRM, in the absence of reduced sociability, and increased repetitive behavior. These effects were concomitant with reduced olfactory discrimination of social odors. Additionally, L-DE-71 exposure also altered short-term novel object recognition memory but not anxiety or depressive-like behavior. Moreover, F1 L-DE-71 displayed downregulated mRNA transcripts for oxytocin (Oxt) in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and supraoptic nucleus, and vasopressin (Avp) in the BNST and upregulated Avp1ar in BNST, and Oxtr in the paraventricular nucleus. Our work demonstrates that developmental PBDE exposure produces ASD-relevant neurochemical, olfactory processing and behavioral phenotypes that may result from early neurodevelopmental reprogramming within central social and memory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Matthew C Valdez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Neurological and Endocrine Toxicology Branch, Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, CPHEA/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Maximillian E Denys
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Julia M Krum
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Kayhon M Rabbani
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Valeria Carrillo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Gwendolyn M Gonzalez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Gregory Lampel
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jasmin D Tran
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Brigitte M Vazquez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Laura M Anchondo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Syed A Uddin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Nicole M Huffman
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Eduardo Monarrez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Duraan S Olomi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Bhuvaneswari D Chinthirla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Richard E Hartman
- Department of Psychology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Prasada Rao S Kodavanti
- Neurological and Endocrine Toxicology Branch, Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, CPHEA/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Gladys Chompre
- Biotechnology Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00717-9997, USA
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Bernhard Henkelmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Molecular EXposomics (MEX), German National Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
| | - Karl-Werner Schramm
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Molecular EXposomics (MEX), German National Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
- Department Für Biowissenschaftliche Grundlagen, TUM, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung Und Umwelt, Weihenstephaner Steig 23, 85350, Freising, Germany
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25
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Jenkins JA, Baudoin BA, Johnson D, Fernie KJ, Stapleton HM, Karouna-Renier NK. Establishment of baseline cytology metrics in nestling American kestrels (Falco sparverius): Immunomodulatory effects of the flame retardant isopropylated triarylphosphate isomers. Environ Int 2021; 157:106779. [PMID: 34555586 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Avian populations must mount effective immune responses upon exposure to environmental stressors such as avian influenza and xenobiotics. Although multiple immune assays have been tested and applied to various avian species, antibody-mediated immune responses in non-model avian species are not commonly reported due to the lack of commercially available species-specific antibodies. The objectives of the present study were to advance methods for studying wild bird immune responses and to apply these to the evaluation of cytological responses after exposure of American kestrels, Falco sparverius, to a commercial flame retardant mixture containing isopropylated triarylphosphate isomers (ITP). Hatchlings were gavaged daily with safflower oil or 1.5 ug/g bw/day of ITP suspended in safflower oil, then bled on days 9, 17, and 21. The ITP treatment group (n = 18) and a subset of controls (Poly I:C treatment group; n = 10) were injected on days 9 and 15 with a synthetic analog of viral double-stranded RNA, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), a toll-like receptor ligand and synthetic viral mimic, and responses compared to a sham injected control group (n = 8). The hypotheses tested whether kestrels showed immunological differences among treatment groups, genetic sex, and/or white blood cell (WBC) subpopulation type over time. A flow cytometry (FCM) gating strategy categorized heterophils (H), lymphocytes (L), and monocytes (M) and their proportions, and measured relative fluorescence in response to anti-chicken CD4 binding. Fluorescent cell surfaces and some granular/vacuolar inclusions were visualized by epifluorescence microscopy. A fourth subpopulation with higher levels of granularity than M but less than H became increasingly apparent with time and was gated along with the H subpopulation; its frequency of occurrence was lowest in the ITP group (P = 0.0023). The percentages of cells differed among treatment groups, days, and sexes (P = 0.0001). For both sexes, percentages of H and L were higher than M in control and Poly I:C. In the ITP group, L percentages were higher than H and M (P = 0.0457), and H and L were higher than M on days 9 and 21 (P = 0.0001). The ratios of H:L and H:WBC, indicators of robust immunity, were also higher on days 9 and 21 than on 17 (P = 0.0079). For each sex, the highest levels of activity measured by FCM geometric means (GEO) of fluorescence (indicative of antibody binding) were observed on day 9 (P = 0.0001 female, and P = 0.0011 male) in H over both L and M (P < 0.0001 for each). In males, GEO of the Poly I:C group was higher than that of the ITP group (P = 0.0374), with no difference observed among females over all days. By using a FCM algorithm for population comparisons of fluorescence to investigate binding within H, the T(x) scores indicated higher fluorescence in control and Poly I:C groups over ITP (P = 0.0001). Unlike chickens, Gallus gallus, which express CD4 primarily on L, kestrels bound the commercial antibody primarily within the gated H subpopulation, suggesting an immunophenotypic difference between taxa, despite a ~60% identity of Falco CD4 amino acid sequences with chicken CD4. The emergent cell subset within the gated H presented dendritic-like cell (DLC) morphological and functional properties, apparently serving as an effector cell. This study adds interpretive context to ecological investigations of infection and of potential immunomodulation by emerging compounds, whereby the early innate responses are mediated by the various cell subsets serving as useful quantitative markers of immunological condition. Data showed that dietary exposure to ITP was immunosuppressive for male and female kestrels over the course of the experiment, reducing DLC frequency compared to the Poly I:C controls. Heterophils and DLC were important in facilitating innate immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Jenkins
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 700 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70506, United States.
