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Fu X, Sun X, Travnikov O, Li Q, Qin C, Cuevas CA, Fernandez RP, Mahajan AS, Wang S, Wang T, Saiz-Lopez A. Anthropogenic short-lived halogens increase human exposure to mercury contamination due to enhanced mercury oxidation over continents. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315058121. [PMID: 38466839 PMCID: PMC10963006 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315058121] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant of global concern, and an accurate understanding of its atmospheric fate is needed to assess its risks to humans and ecosystem health. Atmospheric oxidation of Hg is key to the deposition of this toxic metal to the Earth's surface. Short-lived halogens (SLHs) can provide halogen radicals to directly oxidize Hg and perturb the budget of other Hg oxidants (e.g., OH and O3). In addition to known ocean emissions of halogens, recent observational evidence has revealed abundant anthropogenic emissions of SLHs over continental areas. However, the impacts of anthropogenic SLHs emissions on the atmospheric fate of Hg and human exposure to Hg contamination remain unknown. Here, we show that the inclusion of anthropogenic SLHs substantially increased local Hg oxidation and, consequently, deposition in/near Hg continental source regions by up to 20%, thereby decreasing Hg export from source regions to clean environments. Our modeling results indicated that the inclusion of anthropogenic SLHs can lead to higher Hg exposure in/near Hg source regions than estimated in previous assessments, e.g., with increases of 8.7% and 7.5% in China and India, respectively, consequently leading to higher Hg-related human health risks. These results highlight the urgent need for policymakers to reduce local Hg and SLHs emissions. We conclude that the substantial impacts of anthropogenic SLHs emissions should be included in model assessments of the Hg budget and associated health risks at local and global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Fu
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Xianyi Sun
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Oleg Travnikov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana1000, Slovenia
| | - Qinyi Li
- Department of Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate, Institute of Physical Chemistry Blas Cabrera, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid28006, Spain
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao266237, China
| | - Chuang Qin
- Institute of Environment and Ecology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen518055, China
| | - Carlos A. Cuevas
- Department of Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate, Institute of Physical Chemistry Blas Cabrera, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid28006, Spain
| | - Rafael P. Fernandez
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, National Research Council, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Cuyo, MendozaM5502JMA, Argentina
| | - Anoop S. Mahajan
- Centre for Climate Change Research, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Pashan, Pune411008, India
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong999077, China
| | - Alfonso Saiz-Lopez
- Department of Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate, Institute of Physical Chemistry Blas Cabrera, Spanish National Research Council, Madrid28006, Spain
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Barbosa NV, Aschner M, Tinkov AA, Farina M, da Rocha JBT. Should ebselen be considered for the treatment of mercury intoxication? A minireview. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024; 34:1-12. [PMID: 37731353 PMCID: PMC10841883 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2023.2258958] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and can be found in inorganic (Hg0, Hg+ and Hg2+) and organic forms (chiefly CH3Hg+ or MeHg+). The main route of human, mammals and bird exposure occurs via predatory fish ingestion. Occupational exposure to Hg0 (and Hg2+) can also occur; furthermore, in gold mining areas the exposure to inorganic Hg can also be high. The toxicity of electrophilic forms of Hg (E+Hg) is mediated by disruption of thiol (-SH)- or selenol (-SeH)-containing proteins. The therapeutic approaches to treat methylmercury (MeHg+), Hg0 and Hg2+ are limited. Here we discuss the potential use of ebselen as a potential therapeutic agent to lower the body burden of Hg in man. Ebselen is a safe drug for humans and has been tested in clinical trials (for instance, brain ischemia, noise-induce hearing loss, diabetes complications, bipolar disorders) at doses varying from 400 to 3600 mg per day. Two clinical trials with ebselen in moderate and severe COVID are also approved. Ebselen can be metabolized to an intermediate with -SeH (selenol) functional group, which has a greater affinity to electrophilic Hg (E+Hg) forms than the available thiol-containing therapeutic agents. Accordingly, as observed in vitro and rodent models in vivo, Ebselen exhibited protective effects against MeHg+, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent to treat MeHg+ overexposure. The combined use of ebselen with thiol-containing molecules (e.g. N-acetylcysteine and enaramide)) is also commented, because they can have synergistic protective effects against MeHg+.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilda V. Barbosa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Alexey A. Tinkov
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
- Center of Bioelementology and Human Ecology, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Marcelo Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - João Batista Teixeira da Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Bjørklund G, Semenova Y, El-Ansary A, Al-Ayadhi LY. Porphyrinuria in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review. Curr Med Chem 2023; 31:CMC-EPUB-136413. [PMID: 38031776 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673259183231117073347] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies demonstrated that the number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased remarkably in the past decade. A portion of ASD etiology, however, is attributed to environmental issues and genetic disorders. We highlighted a scoping review to principally evaluate the current information on mercury exposure in ASD children and to reveal knowledge gaps. Elevated porphyrins concentration in the urinary system related to mercury exposure, such as precoproporphyrin (prcP), coproporphyrin (cP), and pentacarboxyporphyrin (5cxP), was shown in comparison with controls. Moreover, high levels of urinary porphyrins have been elevated in response to heavy metal exposure. The related pattern (increased prcP, cP, and 5cxP) with Hg exposure may be used as biomarkers in the characteristics of ASD symptoms. However, this review highlighted the data gaps because the control groups were not genderand age-matched for ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Mo i Rana, Norway
| | - Yuliya Semenova
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Center, Lotus Holistic Alternative Medical Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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da Silva MC, de Oliveira RAA, de Vasconcellos ACS, Rebouças BH, Pinto BD, Lima MDO, de Jesus IM, Machado DE, Hacon SS, Basta PC, Perini JA. Chronic Mercury Exposure and GSTP1 Polymorphism in Munduruku Indigenous from Brazilian Amazon. Toxics 2023; 11:138. [PMID: 36851015 PMCID: PMC9965510 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020138] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms may be involved with mercury levels and signs and symptoms of intoxication from this exposure. Therefore, the aims were to describe the frequency of the GSTP1 polymorphism and to evaluate its effects on mercury levels and neurological signs in three Munduruku indigenous villages in the Brazilian Amazon. One-hundred-and-seven indigenous (over 12 years old) were included and genotyped (rs1695) using a TaqMan validated assay. Then, associations were evaluated by binary logistic regression, using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Mean age was 27.4 ± 13.9 years old, 52.3% were male, mean hair mercury concentration was 8.5 ± 4.3, exceeding the reference limit (≥6.0 µg/g), and were different among the three villages: 13.5 ± 4.6 µg/g in Sawré Aboy, 7.4 ± 2.3 µg/g in Poxo Muybu and 6.9 ± 3.5 µg/g in Sawré Muybu. The minor allele frequency of GSTP1 G was significantly different among the villages: 57% Sawré Muybu, 21% Poxo Muybu and 15% Sawré Aboy. Finally, after adjustment, GSTP1 GG and GA genotypes were associated with lower levels of Hg (OR = 0.13; CI95% = 0.03-0.49) and abnormal somatosensory signs (OR = 3.7; 95%IC = 1.5-9.3), respectively. In conclusion, monitoring this population is imperative to identify individuals at higher risk of developing signs of chronic mercury exposure based on the genetic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara Calixto da Silva
