251
|
Lam J, Lanphear BP, Bellinger D, Axelrad DA, McPartland J, Sutton P, Davidson L, Daniels N, Sen S, Woodruff TJ. Developmental PBDE Exposure and IQ/ADHD in Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:086001. [PMID: 28799918 PMCID: PMC5783655 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, one in six children are affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in flame-retardant chemicals are measured ubiquitously in children. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic a systematic review regarding developmental exposure to PBDEs and intelligence or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and attention-related behavioral conditions in humans. METHODS We searched articles published up to 26 September 2016, and included original studies that quantified exposures to PBDEs incurred any time in proximity to conception or during in utero, perinatal, or childhood time periods. We evaluated the risk of bias of individual studies and the overall quality and strength of the evidence according to the Navigation Guide systematic review methodology. We established criteria in advance to identify studies that could be combined using random effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian-Laird method). RESULTS Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria; 10 studies met the criteria for intelligence and nine for attention-related problems. We rated studies generally with "low" to "probably low" risk of bias and rated the overall body of evidence as "moderate" quality with "sufficient" evidence for an association between Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and PBDEs. Our meta-analysis of four studies estimated a 10-fold increase (in other words, times 10) in PBDE exposure associated with a decrement of 3.70 IQ points (95% confidence interval: 0.83, 6.56). We concluded the body of evidence was of "moderate" quality for ADHD with "limited" evidence for an association with PBDEs, based on the heterogeneity of association estimates reported by a small number of studies and the fact that chance, bias, and confounding could not be ruled out with reasonable confidence. CONCLUSION We concluded there was sufficient evidence supporting an association between developmental PBDE exposure and reduced IQ. Preventing developmental exposure to PBDEs could help prevent loss of human intelligence. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1632.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juleen Lam
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - David Bellinger
- Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel A Axelrad
- Office of Policy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Patrice Sutton
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lisette Davidson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente , Oakland, California, USA
| | - Natalyn Daniels
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Saunak Sen
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
252
|
Baumann Z, Mason RP, Conover DO, Balcom P, Chen CY, Buckman KL, Fisher NS, Baumann H. Mercury bioaccumulation increases with latitude in a coastal marine fish (Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia). CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES. JOURNAL CANADIEN DES SCIENCES HALIEUTIQUES ET AQUATIQUES 2017; 74:1009-1015. [PMID: 28701819 PMCID: PMC5502350 DOI: 10.1139/cjfas-2016-0396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to the neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) occurs primarily via the consumption of marine fish, but the processes underlying large-scale spatial variations in fish MeHg concentrations [MeHg], which influence human exposure, are not sufficiently understood. We used the Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia), an extensively studied model species and important forage fish, to examine latitudinal patterns in total Hg [Hg] and [MeHg]. Both [Hg] and [MeHg] significantly increased with latitude (0.014 and 0.048 μg MeHg g-1 dw per degree of latitude in juveniles and adults, respectively). Four known latitudinal trends in silverside traits help explain these patterns: latitudinal increase in MeHg assimilation efficiency, latitudinal decrease in MeHg efflux, latitudinal increase in weight loss due to longer and more severe winters, and latitudinal increase in food consumption as an adaptation to decreasing length of the growing season. Given the absence of a latitudinal pattern in particulate MeHg, a diet proxy for zooplanktivorous fish, we conclude that large-scale spatial variation in growth is the primary control of Hg bioaccumulation in this and potentially other fish species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Baumann
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut,
1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton CT, 06340
- Corresponding author; phone: 860-405-9281;
| | - Robert P. Mason
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut,
1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton CT, 06340
| | - David O. Conover
- University of Oregon, 1266 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
97403
| | - Prentiss Balcom
- Harvard Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences,
58 Oxford Street, Cambridge MA 02138
| | - Celia Y. Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College,
Hanover NH, 03755
| | - Kate L. Buckman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth College,
Hanover NH, 03755
| | - Nicholas S. Fisher
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook
University, Dana Hall, Stony Brook NY 11794-5000
| | - Hannes Baumann
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut,
1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton CT, 06340
| |
Collapse
|
253
|
Braun JM, Muckle G, Arbuckle T, Bouchard MF, Fraser WD, Ouellet E, Séguin JR, Oulhote Y, Webster GM, Lanphear BP. Associations of Prenatal Urinary Bisphenol A Concentrations with Child Behaviors and Cognitive Abilities. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:067008. [PMID: 28657891 PMCID: PMC5743534 DOI: 10.1289/ehp984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been associated with adverse neurodevelopment in epidemiological studies. However, prior studies had limited statistical power to examine sex-specific effects, and few examined child cognition. OBJECTIVES We estimated the association between prenatal BPA exposure and child neurobehavior at 3 y of age in a prospective cohort of 812 mothers and their children. METHODS We measured BPA concentration in urine samples collected at ∼12 wk gestation among women enrolled in a 10-city Canadian cohort study. At approximately 3 y of age, we assessed children’s cognitive abilities with the Wechsler Primary and Preschool Scale of IntelligenceTM–III (WPPSI-III) and two scales of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Preschool (BRIEF-P). Parents reported children’s behavior using the Behavior Assessment System for Children–2 (BASC-2) and the Social Responsiveness ScaleTM–2 (SRS-2). We estimated covariate-adjusted differences in neurobehavioral outcomes with a doubling in BPA concentration and sex-specific associations. RESULTS BPA was not associated with WPPSI-III scores; child sex did not modify these associations. The association between BPA and BRIEF-P scores was modified by child sex (BPA×sex p-values≤0.03). For example, a doubling of BPA concentration was associated with 1-point (95% CI: 0.3, 1.7) poorer working memory in boys and 0.5-point (95% CI: −1.1, 0.1) better scores in girls. BPA was not associated with most BASC-2 scales; however, it was associated with more internalizing and somatizing behaviors in boys, but not in girls (BPA×sex p&-values≤0.08). A doubling of BPA concentration was associated with poorer SRS-2 scores [β=0.3 ( 95% CI: 0, 0.7)]; this association was not modified by sex. CONCLUSION Prenatal urinary BPA concentration was associated with some aspects of child behavior in this cohort, and some associations were stronger among boys. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP984.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M. Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Ville de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Tye Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryse F. Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Mother and Child University Hospital Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - William D. Fraser
- Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Mother and Child University Hospital Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHUS (CHU de Sherbrooke), University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Ouellet
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Ville de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean R. Séguin
- Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine Research Center, Mother and Child University Hospital Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Youssef Oulhote
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Ville de Québec, Québec, Canada
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Glenys M. Webster
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bruce P. Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
254
|
Wang G, Gong Y, Zhu YX, Miao AJ, Yang LY, Zhong H. Assessing the Risk of Hg Exposure Associated with Rice Consumption in a Typical City (Suzhou) in Eastern China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14050525. [PMID: 28498359 PMCID: PMC5451976 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14050525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that not only fish but also rice consumption may significantly contribute to human exposure to mercury (Hg) in Asian countries. It is therefore essential to assess dietary exposure to Hg in rice and its associated health risk. However, risk assessments of Hg in rice in non-contaminated areas are generally lacking in Asian countries. In the present study, Hg concentrations were measured in rice samples collected from markets and supermarkets in Suzhou, a typical city in Eastern China. In addition, the rice ingestion rates (IR) were assessed via a questionnaire-based survey of Suzhou residents. The data were then used to assess the risk of Hg exposure associated with rice consumption, by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ). Hg contents in rice samples were well below the national standard (20 μg/kg), ranging from 1.46 to 8.48 ng/g. They were also significantly (p > 0.05) independent of the area of production and place of purchase (markets vs. supermarkets in the different districts). Our results indicate a low risk of Hg exposure from rice in Suzhou (HQ: 0.005–0.05), despite the generally high personal IR (0.05–0.4 kg/day). The risk of Hg associated with rice consumption for Suzhou residents was not significantly affected by the age or sex of the consumer (p > 0.05). Overall, our results provide a study of human exposure to Hg in rice in Chinese cities not known to be contaminated with Hg. Future studies should examine Hg exposure in different areas in China and in potentially vulnerable major food types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yu Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yi-Xin Zhu
- CQC Intime Testing Technology Co. Ltd., Suzhou 210023, China.
| | - Ai-Jun Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Liu-Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Huan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
255
|
Gustin K, Tofail F, Mehrin F, Levi M, Vahter M, Kippler M. Methylmercury exposure and cognitive abilities and behavior at 10years of age. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 102:97-105. [PMID: 28216013 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylmercury (MeHg) is a known developmental neurotoxicant present in fish, yet the impact of childhood exposure is uncertain, especially in children with poor nutrition. OBJECTIVES To evaluate associations of MeHg exposure with cognitive abilities and behavior in children from a poor rural area in Bangladesh. METHODS The MeHg exposure was assessed in 1434 ten-year-old children by measuring mercury concentrations in hair (hair-Hg), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cognitive abilities were assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (4th edition), and behavior by the parent-report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS Children's median hair-Hg was 674μg/kg (range 70-17,561μg/kg). Concentrations did not differ by distance from scalp, indicating a similar exposure over time. No multivariable-adjusted associations were observed between the children's hair-Hg and their cognitive abilities. However, children in the highest tertile of hair-Hg had a lower prevalence of hyperactivity (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.45-0.83) and peer relationship problems (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44-0.76), compared to children in the lowest tertile. The corresponding ORs were slightly stronger in children from families with lower socioeconomic status (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.34-0.90 and OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30-0.74) than in children from families with higher socioeconomic status (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.49-1.08 and OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.51-1.02). Similar stronger ORs were observed in underweight children. CONCLUSION MeHg exposure was not associated with cognitive function, but inversely associated with certain adverse behavior. More studies are needed concerning the risk-benefit of different fish consumption in rural Bangladesh.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fahmida Tofail
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fardina Mehrin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Michael Levi
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
256
|
Project TENDR. Am J Nurs 2017; 117:61-64. [PMID: 28448366 DOI: 10.1097/01.naj.0000516275.74228.b6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
: Chemicals are ubiquitous in the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the products we use at work and in our personal lives. Toxic chemicals increase the risk of cognitive, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders throughout the life span. The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 was intended to allow for the collection of data on and regulation of these chemicals but has been criticized for its significant limitations in protecting the public's health. In recognition of the scientific evidence demonstrating the connection between toxic environmental chemicals and neurodevelopmental disorders, Project TENDR (Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental Risks)-a collaborative initiative of scientists, health professionals, and children's health advocates-produced a call to action last July with the aim of reducing exposure to chemicals and pollutants that contribute to the development of these disorders.
