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Amadi CN, Bocca B, Ruggieri F, Ezejiofor AN, Uzah G, Domingo JL, Rovira J, Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE. Human dietary exposure to metals in the Niger delta region, Nigeria: Health risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 207:112234. [PMID: 34678257 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The contamination profile and the human health risk assessment of various heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb) in vegetable oils, palm oils, butter and shea butter purchased from the Nigerian market were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses including the principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and heat map visualization were used to evaluate correlation, similarity and source of metals. Dietary intake and dermal absorption through the application in skin were also assessed. The heavy metals 5th and 95th percentile interval range (in mg/kg) were 0.003-0.208, 0.003-0.392, 0.003-1.344, 0.003-0.369 and 0.006-0.531 for Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb, respectively. Concentrations of Cr and Mn were significantly different across sample categories, being the levels of Mn and Ni positively correlated in both oil and butter samples. The result of PCA, HCA and heat map revealed the profile of heavy metals in oils was different from that of butters, with Pb mainly associated to oils, and Cd, Cr, Mn and Ni to butters. In some samples, the international maximum levels for Cd, Ni and Pb in edible oils were exceeded. Cadmium and Pb dietary intake through Nigerian oils and butters should not be considered negligible for human health protection.
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Esplugas R, Rovira J, Mari M, Fernández-Arribas J, Eljarrat E, Domingo JL, Schuhmacher M. Emerging and legacy flame retardants in indoor air and dust samples of Tarragona Province (Catalonia, Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150494. [PMID: 34844308 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Flame retardants (FRs) are widely used in consumer products including furniture foam and electronic equipment such as computers, monitors and TVs. Over time, FRs can easily migrate into the surrounding environments. Since brominated FRs (BFRs) has been determined of high concern due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and potential toxicity, novel FRs have emerged. The present study was aimed at identifying and quantifying the indoor levels of 41 legacy and novel FRs, which include 20 OPFRs and 21 HFRs (8 PBDEs, 3 HBCDDs, 5 NBFRs and 5 DECs) in Tarragona Province (Catalonia, Spain). The results have confirmed the presence of both legacy and novel FRs in air and dust of homes, schools and offices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first European study measuring OPFRs at office environments and also confirming the presence of the following OPFRs: TEP, TCIPP, T2IPPP, TPPO, DCP, TMCP and B4IPPPP in indoor air, even some of them at high levels. OPFRs in general and TCIPP in particular showed high concentrations in air (94,599 pg/m3 and 72,281 pg/m3, respectively) and dust (32,084 ng/g and 13,496 ng/g, respectively) samples collected in indoor environments. HBCDDs were found at high levels in dust (32,185 ng/g), whereas the presence of PBDEs and DECs were low in both matrices (<160 pg/m3 in air and <832 ng/g in dust). NBFRs showed higher levels than the two legacy FRs groups, which is supported by the current restrictions of these FRs (640 pg/m3 in air and 1291 ng/g in dust). Samples of schools had significantly lower levels of NBFRs, but significantly higher concentrations of HFRs in air than in home samples, while dust levels of HFRs were significantly lower than those in samples of offices. Regarding human health risks, the current assessment suggests that those derived from exposure to FRs were lower -although close- to assumable risks, evidencing the potential of FRs for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, mainly due to the exposure to TCIPP, which was the main contributor together with ΣHBCDDs and also EHDPP.