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Polytechnic School of Health Joaquim Venâcio (EPSJV), Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Hojo Rebouças
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Bruna Duarte Pinto
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 01246-903, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Environment Section (SEAMB), Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Health Surveillance Secretariat (SVS), Ministry of Health (MS), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Environment Section (SEAMB), Evandro Chagas Institute (IEC), Health Surveillance Secretariat (SVS), Ministry of Health (MS), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel Escorsim Machado
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Sandra Souza Hacon
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, ENSP, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Program of Post-Graduation in Public Health and Environment, National School of Public Health (ENSP), Oswald Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, ENSP, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Research Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences (LAPESF), State University of Rio de Janeiro (West Zone-UERJ-ZO), Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
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Yin L, Lin S, Summers AO, Roper V, Campen MJ, Yu X. Children with Amalgam Dental Restorations Have Significantly Elevated Blood and Urine Mercury Levels. Toxicol Sci 2021; 184:104-126. [PMID: 34453845 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab108] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human exposure to organic mercury (Hg) as methylmercury (MeHg) from seafood consumption is widely considered a health risk because pure methylmercury is extremely neurotoxic. In contrast, the clinical significance of Hg exposure from amalgam (AMG) dental restorations, the only other major nonoccupational source of Hg exposure, has long been debated. Here, we examined data from the two most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) on 14 181 subjects to assess the contributions of seafood consumption versus AMG to blood total mercury (THg), inorganic mercury (IHg), and methyl mercury (MeHg) and to urine creatinine corrected mercury (UTHg). All subjects were also classified as to their self-reported qualitative consumption of seafood (59% fish and 44% shellfish). Subjects with restorations were grouped into three groups (0) those without AMG (64.4%), (1) those with 1-5 dental AMG restorations (19.7%), (2) those with more than five AMG (16%). Seafood consumption increased total mercury in urine (UTHg) and total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) in blood, but unlike AMG, seafood did not increase blood inorganic mercury (IHg). Using stratified covariate (ANOVA) and multivariate (GLM) analyses revealed a strong correlation of blood (THg and IHg) and urine (UTHg) levels with the number of AMGs. In a subpopulation without fish consumption, having more than five AMG restorations raised blood THg (103%), IHg (221%), and urine UTHg (221%) over the group without AMG. The most striking difference was noted in classification by age: subjects under 6 years old with more than five AMG restorations had the highest blood IHg and urine UTHg among all age groups. Elevation of bivalent IHg on a large scale in children warrants urgent in-depth risk assessment with specific attention to genetic- and gender-associated vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yin
- Reprotox Biotech, Science & Technology Park, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Simon Lin
- The Center for Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington, WA, USA
| | - Anne O Summers
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Van Roper
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Matthew J Campen
- College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico College of Nursing, NM, USA
| | - Xiaozhong Yu
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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de Oliveira RAA, Pinto BD, Rebouças BH, Ciampi de Andrade D, de Vasconcellos ACS, Basta PC. Neurological Impacts of Chronic Methyl mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Adults: Somatosensory, Motor, and Cognitive Abnormalities. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph181910270. [PMID: 34639574 PMCID: PMC8507861 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910270] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There has been increasing evidence about mercury (Hg) contamination in traditional populations from the Amazon Basin due to illegal gold mining. The most concerning health impact is neurotoxicity caused by Hg in its organic form: methylmercury (MeHg). However, the severity and extent of the neurotoxic effects resulting from chronic environmental exposure to MeHg are still unclear. We conducted a clinical-epidemiological study to evaluate the neurological impacts of chronic MeHg exposure in Munduruku indigenous people, focusing on somatosensory, motor, and cognitive abnormalities. All participants were subjected to a systemized neurological exam protocol, including Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (BCSB), verbal fluency test, and Stick Design Test. After the examination, hair samples were collected to determine MeHg levels. Data collection took place between 29 October and 9 November 2019, in three villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy) from Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, Southwest of Pará state. One hundred and ten individuals >12 years old were included, 58 of which were men (52.7%), with an average age of 27.6 years (range from 12 to 72). Participants’ median MeHg level was 7.4 µg/g (average: 8.7; S.D: 4.5; range: 2.0–22.8). In Sawré Aboy village, the median MeHg level was higher (12.5 µg/g) than in the others, showing a significant statistical exposure gradient (Kruskal–Wallis test with p-value < 0.001). Cerebellar ataxia was observed in two participants with MeHg levels of 11.68 and 15.68 µg/g. Individuals with MeHg exposure level ≥10 µg/g presented around two-fold higher chances of cognitive deficits (RP: 2.2; CI 95%: 1.13–4.26) in BCSB, and in the verbal fluency test (RP: 2.0; CI 95%: 1.18–3.35). Furthermore, adolescents of 12 to 19 years presented three-fold higher chances of verbal development deficits, according to the fluency test (RP: 3.2; CI 95%: 1.06–9.42), than individuals of 20 to 24 years. The worsened motor and cognitive functions are suggestive of neurotoxicity due to chronic MeHg exposure. In conclusion, we believe monitoring and follow-up measures are necessary for chronic mercury exposed vulnerable people, and a basic care protocol should be established for contaminated people in the Brazilian Unified Health System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Bruna Duarte Pinto
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Bruno Hojo Rebouças
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (R.A.A.d.O.); (B.D.P.); (B.H.R.); (D.C.d.A.)