Collapse
|
257
|
Choi J, Chang JY, Hong J, Shin S, Park JS, Oh S. Low-Level Toxic Metal Exposure in Healthy Weaning-Age Infants: Association with Growth, Dietary Intake, and Iron Deficiency. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E388. [PMID: 28383506 PMCID: PMC5409589 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14040388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Even low levels of toxic metal exposure (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in infancy might be harmful to children's development. This study investigated toxic metal exposure on healthy weaning-age infants and its relationship with growth, diet, and iron/anemia status. The weight, height, head circumference, whole blood levels of four toxic metals, hemoglobin, and serum ferritin of healthy infants was measured. Among 210 infants with a median age of 11.4 months (interquartile range: 10.5-12.0), the median levels of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were 1.2 μg/L, 0.05 μg/L, 0.8 μg/L, and 0.83 μg/dL, respectively. In adjusted linear regression models, post-birth weight gain (Pb) and current head circumference (As, Pb) were negatively associated with toxic metal levels. In multiple linear regression or logistic regression analysis, the duration of breastfeeding (all four metals), perceived adequacy of rice-based food intake (As), regular fish intake (As, Hg), and iron deficiency with/without anemia (Cd, Pb) were associated with increased toxic metal levels. Although levels of toxic metals may not usually be high in this population, individual exposure risk may need to be assessed after considering the type of feeding or intake of complementary foods and the iron/anemia status while evaluating growth status during late infancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jungil Choi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Ju Young Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea.
| | - Jeana Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24289, Korea.
| | - Sue Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea.
| | - Jeong Su Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Sohee Oh
- Department of Medical Statistics, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
258
|
Kirk LE, Jørgensen JS, Nielsen F, Grandjean P. Public health benefits of hair-mercury analysis and dietary advice in lowering methylmercury exposure in pregnant women. Scand J Public Health 2017; 45:444-451. [PMID: 28381203 DOI: 10.1177/1403494816689310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate whether a public health intervention using focused dietary advice combined with a hair-mercury analysis can lower neurotoxic methylmercury exposure among pregnant women without decreasing their overall intake of seafood. METHODS A total of 146 pregnant women were consecutively recruited from the antenatal clinic at a Danish university hospital at their initial ultrasound scan. Dietary advice was provided on avoiding methylmercury exposure from large predatory fish and a hair sample from each participant was analysed for mercury, with the results being communicated shortly thereafter to the women. A dietary questionnaire was filled in. Follow-up three months later included a dietary questionnaire and a repeat hair-mercury analysis. RESULTS In the follow-up group, 22% of the women had hair-mercury concentrations above a safe limit of 0.58 µg/g at enrolment, decreasing to 8% three months later. Average hair-mercury concentrations decreased by 21%. However, the total seafood intake remained at the same level after three months. CONCLUSIONS Increased exposure to methylmercury among pregnant women is an important public health concern in Denmark. The observed lowering of hair-mercury concentrations associated with dietary advice corresponds to a substantial public health benefit that probably makes such an intervention highly profitable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Line E Kirk
- 1 Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.,2 Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Jan S Jørgensen
- 3 Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- 1 Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- 1 Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark.,4 Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, USA
| |
Collapse
|
259
|
Bridges K, Venables B, Roberts A. Effects of dietary methylmercury on the dopaminergic system of adult fathead minnows and their offspring. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:1077-1084. [PMID: 27677528 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and potent neurotoxin, which may be transformed by bacteria in aquatic ecosystems to methylmercury (MeHg), an organic form which bioaccumulates and biomagnifies. Consequently, long-lived organisms at the top of the food web are at risk of dietary MeHg exposure, which can be actively transferred from mother to offspring. Exposure during neurodevelopment can lead to serious, irreversible neurological dysfunction, associated with a variety of cognitive and motor abnormalities. At low dietary concentrations, MeHg exposure has been associated with deficits in attention and hyperactivity in multiple species. Pathways associated with cognitive function and motor activity are primarily associated with the dopaminergic system. The present study used a model fish species, Pimephales promelas, to examine the effects of MeHg exposure on dopamine concentrations and monoamine oxidase activity in embryos and adult brains. Adult fatheads were exposed for 30 d to either a control or a treated diet (0.72 ppm Hg). Embryonic and larval exposures were a result of maternal transfer of dietary MeHg. The authors confirmed hyperactive behaviors in embryos and detected significant changes in embryonic dopamine concentrations. Similar effects on dopamine concentrations were seen in the telencephalon of adult brains. Exposure to MeHg also corresponded with a significant decrease in monoamine oxidase activity in both embryos and brain tissue. Collectively, these results suggest that current exposure scenarios in North America are sufficient to induce alterations to this highly conserved neurochemical pathway in offspring, which may have adverse effects on fish behavior and cognition. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1077-1084. © 2016 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Bridges
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Barney Venables
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Aaron Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
260
|