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Castro I, Arroyo R, Aparicio M, Martínez MÁ, Rovira J, Ares S, Cunha SC, Casal S, Oliveira Fernandes J, Schuhmacher M, Nadal M, Rodríguez JM, Fernández L. Dietary Habits and Relationship with the Presence of Main and Trace Elements, Bisphenol A, Tetrabromobisphenol A, and the Lipid, Microbiological and Immunological Profiles of Breast Milk. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124346. [PMID: 34959899 PMCID: PMC8708081 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed an infant, although it can also be a source of abiotic contaminants such as heavy metals or bisphenol A (BPA). The early life exposure to these compounds can lead to serious toxic effects in both the short and long-term. These substances can reach breast milk through the mother’s habits, diet being one of the main routes of exposure. The aim of the present work was to analyse possible associations between the dietary habits of women and the content of major trace elements, BPA, fatty acids and lipids, and the microbiological and immunological profiles of human milk. Possible associations between major trace elements and BPA and the lipid, microbiological and immunological profiles were also analysed. The results of this study support that the microbiological composition of human milk is associated with the dietary habits of the women, and that the consumption of canned drinks is related to the presence of BPA in human milk. Furthermore, some relationships were found between the amount of major trace elements and the microbiological and immunological profile of the milk samples. Finally, the presence of BPA was associated with changes in the immunological profile of human milk.
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Okoye EA, Bocca B, Ruggieri F, Ezejiofor AN, Nwaogazie IL, Domingo JL, Rovira J, Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE. Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in samples of soil, feed and food collected in the Niger Delta region, Nigeria: A probabilistic human health risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 202:111619. [PMID: 34265352 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely distributed compounds with two or more fused aromatic ring, being some of them classified as carcinogenic. In the present study, the concentrations of 16 PAHs and the sum of them (∑PAHs) were determined in samples of food, feed, plant and soil collected in six different heavily polluted areas (Choba, Khana, Trans Amadi, Eleme, Uyo and Yenagoa) of the Niger Delta Region (Nigeria). Principal component analysis (PCA) was then used to identify groups of variables (PAHs) and groups of samples that were the best in rendering the environmental pollution in that Region of Nigeria. In addition, PAHs food consumption and the derived carcinogenic risks were assessed in a probabilistic way. The highest ∑PAHs (mg/kg) were: 16.7 in cow meat, 8.06 in goat meat, 25.4 in chicken meat, 7.72 in fish, 28.70 in fish feed, 15.3 in chicken feed, 8.42 in plant, and 8.80 in soil. In most of the Nigerian areas, cooked cow meat, chicken and chicken feed presented the highest impact regarding PAHs contamination. The highest intake of PAHs was through meat consumption, with a very high and unassumable carcinogenic risk, which is quite above 10-5 for some PAHs, including benzo [a]pyrene. The results of the present survey highlight the importance of reducing PAHs content in food, specially in meat, in the Niger Delta region.
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Rovira J, Nadal M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Environmental impact and human health risks of air pollutants near a large chemical/petrochemical complex: Case study in Tarragona, Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147550. [PMID: 33991912 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Chemical industries and oil refineries are known emission sources of environmental contaminants, such as metals/metalloids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), among others. Based on the toxicological potential of these pollutants, harmful health effects can be expected for the population living near these facilities. One of the largest chemical/petrochemical complexes in Europe is located in Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain). In the last two decades, a number of investigations aimed at assessing the environmental impact of air pollutants potentially emitted by this industrial complex have been carried out. The present paper is a review of the available scientific information on the levels of air pollutants related with the activities of this chemical/petrochemical complex. Although there are currently some data on the environmental burdens of metals/metalloids, PAHs, VOCs and PCDD/Fs, there is an evident lack of specific biological monitoring studies on human health. Taking into account the amount of chemicals released to air and their toxicity, it is essential to perform an in-depth analysis of the current health status of the population living in Tarragona County.
