Human Exposure to Pesticides in Dust from Two Agricultural Sites in South Africa

Over the last decades, concern has arisen worldwide about the negative impacts of pesticides on the environment and human health. Exposure via dust ingestion is important for many chemicals but poorly characterized for pesticides, particularly in Africa. We investigated the spatial and temporal variations of 30 pesticides in dust and estimated the human exposure via dust ingestion, which was compared to inhalation and soil ingestion. Indoor dust samples were collected from thirty-eight households and two schools located in two agricultural regions in South Africa and were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. We found 10 pesticides in dust, with chlorpyrifos, terbuthylazine, carbaryl, diazinon, carbendazim, and tebuconazole quantified in >50% of the samples. Over seven days, no significant temporal variations in the dust levels of individual pesticides were found. Significant spatial variations were observed for some pesticides, highlighting the importance of proximity to agricultural fields or of indoor pesticide use. For five out of the nineteen pesticides quantified in dust, air, or soil (i.e., carbendazim, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, diuron and propiconazole), human intake via dust ingestion was important (>10%) compared to inhalation or soil ingestion. Dust ingestion should therefore be considered in future human exposure assessment to pesticides.

Exocrine pancreatic cancer and living near to waste sites containing hazardous organic chemicals, New York State, USA - an 18-year population-based study

OBJECTIVES

The etiology of exocrine pancreatic cancer (EPC) remains unknown except for family history and smoking. Despite recent medical advances, rates of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality are increasing. Although existing evidence suggests a potentially causal relationship between environmental chemical exposures and pancreatic cancer, whether residential exposure impacts pancreatic cancer rates remains unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors identified 28 941 patients diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic cancer in New York State exclusive of New York City for the years 1996-2013. Descriptive statistics and negative binomial regression were used in this ecological study to compare pancreatic cancer hospitalization rates among patients who lived in zip codes with hazardous waste sites (HWSs) containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and volatile organic pollutants (VOCs) compared with clean zip codes with no identified hazardous waste sites. The authors assessed the effect of selected known and suspected human carcinogens on the EPC hospitalization rates by subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with the clean sites, the pancreatic cancer hospital discharge rate in the "VOCs without POPs" and "VOCs and POPs" sites, after adjustment for potential confounders were 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.09) and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.08), respectively. In the analysis by specific chemicals, rate ratios (RR) for the benzene (RR = 1.12) and ethylbenzene (RR = 1.34) in the non-chlorinated VOCs group, trichloroethylene (RR = 1.07) and tetrachloroethylene (RR = 1.11) in the chlorinated VOCs group, chlorinated pesticides (RR = 1.11) and PCBs (RR = 1.05) in the POPs groups were statistically significant (p-values <0.05) compared with clean sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the clean sites, the pancreatic cancer hospital discharge rate in the "VOCs without POPs" and "VOCs and POPs" sites, after adjustment for potential confounders were 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.09) and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.08), respectively. In the analysis by specific chemicals, rate ratios (RR) for the benzene (RR = 1.12) and ethylbenzene (RR = 1.34) in the non-chlorinated VOCs group, trichloroethylene (RR = 1.07) and tetrachloroethylene (RR = 1.11) in the chlorinated VOCs group, chlorinated pesticides (RR = 1.11) and PCBs (RR = 1.05) in the POPs groups were statistically significant (p-values <0.05) compared with clean sites. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(4):459-71.

A cross-sectional study of brownfields and birth defects

BACKGROUND

Brownfields are a multitude of abandoned and disused sites, spanning many former purposes. Brownfields represent a heterogenous yet ubiquitous exposure for many Americans, which may contain hazardous wastes and represent urban blight. Neonates and pregnant individuals are often sensitive to subtle environmental exposures. We evaluate whether residential brownfield exposure is associated with birth defects.

