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Schecter A, Lorber M, Guo Y, Wu Q, Yun SH, Kannan K, Hommel M, Imran N, Hynan LS, Cheng D, Colacino JA, Birnbaum LS. Phthalate concentrations and dietary exposure from food purchased in New York State. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:473-94. [PMID: 23461894 PMCID: PMC3620091 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1206367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates have been found in many personal care and industrial products, but have not previously been reported in food purchased in the United States. Phthalates are ubiquitous synthetic compounds and therefore difficult to measure in foods containing trace levels. Phthalates have been associated with endocrine disruption and developmental alteration. OBJECTIVES Our goals were to report concentrations of phthalates in U.S. food for the first time, specifically, nine phthalates in 72 individual food samples purchased in Albany, New York, and to compare these findings with other countries and estimate dietary phthalate intake. METHODS A convenience sample of commonly consumed foods was purchased from New York supermarkets. Methods were developed to analyze these foods using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Dietary intakes of phthalates were estimated as the product of the food consumption rate and concentration of phthalates in that food. RESULTS The range of detection frequency of individual phthalates varied from 6% for dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) to 74% for di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). DEHP concentrations were the highest of the phthalates measured in all foods except beef [where di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) was the highest phthalate found], with pork having the highest estimated mean concentration of any food group (mean 300 ng/g; maximum, 1,158 ng/g). Estimated mean adult intakes ranged from 0.004 μg/kg/day for dimethyl phthalate (DMP) to 0.673 μg/kg/day for DEHP. CONCLUSIONS Phthalates are widely present in U.S. foods. While estimated intakes for individual phthalates in this study were more than an order of magnitude lower than U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reference doses, cumulative exposure to phthalates is of concern and a more representative survey of U.S. foods is indicated.
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Schug TT, Johnson AF, Balshaw DM, Garantziotis S, Walker NJ, Weis C, Nadadur SS, Birnbaum LS. ONE Nano: NIEHS's strategic initiative on the health and safety effects of engineered nanomaterials. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:410-414. [PMID: 23407114 PMCID: PMC3620765 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1206091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The past decade has seen tremendous expansion in the production and application of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). The unique properties that make ENMs useful in the marketplace also make their interactions with biological systems difficult to anticipate and critically important to explore. Currently, little is known about the health effects of human exposure to these materials. OBJECTIVES As part of its role in supporting the National Nanotechnology Initiative, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has developed an integrated, strategic research program-"ONE Nano"-to increase our fundamental understanding of how ENMs interact with living systems, to develop predictive models for quantifying ENM exposure and assessing ENM health impacts, and to guide the design of second-generation ENMs to minimize adverse health effects. DISCUSSION The NIEHS's research investments in ENM health and safety include extramural grants and grantee consortia, intramural research activities, and toxicological studies being conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). These efforts have enhanced collaboration within the nanotechnology research community and produced toxicological profiles for selected ENMs, as well as improved methods and protocols for conducting in vitro and in vivo studies to assess ENM health effects. CONCLUSION By drawing upon the strengths of the NIEHS's intramural, extramural, and NTP programs and establishing productive partnerships with other institutes and agencies across the federal government, the NIEHS's strategic ONE Nano program is working toward new advances to improve our understanding of the health impacts of engineered nanomaterials and support the goals of the National Nanotechnology Initiative.