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-2598-2503
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Kempton JW, Périssé ARS, Hofer CB, de Vasconcellos ACS, de Sousa Viana PV, de Oliveira Lima M, de Jesus IM, de Souza Hacon S, Basta PC. An Assessment of Health Outcomes and Methyl mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Women of Childbearing Age and Their Children under 2 Years Old. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:10091. [PMID: 34639393 PMCID: PMC8508331 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910091] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In line with the 1000-day initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2 and 3, we present a cross-sectional analysis of maternal health, infant nutrition, and methylmercury exposure within hard-to-reach indigenous communities in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. We collected data from all women of childbearing age (i.e., 12-49) and their infants under two years old in three Munduruku communities (Sawré Muybu, Sawré Aboy, and Poxo Muybu) along the Tapajos River. We explored health outcomes through interviews, vaccine coverage and clinical assessment, and determined baseline hair methylmercury (H-Hg) levels. Hemoglobin, infant growth (Anthropometric Z scores) and neurodevelopment tests results were collected. We found that 62% of women of childbearing age exceeded the reference limit of 6.0 μg/g H-Hg (median = 7.115, IQR = 4.678), with the worst affected community (Sawré Aboy) registering an average H-Hg concentration of 12.67 μg/g. Half of infants aged under 24 months presented with anemia. Three of 16 (18.8%) infants presented H-Hg levels above 6.0 µg/g (median: 3.88; IQR = 3.05). Four of the 16 infants were found to be stunted and 38% of women overweight, evidencing possible nutritional transition. No infant presented with appropriate vaccination coverage for their age. These communities presented with an estimated Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of 86.7/1000 live births. The highest H-Hg level (19.6 µg/g) was recorded in an 11-month-old girl who was found to have gross motor delay and anemia. This already vulnerable indigenous Munduruku community presents with undernutrition and a high prevalence of chronic methylmercury exposure in women of childbearing age. This dual public health crisis in the context of wider health inequalities has the potential to compromise the development, health and survival of the developing fetus and infant in the first two critical years of life. We encourage culturally sensitive intervention and further research to focus efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - André Reynaldo Santos Périssé
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
| | - Cristina Barroso Hofer
- Instituto de Pediatria e Puericultura Martagão Gesteira, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rua Bruno Lobo, 50, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-912, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venân-cio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Victor de Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000, Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7 s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (I.M.d.J.)
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7 s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (I.M.d.J.)
| | - Sandra de Souza Hacon
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
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Basta PC, Viana PVDS, de Vasconcellos ACS, Périssé ARS, Hofer CB, Paiva NS, Kempton JW, Ciampi de Andrade D, de Oliveira RAA, Achatz RW, Perini JA, Meneses HDNDM, Hallwass G, Lima MDO, de Jesus IM, dos Santos CCR, Hacon SDS. Mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Communities from Brazilian Amazon: Methodological Background and an Overview of the Principal Results. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:9222. [PMID: 34501811 PMCID: PMC8430525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Amazonian indigenous peoples depend on natural resources to live, but human activities' growing impacts threaten their health and livelihoods. Our objectives were to present the principal results of an integrated and multidisciplinary analysis of the health parameters and assess the mercury (Hg) exposure levels in indigenous populations in the Brazilian Amazon. We carried out a cross-sectional study based on a census of three Munduruku indigenous villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy), located in the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, between 29 October and 9 November 2019. The investigation included: (i) sociodemographic characterization of the participants; (ii) health assessment; (iii) genetic polymorphism analysis; (iv) hair mercury determination; and (v) fish mercury determination. We used the logistic regression model with conditional Prevalence Ratio (PR), with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) to explore factors associated with mercury exposure levels ≥6.0 µg/g. A total of 200 participants were interviewed. Mercury levels (197 hair samples) ranged from 1.4 to 23.9 μg/g, with significant differences between the villages (Kruskal-Wallis test: 19.9; p-value < 0.001). On average, the general prevalence of Hg exposure ≥ 6.0 µg/g was 57.9%. For participants ≥12 years old, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g showed associated with no regular income (PR: 1.3; CI95%: 1.0-1.8), high blood pressure (PR: 1.6; CI95%: 1.3-2.1) and was more prominent in Sawré Aboy village (PR: 1.8; CI95%: 1.3-2.3). For women of childbearing age, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g was associated with high blood pressure (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.2-2.3), with pregnancy (PR: 1.5; CI95%: 1.0-2.1) and was more prominent among residents in Poxo Muybu (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.0-3.4) and Sawré Aboy (PR: 2.5; CI95%: 1.4-4.4) villages. Our findings suggest that chronic mercury exposure causes harmful effects to the studied indigenous communities, especially considering vulnerable groups of the population, such as women of childbearing age. Lastly, we propose to stop the illegal mining in these areas and develop a risk management plan that aims to ensure the health, livelihoods, and human rights of the indigenous people from Amazon Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
| | - Paulo Victor de Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000-Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brazil, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - André Reynaldo Santos Périssé
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
| | - Cristina Barroso Hofer
- Instituto de Pediatria e Puericultura Martagão Gesteira, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rua Bruno Lobo, 50-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-912, Brazil;
| | - Natalia Santana Paiva
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva (IESC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Horácio Macedo, s/n, Ilha do Fundão-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil;
| | - Joseph William Kempton
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary’s Hospital, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK;
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (D.C.d.A.); (R.A.A.d.O.)
| | - Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (D.C.d.A.); (R.A.A.d.O.)
| | - Rafaela Waddington Achatz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Clínica do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721-Butantã, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil;
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil;
| | - Heloísa do Nascimento de Moura Meneses
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCSA), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz Av. Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, 1° Pavimento, Bloco Modular Tapajós, Unidade Tapajós, Santarém, Pará 68035-110, Brazil;
| | - Gustavo Hallwass
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PPGBio), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, Santarém 68035-110, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (I.M.d.J.)
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (I.M.d.J.)
| | - Cleidiane Carvalho Ribeiro dos Santos
- Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Rio Tapajós (DSEI), Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena Tapajós (Sesai), Av. Santa Catarina, 10° Rua, nº 96, Bairro Bela Vista, Itaituba 68180-210, Brazil;
| | - Sandra de Souza Hacon
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil; (A.R.S.P.); (S.d.S.H.)