Oulhote Y, Debes F, Vestergaard S, Weihe P, Grandjean P. Aerobic Fitness and Neurocognitive Function Scores in Young Faroese Adults and Potential Modification by Prenatal Methylmercury Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:677-683. [PMID: 27611346 PMCID: PMC5381980 DOI: 10.1289/ehp274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to methylmercury was shown to decrease neural stem cell populations, whereas aerobic fitness has beneficial effects on the adult brain that relies on improved neurogenesis in the hippocampus. OBJECTIVES We examined the association between aerobic fitness and neurocognitive outcomes at young adult age, along with the potential moderating effect of prenatal exposure to methylmercury. METHODS At age 22 years, 262 members of a Faroese birth cohort, established in 1986-1987, underwent a graded exercise test of aerobic fitness to measure maximal oxygen uptake (VO2Max). Their prenatal methylmercury exposure had been assessed from the mercury concentration in cord blood. We estimated cross-sectional associations between VO2Max and multiple measures of neurocognitive function. In addition, we compared groups with low and high prenatal methylmercury exposure. RESULTS A 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in VO2Max was associated with better scores on short-term memory and cognitive processing speed by 0.21 SD (95% CI: -0.04, 0.46) and 0.28 SD (95% CI: 0.02, 0.54), respectively. In the group with lower prenatal methylmercury exposure, a 1 SD increase in VO2Max was associated with increased scores on cognitive processing speed by 0.45 SD (95% CI: 0.08, 0.81) and with a slightly lesser benefit in short-term memory. No such association was observed in the group with high prenatal methylmercury exposure. CONCLUSIONS Higher aerobic capacity was associated with better performance in short-term memory and processing speed. However, prenatal methylmercury exposure seemed to attenuate these positive associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
261
|
Wells EM, Herbstman JB, Lin YH, Hibbeln JR, Halden RU, Witter FR, Goldman LR. Methyl mercury, but not inorganic mercury, associated with higher blood pressure during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:247-252. [PMID: 28110211 PMCID: PMC5328834 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies addressing associations between mercury and blood pressure have produced inconsistent findings; some of this may result from measuring total instead of speciated mercury. This cross-sectional study of 263 pregnant women assessed total mercury, speciated mercury, selenium, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in umbilical cord blood and blood pressure during labor and delivery. Models with a) total mercury or b) methyl and inorganic mercury were evaluated. Regression models adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, prepregnancy body mass index, neighborhood income, parity, smoking, n-3 fatty acids and selenium. Geometric mean total, methyl, and inorganic mercury concentrations were 1.40µg/L (95% confidence interval: 1.29, 1.52); 0.95µg/L (0.84, 1.07); and 0.13µg/L (0.10, 0.17), respectively. Elevated systolic BP, diastolic BP, and pulse pressure were found, respectively, in 11.4%, 6.8%, and 19.8% of mothers. In adjusted multivariable models, a one-tertile increase of methyl mercury was associated with 2.83mmHg (0.17, 5.50) higher systolic blood pressure and 2.99mmHg (0.91, 5.08) higher pulse pressure. In the same models, an increase of one tertile of inorganic mercury was associated with -1.18mmHg (-3.72, 1.35) lower systolic blood pressure and -2.51mmHg (-4.49, -0.53) lower pulse pressure. No associations were observed with diastolic pressure. There was a non-significant trend of higher total mercury with higher systolic blood pressure. We observed a significant association of higher methyl mercury with higher systolic and pulse pressure, yet higher inorganic mercury was significantly associated with lower pulse pressure. These results should be confirmed with larger, longitudinal studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Wells
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu Hong Lin
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joseph R Hibbeln
- National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Rolf U Halden
- Center for Environmental Security, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Frank R Witter
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lynn R Goldman
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
262
|
Rasinger JD, Lundebye AK, Penglase SJ, Ellingsen S, Amlund H. Methylmercury Induced Neurotoxicity and the Influence of Selenium in the Brains of Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040725. [PMID: 28353644 PMCID: PMC5412311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotoxicity of methylmercury (MeHg) is well characterised, and the ameliorating effects of selenium have been described. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind this contaminant-nutrient interaction. We investigated the influence of selenium (as selenomethionine, SeMet) and MeHg on mercury accumulation and protein expression in the brain of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish were fed diets containing elevated levels of MeHg and/or SeMet in a 2 × 2 full factorial design for eight weeks. Mercury concentrations were highest in the brain tissue of MeHg-exposed fish compared to the controls, whereas lower levels of mercury were found in the brain of zebrafish fed both MeHg and SeMet compared with the fish fed MeHg alone. The expression levels of proteins associated with gap junction signalling, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction were significantly (p < 0.05) altered in the brain of zebrafish after exposure to MeHg and SeMet alone or in combination. Analysis of upstream regulators indicated that these changes were linked to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, which were activated by MeHg and inhibited by SeMet, possibly through a reactive oxygen species mediated differential activation of RICTOR, the rapamycin-insensitive binding partner of mTOR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Daniel Rasinger
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), P.O. Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anne-Katrine Lundebye
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), P.O. Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Samuel James Penglase
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), P.O. Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
- Present address: Aquaculture Research Solutions (ARS), Mundingburra, 4812 QLD, Australia..
| | - Ståle Ellingsen
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), P.O. Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
- Present address: Department of Biology, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7803, 5020 Bergen, Norway..