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Birnbaum LS, Thayer KA, Bucher JR, Wolfe MS. Implementing systematic review at the National Toxicology Program: status and next steps. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:A108-A109. [PMID: 23548834 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.130671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
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Birnbaum LS, Thayer KA, Bucher JR, Wolfe MS. Implementing systematic review at the National Toxicology Program: status and next steps. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:A108-9. [PMID: 23548834 PMCID: PMC3620750 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1306711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
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van den Berg M, Denison MS, Birnbaum LS, Devito MJ, Fiedler H, Falandysz J, Rose M, Schrenk D, Safe S, Tohyama C, Tritscher A, Tysklind M, Peterson RE. Polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls: inclusion in the toxicity equivalency factor concept for dioxin-like compounds. Toxicol Sci 2013; 133:197-208. [PMID: 23492812 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kft070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2011, a joint World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) expert consultation took place, during which the possible inclusion of brominated analogues of the dioxin-like compounds in the WHO Toxicity Equivalency Factor (TEF) scheme was evaluated. The expert panel concluded that polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PBDDs), dibenzofurans (PBDFs), and some dioxin-like biphenyls (dl-PBBs) may contribute significantly in daily human background exposure to the total dioxin toxic equivalencies (TEQs). These compounds are also commonly found in the aquatic environment. Available data for fish toxicity were evaluated for possible inclusion in the WHO-UNEP TEF scheme (van den Berg et al., 1998). Because of the limited database, it was decided not to derive specific WHO-UNEP TEFs for fish, but for ecotoxicological risk assessment, the use of specific relative effect potencies (REPs) from fish embryo assays is recommended. Based on the limited mammalian REP database for these brominated compounds, it was concluded that sufficient differentiation from the present TEF values of the chlorinated analogues (van den Berg et al., 2006) was not possible. However, the REPs for PBDDs, PBDFs, and non-ortho dl-PBBs in mammals closely follow those of the chlorinated analogues, at least within one order of magnitude. Therefore, the use of similar interim TEF values for brominated and chlorinated congeners for human risk assessment is recommended, pending more detailed information in the future.
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La Merrill M, Emond C, Kim MJ, Antignac JP, Le Bizec B, Clément K, Birnbaum LS, Barouki R. Toxicological function of adipose tissue: focus on persistent organic pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:162-9. [PMID: 23221922 PMCID: PMC3569688 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adipose tissue (AT) is involved in several physiological functions, including metabolic regulation, energy storage, and endocrine functions. OBJECTIVES In this review we examined the evidence that an additional function of AT is to modulate persistent organic pollutant (POP) toxicity through several mechanisms. METHODS We reviewed the literature on the interaction of AT with POPs to provide a comprehensive model for this additional function of AT. DISCUSSION As a storage compartment for lipophilic POPs, AT plays a critical role in the toxicokinetics of a variety of drugs and pollutants, in particular, POPs. By sequestering POPs, AT can protect other organs and tissues from POPs overload. However, this protective function could prove to be a threat in the long run. The accumulation of lipophilic POPs will increase total body burden. These accumulated POPs are slowly released into the bloodstream, and more so during weight loss. Thus, AT constitutes a continual source of internal exposure to POPs. In addition to its buffering function, AT is also a target of POPs and may mediate part of their metabolic effects. This is particularly relevant because many POPs induce obesogenic effects that may lead to quantitative and qualitative alterations of AT. Some POPs also induce a proinflammatory state in AT, which may lead to detrimental metabolic effects. CONCLUSION AT appears to play diverse functions both as a modulator and as a target of POPs toxicity.
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Balbus JM, Barouki R, Birnbaum LS, Etzel RA, Gluckman PD, Grandjean P, Hancock C, Hanson MA, Heindel JJ, Hoffman K, Jensen GK, Keeling A, Neira M, Rabadán-Diehl C, Ralston J, Tang KC. Early-life prevention of non-communicable diseases. Lancet 2013; 381:3-4. [PMID: 23290956 PMCID: PMC3849695 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(12)61609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Balbus JM, Barouki R, Birnbaum LS, Etzel RA, Gluckman PD, Grandjean P, Hancock C, Hanson MA, Heindel JJ, Hoffman K, Jensen GK, Keeling A, Neira M, Rabadán-Diehl C, Ralston J, Tang KC. Early-life prevention of non-communicable diseases. Lancet 2013. [PMID: 23290956 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