METHODS

Using North Carolina birth records from 2003 to 2015, we sampled 753,195 births with 39,495 defects identified. We examined defect groups and 30 distinct phenotypes. Number of brownfields within 2,000 m of the residential address at birth was summed. We utilized mixed effects multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and environmental covariates available from birth records, 2010 Census, and EPA's Environmental Quality Index to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

We observed positive associations between cardiovascular and external defect groups (OR [95% CI]: 1.07 [1.02-1.13] and 1.17 [1.01-1.35], respectively) and any brownfield exposure. We also observed positive associations with atrial septal and ventricular septal defects (1.08 [1.01-1.16] and 1.15 [1.03-1.28], respectively), congenital cataracts (1.38 [0.98-1.96]), and an inverse association with gastroschisis (0.74 [0.58-0.94]). Effect estimates for several additional defects were positive, though we observed null associations for most group and individual defects. Additional analyses indicated an exposure-response relationship for several defects across levels of brownfield exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that residential proximity to brownfields is associated with birth defects, especially cardiovascular and external defects. In-depth analyses of individual defects and specific contaminants or brownfield sites may reveal additional novel associations.

Role of land use and land cover in residential exposures to agricultural pesticide models

Exposure of the general population to pesticides, especially in agricultural areas, is a major public health concern. This review analyses the role of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) in Residential Exposure to Agricultural Pesticides (REAP) and how it is measured and modelled. Some epidemiological studies have shown that basic LULC variables, such as distance to a crop and field size, are relevant for explaining REAP. However, the potential of LULC mitigation elements, such as vegetation barriers, grassy strips and buffer zones, to mitigate REAP has been poorly studied. The availability of recent low-cost and high-quality geospatial data enables REAP models to include alternative and more precise LULC variables. This review also highlights the need for (i) generic environmental sampling protocols, (ii) exposure and spraying datasets and (iii) assessment of the mitigation capacity of LULC to improve REAP modelling significantly.

Residential Proximity to Biorefinery Sources of Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases in New York State

Understanding potential health risks associated with biofuel production is critical to sustainably combating energy insecurity and climate change. However, the specific health impacts associated with biorefinery-related emissions are not yet well characterized. We evaluated the relationship between respiratory emergency department (ED) visits (2011-2015) and residential exposure to biorefineries by comparing 15 biorefinery sites to 15 control areas across New York (NY) State. We further examined these associations by biorefinery types (e.g., corn, wood, or soybean), seasons, and lower respiratory disease subtypes. We measured biorefinery exposure using residential proximity in a cross-sectional study and estimation of biorefinery emission via AERMOD-simulated modeling. After controlling for multiple confounders, we consistently found that respiratory ED visit rates among residents living within 10 km of biorefineries were significantly higher (rate ratios (RRs) range from 1.03 to 3.64) than those in control areas across our two types of exposure indices. This relationship held across biorefinery types (higher in corn and soybean biorefineries), seasons (higher in spring and winter), air pollutant types (highest for NO₂), and respiratory subtypes (highest for emphysema). Further research is needed to confirm our findings.

Radiological Assessment of Indoor Radon and Thoron Concentrations and Indoor Radon Map of Dwellings in Mashhad, Iran

A comprehensive study was carried out to measure indoor radon/thoron concentrations in 78 dwellings and soil-gas radon in the city of Mashhad, Iran during two seasons, using two common radon monitoring devices (NRPB and RADUET). In the winter, indoor radon concentrations measured between 75 ± 11 to 376 ± 24 Bq·m⁻³ (mean: 150 ± 19 Bq m⁻³), whereas indoor thoron concentrations ranged from below the Lower Limit of Detection (LLD) to 166 ± 10 Bq·m⁻³ (mean: 66 ± 8 Bq m⁻³), while radon and thoron concentrations in summer fell between 50 ± 11 and 305 ± 24 Bq·m⁻³ (mean 115 ± 18 Bq m⁻³) and from below the LLD to 122 ± 10 Bq m⁻³ (mean 48 ± 6 Bq·m⁻³), respectively. The annual average effective dose was estimated to be 3.7 ± 0.5 mSv yr⁻¹. The soil-gas radon concentrations fell within the range from 1.07 ± 0.28 to 8.02 ± 0.65 kBq·m⁻³ (mean 3.07 ± 1.09 kBq·m⁻³). Finally, indoor radon maps were generated by ArcGIS software over a grid of 1 × 1 km² using three different interpolation techniques. In grid cells where no data was observed, the arithmetic mean was used to predict a mean indoor radon concentration. Accordingly, inverse distance weighting (IDW) was proven to be more suitable for predicting mean indoor radon concentrations due to the lower mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE). Meanwhile, the radiation health risk due to the residential exposure to radon and indoor gamma radiation exposure was also assessed.