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Perini JA, Silva MC, de Vasconcellos ACS, Viana PVS, Lima MO, Jesus IM, Kempton JW, Oliveira RAA, Hacon SS, Basta PC. Genetic Polymorphism of Delta Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase ( ALAD) Gene and Symptoms of Chronic Mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Children within the Brazilian Amazon. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:8746. [PMID: 34444495 PMCID: PMC8394242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168746] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms involved in mercury toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics may be associated with severe mercury toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of an ALAD polymorphism on chronic mercury exposure and the health situation of indigenous children from the Brazilian Amazon. One-hundred-and-three indigenous children (under 15 years old) were included and genotyped (rs1800435) using a TaqMan validated assay. The mean age was 6.6 ± 4.5 years old, 60% were female, 49% presented with anemia, and the mean hair mercury concentration was 7.0 ± 4.5 (1.4-23.9) µg/g, with 49% exceeding the reference limit (≥6.0 µg/g). Only two children were heterozygous ALAD, while the others were all wild type. Minor allele frequency (ALAD G) and heterozygous genotype (ALAD CG) were 1% and 2%, respectively. The two children (12 and 14 years old) with the ALAD polymorphism had mercury levels above the average as well as had neurological symptoms related to chronic mercury exposure, such as visual field alterations, memory deficit, distal neuropathy, and toe amyotrophy. Both children also reported frequent consumption of fish in the diet, at least three times a week. In conclusion, our data confirm that an ALAD polymorphism can contribute to mercury half-life time, harmful effects, and neuropsychological disorders in indigenous children with chronic mercury exposure to gold mining activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil; (J.A.P.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Mayara Calixto Silva
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil; (J.A.P.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Victor Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000-Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo Oliveira Lima
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7 s/n-Levilândia, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Iracina Maura Jesus
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7 s/n-Levilândia, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Joseph William Kempton
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary’s Hospital, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK;
| | | | - Sandra Souza Hacon
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil;
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Baldewsingh GK, Hindori-Mohangoo AD, van Eer ED, Covert HH, Shankar A, Wickliffe JK, Shi L, Lichtveld MY, Zijlmans WCWR. Association of Mercury Exposure and Maternal Sociodemographics on Birth Outcomes of Indigenous and Tribal Women in Suriname. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:6370. [PMID: 34204640 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Information regarding adverse birth outcomes (ABO) of Indigenous and Tribal women living in the remote tropical rainforest of Suriname, where mercury (Hg) use is abundant in artisanal gold mining, is not available. In the context of a health system analysis, we examined the association between Hg exposure, maternal sociodemographics on the ABO of Indigenous and Tribal women living in Suriname’s interior and its capital, Paramaribo. ABO were determined in pregnant women enrolled from December 2016 to July 2019 in the Caribbean Consortium for Environmental and Occupational Health prospective environmental epidemiologic cohort study. Associations were explored using Pearson’s χ2-test and the Mann–Whitney U-test. Among 351 singleton participants, 32% were Indigenous, residing mainly in the interior (86.8%), and 23.1% had ABO. Indigenous participants had higher rates of ABO (29.8% vs. 19.8%) and preterm birth (PTB) (21.2% vs. 12.4%), higher Hg levels, delivered at a younger age, were less educated, and had lower household income compared to Tribal participants. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that Indigenous participants had higher odds of ABO (OR = 3.60; 95% CI 1.70–7.63) and PTB (OR = 3.43; 95% CI 1.48–7.96) compared with Tribal participants, independent of Hg exposure and age at delivery. These results highlight the importance of effective risk reduction measures in support of Indigenous mothers, families, and communities.
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Skoczyńska A, Cyran M, Turczyn B, Wojakowska A, Smyk B, Skoczyńska M. The effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular risk factors and urinary mercury in workers employed at electrolytic production of chlorine. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2021; 34:551-564. [PMID: 33746216 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01597] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While inorganic mercury is being gradually withdrawn from industry, environmental exposure to mercury is recognized as one of the greatest present toxicological problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation on selected cardiovascular risk factors and the urinary mercury (Hg-U) concentration in workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapor. MATERIAL AND METHODS Overall, 38 workers of an electrolyzer hall (Hg-U: 46.6±35.7 μg/g creatinine) and a control group of 60 employees not exposed to Hg (Hg-U: 4.3±15.5 μg/g creatinine) were included in a clinical cross-over study. Clinical and laboratory tests were carried out 4 times: before and after a 3-month period of PUFAs supplementation (1000 mg daily), then after a 3-month break, and then after another 3-month period of PUFAs supplementation. RESULTS The baseline heart rate (HR) and serum triglyceride levels were higher in the Hg-exposed workers than in the controls, whereas systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cholesterol (C) levels exceeded normal values in both groups. There was a positive correlation between high-density lipoprotein 3 cholesterol (HDL3-C) and Hg-U levels. The PUFAs use was associated with a decrease in both HR and SBP. After the first stage of supplementation, a decrease in the Hg-U concentration was observed. In a multivariate logistic regression model, decreases in Hg-U were associated only with exposure to mercury; ORΔHg = 0.562 (95% CI: 0.323-0.979), p < 0.042. After the second 3-month period of PUFAs supplementation, a significant association between HDL3-C and a Hg-U decrease was shown: ORHDL3 = 1.222 (95% CI: 1.01-1.46), p < 0.033. CONCLUSIONS In the workers exposed to mercury vapor, PUFAs supplementation led to some beneficial effects on HR and SBP. The first stage of supplementation was associated with a decrease in Hg-U in which HDL3 metabolism probably plays an important role. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(4):551-64.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Skoczyńska
- Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland (Department of Internal and Occupational Medicine and Hypertension)
| | - Maciej Cyran
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie Medical Academy, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Turczyn
- Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland (Department of Internal and Occupational Medicine and Hypertension)
| | - Anna Wojakowska
- Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland (Department of Internal and Occupational Medicine and Hypertension)
| | - Beata Smyk
- Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland (Department of Internal and Occupational Medicine and Hypertension)
| | - Marta Skoczyńska
- Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland (Department of Rheumatology and Internal Diseases)
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Gokoel AR, Zijlmans WCWR, Covert HH, Abdoel Wahid F, Shankar A, MacDonald-Ottevanger MS, Hindori-Mohangoo AD, Wickliffe JK, Lichtveld MY, Harville EW. Influence of Prenatal Exposure to Mercury, Perceived Stress, and Depression on Birth Outcomes in Suriname: Results from the MeKiTamara Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17124444. [PMID: 32575788 PMCID: PMC7344838 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124444] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to mercury, stress, and depression may have adverse effects on birth outcomes. Little is known on the influence of chemical and non-chemical stressors on birth outcomes in the country of Suriname. We assessed the influence of prenatal exposure to mercury, perceived stress, and depression on adverse birth outcomes in 1143 pregnant Surinamese women who participated in the Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health-MeKiTamara prospective cohort study. Associations between mercury (≥1.1 μg/g hair, USEPA action level/top versus bottom quartile), probable depression (Edinburgh Depression Scale ≥12), high perceived stress (Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale ≥20), and adverse birth outcomes (low birthweight (<2500 g), preterm birth (<37 completed weeks of gestation), and low Apgar score (<7 at 5 min)) were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Prevalence of elevated mercury levels, high perceived stress, and probable depression were 37.5%, 27.2%, and 22.4%, respectively. Mercury exposure was significantly associated with preterm birth in the overall study cohort (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.05-5.83) and perceived stress with a low Apgar score (OR 9.73; 95% CI 2.03-46.70). Depression was not associated with any birth outcomes. These findings can inform policy- and practice-oriented solutions to improve maternal and child health in Suriname.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisma R. Gokoel
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname; (W.C.W.R.Z.); (F.A.W.); (M.S.M.-O.)
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Correspondence: (A.R.G.); (H.H.C.)
| | - Wilco C. W. R. Zijlmans
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname; (W.C.W.R.Z.); (F.A.W.); (M.S.M.-O.)
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Hannah H. Covert
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
- Correspondence: (A.R.G.); (H.H.C.)
| | - Firoz Abdoel Wahid
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname; (W.C.W.R.Z.); (F.A.W.); (M.S.M.-O.)