| | - Heidi Amlund
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), P.O. Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
263
|
Persistent DNA methylation changes associated with prenatal mercury exposure and cognitive performance during childhood. Sci Rep 2017; 7:288. [PMID: 28325913 PMCID: PMC5428306 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00384-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to mercury, a known neurotoxic metal, is associated with lower cognitive performance during childhood. Disruption of fetal epigenetic programming could explain mercury’s neurodevelopmental effects. We screened for epigenome-wide methylation differences associated with maternal prenatal blood mercury levels in 321 cord blood DNA samples and examined the persistence of these alterations during early (n = 75; 2.9–4.9 years) and mid-childhood (n = 291; 6.7–10.5 years). Among males, prenatal mercury levels were associated with lower regional cord blood DNA methylation at the Paraoxonase 1 gene (PON1) that persisted in early childhood and was attenuated in mid-childhood blood. Cord blood methylation at the PON1 locus predicted lower cognitive test scores measured during early childhood. Methylation at the PON1 locus was associated with PON1 expression in an independent set of cord blood samples. The observed persistent epigenetic disruption of the PON1 gene may modulate mercury toxicity in humans and might serve as a biomarker of exposure and disease susceptibility.
Collapse
|
264
|
Butler LJ, Janulewicz PA, Carwile JL, White RF, Winter MR, Aschengrau A. Childhood and adolescent fish consumption and adult neuropsychological performance: An analysis from the Cape Cod Health Study. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2017; 61:47-57. [PMID: 28263856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This exploratory analysis examines the relationship between childhood and adolescent fish consumption and adult neuropsychological performance. DESIGN Data from a retrospective cohort study that assessed fish consumption from age 7 to 18years via questionnaire were analyzed. A subset of the population underwent domain-specific neuropsychological assessment. Functions evaluated included omnibus intelligence, academic achievement, language, visuospatial skills, learning and memory, attention and executive function, fine motor coordination, mood, and motivation to perform. SETTING Eight towns in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, USA, an area characterized by high fish consumption and an active seafood industry. SUBJECTS A cohort of 1245 subjects was recruited based on Massachusetts birth records from 1969 to 1983. Sixty-five participants from the original cohort underwent neuropsychological testing in adulthood (average age=30years). RESULTS Participant report of consuming fish at least twice per month was associated with better performance on tests of visual learning, memory, and attentional abilities. However, self-report of consuming fish at rates higher than twice per month was not associated with improved abilities. No statistically significant associations were observed between type of fish consumed (e.g., species known to be high in methylmercury content) and test outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that moderate fish consumption during childhood and adolescence may be associated with some cognitive benefits and that consumption of fish during this exposure window may potentially influence adult neuropsychological performance. Future prospective studies should take into account this time period of exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey J Butler
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Medical Campus, 715 Albany Street, T4W, Boston, MA 02118, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Medical Campus, 715 Albany Street, T4E, Boston, MA 02118, United States.
| | - Patricia A Janulewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Medical Campus, 715 Albany Street, T4W, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Jenny L Carwile
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Medical Campus, 715 Albany Street, T4E, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Roberta F White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Medical Campus, 715 Albany Street, T4W, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Michael R Winter
- Data Coordinating Center, Boston University, Medical Campus, 85 East Newton Street, M921, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| | - Ann Aschengrau
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Medical Campus, 715 Albany Street, T4E, Boston, MA 02118, United States
| |
Collapse
|
265
|
Lang T, Kruse R, Haarich M, Wosniok W. Mercury species in dab (Limanda limanda) from the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Icelandic waters in relation to host-specific variables. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 124:32-40. [PMID: 27063847 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the framework of the ICON project (Integrated Assessment of Contaminant Impacts on the North Sea), muscle tissue from a total of 135 common dab (Limanda limanda) (20-28 cm total length) was collected in seven offshore sampling areas in the North Sea, at Iceland and in the Baltic Sea during Aug/Sept and December 2008 for a chemical mercury speciation analysis by means of gas chromatography and detection by cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (GC-CVAFS). There was a highly significant correlation between concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg+) and inorganic mercury (Hg2+) in individual fish, and the mean ratio of MeHg+ compared to Σ Hg (MeHg+ + Hg2+) was 94.0%. The results revealed statistically significant differences in concentrations of MeHg+ and Hg2+, respectively, between sampling areas. Mean concentrations in the German Bight (North Sea), in Icelandic waters and in Mecklenburg Bight (Baltic Sea) were low (MeHg+: 0.023-0.036; Hg2+: 0.001-0.002 mg/kg wet weight), while concentrations in dab from the Dogger Bank, Firth of Forth and the vicinity of the Ekofisk oil field (all North Sea) were significantly higher (MeHg+: 0.059-0.101; Hg2+: 0.003-0.004 mg/kg wet weight). Statistical correlation analysis on effects of host-specific factors revealed that neither length, weight, age, sex nor condition factor showed a significant relationship with Hg concentrations. However, Hg concentrations were significantly correlated with the Fish Disease Index (FDI), indicating a relationship between Hg concentrations and the health status of dab. Multiple linear regression analysis aiming to find factors affecting Hg concentrations revealed that only the sampling area had a highly significant main effect on Hg concentrations, and in some cases, additionally the condition factor contributed significantly to the final model. From the results, it cannot be excluded that elevated Hg concentration recorded in dab were linked to discharges from offshore oil and gas installations and that Hg affected the health status of dab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lang
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Deichstraße 12, 27472 Cuxhaven, Germany.