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Expósito N, Rovira J, Sierra J, Folch J, Schuhmacher M. Microplastics levels, size, morphology and composition in marine water, sediments and sand beaches. Case study of Tarragona coast (western Mediterranean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 786:147453. [PMID: 33964765 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mediterranean Sea has been proposed as the sixth greatest accumulation zone for marine litter and the most affected regarding to microplastics (MPs). Tarragona (Catalonia, NE Spain) coastal region suffers high pressure due to urbanization, tourism, industrial harbour and petrochemical/plastic industries. The present study aims to quantify and characterize in size, morphology and composition the MPs present in sandy beaches, marine sediments, and surface seawaters of Tarragona coastal region. MPs mean abundance were 1.30 items/m3 in surface seawaters, 32.4 items/kg in marine sediments, and 10.7 items/kg in sandy beaches. Polyester fibres were dominant MPs in bottom sediments and seawater meanwhile polyethylene and polypropylene fragments were the main MPs in beaches. The fibres balls associated with bottom sediments, organic matter and plankton were abundant, masking the real quantity of fibres in each reservoir. The abundance by volume of seawater MPs was higher to those found in oceanic areas and similar to other areas of Mediterranean Sea, corroborating that Western Mediterranean Sea as a region of MPs accumulation. MPs composition and abundance suggested the input of numerous land-base-sources, WWTP (wastewater treatment plants) effluents discharges, and emissaries as the most important. Marine MPs pollution were studied from an integrative point of view, that includes superficial sea water, sand from beaches and sediments. The dynamics of MPs in Tarragona coast were characterized by seawater as the media that receive and facilitate dispersion and fragmentation. The shoreline acts as an intermediate reservoir with constant weathering and active exchange with seawater surface and the sediments acts as a significant sink for medium MPs sizes. It is necessary to develop protocols and guidelines for MPs analysis to obtain harmonized and comparable results.
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Okoye EA, Bocca B, Ruggieri F, Ezejiofor AN, Nwaogazie IL, Domingo JL, Rovira J, Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE. Metal pollution of soil, plants, feed and food in the Niger Delta, Nigeria: Health risk assessment through meat and fish consumption. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111273. [PMID: 33989622 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at determining mainly the concentrations of As and other metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, V and Zn) in samples of feed, soil, plants and foods (fish, chicken, goat and cow meat) grown and consumed in six areas of Niger Delta, Nigeria (Choba, Khana, Trans Amadi, Eleme, Uyo and Yenagoa). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) models were used for identifying groups of variables (i.e., elements) based on the loadings and groups of samples (i.e., plants, soil, fish, meet, feed) according to the scores that contributed most to the environmental pollution in each Nigerian area. In Choba and Khana sites, the results showed a cluster of elements like As, Pb, V and Zn, mostly associated with samples of goat and cow meat, as well as soils, and separated from another cluster of metals composed by Cu and Hg with different origin. In Trans Amadi area, a clustering of As, Cd and V was found associated to different types of meat (chicken, goat, and cow) located in the opposite side of Cu and Hg, which correlated to plants and soil. In Eleme, the strongest loadings were obtained for V and Zn associated with soil and meat (goat and cow) samples and separated from As and Cd. Finally, in Uyo and Yenagoa, dominant elements were As, Cu, Pb and Zn, with proximity to cow and goat liver samples, while Cd and V corresponded to a different pollution pattern. Lead intake trough meat and fish consumption for adults and children were much higher than the tolerable limits set by international organizations. The results of this study should allow a better understanding of the complex phenomenon of metal pollution in the feed-to-food chain and human health in Nigeria, which should help to manage a pollution reduction strategy and give priorities of research and monitoring.