| | - Brooke A Baudoin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 700 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70506, United States
| | - Darren Johnson
- Cherokee Nations Technologies under contract to the U.S. Geological Survey, 700 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70506, United States
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, Environment & Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Box 90328, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Natalie K Karouna-Renier
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Patuxent Research Refuge, 308 Center Road, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
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26
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Young AS, Herkert N, Stapleton HM, Cedeño Laurent JG, Jones ER, MacNaughton P, Coull BA, James-Todd T, Hauser R, Luna ML, Chung YS, Allen JG. Chemical contaminant exposures assessed using silicone wristbands among occupants in office buildings in the USA, UK, China, and India. Environ Int 2021; 156:106727. [PMID: 34425641 PMCID: PMC8409466 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about chemical contaminant exposures of office workers in buildings globally. Complex mixtures of harmful chemicals accumulate indoors from building materials, building maintenance, personal products, and outdoor pollution. We evaluated exposures to 99 chemicals in urban office buildings in the USA, UK, China, and India using silicone wristbands worn by 251 participants while they were at work. Here, we report concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other brominated flame retardants (BFRs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), phthalates and phthalate alternatives, pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). First, we found major differences in office worker chemical exposures by country, some of which can be explained by regulations and use patterns. For example, exposures to several pesticides were substantially higher in India where there were fewer restrictions and unique malaria challenges, and exposures to flame retardants tended to be higher in the USA and UK where there were historic, stringent furniture flammability standards. Higher exposures to PAHs in China and India could be due to high levels of outdoor air pollution that penetrates indoors. Second, some office workers were still exposed to legacy PCBs, PBDEs, and pesticides, even decades after bans or phase-outs. Third, we identified exposure to a contemporary PCB that is not covered under legacy PCB bans due to its presence as an unintentional byproduct in materials. Fourth, exposures to novel BFRs, OPEs, and other chemicals commonly used as substitutes to previously phased-out chemicals were ubiquitous. Fifth, some exposures were influenced by individual factors, not just countries and buildings. Phthalate exposures, for example, were related to personal care product use, country restrictions, and building materials. Overall, we found substantial country differences in chemical exposures and continued exposures to legacy phased-out chemicals and their substitutes in buildings. These findings warrant further research on the role of chemicals in office buildings on worker health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Young
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Emily R Jones
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Brent A Coull
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Russ Hauser
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marianne Lahaie Luna
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yu Shan Chung
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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27
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Overdahl KE, Gooden D, Bobay B, Getzinger GJ, Stapleton HM, Ferguson PL. Characterizing azobenzene disperse dyes in commercial mixtures and children's polyester clothing. Environ Pollut 2021; 287:117299. [PMID: 34023658 PMCID: PMC8434964 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Azobenzene disperse dyes are the fastest-growing class of dyestuffs, yet little is known about dye occurrences, sources, and transformations; azo dyes are also underrepresented in chemical standard catalogs, molecular databases, and mass spectral libraries. Many azo dyes are known to have sensitization, mutagenic, and carcinogenic properties. To fill these knowledge gaps, azo dyes were purified from dyestuffs by Soxhlet extraction and flash chromatography and characterized using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled to a high resolution Orbitrap Fusion Lumos mass spectrometer operated in positive electrospray ionization mode, as well as by 1H and 13C NMR. Data were analyzed to identify likely chemical formulas and structures using a weight-of-evidence approach with multiple open-source, in silico computational mass spectrometry tools. Nineteen total azobenzene dyes were detected in dyestuffs via a non-targeted analysis approach; the azobenzene dyes Disperse Blue 79:1, Disperse Blue 183:1, Disperse Orange 44, Disperse Orange 73, Disperse Red 50, Disperse Red 73, and Disperse Red 354 were purified from raw dyestuffs. Samples of children's polyester clothing were then analyzed likewise. In clothing, 21 azobenzene disperse dyes were detected, 12 of which were confirmed and quantified via reference standards. Individual dyes in apparel were quantified at concentrations up to 9230 μg dye/g shirt, with geometric means ranging 7.91-300 μg dye/g shirt. Total dye load in apparel was quantified at up to 11,430 μg dye/g shirt. This research supported the development of reference standards and library mass spectra for azobenzene disperse dyes previously absent from standard and spectral libraries. By analyzing the scope and quantities of azo dyes in children's polyester apparel, this study will facilitate a more robust understanding of sources of these potentially allergenic and mutagenic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E Overdahl
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Box 90328, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - David Gooden
- Duke University NMR Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States
| | - Benjamin Bobay
- Duke University NMR Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, United States
| | - Gordon J Getzinger
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Box 90287, 121 Hudson Hall, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Box 90328, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Box 90328, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Box 90287, 121 Hudson Hall, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, United States.
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Patisaul HB, Behl M, Birnbaum LS, Blum A, Diamond ML, Rojello Fernández S, Hogberg HT, Kwiatkowski CF, Page JD, Soehl A, Stapleton HM. Beyond Cholinesterase Inhibition: Developmental Neurotoxicity of Organophosphate Ester Flame Retardants and Plasticizers. Environ Health Perspect 2021; 129:105001. [PMID: 34612677 PMCID: PMC8493874 DOI: 10.1289/ehp9285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, the toxicity of organophosphate esters has primarily been studied regarding their use as pesticides and their effects on the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Currently, flame retardants and plasticizers are the two largest market segments for organophosphate esters and they are found in a wide variety of products, including electronics, building materials, vehicles, furniture, car seats, plastics, and textiles. As a result, organophosphate esters and their metabolites are routinely found in human urine, blood, placental tissue, and breast milk across the globe. It has been asserted that their neurological effects are minimal given that they do not act on AChE in precisely the same way as organophosphate ester pesticides. OBJECTIVES This commentary describes research on the non-AChE neurodevelopmental toxicity of organophosphate esters used as flame retardants and plasticizers (OPEs). Studies in humans, mammalian, nonmammalian, and in vitro models are presented, and relevant neurodevelopmental pathways, including adverse outcome pathways, are described. By highlighting this scientific evidence, we hope to elevate the level of concern for widespread human exposure to these OPEs and to provide recommendations for how to better protect public health. DISCUSSION Collectively, the findings presented demonstrate that OPEs can alter neurodevelopmental processes by interfering with noncholinergic pathways at environmentally relevant doses. Application of a pathways framework indicates several specific mechanisms of action, including perturbation of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid and disruption of the endocrine system. The effects may have implications for the development of cognitive and social skills in children. Our conclusion is that concern is warranted for the developmental neurotoxicity of OPE exposure. We thus describe important considerations for reducing harm and to provide recommendations for government and industry decision makers. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9285.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B. Patisaul
- College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mamta Behl
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Linda S. Birnbaum
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Arlene Blum
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | | | - Helena T. Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carol F. Kwiatkowski
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jamie D. Page
- Cancer Prevention & Education Society, Meads House, Leighterton, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - Anna Soehl
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Hoffman K, Levasseur JL, Zhang S, Hay D, Herkert NJ, Stapleton HM. Monitoring Human Exposure to Organophosphate Esters: Comparing Silicone Wristbands with Spot Urine Samples as Predictors of Internal Dose. Environ Sci Technol Lett 2021; 8:805-810. [PMID: 36159219 PMCID: PMC9496637 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Silicone wristbands present a noninvasive exposure assessment tool and an alternative to traditional biomonitoring; however, questions about their utility remain as validation studies are limited. We sought to determine if wristbands provide quantitative estimates of internal organophosphate ester (OPE) exposure. We evaluated internal dose by measuring metabolite masses excreted in 24-hour urine samples collected over five days among ten adults. We compared internal dose to OPE concentrations in paired wristbands worn during collection and, as a comparison, evaluated metabolite levels in spot urine samples. Three of six OPE metabolites evaluated were detected in >98% of urine samples, and 24 of 34 assessed OPEs were detected in at least one wristband. OPE uptake in wristbands was linear over time (range=0.54-61.8 ng/g/day). OPE concentrations in spot urine and wristbands were not correlated with total diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) excreted in urine, which may be due to the range of possible DPHP parent compounds or dietary exposure. However, for tris-(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCIPP) and tris-(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCIPP), wristbands and spot urine samples were both moderately to strongly correlated with internal dose (all rs>0.56 and p<0.1), suggesting both perform well as integrated exposure estimates. Given the potential advantages of silicone wristbands, further studies investigating additional compounds are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | | | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Duncan Hay