Indoor Exposure to Selected Air Pollutants in the Home Environment: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: There is increasing awareness that the quality of the indoor environment affects our health and well-being. Indoor air quality (IAQ) in particular has an impact on multiple health outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular illness, allergic symptoms, cancers, and premature mortality. (2) Methods: We carried out a global systematic literature review on indoor exposure to selected air pollutants associated with adverse health effects, and related household characteristics, seasonal influences and occupancy patterns. We screened records from six bibliographic databases: ABI/INFORM, Environment Abstracts, Pollution Abstracts, PubMed, ProQuest Biological and Health Professional, and Scopus. (3) Results: Information on indoor exposure levels and determinants, emission sources, and associated health effects was extracted from 141 studies from 29 countries. The most-studied pollutants were particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀); nitrogen dioxide (NO₂); volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including benzene, toluene, xylenes and formaldehyde; and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including naphthalene. Identified indoor PM_2.5 sources include smoking, cooking, heating, use of incense, candles, and insecticides, while cleaning, housework, presence of pets and movement of people were the main sources of coarse particles. Outdoor air is a major PM_2.5 source in rooms with natural ventilation in roadside households. Major sources of NO₂ indoors are unvented gas heaters and cookers. Predictors of indoor NO₂ are ventilation, season, and outdoor NO₂ levels. VOCs are emitted from a wide range of indoor and outdoor sources, including smoking, solvent use, renovations, and household products. Formaldehyde levels are higher in newer houses and in the presence of new furniture, while PAH levels are higher in smoking households. High indoor particulate matter, NO₂ and VOC levels were typically associated with respiratory symptoms, particularly asthma symptoms in children. (4) Conclusions: Household characteristics and occupant activities play a large role in indoor exposure, particularly cigarette smoking for PM_2.5, gas appliances for NO₂, and household products for VOCs and PAHs. Home location near high-traffic-density roads, redecoration, and small house size contribute to high indoor air pollution. In most studies, air exchange rates are negatively associated with indoor air pollution. These findings can inform interventions aiming to improve IAQ in residential properties in a variety of settings.

Residential Links to Air Pollution and School Children with Asthma in Vilnius (Population Study)

Background and objectives: Many studies have been carried out on the negative health effects of exposure to PM₁₀, PM _2.5, NO₂, CO, SO₂ and B[a]P for small populations. The main purpose of this study was to explore the association of air pollution to diagnosis of asthma for the whole huge population of school children between 7–17 years in Vilnius (Lithuania) using geographical information system analysis tools. Material and Methods: In the research, a child population of 51,235 individuals was involved. From this large database, we identified children who had asthma diagnosis J45 (ICD-10 AM). Residential pollution concentrations and proximity to roads and green spaces were obtained using the ArcGIS spatial analysis tool from simulated air pollution maps. Multiple stepwise logistic regression was used to explore the relation between air pollution concentration and proximity between the roads and green spaces where children with asthma were living. Further, we explored the interaction between variables. Results: From 51,235 school children aged 7–17 years, 3065 children had asthma in 2017. We investigated significant associations, such as the likelihood of getting sick with age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.949, p < 0.001), gender (OR = 1.357, p = 0.003), NO₂ (OR = 1.013, p = 0.019), distance from the green spaces (OR = 1.327, p = 0.013) and interactions of age × gender (OR = 1.024, p = 0.051). The influence of gender on disease is partly explained by different age dependency slopes for boys and girls. Conclusions: According to our results, younger children are more likely to get sick, more cases appended on the lowest age group from 7 to 10 years (almost half cases (49.2%)) and asthma was respectively nearly twice more common in boys (64.1%) than in girls (35.9%). The risk of asthma is related to a higher concentration of NO₂ and residence proximity to green spaces.

Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Mortality From Renal Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Hong Kong, China

Numerous studies have indicated that ambient particulate matter is closely associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet the evidence for its association with renal disease remains underrecognized. We aimed to estimate the association between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter, defined as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5), and mortality from renal failure (RF) among participants in the Elderly Health Service Cohort in Hong Kong, China, from 1998 to 2010. PM2.5 concentration at the residential address of each participant was estimated based on a satellite-based spatiotemporal model. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate risks of overall RF and cause-specific mortality associated with PM2.5. After excluding 5,373 subjects without information on residential address or relevant covariates, we included 61,447 participants in data analyses. We identified 443 RF deaths during the 10 years of follow-up. For an interquartile-range increase in PM2.5 concentration (3.22 μg/m3), hazard ratios for RF mortality were 1.23 (95% confidence interval: 1.06, 1.43) among all cohort participants and 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.16, 1.74) among patients with chronic kidney disease. Long-term exposure to atmospheric PM2.5 might be an important risk factor for RF mortality in the elderly, especially among persons with existing renal diseases.

Incidence of Respiratory Symptoms for Residents Living Near a Petrochemical Industrial Complex: A Meta-Analysis

The air pollution emitted by petrochemical industrial complexes (PICs) may affect the respiratory health of surrounding residents. Previous meta-analyses have indicated a higher risk of lung cancer mortality and incidence among residents near a PIC. Therefore, in this study, a meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the degree to which PIC exposure increases the risk of the development of nonmalignant respiratory symptoms among residents. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to systematically identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research. Finally, we identified 16 study groups reporting 5 types of respiratory symptoms: asthma, bronchitis, cough, rhinitis, and wheezing. We estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs) using random-effect models and investigated the robustness of pooled estimates in subgroup analyses by location, observation period, and age group. We determined that residential exposure to a PIC was significantly associated with a higher incidence of cough (OR = 1.35), wheezing (OR = 1.28), bronchitis (OR = 1.26), rhinitis (OR = 1.17), and asthma (OR = 1.15), although the latter two associations did not reach statistical significance. Subgroup analyses suggested that the association remained robust across different groups for cough and bronchitis. We identified high heterogeneity for asthma, rhinitis, and wheezing, which could be due to higher ORs in South America. Our meta-analysis indicates that residential exposure to a PIC is associated with an increased risk of nonmalignant respiratory symptoms.

Cluster Analysis of Residential Personal Exposure to ELF Magnetic Field in Children: Effect of Environmental Variables

Personal exposure to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF MF) in children is a very timely topic. We applied cluster analysis to 24 h indoor personal exposures of 884 children in France to identify possible common patterns of exposures. We investigated how electric networks near child home and other variables potentially affecting residential exposure, such as indoor sources of ELF MF, the age and type of the residence and family size, characterized the magnetic field exposure patterns. We identified three indoor personal exposure patterns: children living near overhead lines of high (63–150 kV), extra-high (225 kV) and ultra-high voltage (400 kV) were characterized by the highest exposures; children living near underground networks of low (400 V) and mid voltage (20 kV) and substations (20 kV/400 V) were characterized by mid exposures; children living far from electric networks had the lowest level of exposure. The harmonic component was not relevant in discriminating the exposure patterns, unlike the 50 Hz or broadband (40–800 Hz) component. Children using electric heating appliances, or living in big buildings or in larger families had generally a higher level of personal indoor exposure. Instead, the age of the residence was not relevant in differentiating the exposure patterns.