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Rovira J, González‐Barca E, M. Sancho J, Kelleher N, Rodríguez M, Fox L, Parody R, Martin S, Vicent A, Villarroel J, de la Fuente C, Ribera JM, Sureda A, Escoda L. R‐GDP SCHEDULE IN PATIENTS WITH REFRACTORY OR RELAPSED B‐CELL NON‐HODGKIN LYMPHOMA (B‐NHL). Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.42_2881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Gonzalez Barca EM, Sancho JM, Rovira J, Kelleher N, Kara M, Encuentra M, Domingo Domenech E, Oliveira AC, Ribera JM, Escoda L, Sureda A. DOUBLE‐HIT (DHL) AND TRIPLE‐HIT LYMPHOMAS (THL): REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE OF 46 CONSECUTIVE PATIENTS FROM A SINGLE INSTITUTION IN SPAIN. Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.60_2881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Villarreal JA, Rovira J, Franch M, Encuentra M, Blazevic D, Rodriguez M, Kelleger N, Martín S, Oliveira AC, Domingo Domenech E, Ribera JM, Sureda A, Sancho JM, Escoda L, González‐Barca E. INTRAVENOUS HIGH DOSE METHOTREXATE AS CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) PROPHYLAXIS IN PATIENTS WITH DIFFUSE LARGE B CELL LYMPHOMA (DLBCL) WITH HIGH RISK FOR CNS PROGRESSION. Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.46_2881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Muntañola A, Magnano L, Mercadal S, Huguet M, Bobillo S, Bastos‐Oreiro M, Jiménez‐Ubieto A, Rovira J, Rivero A, Alcoceba M, Mozas P, Luizaga L, Alonso‐Álvarez S, Rivas‐Delgado A, Giné E, Caballero D, Sancho JM, López‐Guillermo A. OUTCOME OF 133 PATIENTS WITH FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA (FL) PROGRESSING BEFORE 24 MONTHS (POD24) AFTER IMMUNOCHEMOTHERAPY: A GELTAMO STUDY. Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.27_2880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Domingo Domenech E, Sancho Cia JM, Gonzalez Barca E, Kelleher N, Rodriguez‐Luaces M, Rovira J, Verdesoto S, Encuentra M, Blazevic D, Oliveira A, Escoda L, Ribera JM, Sureda A. BRENTUXIMAB VEDOTIN PLUS CHP AS FIRST‐LINE TREATMENT IN CD30 + PERIPHERAL T‐CELL LYMPHOMAS: REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE FROM A SINGLE INSTITUTION IN SPAIN. Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.73_2881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Wang T, Rovira J, Sierra J, Blanco J, Chen SJ, Mai BX, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Characterization of airborne particles and cytotoxicity to a human lung cancer cell line in Guangzhou, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110953. [PMID: 33667474 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution by airborne particles is a serious health problem worldwide. The present study was aimed at investigating the concentrations and composition of total suspended particles (TSPs) and PM2.5 at various industrial/commercial sites of Guangzhou, a megacity of Southern China. Major and trace elements, ions and carbonaceous fraction were determined and main components were calculated. In addition, in order to assess the potential toxic on the respiratory system of these PM, cytotoxicity of size-fractionated particles (PM10-5.6, PM5.6-3.3, PM3.3-1.1, PM1.1-0.43) for a human lung cancer cell line (A549) was also investigated. Correlations between PM constituents and toxicity were assessed. Median levels of TSPs and PM2.5 in industrial/commercial sites were 206 and 57.7 μg/m3, respectively. Nickel, Cu, Mo, Mn, Pb, and Ti were the most abundant metals in TSPs and PM2.5. Industrial activities and coal combustion were the most important sources of carbonaceous particles in the zone. MTT assays showed that PM10-5.6 and PM1.1-0.43 had the highest and the lowest cytotoxicity to A549 cell lines, respectively. Inhalable particles around the manufacturing of metal facilities and formal waste treatment plants showed a high cytotoxicity to A549 cell lines. In general terms, no significant correlations were found between main components of PM and toxicity. However, W showed a significant correlation with cell viability.
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Martínez MÁ, González N, Martí A, Marquès M, Rovira J, Kumar V, Nadal M. Human biomonitoring of bisphenol A along pregnancy: An exposure reconstruction of the EXHES-Spain cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110941. [PMID: 33647302 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at reconstructing the exposure to bisphenol (BPA) of 60 pregnant women from the EXHES-Spain cohort. A biomonitoring study was conducted by determining BPA levels in urine samples over the three trimesters of pregnancy. Moreover, the correlations between BPA levels and the role of different potential exposure sources, with special emphasis on the dietary intake, were also studied. Urine samples were subjected to dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and the subsequent analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. BPA was detected in 76% of the urine samples. A significant decrease of urinary BPA levels was observed along pregnancy, as mean concentrations of creatinine-adjusted BPA were 4.64, 4.84 and 2.51 μg/g in the first, second and third trimester, respectively. This decrease was essentially associated with changes in the dietary habits of the pregnant women, including a lower intake of canned food and drinks. However, the potential role of other pregnancy-related biochemical or physiological factors should not be disregarded. Very interestingly, significant differences in urine BPA levels were found according to the fruit consumption pattern, as women who ate more citrus fruits showed lower BPA concentrations in urine. The reconstructed exposure to BPA was estimated in 0.072, 0.069 and 0.038 μg BPA/kg of body weight/day in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. These values are far below the temporary tolerable daily intake (t-TDI) established by the EFSA.