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Arti Shankar
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - M. Sigrid MacDonald-Ottevanger
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname; (W.C.W.R.Z.); (F.A.W.); (M.S.M.-O.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ashna D. Hindori-Mohangoo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
- Foundation for Perinatal Interventions and Research in Suriname (Perisur), Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Jeffrey K. Wickliffe
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Maureen Y. Lichtveld
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (A.D.H.-M.); (J.K.W.); (M.Y.L.)
| | - Emily W. Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
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Yu P, Yin HY, Guo JD, Ding EM, Zhu BL, Chen SJ. [Analysis of electrocardiogram and blood related indicators in workers occupationally exposed to mercury in Jiangsu Province from 2016 to 2018]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi 2020; 37:949-952. [PMID: 31937043 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1001-9391.2019.12.020] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the health status of occupational mercury workers and reveal the effects of mercury exposure on the cardiovascular system. Methods: In June 2019, a total of 2651 mercury workers participated in the occupational health examination between 2016-2018 from a thermometer manufacturing plant and a fluorescent lamp manufacturing plant were included in this study. Then, they were divided into a high-level mercury exposure group (425 workers whose urine mercury concentration >35 μg/g creatinine) and a low-mercury mercury exposure group (2226 workers whose urinary mercury concentration <35 μg/g creatinine) . Mercury concentration in the workplace was also detected. Finally, the results of electrocardiogram (ECG) , blood routine, blood biochemistry and other physical examinations were analyzed. The measurement data of age and exposure years were analyzed by test. Urinary mercury and blood parameters were analyzed by Mann-Whitney nonparametric test. Chi-square test was used for the analyses of gender, ECG abnormality rate and other categorical data. Results: The 8-hour weighted average allowable concentration (CTWA) of mercury in the workplace of high-exposure group was 0.002 2-0.152 mg/m(3). The abnormal rate of ECG in the high-exposed group (29.6%) was higher than that in the low-exposure group (10.1%) in 2018 (P<0.01) . Compared with the low-exposure group, the WBC of the high-exposure group from 2016 to 2018 was increased, with statistically significance (P<0.05) ; the RBC of the high-exposure group in 2016 and 2017 was decreased, with statistically significance (P<0.01) ; the total bilirubin concentration in the high-exposure group was decreased from 2016 to 2018, with statistically significance (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Long-term exposure to high concentration of mercury in the workplace may influence cardiovascular system. Therefore, engineering protection and individual protection should be implemented well.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Yu
- Dynamic electrocardiogram room of Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital Nanjing 210029, China
| | - H Y Yin
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - J D Guo
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - E M Ding
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - B L Zhu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - S J Chen
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanjing 210009, China
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Carvalho LVB, Hacon SS, Vega CM, Vieira JA, Larentis AL, Mattos RCOC, Valente D, Costa-Amaral IC, Mourão DS, Silva GP, Oliveira BFA. Oxidative Stress Levels Induced by Mercury Exposure in Amazon Juvenile Populations in Brazil. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E2682. [PMID: 31357573 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress can be induced by mercury (Hg) exposure, including through fish consumption (diet), leading to health risks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between oxidative stress biomarkers and dietary Hg exposure levels in riverine children and adolescents at Madeira River (RO/Brazil). Population from three riverine local communities presenting different fish consumption frequencies was sampled. Hg was determined in blood (ICP-MS) and glutathione (GSH); glutathione S-transferases (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in serum (spectrophotometry). Statistical analyses were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. Multiple linear regression models and generalized additives models were also used to estimate the relationships between oxidative stress biomarkers and blood Hg. The juvenile riverine population from Cuniã RESEX presented the highest levels of oxidative stress and Hg levels in blood (GST = 27.2 (4.93) U/L, MDA = 1.69 (0.27) µmol/L, Hg = 20.6 (18.0) µg/L). This population also presented the highest frequency of fish consumption. The positive relation between Hg and GST and MDA, adjusted for individual characteristics, suggests an oxidative effect. This study shows the importance of oxidative stress biomarkers in the evaluation of dietary Hg exposure since initial and reversible metabolic changes were observed, enriching health risk assessments.
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Vega CM, Orellana JDY, Oliveira MW, Hacon SS, Basta PC. Human Mercury Exposure in Yanomami Indigenous Villages from the Brazilian Amazon. IJERPH 2018; 15:E1051. [PMID: 29789499 PMCID: PMC6028914 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the Brazilian Amazon, where the majority of Yanomami villages are settled, mercury (Hg) exposure due to artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has been reported since the 1980s. This study assessed mercury exposure in the Yanomami reserve and whether the level of contamination was related to the ASGM geographical location. It was conducted using a cross-sectional study of 19 villages. Direct interviews were performed and hair samples were used as a bioindicator of Hg exposure. The Prevalence-Ratio (PR) was estimated as an indicator of association between ASGM geographical locations and human exposure to mercury. Mercury levels (239 hair samples) ranged between 0.4 and 22.1 μg·g-1 and presented substantial differences amongst the villages. In the Waikas-Aracaça region, where current ASGM was reported, we observed the highest Hg concentrations (median = 15.5 μg·g-1). Almost all participants presented with hair-Hg levels >6 μg·g-1 (prevalence = 92.3%). In the Paapiu region, we observed the lowest concentrations (median = 3.2 μg·g-1; prevalence = 6.7%). Our findings showed that the Waikas Ye'kuana and Waikas Aracaca villages presented with 4.4 (PR = 4.4; Confidence Interval (CI) 95% = 2.2⁻9.0) and 14.0 (PR = 14.0; CI 95% = 7.9⁻24.9) times higher prevalence of hair-Hg concentration, respectively, compared with Paapiu. Considering seasonal variation of Hg-exposure, the lowest concentrations were observed during the wet season (June⁻September) and the highest in the dry season (December⁻April). Our study suggests that there is an association between mercury exposure and ASGM geographical locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Vega
- Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation, Wake Forest University, 1834 Wake Forest Road P.O. Box 7306, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA.
| | - Jesem D Y Orellana
- Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Teresina, 476, Adrianópolis, Manaus CEP: 69057-070, Brazil.
| | - Marcos W Oliveira
- Instituto Socioambiental-ISA, Av. Higienópolis, 901, Higienópolis, São Paulo CEP: 01238-001, Brazil.
| | - Sandra S Hacon
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro CEP: 21041-210, Brazil.
| | - Paulo C Basta
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sérgio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro CEP: 21041-210, Brazil.