ELF-MF occupational exposure in die-casting and electroplating workers in Korea

A 24-h exposure assessment was performed in two groups of blue-collar workers from a die-casting plant and an electroplating plant to investigate levels of exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs), using an EMDEX Lite (Enertech, USA) dosimeter. ELF-MF exposure of workers from the die-casting plant (arithmetic M ± SD 0.649 ± 1.343 µT) is higher than in electroplating workers (0.138 ± 0.045 µT). Higher ELF-MF exposure occurred among workers living in the same building as their workplace compared with that among other workers. This study suggests that ELF-MF exposure levels should be taken into consideration when providing dormitories for workers to minimize levels of residential ELF-MF exposure due to emissions from industrial plants. The study recommends that blue-collar workers should be made aware of measures to minimize their exposure to environmental agents such as ELF-MFs and electromagnetic fields during work, such as maintaining a safe distance between machines and avoiding undesirable behavior with equipment.

Residential Proximity to Gasoline Stations and Risk of Childhood Leukemia

Significant elevations in the risk of childhood leukemia have been associated with environmental exposure to gasoline; aromatic hydrocarbons from refinery pollution, petroleum waste sites, and mobile sources (automobile exhaust); paints, paint products, and thinners; and secondary cigarette smoke in the home. These higher risks have also been associated with parental exposure to benzene, gasoline, motor vehicle-related jobs, painting, and rubber solvents. These exposures and jobs have 1 common chemical exposure-benzene, a recognized cause of acute leukemia in adults-and raise the question of whether children represent a subpopulation in which a higher risk of leukemia is associated with very low level exposure to environmental benzene.

Increasing Residential Proximity of Lyme Borreliosis Cases to High-Risk Habitats: A Retrospective Study in Central Bohemia, the Czech Republic, 1987-2010

An analysis of historical data on Lyme borreliosis in Central Bohemia between 1987-2010 has revealed that the rate of peri-domestic exposure, the proximity of patients' residences to high-risk habitats, and the number of disease cases have been interdependent variables and that their common upturn can be dated back to the start of the 1990s or earlier. The data indicate that the disease rise is attributable to translocation of part of the at-risk population nearer to natural environments, rather than to mere intensification of people's peri-domestic exposure at existing residential locations, or changes in the natural environment itself.

Risk of death for hematological malignancies for residents close to an Italian petrochemical refinery: a population-based case-control study

PURPOSE

We investigated the risk of death for hematological malignancies (HMs) in the area surrounding an Italian petrochemical refinery, where atmospheric concentrations of benzene (known carcinogen) had not been adequately monitored in the past.

METHODS

We performed a population-based case-control study, using conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of HM death, with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs), and p trends, in relation to tertiles of time-weighted average residential proximity to the refinery. We identified 177 HM deaths and 349 sex- and age-matched controls from municipal files. Confounding factors were investigated from interviews with consenting relatives for 109 HM deaths and 178 matched controls.

RESULTS

For males and females combined, risk of HM death was unrelated to residential proximity. For females, ORs of HM death by increasing tertiles of proximity were 1, 2.74 (95 % CI 1.48-5.09, significant) and 1.49 (95 % CI 0.76-2.92) (p trend 0.184). For the subgroup of persons who plausibly spent most of their time at home (long-term retired, homemakers or unemployed, 53 cases, 79 controls), the ORs of leukemia plus non-Hodgkin lymphoma death (38 cases, 56 controls) by increasing tertiles of proximity were 1, 3.44 (95 % CI 1.04-11.37, significant) and 3.25 (95 % CI 0.82-12.87) (p trend 0.083).

CONCLUSIONS

No increased risk of HM death for males and females combined living close to the refinery was found. However, the findings for females and a subgroup plausibly spending most of their time at home suggest a relation between increased risk of HM death and residential proximity to the refinery.