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Rovira J, Mari M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Environmental levels and human health risks of metals and PCDD/Fs near cement plants co-processing alternative fuels in Catalonia, NE Spain: a mini-review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2021; 56:379-385. [PMID: 33535884 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2021.1880836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper was aimed at reviewing recent studies related with the impact on environment and human health of metals and PCDD/Fs near cement plants. It has been particularly focused on the impact of cement plants located in Catalonia, Spain, which have been monitored by our research for more than ten years. Environmental monitoring studies were performed under different cement plant conditions. While some of our studies examined temporal trends of the levels of the above indicated pollutants, the main goal of other surveys was to assess the impact of implementing alternative fuels in the facilities. Even one of the studies was performed before and after the cement plant temporally ceased its industrial activity. The impact of cement plants burning alternative fuels on the emissions of metals and PCDD/Fs elsewhere was also reviewed. Regarding the cement plants in Catalonia, no significant differences were found, neither in the long-term follow-up studies, nor when alternative fuels are used, nor when a cement plant temporally stopped its activity. These results are in agreement with those reported for several stack emissions of other cement plants working under different conditions. We conclude that emissions of metals and PCDD/Fs by cement plants working with the best available techniques (BAT), should not cause a significant negative impact neither on the surrounding environment, nor on the human health of the population living in the neighborhood.
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Marquès M, Rovira J, Nadal M, Domingo JL. Effects of air pollution on the potential transmission and mortality of COVID-19: A preliminary case-study in Tarragona Province (Catalonia, Spain). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110315. [PMID: 33058813 PMCID: PMC7550102 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The number of studies published on COVID-19 in recent months is certainly impressive. However, there are still important gaps to know a great number of characteristics of this disease. Among these, some potential ways of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 and the different reasons for the severity of the disease in different people. Various studies have suggested that certain air pollutants could be increasing the transmission of the coronavirus, as well as the risks of COVID-19 incidence and mortality. In the present preliminary case-study conducted in Tarragona Province (Catalonia, Spain), we studied the potential association of COVID-19 with PM10, NO2 and O3, as well as the differences in the incidence and lethality of this disease. This Province is divided into two "health regions": Camp de Tarragona, with an important industrial complex, and Terres de l'Ebre, with a great agricultural component. In spite of the notable limitations of the current study, our preliminary findings indicate that the industrialized/urban areas of Tarragona Province show a higher incidence and mortality of COVID-19 than the agricultural/rural zones. These - and previous - results would highlight the importance of conducting specific investigations focused on directly assessing whether air pollutants such as particulate matter can act as carriers of the SARS-CoV-2. If confirmed, the recommendation on keeping the "social distance" (1.5-2 m) might need to be adapted to this situation.
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Domingo JL, Marquès M, Rovira J. Influence of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on COVID-19 pandemic. A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109861. [PMID: 32718835 PMCID: PMC7309850 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a number of epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to air pollution is associated with several adverse outcomes, such as acute lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and lung cancer among other serious diseases. Air pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and dioxide, particulate matter (PM), ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are commonly found at high levels in big cities and/or in the vicinity of different chemical industries. An association between air concentrations of these pollutants and human respiratory viruses interacting to adversely affect the respiratory system has been also reported. The present review was aimed at assessing the potential relationship between the concentrations of air pollutants on the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-19 in patients infected by this coronavirus. The results of most studies here reviewed suggest that chronic exposure to certain air pollutants leads to more severe and lethal forms of COVID-19 and delays/complicates the recovery of patients of this disease.