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Peregrina-Chávez AG, Ramírez-Galindo MDR, Chávez-Martínez R, Delahanty-Delgado CA, Vazquez-Alaniz F. Full Atrioventricular Block Secondary to Acute Poisoning Mercury: A Case Report. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:E657. [PMID: 29614795 PMCID: PMC5923699 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: The biological behaviour and clinical significance of mercury toxicity vary according to its chemical structure. Mercury differs in its degree of toxicity and in its effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems as well as on organs such as the lungs, kidneys, skin, eyes and heart. Human exposure occurs mainly through inhalation of elemental mercury vapours during industrial and artisanal processes such as artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Case presentation: A 52-years-old female, housewife, with a body mass index of 25.3 kg/cm², without smoking or alcohol habits or any important clinical or chronic cardiovascular history, was admitted to the emergency room due to probable accidental poisoning by butane gas. Clinical manifestations with a headache, dizziness, cough, and dyspnoea of medium to small efforts. An initial physical exploration with Glasgow scored at 15, with arrhythmic heart sounds, pulmonary fields with bilateral subcrepitant rales and right basal predominance. Electrocardiographic findings were as follows: a cardiac frequency of 50 beats per minute and atrioventricular dissociation. Laboratory parameters were: white blood cells at 15.8 × 10⁸/L; aspartate aminotransferase at 38 U/L; lactate dehydrogenase at 1288 U/L; creatine-kinase at 115 U/L; CK-MB fraction at 28 U/L; and other biochemical parameters were within the reference values. A radiographic evaluation showed flow cephalization, diffuse bilateral infiltrates with right basal predominance. In addition, the patient presented data of low secondary expenditure to third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block for which the placement of a transvenous pacemaker was decided, substantially improving the haemodynamic parameters. Subsequently, after a family interrogation, the diagnosis of mercury inhalation poisoning was established. An initial detection of mercury concentration (Hg(0)) was carried out, reporting 243.5 µg/L. In view of this new evidence, mercury chelation therapy with intravenous calcium disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (CaNa₂·EDTA) was initiated. After 8-days of hospital stay, she presented a favourable evolution with both clinical and radiological improvements, so that the mechanical ventilation progressed to extubating. Subsequently, she was referred for cardiology because of her persistent 3rd-degree atrioventricular block, deciding to place a definitive bicameral pacemaker. The patient was discharged from the hospital 14 days after admission due to clinical improvements with mercury plasma levels at 5 µmol/L and a heart rhythm from the pacemaker. Conclusions: We show evidence that acute exposure to elemental mercury can affect the heart rhythm, including a complete atrioventricular blockage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Geraldine Peregrina-Chávez
- Urgency Department, Hospital General 450, Servicios de Salud de Durango, Blvd. Jose Maria Patoni No. 403, Col. El Cipres, CP 34206 Durango, Mexico.
| | - María Del Rayo Ramírez-Galindo
- Urgency Department, Hospital General 450, Servicios de Salud de Durango, Blvd. Jose Maria Patoni No. 403, Col. El Cipres, CP 34206 Durango, Mexico.
| | - Rolando Chávez-Martínez
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General 450, Servicios de Salud de Durango, Blvd. Jose Maria Patoni No. 403, Col. El Cipres, CP 34206 Durango, Mexico.
| | - Cesar Anuar Delahanty-Delgado
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General 450, Servicios de Salud de Durango, Blvd. Jose Maria Patoni No. 403, Col. El Cipres, CP 34206 Durango, Mexico.
| | - Fernando Vazquez-Alaniz
- Clinical Laboratory, Hospital General 450, Servicios de Salud de Durango, Blvd. Jose Maria Patoni No. 403, Col. El Cipres, CP 34206 Durango, Mexico.
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Zilversmit L, Wickliffe J, Shankar A, Taylor RJ, Harville EW. Correlations of Biomarkers and Self-Reported Seafood Consumption among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women in Southeastern Louisiana after the Gulf Oil Spill: The GROWH Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017; 14:E784. [PMID: 28708119 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Seafood contains health-promoting fatty acids, but is often contaminated with mercury (Hg), complicating recommendations and choices around fish consumption during pregnancy. Self-reported diet may be subject to inaccuracy and this inaccuracy could differ according to pregnancy status. We investigated correlations between self-reported seafood consumption and blood levels of Hg and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in women affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated comparing log blood Hg and n-3 PUFAs to seafood consumption, then stratified by pregnancy status. Crude and adjusted linear regression models were constructed using biomarkers of Hg and n-3 PUFA and seafood consumption, adjusting for age and pregnancy status. Weak but significant correlations were found between log Hg levels and intake of Hg-containing seafood ( r = 0.15) and were slightly stronger among pregnant women ( r = 0.22, vs. r = 0.10). Biomarkers for n-3 PUFAs were significantly correlated with seafood consumption ( r = 0.12). Hg-containing seafood consumption was associated with increased blood level Hg in the highest quartile in both unadjusted (β = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.15-0.53) and adjusted models (β = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08-0.48). Self-reported seafood consumption was correlated with biomarkers of both n-3 PUFA and Hg, but this association was different when stratified by pregnancy status. Pregnant women may have better recall of Hg-containing seafood compared to nonpregnant women.
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Ruggieri F, Majorani C, Domanico F, Alimonti A. Mercury in Children: Current State on Exposure through Human Biomonitoring Studies. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2017; 14:ijerph14050519. [PMID: 28498344 PMCID: PMC5451970 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14050519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) in children has multiple exposure sources and the toxicity of Hg compounds depends on exposure routes, dose, timing of exposure, and developmental stage (be it prenatal or postnatal). Over the last decades, Hg was widely recognized as a threat to the children’s health and there have been acknowledgements at the international level of the need of a global policy intervention—like the Minamata treaty—aimed at reducing or preventing Hg exposure and protecting the child health. National human biomonitoring (HBM) data has demonstrated that low levels of exposure of Hg are still an important health concern for children, which no one country can solve alone. Although independent HBM surveys have provided the basis for the achievements of exposure mitigation in specific contexts, a new paradigm for a coordinated global monitoring of children’s exposure, aimed at a reliable decision-making tool at global level is yet a great challenge for the next future. The objective of the present review is to describe current HBM studies on Hg exposure in children, taking into account the potential pathways of Hg exposure and the actual Hg exposure levels assessed by different biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Ruggieri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Costanza Majorani
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Domanico
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Alimonti
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Sakakibara M, Sera K; Basri. Current Mercury Exposure from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia-Future Significant Health Risks. Toxics 2017; 5:E7. [PMID: 29051439 DOI: 10.3390/toxics5010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The rapid expansion of the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) industry in developing countries has marginalized the local communities in poverty, and resulted in occupational exposure to mercury via the gold extraction process. We investigated the mercury exposure of the mining workers lived inside and outside the mining area. Based on the occupations of the contributors, the hair samples were divided into three subgroups: directly exposed, indirectly exposed, and a control. A total of 81 hair samples were analyzed by particle-induced X-ray emission spectrometry. The median mercury concentration was highest in the hair from the directly exposed group (12.82 μg/g hair) (control group median: 4.8 μg/g hair, p < 0.05), and the concentrations in hair from 45 respondents exceeded the Human Biomonitoring I (HBM I) threshold limit. Mercury concentrations were also elevated in the hair from the indirectly exposed group (median 7.64 μg/g hair, p < 0.05), and concentrations in hair from 24 respondents exceeded the HBM I threshold limits. Exposure to mercury during ASGM presents health risks and is harmful for the miners; mercury is also at hazardous levels for people who live in the mining area but who are not engaged in mercury-based gold extraction.