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Nicholas J Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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Wang Z, Coyte RM, Cowan EA, Stapleton HM, Dwyer GS, Vengosh A. Evaluation and Integration of Geochemical Indicators for Detecting Trace Levels of Coal Fly Ash in Soils. Environ Sci Technol 2021; 55:10387-10397. [PMID: 34282893 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion residuals (CCRs), in particular, coal fly ash, are one of the major industrial solid wastes in the U.S., and due to their high concentrations of toxic elements, they could pose environmental and human health risks. Yet detecting coal fly ash in the environment is challenging given its small particle size. Here, we explore the utility and sensitivity of using geochemical indicators (trace elements, Ra nuclides, and Pb stable isotopes), combined with physical observation by optical point counting, for detecting the presence of trace levels of coal fly ash particles in surface soils near two coal-fired power plants in North Carolina and Tennessee. Through experimental work, mixing models, and field data, we show that trace elements can serve as a first-order detection tool for fly ash presence in surface soils; however, the accuracy and sensitivity of detection is limited for cases with low fly ash proportion (i.e., <10%) in the soil, which requires the integration of more robust Ra and Pb isotopic tracers. This study revealed the presence of fly ash particles in surface soils from both the recreational and residential areas, which suggests the fugitive emission of fly ash from the nearby coal-fired power plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Rachel M Coyte
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Ellen A Cowan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Gary S Dwyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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Gillera SEA, Marinello WP, Cao KT, Horman BM, Stapleton HM, Patisaul HB. Sex-specific Disruption of the Prairie Vole Hypothalamus by Developmental Exposure to a Flame Retardant Mixture. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6285199. [PMID: 34038511 PMCID: PMC8571712 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) with social deficits is conspicuously rising, particularly in boys. Flame retardants (FRs) have long been associated with increased risk, and prior work by us and others in multiple species has shown that developmental exposure to the common FR mixture Firemaster 550 (FM 550) sex-specifically alters socioemotional behaviors including anxiety and pair bond formation. In rats, FRs have also been shown to impair aspects of osmoregulation. Because vasopressin (AVP) plays a role in both socioemotional behavior and osmotic balance we hypothesized that AVP and its related nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) would be vulnerable to developmental FM 550 exposure. We used the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaste) to test this because it is spontaneously prosocial. Using siblings of prairie voles used in a prior study that assessed behavioral deficits resulting from developmental FM 550 exposure across 3 doses, here we tested the hypothesis that FM 550 sex-specifically alters AVP and OT neuronal populations in critical nuclei, such as the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), that coordinate those behaviors, as well as related dopaminergic (determined by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunolabeling) populations. Exposed females had fewer AVP neurons in the anterior PVN and more A13 TH neurons in the zona incerta than controls. By contrast, in FM 550 males, A13 TH neuron numbers in the zona incerta were decreased but only in 1 dose group. These results expand on previous work showing evidence of endocrine disruption of OT/AVP pathways, including to subpopulations of PVN AVP neurons that coordinate osmoregulatory functions in the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William P Marinello
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Kevin T Cao
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Brian M Horman
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Levine Science Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh NC 27695, USA
- Correspondence: Heather B Patisaul, Professor of Biological Sciences, NC State University, 127 David Clark Labs, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA. E-mail:
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Ingle ME, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Carignan CC, Stapleton HM, Williams PL, Ford JB, Moravek MB, Hauser R, Meeker JD. Exploring reproductive associations of serum polybrominated diphenyl ether and hydroxylated brominated diphenyl ether concentrations among women undergoing in vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1199-1210. [PMID: 32424407 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are serum concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hydroxylated brominated diphenyl ethers (OH-BDEs) associated with IVF endpoints? SUMMARY ANSWER Positive associations were observed for BDE153 and several OH-BDEs with IVF endpoints. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PBDEs have been voluntarily phased out of production in the USA and EU due to their persistence and toxicity to humans and ecosystems. PBDEs have been associated with implantation failure among women undergoing IVF, yet some animal studies suggest greater toxicity from their metabolites, OH-BDEs. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We evaluated a subset of 215 women (contributing 330 IVF cycles) enrolled between 2005 and 2016 in a longitudinal cohort based at Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The following PBDEs were quantified: 47, 99, 100, 153 and 154 and the following OH-BDEs: 3-OH-BDE47, 5-OH-BDE47, 6-OH-BDE47 and 4-OH-BDE49. Clinical endpoints of IVF treatments were abstracted from electronic medical records. Associations of log-transformed PBDEs and OH-BDEs with IVF outcomes were assessed using multivariable generalized mixed models and cluster weighted generalized estimating equation models adjusted for lipids, age, BMI, race, year of sample collection, IVF protocol and FSH levels. Outcomes were adjusted to represent a percent change in outcome with an increase equal to the magnitude of the difference between the 75th and 25th percentiles for each specific compound (interquartile range (IQR) increase). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Detection frequencies were highest for congeners 47 and 153 (82% ≥ method detection limit (MDL)) and metabolites 3 and 5-OH-BDE47 and 4-OH-BDE49 (92% > MDL). PBDE and OH-BDE geometric mean concentrations declined by up to 80% between participants recruited in 2005 and those recruited in 2016. An IQR increase of BDE153 was associated with an increase in the probability of implantation (relative risk (RR) = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.36), clinical pregnancy (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.46) and live birth (RR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.54). An IQR increase in 3 and 5-OH-BDE47 was associated with increased probabilities of implantation (RR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.09), clinical pregnancy (RR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.36), and live birth (RR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.40). When models were stratified by race (White (86%)/Other race (14%)), associations remained positive for White women, yet inverse associations were observed for Other race women. An IQR increase in BDE47 was associated with a 46% decreased probability of clinical pregnancy (95% CI: 0.31, 0.95) for Other race women. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Despite the long half-lives of PBDEs and OH-BDEs, exposure misclassification is possible for women who underwent multiple treatment cycles over several months or years. It is also possible another medium, such as follicular fluid would be optimal to characterize exposure. We also tested associations for multiple congeners and metabolites with multiple outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Detections of serum concentrations of PBDEs and OH-BDEs were highest in the early years of the study and suggests that the phase-out of these compounds has contributed to a decrease in exposure. The negative associations found for PBDEs and IVF outcomes among other race women suggests the potential for racial disparity. Potential racial disparities in PBDE exposure and exploration of alternative flame retardants with reproductive health outcomes should be the focus of future investigations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funding for this research was supported by the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) [R01 ES009718, ES022955, ES000002 and 009718T32ES007069]. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Ingle
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Courtney C Carignan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Phillips AL, Zhang S, Cooper EM, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Characterization of adipogenic, PPARγ, and TRβ activities in house dust extracts and their associations with organic contaminants. Sci Total Environ 2021; 758:143707. [PMID: 33223163 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01788.s001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to expand our previous research on associations between bioactivities in dust and associated organic contaminants. Dust samples were collected from central NC homes (n = 188), solvent extracted, and split into two fractions, one for analysis using three different bioassays (nuclear receptor activation/inhibition and adipocyte development) and one for mass spectrometry (targeted measurement of 124 organic contaminants, including flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Approximately 80% of dust extracts exhibited significant adipogenic activity at concentrations that are comparable to estimated exposure for children and adults (e.g. ~20 μg/well dust) via either triglyceride accumulation (65%) and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation (50%). Approximately 76% of samples antagonized thyroid receptor beta (TRβ), and 21% activated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Triglyceride accumulation was significantly correlated with TRβ antagonism. Sixty-five contaminants were detected in at least 75% of samples; of these, 26 were correlated with adipogenic activity and ten with TRβ antagonism. Regression models were used to evaluate associations of individual contaminants with adipogenic and TRβ bioactivities, and many individual contaminants were significantly associated. An exploratory g-computation model was used to evaluate the effect of mixtures. Contaminant mixtures were positively associated with triglyceride accumulation, and the magnitude of effect was larger than for any individually measured chemical. For each quartile increase in mixture exposure, triglyceride accumulation increased by 212% (RR = 3.12 and 95% confidence interval: 1.58, 6.17). These results suggest that complex mixtures of chemicals present in house dust may induce adipogenic activity in vitro at environmental concentrations and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America; Risk Assessment and Natural Resource Sciences, Arcadis U.S., Inc., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States of America
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Ellen M Cooper
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America.