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Domingo JL, Rovira J. Effects of air pollutants on the transmission and severity of respiratory viral infections. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 187:109650. [PMID: 32416357 PMCID: PMC7211639 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the outdoor air pollutants that are major factors in diseases, causing especially adverse respiratory effects in humans. On the other hand, the role of respiratory viruses in the pathogenesis of severe respiratory infections is an issue of great importance. The present literature review was aimed at assessing the potential effects of air pollutants on the transmission and severity of respiratory viral infections. We have reviewed the scientific literature regarding the association of outdoor air pollution and respiratory viruses on respiratory diseases. Evidence supports a clear association between air concentrations of some pollutants and human respiratory viruses interacting to adversely affect the respiratory system. Given the undoubted importance and topicality of the subject, we have paid special attention to the association between air pollutants and the transmission and severity of the effects caused by the coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, which causes the COVID-19. Although to date, and by obvious reasons, the number of studies on this issue are still scarce, most results indicate that chronic exposure to air pollutants delays/complicates recovery of patients of COVID-19 and leads to more severe and lethal forms of this disease. This deserves immediate and in-depth experimental investigations.
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Martínez MA, Rovira J, Sharma RP, Schuhmacher M, Kumar V. Reconstruction of phthalate exposure and DINCH metabolites from biomonitoring data from the EXHES cohort of Tarragona, Spain: A case study on estimated vs reconstructed DEHP using the PBPK model. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109534. [PMID: 32361526 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors (EDs) and are associated with potential diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. In 2002, the plasticizer 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) was introduced as an alternative to phthalates in the European market. The objective of this study was to evaluate the total exposure to phthalate and DINCH metabolites from EXHES Tarragona, Spain cohort of pregnant women. On the one hand, the analytical determination of phthalate and DINCH metabolites in urine was carried out. On the other hand, the reconstructed exposure was calculated for phthalates and DINCH using their metabolites concentration measured in the urine. Thirteen different phthalate metabolites and two metabolites of DINCH were measured and detected in almost all pregnant women's urine samples (n = 60). There were significant correlations between metabolites of the same parent compounds, and also between DEHP and MBzP metabolites, DiNP and BBZP metabolites, and DEHP and DiNP metabolites respectively. The exposure of pregnant women to phthalate and DINCH parent compounds were also back calculated using the levels of each metabolite found in pregnant women urine (reconstructed exposure). Besides, to demonstrate the utility of this approach, the physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was used to predict the cumulative amount of MEHP (a principal metabolite of DEHP in urine). To proceed with that, DEHP reconstructed exposure and estimated exposure from the same cohort (previously studied by the same authors) were simulated using the PBPK model. Results showed that the reconstructed-PBPK simulation was closer to the 24 h biomonitoring data than the estimated PBPK-simulation., This clearly shows that the combination of reconstructed exposure with the PBPK model is a good tool to predict chemicals exposure. However, some discrepancies between simulated and biomonitored values were found. This can be associated with other sources that contribute to the total exposure and emphasises the need to consider multi-routes exposure for the widely distributed chemicals like phthalates and DINCH.
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Martínez M, Blanco J, Rovira J, Kumar V, Domingo J, Schuhmacher M. Bisphenol A analogues (BPS and BPF) present a greater obesogenic capacity in 3T3-L1 cell line. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 140:111298. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Herrero M, Rovira J, Marquès M, Nadal M, Domingo JL. Human exposure to trace elements and PCDD/Fs around a hazardous waste landfill in Catalonia (Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 710:136313. [PMID: 31923676 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hazardous waste landfills (HWLs) usually mean the end of non-reusable, non-recyclable and non-recoverable wastes derived from industrial activities. A number of hazardous compounds and toxic elements, such as PCDD/Fs, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb and As, is associated to these wastes. The HWL of Castellolí (Catalonia, Spain) treats a variety of hazardous wastes, which include bottom ashes from waste incinerators and asbestos potentially containing those toxicants. In 2007, our group began a surveillance program inside the HWL and in nearby villages focused on assessing the environmental levels of PCDD/Fs and toxic elements. Here we summarize the most updated results, corresponding to data from samples collected between 2015 and 2018. The levels of most trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb) in soils, as well as those of Cd and Pb in air, were significantly higher (p < 0.01) inside the HWL than outside. However, no relevant differences were noted in the concentrations of trace elements when comparing the results of villages near the HWL with those located farther. With respect to PCDD/Fs, a progressive decrease was observed between the first (2007) and most recent (2018) surveys. The human health risks associated with the exposure to trace elements and PCDD/Fs exposure were within acceptable ranges according to national and international legislations (HQ < 1 and Cancer risk < 10-5).