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Humblet O, Korrick SA, Williams PL, Sergeyev O, Emond C, Birnbaum LS, Burns JS, Altshul LM, Patterson DG, Turner WE, Lee MM, Revich B, Hauser R. Genetic modification of the association between peripubertal dioxin exposure and pubertal onset in a cohort of Russian boys. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:111-117. [PMID: 23060366 PMCID: PMC3546349 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to dioxins has been associated with delayed pubertal onset in both epidemiologic and animal studies. Whether genetic polymorphisms may modify this association is currently unknown. Identifying such genes could provide insight into mechanistic pathways. This is one of the first studies to assess genetic susceptibility to dioxins. OBJECTIVES We evaluated whether common polymorphisms in genes affecting either molecular responses to dioxin exposure or pubertal onset influence the association between peripubertal serum dioxin concentration and male pubertal onset. METHODS In this prospective cohort of Russian adolescent boys (n = 392), we assessed gene-environment interactions for 337 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 46 candidate genes and two intergenic regions. Dioxins were measured in the boys' serum at age 8-9 years. Pubertal onset was based on testicular volume and on genitalia staging. Statistical approaches for controlling for multiple testing were used, both with and without prescreening for marginal genetic associations. RESULTS After accounting for multiple testing, two tag SNPs in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR/NR3C1) gene and one in the estrogen receptor-α (ESR1) gene were significant (q < 0.2) modifiers of the association between peripubertal serum dioxin concentration and male pubertal onset defined by genitalia staging, although not by testicular volume. The results were sensitive to whether multiple comparison adjustment was applied to all gene-environment tests or only to those with marginal genetic associations. CONCLUSIONS Common genetic polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor and estrogen receptor-α genes may modify the association between peripubertal serum dioxin concentration and pubertal onset. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
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Birnbaum LS. Designing safer chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013. [PMID: 23287533 PMCID: PMC3553447 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1206349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
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Birnbaum LS. Designing safer chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:A9. [PMID: 23287533 PMCID: PMC3553447 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.121-a13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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Carlin DJ, Rider CV, Woychik R, Birnbaum LS. Unraveling the health effects of environmental mixtures: an NIEHS priority. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:A6-8. [PMID: 23409283 PMCID: PMC3553446 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1206182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
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Hakk H, Szabo DT, Huwe J, Diliberto J, Birnbaum LS. Novel and distinct metabolites identified following a single oral dose of α- or γ-hexabromocyclododecane in mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:13494-503. [PMID: 23171393 PMCID: PMC3608416 DOI: 10.1021/es303209g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The metabolism of α- and γ-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was investigated in adult C57BL/6 female mice. α- or γ-[(14)C]HBCD (3 mg/kg bw) was orally administered with subsequent urine and feces collection for 4 consecutive days; a separate group of mice was dosed and sacrificed 3 h postexposure to investigate tissue metabolite levels. Extractable and nonextractable HBCD metabolites were quantitated in liver, blood, fat, brain, bile, urine, and feces and characterized by LC/MS (ESI-). Metabolites identified were distinct between the two stereoisomers. In mice exposed to α-HBCD, four hydroxylated metabolites were detected in fecal extracts, and one of these metabolite isomers was consistently characterized in liver, brain, and adipose tissue extracts. In contrast, fecal extracts from mice exposed to γ-HBCD contained multiple isomers of monohydroxy-pentabromocyclododecene, dihydroxy-pentabromocyclododecene, and dihydroxy-pentabromocyclododecadiene, while in liver and adipose tissues extracts only a single monohydroxy-pentabromocyclododecane metabolite was observed. Both stereoisomers were transformed to metabolites which formed covalent bonds to proteins and/or lipids in the gut as suggested by high fecal nonextractables. The presence of tissue- and excreta-specific metabolic products after in vivo exposure to the two main HBCD stereoisomers supports previous toxicokinetic studies indicating that these two stereoisomers are biologically distinct. The distinct metabolic products identified in this study have the potential to aid in the identification of stereoisomer-specific HBCD exposures in future biomonitoring studies.
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Birnbaum LS, Bucher JR, Collman GW, Zeldin DC, Johnson AF, Schug TT, Heindel JJ. Consortium-based science: the NIEHS's multipronged, collaborative approach to assessing the health effects of bisphenol A. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1640-4. [PMID: 23052487 PMCID: PMC3548284 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic and is found in many consumer products. Some studies using animal models have suggested that BPA exposures may have adverse health effects. However, research gaps have precluded a full understanding of the effects of BPA in humans and engendered controversies surrounding the chemical's potential toxicity. OBJECTIVES The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and National Toxicology Program (NTP) have developed an integrated, multipronged, consortium-based approach to optimize BPA-focused research investments to more effectively address data gaps and inform decision making. DISCUSSION NIEHS/NTP BPA research investments made over the past 4 years include extramural research grants, establishment of a BPA Grantee Consortium, intramural research activities on BPA's mechanisms of action, the launch of two clinical studies and an occupational study, development of a round-robin experiment to validate BPA measurements in human serum, and, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), formation of a consortium to design and execute a chronic toxicity study of BPA in rats. The NIEHS's new consortium-based approach has led to more integrated, collaborative efforts and should improve our ability to resolve controversies over the potential human health effects of exposures to low levels of endocrine-active agents.