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34
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Kassotis CD, Hoffman K, Phillips AL, Zhang S, Cooper EM, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Characterization of adipogenic, PPARγ, and TRβ activities in house dust extracts and their associations with organic contaminants. Sci Total Environ 2021; 758:143707. [PMID: 33223163 PMCID: PMC7796983 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we sought to expand our previous research on associations between bioactivities in dust and associated organic contaminants. Dust samples were collected from central NC homes (n = 188), solvent extracted, and split into two fractions, one for analysis using three different bioassays (nuclear receptor activation/inhibition and adipocyte development) and one for mass spectrometry (targeted measurement of 124 organic contaminants, including flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, pesticides, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Approximately 80% of dust extracts exhibited significant adipogenic activity at concentrations that are comparable to estimated exposure for children and adults (e.g. ~20 μg/well dust) via either triglyceride accumulation (65%) and/or pre-adipocyte proliferation (50%). Approximately 76% of samples antagonized thyroid receptor beta (TRβ), and 21% activated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Triglyceride accumulation was significantly correlated with TRβ antagonism. Sixty-five contaminants were detected in at least 75% of samples; of these, 26 were correlated with adipogenic activity and ten with TRβ antagonism. Regression models were used to evaluate associations of individual contaminants with adipogenic and TRβ bioactivities, and many individual contaminants were significantly associated. An exploratory g-computation model was used to evaluate the effect of mixtures. Contaminant mixtures were positively associated with triglyceride accumulation, and the magnitude of effect was larger than for any individually measured chemical. For each quartile increase in mixture exposure, triglyceride accumulation increased by 212% (RR = 3.12 and 95% confidence interval: 1.58, 6.17). These results suggest that complex mixtures of chemicals present in house dust may induce adipogenic activity in vitro at environmental concentrations and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America; Risk Assessment and Natural Resource Sciences, Arcadis U.S., Inc., Raleigh, NC 27607, United States of America
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Ellen M Cooper
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States of America.
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35
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Levasseur JL, Hammel SC, Hoffman K, Phillips AL, Zhang S, Ye X, Calafat AM, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Young children's exposure to phenols in the home: Associations between house dust, hand wipes, silicone wristbands, and urinary biomarkers. Environ Int 2021; 147:106317. [PMID: 33341585 PMCID: PMC7856225 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental phenols, such as parabens, bisphenol A, and triclosan, are ubiquitous in indoor environments because of their use in packaging, plastics, personal care products, and as anti-microbials. The primary pathways of exposure, as well as habits and behaviors that may lead to greater exposure, are still unclear. OBJECTIVES Herein, we investigate the relationships between phenols found in residential environments by comparing levels in paired samples of house dust and hand wipes with children's urine. In addition, phenols were analyzed in a novel exposure tool, the silicone wristbands, to investigate which external matrix best correlates with individual exposure based on urinary phenol biomarkers. METHODS Children aged 3-6 years in central North Carolina, United States, provided paired hand wipe (n = 202), wristband (n = 76), and spot urine samples (n = 180), while legal guardians completed questionnaires on habits and behaviors. House dust samples (n = 186) were collected from the main living area during home visits completed between 2014 and 2016. RESULTS Environmental phenols were detected frequently in all matrices investigated. Ethyl, methyl, and propylparaben levels observed in hand wipes, dust, and on wristbands were significantly correlated to their associated urinary biomarkers. In addition, intra-paraben correlations were noted, with biomarkers of ethyl, methyl, and propylparabens generally positively and significantly correlated, which suggests co-application of parabens in products. Triclosan levels in dust were positive and significantly correlated with levels in hand wipes and wristbands and with urinary concentrations, suggesting non-personal care product sources may be important in children's overall triclosan exposure. Generally, chemicals on wristbands were more highly correlated with urinary biomarkers than with chemicals in hand wipes or house dust. In addition, more frequent lotion use was positively associated with urinary concentrations of paraben biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the home environment is an important source of exposure which has been under-investigated for some environmental phenols (e.g., triclosan in house dust). Associations between wristbands and biomarkers of exposure, which were stronger than for hand wipes and house dust, suggest that silicone wristbands may provide a suitable exposure assessment tool for some phenols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie C Hammel
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Children's Health Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, NC, United States.
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Children's Health Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, NC, United States.
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Xiaoyun Ye
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Children's Health Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, NC, United States.