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Bocca B, Ruggieri F, Pino A, Rovira J, Calamandrei G, Mirabella F, Martínez MÁ, Domingo JL, Alimonti A, Schuhmacher M. Human biomonitoring to evaluate exposure to toxic and essential trace elements during pregnancy. Part B: Predictors of exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109108. [PMID: 32069754 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.109108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to toxic and essential trace elements represents a surrogate of exposure to the unborn child. Variables of exposure as sociodemographic, lifestyles and diet may contribute to different exposure of pregnant women to specific trace elements. Blood, urine and cord blood samples of 53 pregnant women of the HEALS-EXHES cohort, recruited in Reus (Catalonia, Spain) between 2016 and 2017, were analysed for the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn. Univariate and multivariate models were built in order to assess associations between element concentrations in each matrix, and variables obtained by questionnaires on mothers' characteristics and dietary habits. Results showed several significant associations between various variables and essential trace and toxic elements. Age was associated with higher levels of Cd and Pb in cord blood samples. Multiparous women showed lower levels of Cd in maternal blood and Pb in both maternal and cord blood than nulliparous women. Hispanic mothers presented higher levels of blood As and lower levels of blood Se compared to mothers of different ethnicity. Higher education level was associated with higher As and Hg concentrations in both maternal and cord blood samples. Higher annual income diminished the level of Pb in maternal blood. Smoking in pregnancy incremented the levels of Cd in mothers' blood. Alcohol consumption may affect the absorption of Cu, Mn and Zn. Supplementations with multivitamins, folic acid and iron showed effects on elements as Cr, Mn, Se and Zn. Regarding food group intake, bluefish incremented Pb levels, while canned fish and seafood affected levels of some elements as As, Hg, Cu and Se. Other elements such as Mn and Pb were influenced by the intake of different kinds of foods. The present results showed that some modifiable lifestyles and food intakes could be the target of interventions to help pregnant women to maintain suitable concentrations of essential elements and lower levels of toxic ones, and to improve consequently neonatal health outcomes.
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Bravo N, Peralta S, Grimalt JO, Martínez MÁ, Rovira J, Schuhmacher M. Organophosphate metabolite concentrations in maternal urine during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109003. [PMID: 31837550 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.109003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The burden of organophosphate (OP) pesticides in pregnant women from Tarragona (n = 157), a Mediterranean area of intense agricultural activity, has been assessed from the study of hydroxylated organic metabolites in urine samples in the three trimesters of pregnancy. 2-Diethylamino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-ol (DEAMPY), a metabolite of pirimiphos, was the compound found in higher concentration, medians 0.66-2.8 μg/g creatinine. 4-Nitrophenol (PNP), a metabolite of parathion, medians 0.24-0.41 μg/g creatinine, was the second most abundant compound. 2-Isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidol (IMPY), a metabolite of diazinon, was also present but in lower concentrations. Except for DEAMPY, the concentrations found in this cohort were lower than those reported in studies from other countries. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for the compounds found in more than the 35% of the samples, the reliability between trimesters was poor (<0.40) to fair (0.40-0.60). Statistically significant differences were observed for the creatinine adjusted concentrations of the most abundant OP metabolites in these trimesters when examined with the Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired data. In general, no association was found between urinary OP metabolites and most demographic and lifestyle predictors. However, a positive significant association was observed for women with vegetarian diet and for women of higher economic status and eventual consumption of organic food which showed higher PNP concentrations. These results suggest that higher fruit and vegetable consumption may involve higher OP pesticide ingestion but the overall association was weak.