| | - Reinhard Kruse
- Institute for Fish and Fishery Products of the Lower Saxony State Institute for Food Safety and Consumer Protection (LAVES), Schleusenstraße 1, 27472 Cuxhaven, Germany
| | - Michael Haarich
- Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology, Marckmannstraße 129b, 20539 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Werner Wosniok
- Institute of Statistics, University of Bremen, Linzer Str. 4, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
266
|
Yang T, Xu Z, Liu W, Feng S, Li H, Guo M, Deng Y, Xu B. Alpha-lipoic acid reduces methylmercury-induced neuronal injury in rat cerebral cortex via antioxidation pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017; 32:931-943. [PMID: 27298056 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), an extremely dangerous environmental pollutant, accumulating preferentially in central nervous system, causes a series of cytotoxic effects. The present study explored the mechanisms which contribute to MeHg-induced neurotoxicity focusing on the oxidative stress in rat cerebral cortex. In addition, the protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid (LA), a potent antioxidant on MeHg-mediated neuronal injury, was also investigated in current study. A MeHg poisoning model was established as 64 rats randomly divided into 4 groups of which saline control group, MeHg-treated groups (4 and 12 μmol kg-1 ), and LA pretreatment (35 μmol kg-1 ) group, respectively. After administration of 12 μmol kg-1 MeHg for 4 weeks, it was found that obvious pathological changes and apoptosis in neuronal cells. Meanwhile, total Hg levels elevated significantly, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gluthathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were inhibited, and ROS formation elevated, which might be critical to aggravate oxidative stress in cerebral cortex. In addition, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways were activated, as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase heavy subunit (γ-GCSh) expressions were up-regulated obviously by MeHg exposure. Moreover, activities of Na+ -K+ -ATPase and Ca2+ -ATPase were inhibited, leading to intracellular calcium (Ca2+ ) overload. LA pre-treatment partially reduced MeHg neurotoxic effects via anti-oxidation pathways. In conclusion, these findings clearly indicated that MeHg aggravated oxidative stress and Ca2+ overload in cerebral cortex. LA possesses the ability to prevent MeHg neurotoxicity through its anti-oxidative properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 931-943, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyao Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaofa Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Feng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongpeng Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixin Guo
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110122, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
267
|
Bradley MA, Barst BD, Basu N. A Review of Mercury Bioavailability in Humans and Fish. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14020169. [PMID: 28208586 PMCID: PMC5334723 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14020169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
To estimate human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), risk assessors often assume 95%–100% bioavailability in their models. However, recent research suggests that assuming all, or most, of the ingested mercury (Hg) is absorbed into systemic circulation may be erroneous. The objective of this paper is to review and discuss the available state of knowledge concerning the assimilation or bioavailability of Hg in fish and humans. In fish, this meant reviewing studies on assimilation efficiency, that is the difference between ingested and excreted Hg over a given period of time. In humans, this meant reviewing studies that mostly investigated bioaccessibility (digestive processes) rather than bioavailability (cumulative digestive + absorptive processes), although studies incorporating absorption for a fuller picture of bioavailability were also included where possible. The outcome of this review shows that in a variety of organisms and experimental models that Hg bioavailability and assimilation is less than 100%. Specifically, 25 studies on fish were reviewed, and assimilation efficiencies ranged from 10% to 100% for MeHg and from 2% to 51% for Hg(II). For humans, 20 studies were reviewed with bioaccessibility estimates ranging from 2% to 100% for MeHg and 0.2% to 94% for Hg(II). The overall absorption estimates ranged from 12% to 79% for MeHg and 49% to 69% for Hg(II), and were consistently less than 100%. For both fish and humans, a number of cases are discussed in which factors (e.g., Hg source, cooking methods, nutrients) are shown to affect Hg bioavailability. The summaries presented here challenge a widely-held assumption in the Hg risk assessment field, and the paper discusses possible ways forward for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Bradley
- School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Benjamin D Barst
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Niladri Basu
- School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
268
|
Human biomonitoring pilot study DEMOCOPHES in Germany: Contribution to a harmonized European approach. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:686-696. [PMID: 28254163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) is an effective tool to assess human exposure to environmental pollutants, but comparable HBM data in Europe are lacking. In order to expedite harmonization of HBM studies on a European scale, the twin projects COPHES (Consortium to Perform Human Biomonitoring on a European Scale) and DEMOCOPHES (Demonstration of a study to Coordinate and Perform Human Biomonitoring on a European Scale) were formed, comprising 35 partners from 27 European countries. In COPHES a research scheme and guidelines were developed to exemplarily measure in a pilot study mercury in hair, cadmium, cotinine and several phthalate metabolites in urine of 6-11year old children and their mothers in an urban and a rural region. Seventeen European countries simultaneously conducted this cross-sectional DEMOCOPHES feasibility study. The German study population was taken in the city of Bochum and in the Higher Sauerland District, comprising 120 mother-child pairs. In the present paper features of the study implementation are presented. German exposure concentrations of the pollutants are reported and compared with European average concentrations from DEMOCOPHES and with those measured in the representative German Environmental Survey (GerES IV). German DEMOCOPHES concentrations for mercury and cotinine were lower than the European average. However, 47% of the children were still exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) outside their home, which gives further potential for enhancing protection of children from ETS. Compared with samples from the other European countries German participating children had lower concentrations of the phthalate metabolites MEP and of the sum of 3 DEHP-metabolites (MEHP, 5OH-MEHP and 5oxo-MEHP), about the same concentrations of the phthalate metabolites MBzP and MiBP and higher concentrations of the phthalate metabolite MnBP. 2.5% of the German children had concentrations of the sum of 4 DEHP-metabolites and 4.2% had concentrations of MnBP that exceeded health based guidance values, indicating reasons for concern. Continuous HBM is necessary to track changes of pollutant exposure over time. Therefore Germany will continue to cooperate on the harmonisation of European human biomonitoring to support the chemicals regulation with the best possible exposure data to protect Europe's people against environmental health risks.