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Ingle ME, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Carignan CC, Stapleton HM, Williams PL, Ford JB, Moravek MB, O'Neill MS, Wang L, Hauser R, Meeker JD. Reproductive outcomes associated with flame retardants among couples seeking fertility treatment: A paternal perspective. Environ Res 2021; 192:110226. [PMID: 32971080 PMCID: PMC7736216 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been phased out of production for nearly a decade yet are still frequently detected in serum of U.S. adults. PBDE concentrations have been associated with adverse reproductive outcomes and laboratory studies suggest hydroxylated-BDEs (OH-BDEs) may act as endocrine disruptors. We set out to assess the joint effects of paternal and maternal serum PBDE concentrations on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes and the association between paternal serum OH-BDE concentrations and IVF outcomes. METHODS This analysis included 189 couples (contributing 285 IVF cycles) recruited between 2006 and 2016 from a longitudinal cohort based at Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center who completed at least one IVF cycle and had an available blood sample at study entry. Congeners (47, 99, 100, 153, and 154) and OH-BDEs (3-OH-BDE47, 5-OH-BDE47, 6-OH-BDE47 and 4-OH-BDE49) were quantified in serum. Log-transformed PBDEs and OH-BDEs were modeled in quartiles for associations with IVF outcomes using multivariable generalized mixed models and cluster weighted generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Lipid-adjusted concentrations of PBDEs and OH-BDEs were higher in females than in male partners. There were no clear patterns of increases in risk of adverse IVF outcomes associated with PBDEs and OH-BDEs. However, some decreases in associations with IVF outcomes were observed in isolated quartiles. CONCLUSIONS Our assessment of couple level exposure is unique and highlights the importance of including male and female exposures in the assessment of the influence of environmental toxicants on pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Ingle
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Courtney C Carignan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marie S O'Neill
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Kassotis CD, Herkert NJ, Hammel SC, Hoffman K, Xia Q, Kullman SW, Sosa JA, Stapleton HM. Thyroid Receptor Antagonism of Chemicals Extracted from Personal Silicone Wristbands within a Papillary Thyroid Cancer Pilot Study. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:15296-15312. [PMID: 33185092 PMCID: PMC7819617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that thyroid cancer incidence rates are increasing, and environmental exposures have been postulated to be playing a role. To explore this possibility, we conducted a pilot study to investigate the thyroid disrupting bioactivity of chemical mixtures isolated from personal silicone wristband samplers within a thyroid cancer cohort. Specifically, we evaluated TRβ antagonism of chemical mixtures extracted from wristbands (n = 72) worn by adults in central North Carolina participating in a case-control study on papillary thyroid cancer. Sections of wristbands were solvent-extracted and analyzed via mass spectrometry to quantify a suite of semivolatile chemicals. A second extract from each wristband was used in a bioassay to quantify TRβ antagonism in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293/17) at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10% of the original extract (by volume). Approximately 70% of the sample extracts tested at a 1% extract concentration exhibited significant TRβ antagonism, with a mean of 30% and a range of 0-100%. Inhibited cell viability was noted in >20% of samples that were tested at 5 and 10% concentrations. Antagonism was positively associated with wristband concentrations of several phthalates, organophosphate esters, and brominated flame retardants. These results suggest that personal passive samplers may be useful in evaluating the bioactivities of mixtures that people contact on a daily basis. We also report tentative associations between thyroid receptor antagonism, chemical concentrations, and papillary thyroid cancer case status. Future research utilizing larger sample sizes, prospective data collection, and measurement of serum thyroid hormone levels (which were not possible in this study) should be utilized to more comprehensively evaluate these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Nicholas J Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Stephanie C Hammel
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Qianyi Xia
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Seth W Kullman
- Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - Julie Ann Sosa
- Department of Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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Hall SM, Patton S, Petreas M, Zhang S, Phillips AL, Hoffman K, Stapleton HM. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Dust Collected from Residential Homes and Fire Stations in North America. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:14558-14567. [PMID: 33143410 PMCID: PMC7939574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has garnered increased attention. Research has focused on PFAS exposure via drinking water and diet, and fewer studies have focused on exposure in the indoor environment. To support more research on the latter exposure pathway, we conducted a study to evaluate PFAS in indoor dust. Dust samples from 184 homes in North Carolina and 49 fire stations across the United States and Canada were collected and analyzed for a suite of PFAS using liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and di-polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid esters (diPAPs) were the most prevalent PFAS in both fire station and house dust samples, with medians of approximately 100 ng/g dust or greater. Notably, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorononanoic acid, and 6:2 diPAP were significantly higher in dust from fire stations than from homes, and 8:2 FTOH was significantly higher in homes than in fire stations. Additionally, when comparing our results to earlier published values, we see that perfluoroalkyl acid levels in residential dust appear to decrease over time, particularly for PFOA and PFOS. These results highlight a need to better understand what factors contribute to PFAS levels in dust and to understand how much dust contributes to overall human PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Hall
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Commonweal, Bolinas, California, USA, 451 Mesa Road, Bolinas, California, United States
| | - Myrto Petreas
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, 700 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Allison L. Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Heather M. Stapleton, PhD, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708;
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Witchey SK, Al Samara L, Horman BM, Stapleton HM, Patisaul HB. Perinatal exposure to FireMaster® 550 (FM550), brominated or organophosphate flame retardants produces sex and compound specific effects on adult Wistar rat socioemotional behavior. Horm Behav 2020; 126:104853. [PMID: 32949556 PMCID: PMC7726037 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Firemaster 550 (FM550) is a flame retardant (FR) mixture that has become one of the most commonly used FRs in household items such as foam-based furniture and baby products. Because this mixture readily leaches from products, contamination of the environment and human tissues is widespread. Prior work by us and others has reported sex-specific behavioral deficits in rodents and zebrafish following early life exposure. In an effort to understand the mechanisms by which these behavioral effects occur, here we explored the effects of its constituents on behavioral outcomes previously shown to be altered by developmental FM550 exposure. The FM550 commercial mixture is composed of two brominated compounds (BFR) and two organophosphate compounds (OPFRs) at almost equivalent proportions. Both the BFR and the OPFR components are differentially metabolized and structurally distinct, but similar to known neurotoxicants. Here we examined adult Wistar rat offspring socioemotional behaviors following perinatal exposure (oral, to the dam) to vehicle, 2000 μg/day FM550, 1000 μg/day BFR or 1000 μg/day OPFR from gestation day 0 to weaning. Beginning on postnatal day 65 offspring from all groups were subjected to a series of behavioral tasks including open field, elevated plus maze, marble burying, social interaction tests, and running wheel. Effects were exposure-, sex- and task-specific, with BFR exposure resulting in the most consistent behavioral deficits. Overall, exposed females showed more deficits compared to males across all dose groups and tasks. These findings help elucidate how different classes of flame retardants, independently and as a mixture, contribute to sex-specific behavioral effects of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannah K Witchey
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States of America; Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States of America
| | - Loujain Al Samara
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States of America
| | - Brian M Horman
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States of America
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Levine Science Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States of America; Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States of America.