Domestic exposure to volatile organic compounds in relation to asthma and allergy in children and adults

Over the past decades, the prevalence of asthma, allergic disease and atopy has increased significantly and in parallel with the increased use of products and materials emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor environment. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence of the relationship between quantitatively measured domestic exposure to VOCs and allergic diseases and allergy in children and adults. Sources, potential immune-inflammatory mechanisms and risks for development and severity of asthma and allergy have been addressed. Available evidence is based on studies that have mainly used observational designs of variable quality. Total, aromatic, aliphatic, microbial VOCs and aldehydes have been the most widely investigated VOC classes, with formaldehyde being the most commonly examined single compound. Overall, the evidence is inadequate to draw any firm conclusions. However, given indicative evidence from a few high-quality studies and significant potential for improvements in asthma outcomes in those with established disease, there is a need to consider undertaking further investigation of the relationship between domestic VOC exposure and asthma/allergy outcomes that should encompass both high-quality, robust observational studies and ultimately clinical trials assessing the impact of interventions that aim to reduce VOC exposure in children and adults with asthma.

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields of transformers and possible biological and health effects

Physiological processes in organisms can be influenced by extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic energy. Biological effect studies have great importance; as well as measurement studies since they provide information on the real exposure situations. In this study, the leakage magnetic fields around a transformer were measured in an apartment building in Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, and the measurement results were evaluated with respect to the international exposure standards. The transformer station was on the bottom floor of a three-floor building. It was found that people living and working in the building were exposed to ELF magnetic fields higher than the threshold magnetic field value of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Many people living in this building reported health complaints such as immunological problems of their children. There were child-workers working in the textile factories located in the building. Safe distances or areas for these people should be recommended. Protective measures could be implemented to minimize these exposures. Further residential exposure studies are needed to demonstrate the exposure levels of ELF magnetic fields. Precautions should, therefore, be taken either to reduce leakage or minimize the exposed fields. Shielding techniques should be used to minimize the leakage magnetic fields in such cases.

Breaking the take home pesticide exposure pathway for agricultural families: workplace predictors of residential contamination

BACKGROUND

Pesticides used in agriculture can be taken into worker homes and pose a potential risk for children and other family members. This study focused on identification of potential intervention points at the workplace.

METHODS

Workers (N = 46) recruited from two tree fruit orchards in Washington State were administered a 63-item pesticide safety questionnaire. Dust was collected from commuter vehicles and worker homes and analyzed for four organophosphorus (OP) pesticides (azinphosmethyl, phosmet, chlorpyrifos, malathion).

RESULTS

Geometric mean azinphosmethyl concentrations in dust for three worker groups (16 pesticide handlers, 15 green fruit thinners, 15 organic orchard workers) ranged from 0.027-1.5 μg/g, with levels in vehicle dust higher than in house dust, and levels in house dust from handlers' homes higher than levels from tree fruit thinners' homes. Vehicle and house dust concentrations of azinphosmethyl were highly associated (R(2) = 0.44, P < 0.001). Significant differences were found across worker groups for availability of laundry facilities, work boot storage, frequency of hand washing, commuter vehicle use, parking location, and safety training.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support a focus on intervention activities to reduce take home pesticide exposure closer to the source of contamination; specifically, the workplace and vehicles used to travel to the workplace.

Estimation of ultrafine particle concentrations at near-highway residences using data from local and central monitors

Ultrafine particles (UFP; aerodynamic diameter < 0.1 micrometers) are a ubiquitous exposure in the urban environment and are elevated near highways. Most epidemiological studies of UFP health effects use central site monitoring data, which may misclassify exposure. Our aims were to: (1) examine the relationship between distant and proximate monitoring sites and their ability to predict hourly UFP concentration measured at residences in an urban community with a major interstate highway and; (2) determine if meteorology and proximity to traffic improve explanatory power. Short-term (1 - 3 weeks) residential monitoring of UFP concentration was conducted at 18 homes. Long-term monitoring was conducted at two near-highway monitoring sites and a central site. We created models of outdoor residential UFP concentration based on concentrations at the near-highway site, at the central site, at both sites together and without fixed sites. UFP concentration at residential sites was more highly correlated with those at a near-highway site than a central site. In regression models of each site alone, a 10% increase in UFP concentration at a near-highway site was associated with a 6% (95% CI: 6%, 7%) increase at residences while a 10% increase in UFP concentration at the central site was associated with a 3% (95% CI: 2%, 3%) increase at residences. A model including both sites showed minimal change in the magnitude of the association between the near-highway site and the residences, but the estimated association with UFP concentration at the central site was substantially attenuated. These associations remained after adjustment for other significant predictors of residential UFP concentration, including distance from highway, wind speed, wind direction, highway traffic volume and precipitation. The use of a central site as an estimate of personal exposure for populations near local emissions of traffic-related air pollutants may result in exposure misclassification.