Collapse
|
269
|
Gao Z, Ying X, Yan J, Wang J, Cai S, Yan C. Acute mercury vapor poisoning in a 3-month-old infant: A case report. Clin Chim Acta 2017; 465:119-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
270
|
Sundseth K, Pacyna JM, Pacyna EG, Pirrone N, Thorne RJ. Global Sources and Pathways of Mercury in the Context of Human Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14010105. [PMID: 28117743 PMCID: PMC5295355 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews information from the existing literature and the EU GMOS (Global Mercury Observation System) project to assess the current scientific knowledge on global mercury releases into the atmosphere, on global atmospheric transport and deposition, and on the linkage between environmental contamination and potential impacts on human health. The review concludes that assessment of global sources and pathways of mercury in the context of human health is important for being able to monitor the effects from implementation of the Minamata Convention targets, although new research is needed on the improvement of emission inventory data, the chemical and physical behaviour of mercury in the atmosphere, the improvement of monitoring network data, predictions of future emissions and speciation, and on the subsequent effects on the environment, human health, as well as the economic costs and benefits of reducing these aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyrre Sundseth
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Department of Environmental Impacts and Economics, Instituttveien 18, P.O. Box 100, Kjeller NO-2027, Norway.
| | - Jozef M Pacyna
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Department of Environmental Impacts and Economics, Instituttveien 18, P.O. Box 100, Kjeller NO-2027, Norway.
- AGH-University of Science and Technology, Department of Energy and Fuels, Krakow30-059, Poland.
| | - Elisabeth G Pacyna
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Department of Environmental Impacts and Economics, Instituttveien 18, P.O. Box 100, Kjeller NO-2027, Norway.
| | - Nicola Pirrone
- CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Area della Ricerca Roma 1, Via Salaria Km 29 300, Monterotondo (Rome) 00015, Italy.
| | - Rebecca J Thorne
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Department of Environmental Impacts and Economics, Instituttveien 18, P.O. Box 100, Kjeller NO-2027, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
271
|
Downer MK, Martínez-González MA, Gea A, Stampfer M, Warnberg J, Ruiz-Canela M, Salas-Salvadó J, Corella D, Ros E, Fitó M, Estruch R, Arós F, Fiol M, Lapetra J, Serra-Majem L, Bullo M, Sorli JV, Muñoz MA, García-Rodriguez A, Gutierrez-Bedmar M, Gómez-Gracia E. Mercury exposure and risk of cardiovascular disease: a nested case-control study in the PREDIMED (PREvention with MEDiterranean Diet) study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2017; 17:9. [PMID: 28056794 PMCID: PMC5216562 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-016-0435-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial evidence suggests that consuming 1-2 servings of fish per week, particularly oily fish (e.g., salmon, herring, sardines) is beneficial for cardiovascular health due to its high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content. However, there is some concern that the mercury content in fish may increase cardiovascular disease risk, but this relationship remains unclear. METHODS The PREDIMED trial included 7477 participants who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease at baseline. In this study, we evaluated associations between mercury exposure, fish consumption and cardiovascular disease. We randomly selected 147 of the 288 cases diagnosed with cardiovascular disease during follow-up and matched them on age and sex to 267 controls. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used to assess toenail mercury concentration. In-person interviews, medical record reviews and validated questionnaires were used to assess fish consumption and other covariates. Information was collected at baseline and updated yearly during follow-up. We used conditional logistic regression to evaluate associations in the total nested case-control study, and unconditional logistic regression for population subsets. RESULTS Mean (±SD) toenail mercury concentrations (μg per gram) did not significantly differ between cases (0.63 (±0.53)) and controls (0.67 (±0.49)). Mercury concentration was not associated with cardiovascular disease in any analysis, and neither was fish consumption or n-3 fatty acids. The fully-adjusted relative risks for the highest versus lowest quartile of mercury concentration were 0.71 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.34, 1.14; ptrend = 0.37) for the nested case-control study, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.32, 1.76; ptrend = 0.43) within the Mediterranean diet intervention group, and 0.50 (95% CI, 0.13, 1.96; ptrend = 0.41) within the control arm of the trial. Associations remained null when mercury was jointly assessed with fish consumption at baseline and during follow-up. Results were similar in different sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that mercury exposure from regular fish consumption increases cardiovascular disease risk in a population of Spanish adults with high cardiovascular disease risk and high fish consumption. This implies that the mercury content in fish does not detract from the already established cardiovascular benefits of fish consumption. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN35739639 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Downer
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel A Martínez-González
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Gea
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Meir Stampfer
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Julia Warnberg
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Miguel Ruiz-Canela
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Human Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain.,CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Corella
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Ros
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Lipid Clinic, Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montse Fitó
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition (Regicor Study Group), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Estruch
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Internal Medicine, August Pi i Sunyer Institute of Biomedical Research (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Arós
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Araba, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Miquel Fiol