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Kozlova EV, Chinthirla BD, Pérez PA, DiPatrizio NV, Argueta DA, Phillips AL, Stapleton HM, González GM, Krum JM, Carrillo V, Bishay AE, Basappa KR, Currás-Collazo MC. Maternal transfer of environmentally relevant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) produces a diabetic phenotype and disrupts glucoregulatory hormones and hepatic endocannabinoids in adult mouse female offspring. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18102. [PMID: 33093533 PMCID: PMC7582149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74853-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are brominated flame retardant chemicals and environmental contaminants with endocrine-disrupting properties that are associated with diabetes and metabolic syndrome in humans. However, their diabetogenic actions are not completely characterized or understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of DE-71, a commercial penta-mixture of PBDEs, on glucoregulatory parameters in a perinatal exposure model using female C57Bl/6 mice. Results from in vivo glucose and insulin tolerance tests and ex vivo analyses revealed fasting hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, reduced sensitivity and delayed glucose clearance after insulin challenge, decreased thermogenic brown adipose tissue mass, and exaggerated hepatic endocannabinoid tone in F1 offspring exposed to 0.1 mg/kg DE-71 relative to control. DE-71 effects on F0 dams were more limited indicating that indirect exposure to developing offspring is more detrimental. Other ex vivo glycemic correlates occurred more generally in exposed F0 and F1, i.e., reduced plasma insulin and altered glucoregulatory endocrines, exaggerated sympathoadrenal activity and reduced hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase enzymatic activity. Hepatic PBDE congener analysis indicated maternal transfer of BDE-28 and -153 to F1 at a collective level of 200 ng/g lipid, in range with maximum values detected in serum of human females. Given the persistent diabetogenic phenotype, especially pronounced in female offspring after developmental exposure to environmentally relevant levels of DE-71, additional animal studies should be conducted that further characterize PBDE-induced diabetic pathophysiology and identify critical developmental time windows of susceptibility. Longitudinal human studies should also be conducted to determine the risk of long-lasting metabolic consequences after maternal transfer of PBDEs during early-life development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Bhuvaneswari D Chinthirla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Pedro A Pérez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas V DiPatrizio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Donovan A Argueta
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Gwendolyn M González
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Julia M Krum
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Valeria Carrillo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Karthik R Basappa
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Margarita C Currás-Collazo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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Hammel SC, Zhang S, Lorenzo AM, Eichner B, Stapleton HM, Hoffman K. Young infants' exposure to organophosphate esters: Breast milk as a potential source of exposure. Environ Int 2020; 143:106009. [PMID: 32771876 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are applied as both flame retardants and plasticizers to a variety of consumer items such as home furnishings, construction materials, and children's products. While some assessments have characterized exposure among toddlers and young children, little is known about the OPE exposure among infants, who are a vulnerable population due to their rapid development. Here, we collected spot urine samples from 6-week-old (n = 100) and 12-month-old infants (n = 63), with about half of the infants evaluated at both ages (n = 52), to characterize OPE exposure and determine what factors contributed to higher exposures. Five of six OPE metabolites analyzed were detected frequently (>70%). Diphenyl phosphate was detected in every urine sample, while bis(2-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (BCIPP) was the most abundant metabolite measured overall. Concentrations of bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) 1-hydroxy-2-propyl phosphate (BCIPHIPP) and BCIPP [i.e., metabolites of tris(2-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP)] were significantly greater among 6-week-old infants compared to 12-month-olds, while levels of other OPE metabolites were not statistically different in the first year of life. OPE metabolites were generally correlated with one another in samples collected at each age (rs = 0.25-0.75; p < 0.05), and except BCIPHIPP, concentrations of the same metabolite were correlated over time (rs = 0.41-0.53; p < 0.05). Breastfeeding at 6 weeks of age and owning a larger number of children's products were associated with increased concentrations of urinary BDCIPP. Infants who were currently receiving breast milk had higher levels of TCIPP metabolites; urinary BCIPP concentrations were 6.2 times higher in infants receiving breast milk at 6 weeks of age, and BCIPHIPP levels were 2.2 times higher for 12-month-old infants receiving breast milk (10β = 7.2; 95% CI: 1.6-32.1 and 10β = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.2-8.1, respectively). Differences in the predominant TCIPP metabolite associated with breastfeeding may suggest differences in metabolism with age. Cumulatively, our results suggest levels of OPE exposure may be higher for infants than other age groups, including toddlers and older children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Hammel
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Children's Health & Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, North Carolina, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Amelia M Lorenzo
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Brian Eichner
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Children's Health & Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, North Carolina, United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Children's Health & Discovery Initiative, Duke School of Medicine, North Carolina, United States.
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42
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Rock KD, St Armour G, Horman B, Phillips A, Ruis M, Stewart AK, Jima D, Muddiman DC, Stapleton HM, Patisaul HB. Effects of Prenatal Exposure to a Mixture of Organophosphate Flame Retardants on Placental Gene Expression and Serotonergic Innervation in the Fetal Rat Brain. Toxicol Sci 2020; 176:203-223. [PMID: 32243540 PMCID: PMC7357193 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing need to understand the potential neurotoxicity of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and plasticizers because use and, consequently, human exposure, is rapidly expanding. We have previously shown in rats that developmental exposure to the commercial flame retardant mixture Firemaster 550 (FM 550), which contains OPFRs, results in sex-specific behavioral effects, and identified the placenta as a potential target of toxicity. The placenta is a critical coordinator of fetal growth and neurodevelopment, and a source of neurotransmitters for the developing brain. We have shown in rats and humans that flame retardants accumulate in placental tissue, and induce functional changes, including altered neurotransmitter production. Here, we sought to establish if OPFRs (triphenyl phosphate and a mixture of isopropylated triarylphosphate isomers) alter placental function and fetal forebrain development, with disruption of tryptophan metabolism as a primary pathway of interest. Wistar rat dams were orally exposed to OPFRs (0, 500, 1000, or 2000 μg/day) or a serotonin (5-HT) agonist 5-methoxytryptamine for 14 days during gestation and placenta and fetal forebrain tissues collected for analysis by transcriptomics and metabolomics. Relative abundance of genes responsible for the transport and synthesis of placental 5-HT were disrupted, and multiple neuroactive metabolites in the 5-HT and kynurenine metabolic pathways were upregulated. In addition, 5-HTergic projections were significantly longer in the fetal forebrains of exposed males. These findings suggest that OPFRs have the potential to impact the 5-HTergic system in the fetal forebrain by disrupting placental tryptophan metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie D Rock
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27619
| | - Genevieve St Armour
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27619
| | - Brian Horman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27619
| | - Allison Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| | - Matthew Ruis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| | - Allison K Stewart
- Molecular Education, Technology, and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Dereje Jima
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - David C Muddiman
- Molecular Education, Technology, and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27619
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
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Hoffman K, Stapleton HM. Abstract A13: Papillary thyroid cancer clusters in North Carolina 1997-2017. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2020. [DOI: 10.1158/1940-6215.envcaprev19-a13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the fastest-increasing cancer in the U.S., and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) accounts for >80% of incident cases. Data also indicate that the incidence of PTC varies geographically. We investigated associations between residential location and PTC incidence using data from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry to generate hypotheses about social and environmental factors related to etiology or diagnosis. Analyses included data on 961,111 individuals diagnosed with cancer between 1997 and 2017 (16,468 with PTC). We explored relationships between PTC and residential location at the time of diagnosis. Generalized additive models were used to predict PTC odds across North Carolina while adjusting for individual-level covariates. Cancer patients living in several regions of North Carolina (e.g., areas of the Western Piedmont and the Southern Coast) were up to 200% more likely to be diagnosed with PTC compared with individuals living elsewhere in the state. Patterns were not explained by geographic variation in individual age, sex, or race. We also examined temporal patterns in PTC incidence; these analyses suggest that geographic patterns vary over time and have diminished in recent years. To evaluate whether diagnostic factors explained observed patterns, we evaluated the average tumor size and disease stage in communities identified as having excess odds of PTC. Results of these analyses do not indicate that diagnostic factors are driving spatial patterns; tumor sizes and disease stage in these communities were similar to those in the state as a whole, which would not be expected if diagnostic bias explained variation. Cumulatively, our data suggest that localized environmental factors are influencing geographic distributions of PTC in North Carolina and provide exposure hypotheses for a future large-scale epidemiologic investigation.