Residential pesticide usage in older adults residing in Central California

Information on residential pesticide usage and behaviors that may influence pesticide exposure was collected in three population-based studies of older adults residing in the three Central California counties of Fresno, Kern, and Tulare. We present data from participants in the Study of Use of Products and Exposure Related Behaviors (SUPERB) study (N = 153) and from community controls ascertained in two Parkinson’s disease studies, the Parkinson’s Environment and Gene (PEG) study (N = 359) and The Center for Gene-Environment Studies in Parkinson’s Disease (CGEP; N = 297). All participants were interviewed by telephone to obtain information on recent and lifetime indoor and outdoor residential pesticide use. Interviews ascertained type of product used, frequency of use, and behaviors that may influence exposure to pesticides during and after application. Well over half of all participants reported ever using indoor and outdoor pesticides; yet frequency of pesticide use was relatively low, and appeared to increase slightly with age. Few participants engaged in behaviors to protect themselves or family members and limit exposure to pesticides during and after treatment, such as ventilating and cleaning treated areas, or using protective equipment during application. Our findings on frequency of use over lifetime and exposure related behaviors will inform future efforts to develop population pesticide exposure models and risk assessment.

Mortality in the bedouin population and proximity to a regional industrial complex

BACKGROUND

The study was initiated by public concern about exposure to an industrial park (IP) emission. The study examined whether mortality in the Bedouin population in the southern part of Israel is associated with the residential distance to the IP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ecological study during 1995-2001 included the entire Bedouin population. Mortality data was obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics. As an indirect measurement of exposure we used residential distance to the IP (with 20 km radius as a cut-of-point) based on residents' complaints about odor related to the IP. Differences in mortality rates by distance were assessed by the Mantel-Haenszel relative risk (M-H RR) within the 95% CI. The country Arab population served as a reference for calculation of the age-adjusted standardized mortality ratio (SMR).

RESULTS

Increased mortality rates due to symptoms/ill-defined conditions and non-external causes were observed in the Bedouin population of both sexes, residing up to 20 km from the IP, compared to those living in more remote areas. Corresponding M-H RR (plus 95% CI) were 1.66 (1.17-2.36), 1.24 (1.06-1.44) in females, and 1.55 (1.15-2.10), 1.32 (1.15-1.52) in males.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results suggest an association between residential proximity to the regional IP and increased mortality rates in the Negev Bedouin population. These findings have been accepted by the authorities as an issue for community health protection.

A longitudinal approach to assessing urban and suburban children's exposure to pyrethroid pesticides

We conducted a longitudinal study to assess the exposure of 23 elementary school-age children to pyrethroid pesticides, using urinary pyrethroid metabolites as exposure biomarkers. We substituted most of the children's conventional diets with organic food items for 5 consecutive days and collected two daily spot urine samples, first morning and before bedtime voids, throughout the 15-day study period. We analyzed urine samples for five common pyrethroid metabolites. We found an association between the parents' self-reported pyrethroid use in the residential environment and elevated pyrethroid metabolite levels found in their children's urine. Children were also exposed to pyrethroids through their conventional diets, although the magnitude was smaller than for the residential exposure. Children's ages appear to be significantly associated with pyrethroids exposure, which is likely attributed to the use of pyrethroids around the premises or in the facilities where older children engaged in the outdoor activities. We conclude that residential pesticide use represents the most important risk factor for children's exposure to pyrethroid insecticides. Because of the wide use of pyrethroids in the United States, the findings of this study are important for both children's pesticide exposure assessment and environmental public health.