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Cote I, Anastas PT, Birnbaum LS, Clark RM, Dix DJ, Edwards SW, Preuss PW. Advancing the next generation of health risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1499-502. [PMID: 22875311 PMCID: PMC3556615 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past 20 years, knowledge of the genome and its function has increased dramatically, but risk assessment methodologies using such knowledge have not advanced accordingly. OBJECTIVE This commentary describes a collaborative effort among several federal and state agencies to advance the next generation of risk assessment. The objective of the NexGen program is to begin to incorporate recent progress in molecular and systems biology into risk assessment practice. The ultimate success of this program will be based on the incorporation of new practices that facilitate faster, cheaper, and/or more accurate assessments of public health risks. METHODS We are developing prototype risk assessments that compare the results of traditional, data-rich risk assessments with insights gained from new types of molecular and systems biology data. In this manner, new approaches can be validated, traditional approaches improved, and the value of different types of new scientific information better understood. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We anticipate that these new approaches will have a variety of applications, such as assessment of new and existing chemicals in commerce and the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Additionally, results of the effort are likely to spur further research and test methods development. Full implementation of new approaches is likely to take 10-20 years.
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Reid BC, Ghazarian AA, DeMarini DM, Sapkota A, Jack D, Lan Q, Winn DM, Birnbaum LS. Research opportunities for cancer associated with indoor air pollution from solid-fuel combustion. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1495-8. [PMID: 22846419 PMCID: PMC3556624 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1204962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor air pollution (IAP) derived largely from the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating affects about 3 billion people worldwide, resulting in substantial adverse health outcomes, including cancer. Women and children from developing countries are the most exposed populations. A workshop was held in Arlington, Virginia, 9-11 May 2011, to better understand women's and children's potential health effects from IAP in developing countries. Workshop participants included international scientists, manufacturers, policy and regulatory officials, community leaders, and advocates who held extensive discussions to help identify future research needs. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to identify research opportunities regarding IAP and cancer, including research questions that could be incorporated into studies of interventions to reduce IAP exposure. In this commentary, we describe the state of the science in understanding IAP and its associations with cancer and suggest research opportunities for improving our understanding of the issues. DISCUSSION Opportunities for research on IAP and cancer include studies of the effect of IAP on cancers other than lung cancer; studies of genetic factors that modify susceptibility; studies to determine whether the effects of IAP are mediated via germline, somatic, and/or epigenetic changes; and studies of the effects of IAP exposure via dermal and/or oral routes. CONCLUSIONS IAP from indoor coal use increases the risk of lung cancer. Installing chimneys can reduce risk, and some genotypes, including GSTM1-null, can increase risk. Additional research is needed regarding the effects of IAP on other cancers and the effects of different types of solid fuels, oral and dermal routes of IAP exposure, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, and genetic susceptibility.
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Satoh M, Chan EKL, Ho LA, Rose KM, Parks CG, Cohn RD, Jusko TA, Walker NJ, Germolec DR, Whitt IZ, Crockett PW, Pauley BA, Chan JYF, Ross SJ, Birnbaum LS, Zeldin DC, Miller FW. Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of antinuclear antibodies in the United States. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 64:2319-27. [PMID: 22237992 DOI: 10.1002/art.34380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence, types, and sociodemographic and biobehavioral correlates of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in the US. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 4,754 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. ANAs were assessed by indirect immunofluorescence. In ANA-positive individuals, cellular staining patterns were determined, and specific autoantibody reactivities were assessed by immunoprecipitation. RESULTS The ANA prevalence in the US population of individuals ages 12 years and older was 13.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 12.2-15.5%). ANA prevalence increased with age (P=0.01), and ANAs were more prevalent among females than males (17.8% versus 9.6%; P<0.001), with the female-to-male ratio peaking at 40-49 years of age. ANA prevalence was modestly higher in African Americans compared with whites (age-adjusted prevalence odds ratio [POR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.00-1.70). Remarkably, ANAs were less common in overweight and obese individuals (age-adjusted POR 0.74) than in persons of normal weight. No significant associations of ANA with education, family income, alcohol use, smoking history, serum levels of cotinine, or C-reactive protein were observed. In ANA-positive individuals, nuclear patterns were seen in 84.6%, cytoplasmic patterns were seen in 21.8%, and nucleolar patterns were seen in 6.1%; the most common specific autoantibodies were anti-Ro (3.9%) and anti-Su (2.4%). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that more than 32 million persons in the US have ANAs, and that the prevalence is higher among females, older individuals, African Americans, and those with a normal body weight. These data will serve as a useful baseline for future investigations of predictors and changes in ANA prevalence over time.