Citation Format: Kate Hoffman, Heather M. Stapleton. Papillary thyroid cancer clusters in North Carolina 1997-2017 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Environmental Carcinogenesis: Potential Pathway to Cancer Prevention; 2019 Jun 22-24; Charlotte, NC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2020;13(7 Suppl): Abstract nr A13.
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Wise CF, Hammel SC, Herkert N, Ma J, Motsinger-Reif A, Stapleton HM, Breen M. Comparative Exposure Assessment Using Silicone Passive Samplers Indicates That Domestic Dogs Are Sentinels To Support Human Health Research. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:7409-7419. [PMID: 32401030 PMCID: PMC7655112 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Silicone wristbands are promising passive samplers to support epidemiological studies in characterizing exposure to organic contaminants; however, investigating associated health risks remains challenging because of the latency period for many chronic diseases that take years to manifest. Dogs provide valuable insights as sentinels for exposure-related human disease because they share similar exposures in the home, have shorter life spans, share many clinical/biological features, and have closely related genomes. Here, we evaluated exposures among pet dogs and their owners using silicone dog tags and wristbands to determine if contaminant levels were correlated with validated exposure biomarkers. Significant correlations between measures on dog tags and wristbands were observed (rs = 0.38-0.90; p < 0.05). Correlations with their respective urinary biomarkers were stronger in dog tags compared to that in human wristbands (rs = 0.50-0.71; p < 0.01) for several organophosphate esters. This supports the value of using silicone bands with dogs to investigate health impacts on humans from shared exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F. Wise
- Department of Biological Sciences, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, 850 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Stephanie C. Hammel
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Nicholas Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
- Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Alison Motsinger-Reif
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Matthew Breen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Program, North Carolina State University, 850 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
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Kuiper JR, Stapleton HM, Wills-Karp M, Wang X, Burd I, Buckley JP. Predictors and reproducibility of urinary organophosphate ester metabolite concentrations during pregnancy and associations with birth outcomes in an urban population. Environ Health 2020; 19:55. [PMID: 32448197 PMCID: PMC7247187 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are synthetic chemicals used as flame retardants and plasticizers in a variety of goods. Despite ubiquitous human exposures and laboratory evidence that prenatal OPE exposures may disrupt offspring metabolism, perinatal studies of OPE health effects are limited. The objectives of this study were to: 1) Determine predictors and reproducibility of urinary OPE biomarker concentrations during pregnancy, and 2) Estimate the relation of prenatal OPE exposures with birth outcomes and cord blood adipokine and insulin concentrations. METHODS We analyzed five OPE metabolites in urine samples collected at up to three visits during pregnancy from 90 women enrolled in the ORigins of Child Health And Resilience in Development (ORCHARD) pregnancy cohort in Baltimore, MD from 2017 to 2019. To quantify the variability of metabolite concentrations during pregnancy, we calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for each metabolite using mixed effects regression models. Using self-reported questionnaire data collected during gestation, we assessed possible sociodemographic and environmental/behavioral predictors of each OPE metabolite using generalized estimating equations to account for repeated exposure measures. We ascertained birth outcomes of 76 offspring from medical records, including weight-for-gestational age, length, ponderal index, and gestational age. In a subset of 37 infants, we measured cord blood concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and insulin. To account for repeated exposure measures, we used linear structural equation models to assess the relations of standard deviation (SD) increases in prenatal OPE metabolite factor scores with continuous birth outcomes and cord blood biomarker concentrations. RESULTS ICCs ranged from 0.09 for isopropylphenyl-phenyl phosphate (ip-PPP) to 0.59 for bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP). We observed little consistency in environmental or behavioral predictors of OPE exposures, although concentrations were generally lower for samples collected in the afternoon compared to morning and winter compared to other seasons. In adjusted analyses, a SD increase in BDCIPP concentration was associated with a 0.06 g/cm3 (95% CI: 0.00, 0.12) greater ponderal index. A SD increase in BDCIPP was associated with a 0.37 (95% CI: - 0.62, - 0.13) SD lower insulin concentration and 0.24 (95% CI: - 0.39, - 0.08) SD lower leptin concentration. Other OPEs were not associated with infant outcomes. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest some OPEs may be metabolic disruptors warranting investigation in larger studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan R. Kuiper
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room W7513A, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | | | - Marsha Wills-Karp
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room W7513A, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jessie P. Buckley
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room W7513A, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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46
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Abstract
Chemicals have improved our quality of life, but the resulting environmental pollution has the potential to cause detrimental effects on humans and the environment. People and biota are chronically exposed to thousands of chemicals from various environmental sources through multiple pathways. Environmental chemists and toxicologists have moved beyond detecting and quantifying single chemicals to characterizing complex mixtures of chemicals in indoor and outdoor environments and biological matrices. We highlight analytical and bioanalytical approaches to isolating, characterizing, and tracking groups of chemicals of concern in complex matrices. Techniques that combine chemical analysis and bioassays have the potential to facilitate the identification of mixtures of chemicals that pose a combined risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate I Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany. .,Environmental Toxicology, Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, DE-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Emma L Schymanski
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
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47
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Hammel SC, Hoffman K, Phillips AL, Levasseur JL, Lorenzo AM, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Comparing the Use of Silicone Wristbands, Hand Wipes, And Dust to Evaluate Children's Exposure to Flame Retardants and Plasticizers. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:4484-4494. [PMID: 32122123 PMCID: PMC7430043 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are applied as additive flame retardants, and along with phthalates, are also used as plasticizers in consumer products. As such, human exposure is common and chronic. Deployed as personal passive samplers, silicone wristbands have been shown to detect over a thousand industrial and consumer product chemicals; however, few studies have evaluated chemical concentrations with their corresponding biomarkers of exposure, especially in children. Further, little is known about how well the wristbands predict individual exposure compared to existing validated external exposure tools such as indoor air, dust, and hand wipes. Here, we analyzed wristbands worn by children (ages 3-6) for 18 OPEs and 10 phthalates and compared them to corresponding urinary biomarkers. In wristbands, 13 of 18 OPEs and all phthalates were detected in >80% of wristbands, and 6 OPEs and 4 phthalates were significantly associated with corresponding urinary metabolites (rs = 0.2-0.6, p < 0.05). When compared to paired hand wipes and house dust, wristbands were found to have similar or greater correlation coefficients with respective urinary biomarkers. These results suggest that wristbands can serve as effective and quantitative assessment tools for evaluating personal exposure to some OPEs and phthalates, and for certain chemicals, may provide a better exposure estimate than indoor dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C. Hammel
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham,
North Carolina, United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham,