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Kobal AB, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Fajon V, Gibičar D, Miklavčič A, Kocman D, Kotnik J, Sešek Briški A, Osredkar J, Krsnik M, Prezelj M, Knap Č, Križaj B, Liang L, Horvat M. Exposure to mercury in susceptible population groups living in the former mercury mining town of Idrija, Slovenia. Environ Res 2017; 152:434-445. [PMID: 27488273 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
500 years of mercury (Hg) mining in the town of Idrija has caused severe pollution in Idrija and its surroundings. Following the closure of the mine in 1995, the environment remains contaminated with Hg. Sources of elemental-, inorganic- and methyl Hg exposure were identified, potential environmental level of exposure to Hg was evaluated and actual internal exposure to Hg was assessed in selected susceptible population groups comprising school-age children and pregnant women living in Idrija and in control groups from rural and urban environments. The study of pregnant women (n=31) was conducted between 2003 and 2008, and the study of school-age children (n=176) in 2008. Potential interaction of Hg with selenium (Se) in plasma was assessed in both study populations, while in pregnant women antioxidative enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) in erythrocytes of maternal and cord blood was also assessed. Actual exposure to Hg as indicated by levels of Hg in children's blood (geometric mean (GM) 0.92µg/L), mother's blood (GM 1.86µg/L), children's urine (GM 1.08µg/g crea.), mother's urine (GM 2.51µg/L), children's hair (GM 241ng/g) and mother's hair (GM 251ng/g) was higher in the two study groups from Idrija than in the control groups from rural areas, but was still at the level of a "normal" population and reflects mainly exposure to elemental Hg (Hg°) from dental amalgam and, to a certain extent atmospheric Hg°. Furthermore, the internal doses of Hg received during pregnancy did not decrease the bioavailability of Se. Based on observation in children, the increase in Se protein expression is suggested to be a consequence of moderately elevated exposure to Hg°. The observed changes in activity of antioxidative enzymes, as biomarkers of oxidative stress, appear to be mainly associated with pregnancy per se and not with an increased exposure to Hg. In view of the continuing increased potential for Hg exposure and the low number of pregnant women studied, the results warrant a further longitudinal study of a larger group of pregnant women residing in the area of the former mercury mine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred B Kobal
- Ex-Department of Occupational Health, Idrija Mercury Mine, Arkova 43, 5280 Idrija, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Fajon
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darija Gibičar
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Miklavčič
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Kocman
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jože Kotnik
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Joško Osredkar
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University in Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mladen Krsnik
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University in Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marija Prezelj
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University in Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Črtomir Knap
- Department of Gynecology, Idrija Health Service, Otona Župančiča 3, 5280 Idrija, Slovenia
| | - Bojana Križaj
- Laboratory Department, Idrija Health Service, Otona Župančiča 3, 5280 Idrija, Slovenia
| | - Lian Liang
- Cebam Analytical, Inc., 18804 North Creek Parkway, Bothell, WA 98011, USA
| | - Milena Horvat
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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21
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Du B, Li P, Feng X, Qiu G, Zhou J, Maurice L. Mercury Exposure in Children of the Wanshan Mercury Mining Area, Guizhou, China. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2016; 13:E1107. [PMID: 27834827 PMCID: PMC5129317 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13111107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the mercury (Hg) exposure level of children located in a Hg mining area, total Hg concentrations and speciation were determined in hair and urine samples of children in the Wanshan Hg mining area, Guizhou Province, China. Rice samples consumed by these same children were also collected for total mercury (THg) and methyl-mercury (MeHg) analysis. The geometric mean concentrations of THg and MeHg in the hair samples were 1.4 (range 0.50-6.0) μg/g and 1.1 (range 0.35-4.2) μg/g, respectively, while the geometric mean concentration of urine Hg (UHg) was 1.4 (range 0.09-26) μg/g Creatinine (Cr). The average of the probable daily intake (PDI) of MeHg via rice consumption was 0.052 (0.0033-0.39) µg/kg/day, which significantly correlated with the hair MeHg concentrations (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), indicating that ingestion of rice is the main pathway of MeHg exposure for children in this area. Furthermore, 18% (26/141) of the PDIs of MeHg exceeded the USEPA Reference Dose (RfD) of 0.10 µg/kg/day, indicating that children in this area are at a high MeHg exposure level. This paper for the first time evaluates the co-exposure levels of IHg and MeHg of children living in Wanshan mining area, and revealed the difference in exposure patterns between children and adults in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Jun Zhou
- Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Laboratoire Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, IRD-CNRS-Université Toulouse, 14 avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse 31400, France.