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Schecter A, Szabo DT, Miller J, Gent TL, Malik-Bass N, Petersen M, Paepke O, Colacino JA, Hynan LS, Harris TR, Malla S, Birnbaum LS. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) stereoisomers in U.S. food from Dallas, Texas. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:1260-4. [PMID: 22647707 PMCID: PMC3440131 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1204993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a brominated flame retardant used in polystyrene foams in thermal insulation and electrical equipment. The HBCD commercial mixture consists mainly of α, β, and γ stereoisomers. Health concerns of HBCD exposure include alterations in immune and reproductive systems, neurotoxic effects, and endocrine disruption. Stereoisomer-specific levels of HBCD have not been measured previously in U.S. food. OBJECTIVES We measured HBCD stereoisomer levels in U.S. foods from Dallas, Texas, supermarkets. METHODS Convenience samples of commonly consumed foods were purchased from supermarkets in Dallas in 2009-2010. Food samples included a wide variety of lipid-rich foods: fish, peanut butter, poultry, pork, and beef. Thirty-six individual food samples were collected in 2010 and analyzed for α-, β-, and γ-HBCD stereoisomers using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Ten pooled food samples previously collected in 2009 for a study of total HBCD levels using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), were reanalyzed for α-, β-, and γ-HBCD stereoisomers using LC-MS/MS. RESULTS Of the 36 measured individual foods, 15 (42%) had detectable levels of HBCD. Median (ranges) of α- and γ-HBCD concentrations were 0.003 (< 0.005-1.307) and 0.005 (< 0.010-0.143) ng/g wet weight (ww), respectively; β-HBCD was present in three samples with a median (range) of 0.003 (< 0.005-0.019) ng/g ww. Median levels (range) for α-, β-, and γ-HBCD, in pooled samples were 0.077 (0.010-0.310), 0.008 (< 0.002-0.070), and 0.024 (0.012-0.170) ng/g ww, respectively. CONCLUSIONS α-HBCD was detected most frequently and at highest concentrations, followed by γ-, and then β-HBCD, in food samples from Dallas, Texas. Food may be a substantial contributor to the elevated α-HBCD levels observed in humans. These data suggest that larger and more representative sampling should be conducted.
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Drew CH, Pettibone KG, O'Fallon LR, Collman GW, Birnbaum LS. Measuring partnership activities: partnerships in environmental public health evaluation metrics manual. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:a261-2. [PMID: 22759358 PMCID: PMC3404686 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
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Landrigan PJ, Lambertini L, Birnbaum LS. A research strategy to discover the environmental causes of autism and neurodevelopmental disabilities. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:a258-60. [PMID: 22543002 PMCID: PMC3404655 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1104285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
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Birnbaum LS. Is supersize more than just too much food? ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:A223-A224. [PMID: 22659294 PMCID: PMC3385460 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
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Birnbaum LS. Environmental chemicals: evaluating low-dose effects. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2012; 120:A143-4. [PMID: 22470049 PMCID: PMC3339483 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
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Birnbaum LS, Jung P. From endocrine disruptors to nanomaterials: advancing our understanding of environmental health to protect public health. Health Aff (Millwood) 2011; 30:814-22. [PMID: 21555467 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2010.1225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Environmental health science is the study of the impact of the environment on human health. This paper introduces basic topics in environmental health, including clean air, clean water, and healthful food, as well as a range of current issues and controversies in environmental health. Conceptual shifts in modern toxicology have changed the field. There is a new understanding of the effects of exposure to chemicals at low doses, and in combination, and the impact on human growth and development. Other emerging topics include the role of epigenetics, or changes in genes and gene expression that can be brought about by chemical exposure; environmental justice; and potential effects of engineered nanomaterials and climate change. We review the important implications for public health policy and recommend a broad environmental health research strategy aimed at protecting and improving human health.
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