North Carolina, United States
- Children’s Health & Discovery Initiative, Duke
School of Medicine, North Carolina, United States
| | - Allison L. Phillips
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham,
North Carolina, United States
| | - Jessica L. Levasseur
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham,
North Carolina, United States
| | - Amelia M. Lorenzo
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham,
North Carolina, United States
| | - Thomas F. Webster
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston
University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham,
North Carolina, United States
- Children’s Health & Discovery Initiative, Duke
School of Medicine, North Carolina, United States
- Corresponding Author: Phone:
919-613-8717; Fax: 919-684-8741;
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48
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Phillips AL, Herkert NJ, Ulrich JC, Hartman JH, Ruis MT, Cooper EM, Ferguson PL, Stapleton HM. In Vitro Metabolism of Isopropylated and tert-Butylated Triarylphosphate Esters Using Human Liver Subcellular Fractions. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:1428-1441. [PMID: 32129605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Isopropylated and tert-butylated triarylphosphate esters (ITPs and TBPPs, respectively) are plasticizers and flame retardants that are ubiquitous in indoor environments; however, no studies to date have characterized their metabolism. Using human liver subcellular S9 fractions, phase I and II in vitro metabolism of triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), 4-tert-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (4tBPDPP), 2-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (2IPPDPP), and 4-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (4IPPDPP) was investigated at 1 and 10 μM doses. Parent depletion and the formation of known or suspected metabolites (e.g., likely hydrolysis or hydroxylated products), including diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), hydroxyl-triphenyl phosphate (OH-TPHP), isopropylphenyl phenyl phosphate (ip-PPP), and tert-butylphenyl phenyl phosphate (tb-PPP), were monitored and quantified via GC/MS or LC-MS/MS. tb-PPP and its conjugates were identified as the major in vitro metabolites of 4tBPDPP and accounted for 71% and 49%, respectively, of the parent molecule that was metabolized during the incubation. While the mass balance between parents and metabolites was conserved for TPHP and 4tBPDPP, approximately 20% of the initial parent mass was unaccounted for after quantifying suspected metabolites of 2IPPDPP and 4IPPDPP that had authentic standards available. Two novel ITP metabolites, mono-isopropenylphenyl diphenyl phosphate and hydroxy-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, were tentatively identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry and screened for in recently collected human urine where mono-isopropenylphenyl diphenyl phosphate was detected in one of nine samples analyzed. This study provides insight into the biological fate of ITP and TBPP isomers in human tissues and is useful in identifying appropriate biomarkers of exposure to monitor, particularly in support of epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States.,Risk Assessment and Natural Resource Sciences, Arcadis U.S., Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States
| | - Nicholas J Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Jake C Ulrich
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Jessica H Hartman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Matthew T Ruis
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - Ellen M Cooper
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
| | - P Lee Ferguson
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States.,Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, United States
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49
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Cooper EM, Rushing R, Hoffman K, Phillips AL, Hammel SC, Zylka MJ, Stapleton HM. Strobilurin fungicides in house dust: is wallboard a source? J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2020; 30:247-252. [PMID: 31636368 PMCID: PMC7044059 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-019-0180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Strobilurin fungicides are used primarily in fruits and vegetables, but recently, a patent was issued for one strobilurin fungicide, azoxystrobin, in mold-resistant wallboard. This raises concerns about the potential presence of these chemicals in house dust and potential exposure indoors, particularly in young children. Furthermore, recent toxicological studies have suggested that strobilurins may cause neurotoxicity. Currently, it is not clear whether or not azoxystrobin applications in wallboard lead to exposures in the indoor environments. The purpose of this study was to determine if azoxystrobin, and related strobilurins, could be detected in house dust. We also sought to characterize the concentrations of azoxystrobin in new wallboard samples. To support this study, we collected and analyzed 16 new dry wall samples intentionally marketed for use in bathrooms to inhibit mold. We then analyzed 188 house dust samples collected from North Carolina homes in 2014-2016 for azoxystrobin and related strobilurins, including pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin, and fluoxastrobin using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Detection frequencies for azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin, and fluoxastrobin ranged from 34-87%, with azoxystrobin being detected most frequently and at the highest concentrations (geometric mean = 3.5 ng/g; maximum = 10,590 ng/g). Azoxystrobin was also detected in mold-resistant wallboard samples, primarily in the paper covering where it was found at concentrations up to 88.5 µg/g. Cumulatively, these results suggest that fungicides present in wallboard may be migrating to the indoor environment, leading to exposure in the residences that would constitute a separate exposure pathway independent of dietary exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Cooper
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | | | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Stephanie C Hammel
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Mark J Zylka
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
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50
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Reddam A, Tait G, Herkert N, Hammel SC, Stapleton HM, Volz DC. Longer commutes are associated with increased human exposure to tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate. Environ Int 2020; 136:105499. [PMID: 31999975 PMCID: PMC7061053 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a class of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) used as flame retardants, plasticizers, and anti-foaming agents. Due to stringent flammability standards in vehicles and the ability of OPEs to migrate out of end-use products, elevated concentrations of OPEs have been found in car dust samples around the world. As many residents of Southern California spend a significant amount of time in their vehicles, there is potential for increased exposure to OPEs associated with longer commute times. As approximately 70% of the University of California, Riverside's undergraduate population commutes, the objective of this study was to use silicone wristbands to monitor personal exposure to OPEs and determine if exposure was associated with commute time in a subset of these students. Participants were asked to wear wristbands for five continuous days and complete daily surveys about the amount of time spent commuting. Data were then used to calculate a participant-specific total commute score. Components of Firemaster 550 (triphenyl phosphate, or TPHP, and isopropylated triaryl phosphate isomers) and Firemaster 600 (TPHP and tert-butylated triaryl phosphate isomers) - both widely used commercial flame retardant formulations - were strongly correlated with other OPEs detected within participant wristbands. Moreover, the concentration of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) was significantly correlated with the concentration of several Firemaster 500 components and tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP). Finally, out of all OPEs measured, TDCIPP was significantly and positively correlated with total commute score, indicating that longer commutes are associated with increased human exposure to TDCIPP. Overall, our findings raise concerns about the potential for chronic TDCIPP exposure within vehicles and other forms of transportation, particularly within densely populated and traffic-congested areas such as Southern California.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalekhya Reddam
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - George Tait
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas Herkert
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - David C Volz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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