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Junqué E, Garcia S, Martínez MÁ, Rovira J, Schuhmacher M, Grimalt JO. Changes of organochlorine compound concentrations in maternal serum during pregnancy and comparison to serum cord blood composition. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:108994. [PMID: 31838409 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of organochlorine compounds (OCs), including pentachlorobenzene, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-, β-, γ- and δ-HCH), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180), DDT and metabolites, were measured in maternal serum samples collected at the first trimester of pregnancy, at delivery and in umbilical cord from a cohort of mother-newborn pairs from Tarragona (Spain) (n = 50), representing general population of a Mediterranean area from Southern Europe. The observed concentrations were generally low in comparison with previous studies in other world areas. Higher OC concentrations were observed in the maternal serum collected at delivery than in the first trimester and the cord blood concentrations were lower than the maternal levels. These results show for the first time a small but statistically significant increase in maternal venous concentration of OCs between the first trimester and delivery when measured in ng/ml. HCB, β-HCH and the PCB congeners in cord blood were significantly correlated with the concentrations of these compounds in maternal venous blood and the coefficients were stronger for the samples collected at delivery which was consistent with OC transfer from mother to foetus. In the case of DDT compounds, only 4,4'-DDT showed maternal-cord blood correlation which documented the low metabolic capacity of newborns for OC transformation, e.g. DDT into DDE. Maternal age was the most significant driver of the observed maternal venous OC concentrations in both periods, older ages involving higher concentrations. Higher body mass index was only significantly correlated with higher 4,4'-DDE concentrations in maternal venous blood and cord blood. In some cases, social class and education level were significantly correlated with OC concentrations, e.g. 4,4'-DDE in maternal venous blood from the first trimester and cord blood and PCB153 in maternal venous blood at delivery. In these cases, highest concentrations were found in the women with highest education level and most affluent social class. Comparison of the maternal OC concentrations of this cohort with those observed in 2002 in population of the same geographic area and age range shows decreases between two and ten times over this fourteen-year period.
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Rovira J, Domingo JL, Schuhmacher M. Air quality, health impacts and burden of disease due to air pollution (PM 10, PM 2.5, NO 2 and O 3): Application of AirQ+ model to the Camp de Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 703:135538. [PMID: 31759725 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact to human health of air pollutants, through the integration of different technics: data statistics (spatial and temporal trends), population attributable fraction using AIRQ+ model developed by the WHO, and burden of disease using Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). The levels of SO2, NO, NO2, O3, H2S, benzene, PM10, PM2.5, CO, benzo(a)pyrene and metals, obtained between 2005 and 2017 from the air quality monitoring network across Camp de Tarragona County, were temporally and spatially determined. Health impacts were evaluated using the AIRQ+ model. Finally, the burden of disease was assessed through the calculation of Years of Lost life (YLL) and Years Lost due to Disability (YLD). In general terms, air quality was good according to European quality standards, but it did not fulfil the WHO guidelines, especially for O3, PM10 and PM2.5. Several decreasing (NO, NO2, SO2, PM10 and benzene) and an increasing (O3) temporal trend were found. Correlation between unemployment rate and air pollutant levels was found, pointing that the economic crisis (2008-2014) was a factor influencing the air pollutant levels. Reduction of air pollutant levels (PM2.5) to WHO guidelines in the Camp de Tarragona County would decrease the adult mortality between 23 and 297 cases per year, which means between 0.5 and 7% of all mortality in the area. In this County, for lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to levels of PM2.5 above the WHO threshold limits, DAYLs were 240 years. This means around 80 DALYs for 100,000 persons every year -between 2005 and 2017. Population attributable fraction (PAF) and burden of disease (DALYs) methodologies are suitable tools for regional and national policymakers, who must take decisions to prevent and to control air pollution and to analyse the cost-effectiveness of interventions.
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