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22
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Bakulski KM, Lee H, Feinberg JI, Wells EM, Brown S, Herbstman JB, Witter FR, Halden RU, Caldwell K, Mortensen ME, Jaffe AE, Moye J, Caulfield LE, Pan Y, Goldman LR, Feinberg AP, Fallin MD. Prenatal mercury concentration is associated with changes in DNA methylation at TCEANC2 in newborns. Int J Epidemiol 2015; 44:1249-62. [PMID: 25906783 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyv032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human exposure to the widespread environmental contaminant mercury is a known risk factor for common diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders through poorly characterized mechanisms. Evidence suggests mercury exposure may alter DNA methylation levels, but to date, the effects in early life on a genome-wide scale have not been investigated. METHODS A study sample of 141 newborns was recruited in Baltimore, MD, USA and total mercury and methylmercury were measured in cord blood samples. We quantified genome-wide DNA methylation data using CHARM 2.0, an array-based method, and used region-finding analyses to identify concentration-associated differentially methylated regions (DMRs). To test for replication of these identified DMRs in the pilot, or Vanguard, phase of the National Children's Study (NCS), we compared bisulfite-pyrosequenced DNA at candidate regions from 85 whole cord blood samples with matched first trimester maternal mercury concentration measures. RESULTS Total mercury concentration was associated with methylation at DMRs inside ANGPT2 and near PRPF18 genes [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05], as well as DMRs near FOXD2 and within TCEANC2 (FDR< 0.1) genes. Methylmercury concentration was associated with an overlapping DMR within TCEANC2 (FDR< 0.05). In NCS replication analyses, methylation levels at three of four cytosine-guanine DNA dinucleotides (CpG sites) within the TCEANC2 DMR were associated with total mercury concentration (P < 0.05), and this association was diminished after adjusting for estimated cell proportions. CONCLUSIONS Evidence for an association between mercury and DNA methylation at the TCEANC2 region was found, which may represent a mercury-associated shift in cord blood cell composition or a change in methylation within blood cell types. Further confirmatory studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Bakulski
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - HwaJin Lee
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ellen M Wells
- Purdue University, School of Health Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Shannon Brown
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Frank R Witter
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rolf U Halden
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Arizona State University, Fulton School of Engineering, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Kathleen Caldwell
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Mortensen
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrew E Jaffe
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John Moye
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA and
| | - Laura E Caulfield
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yi Pan
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lynn R Goldman
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, George Washington University School of Public Health, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Andrew P Feinberg
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,
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Chan C, Heinbokel JF, Myers JA, Jacobs RR. Development and evaluation of a dynamic model that projects population biomarkers of methyl mercury exposure from local fish consumption. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2011; 7:624-35. [PMID: 21538834 PMCID: PMC5826604 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.214] [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: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
A dynamic model was developed to project Hg concentrations in common biomarkers of exposure in response to changes in Hg concentrations in predatory fish from local waters. The model predicts biomarkers in susceptible populations for intake rates representing the mean, 90th, 95th, and 99 th percentiles of populations of interest. The biomarkers the model calculates are blood methylmercury, total hair Hg, and fetal blood methylmercury. Decision makers can use the model to determine the degree of reduction in fish tissue Hg levels necessary to protect the health of susceptible populations. Biomarker output was calibrated with literature sources. Output was then compared to additional literature sources to evaluate model function. Projected biomarkers were not different from literature sources. The model can be used as a tool to understand the impact of local fish consumption on susceptible populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Chan
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
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24
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Lynch ML, Huang LS, Cox C, Strain JJ, Myers GJ, Bonham MP, Shamlaye CF, Stokes-Riner A, Wallace JMW, Duffy EM, Clarkson TW, Davidson PW. Varying coefficient function models to explore interactions between maternal nutritional status and prenatal methylmercury toxicity in the Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study. Environ Res 2011; 111:75-80. [PMID: 20961536 PMCID: PMC3032628 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2010.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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: 09/12/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Maternal consumption of fish during the gestational period exposes the fetus to both nutrients, especially the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), believed to be beneficial for fetal brain development, as well as to the neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg). We recently reported that nutrients present in fish may modify MeHg neurotoxicity. Understanding the apparent interaction of MeHg exposure and nutrients present in fish is complicated by the limitations of modeling methods. In this study we fit varying coefficient function models to data from the Seychelles Child Development Nutrition Study (SCDNS) cohort to assess the association of dietary nutrients and children's development. This cohort of mother-child pairs in the Republic of Seychelles had fish consumption averaging 9 meals per week. Maternal nutritional status was assessed for five different nutritional components known to be present in fish (n-3 LCPUFA, n-6 LCPUFA, iron status, iodine status, and choline) and associated with children's neurological development. We also included prenatal MeHg exposure (measured in maternal hair). We examined two child neurodevelopmental outcomes (Bayley Scales Infant Development-II (BSID-II) Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI)), each administered at 9 and at 30 months. The varying coefficient models allow the possible interactions between each nutritional component and MeHg to be modeled as a smoothly varying function of MeHg as an effect modifier. Iron, iodine, choline, and n-6 LCPUFA had little or no observable modulation at different MeHg exposures. In contrast the n-3 LCPUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) had beneficial effects on the BSID-II PDI that were reduced or absent at higher MeHg exposures. This study presents a useful modeling method that can be brought to bear on questions involving interactions between covariates, and illustrates the continuing importance of viewing fish consumption during pregnancy as a case of multiple exposures to nutrients and to MeHg. The results encourage more emphasis on a holistic view of the risks and benefits of fish consumption as it relates to infant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Lynch
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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Chen CY, Serrell N, Evers DC, Fleishman BJ, Lambert KF, Weiss J, Mason RP, Bank MS. Meeting report: Methylmercury in marine ecosystems--from sources to seafood consumers. Environ Health Perspect 2008; 116:1706-12. [PMID: 19079724 PMCID: PMC2599767 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 12/28/2007] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury and other contaminants in coastal and open-ocean ecosystems are an issue of great concern globally and in the United States, where consumption of marine fish and shellfish is a major route of human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg). A recent National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences-Superfund Basic Research Program workshop titled "Fate and Bioavailability of Mercury in Aquatic Ecosystems and Effects on Human Exposure," convened by the Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program on 15-16 November 2006 in Durham, New Hampshire, brought together human health experts, marine scientists, and ecotoxicologists to encourage cross-disciplinary discussion between ecosystem and human health scientists and to articulate research and monitoring priorities to better understand how marine food webs have become contaminated with MeHg. Although human health effects of Hg contamination were a major theme, the workshop also explored effects on marine biota. The workgroup focused on three major topics: a) the biogeochemical cycling of Hg in marine ecosystems, b) the trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of MeHg in marine food webs, and c) human exposure to Hg from marine fish and shellfish consumption. The group concluded that current understanding of Hg in marine ecosystems across a range of habitats, chemical conditions, and ocean basins is severely data limited. An integrated research and monitoring program is needed to link the processes and mechanisms of MeHg production, bioaccumulation, and transfer with MeHg exposure in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Y Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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26
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Garetano G, Gochfeld M, Stern AH. Comparison of indoor mercury vapor in common areas of residential buildings with outdoor levels in a community where mercury is used for cultural purposes. Environ Health Perspect 2006; 114:59-62. [PMID: 16393659 PMCID: PMC1332657 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Elemental mercury has been imbued with magical properties for millennia, and various cultures use elemental mercury in a variety of superstitious and cultural practices, raising health concerns for users and residents in buildings where it is used. As a first step in assessing this phenomenon, we compared mercury vapor concentration in common areas of residential buildings versus outdoor air, in two New Jersey cities where mercury is available and is used in cultural practices. We measured mercury using a portable atomic absorption spectrometer capable of quantitative measurement from 2 ng/m3 mercury vapor. We evaluated the interior hallways in 34 multifamily buildings and the vestibule in an additional 33 buildings. Outdoor mercury vapor averaged 5 ng/m3; indoor mercury was significantly higher (mean 25 ng/m3; p<0.001); 21% of buildings had mean mercury vapor concentration in hallways that exceeded the 95th percentile of outdoor mercury vapor concentration (17 ng/m3), whereas 35% of buildings had a maximum mercury vapor concentration that exceeded the 95th percentile of outdoor mercury concentration. The highest indoor average mercury vapor concentration was 299 ng/m3, and the maximum point concentration was 2,022 ng/m3. In some instances, we were able to locate the source, but we could not specifically attribute the elevated levels of mercury vapor to cultural use or other specific mercury releases. However, these findings provide sufficient evidence of indoor mercury source(s) to warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Garetano
- Hudson Regional Health Commission, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094, USA.
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