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Health Sciences, University of Balearic Islands and Son Espases Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - José Lapetra
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Family Medicine, Primary Care Division of Sevilla, San Pablo Health Center, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lluís Serra-Majem
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Monica Bullo
- Human Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain.,CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose V Sorli
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel A Muñoz
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition (Regicor Study Group), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Enrique Gómez-Gracia
- CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain. .,Campus Teatinos, Facultad de Medicina, 29071, Malaga, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
272
|
Snoj Tratnik J, Falnoga I, Trdin A, Mazej D, Fajon V, Miklavčič A, Kobal AB, Osredkar J, Sešek Briški A, Krsnik M, Neubauer D, Kodrič J, Stropnik S, Gosar D, Lešnik Musek P, Marc J, Jurkovič Mlakar S, Petrović O, Vlašić-Cicvarić I, Prpić I, Milardović A, Radić Nišević J, Vuković D, Fišić E, Špirić Z, Horvat M. Prenatal mercury exposure, neurodevelopment and apolipoprotein E genetic polymorphism. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:375-385. [PMID: 27616663 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between prenatal exposure to mercury (Hg) and neurodevelopment of the child, taking into account genetic polymorphism of apolipoprotein E (Apoe) and other relevant confounders. Six hundred and one mother-child pairs were recruited from the central Slovenia region and 243 from Rijeka, on the Croatian coast of the northern Adriatic. The total Hg in cord blood, Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) assessment at 18 months of age and Apoe genotyping was performed on 361 children; 237 of them were from Slovenia and 124 from Croatia. The results showed negative association between low-to-moderate Hg exposure in children with normal neurodevelopmental outcome and cognitive and fine motor scores at 18 months of age as assessed by Bayley III. The Hg-related decrease in cognitive score was observed only in children carrying at least one Apoe ε4 allele, while the decrease in fine motor scores was independent of the Apoe genotype. Adjusting for selenium (Se) and lead (Pb) levels, a positive association between Se and the language score and a negative association between Pb and the motor score was observed, but not in the subgroup of children carrying the ε4 allele.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janja Snoj Tratnik
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ingrid Falnoga
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ajda Trdin
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Fajon
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Miklavčič
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alfred B Kobal
- Ex-Department of Occupational Health, Idrija Mercury Mine, Idrija, Slovenia
| | - Joško Osredkar
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Sešek Briški
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mladen Krsnik
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Clinical Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Neubauer
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - Jana Kodrič
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - Staša Stropnik
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - David Gosar
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - Petra Lešnik Musek
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Division of Paediatrics, Department of Child, Adolescent and Developmental Neurology, Slovenia
| | - Janja Marc
- University in Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Slovenia
| | | | - Oleg Petrović
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Igor Prpić
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ana Milardović
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Danijela Vuković
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Elizabeta Fišić
- University Hospital Centre Rijeka, Department of Paediatrics, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- 'Jožef Stefan' Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 'Jožef Stefan' International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
273
|
Prpić I, Milardović A, Vlašić-Cicvarić I, Špiric Z, Radić Nišević J, Vukelić P, Snoj Tratnik J, Mazej D, Horvat M. Prenatal exposure to low-level methylmercury alters the child's fine motor skills at the age of 18 months. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:369-374. [PMID: 27771004 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare motor, cognitive and language characteristics in children aged 18 months who were prenatally exposed to low-level methyl-mercury (MeHg), and to analyze the eventual differences in these characteristics in relation to cord blood THg concentration. PATIENTS AND METHODS The total number of 205 child-mother pairs was included in the study, and total cord blood mercury was measured in 198 of them. Out of the 198 already measured samples, 47 of them have also been tested for methyl-mercury in cord blood. Data regarding the 47 samples of MeHg levels has been used for calculating the correlation between cord blood THg and cord blood MeHg. MeHg and THg showed a significant correlation (r=0.95, p<0.05). One month after the delivery, mothers were asked to complete the questionnaire regarding socioeconomic factors, breastfeeding of their infants, and dietary habits during pregnancy. Neurodevelopmental assessment of motor, cognitive and language skills were conducted on 168 children using The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III). Regarding the cord blood THg concentration, 135 children were divided in 4 quartile groups. Their neurodevelopmental characteristics have been compared. RESULTS The cord blood THg concentration median and inter-quartile range was 2.98ng/g (1.41-5.61ng/g). There was a negative correlation between cord blood THg concentration and fine motor skills (rho=-0.22, p=0.01). It is evident that children grouped in 2nd ,3rd and 4th quartile had statistically significant lower fine motor skills assessment related to those grouped in 1st quartile (2nd quartile -1.24, p=0.03; 3rd quartile -1.28, p=0.03; 4th quartile -1.45, p=0.01). The differences in fine motor skills assessments between children in 2nd and 3rd and 3rd and 4th quartile were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Intrauterine exposure to low-level THg (MeHg) is associated with alterations in fine motor skills at the age of 18 months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Prpić
- University Hospital Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Medical Faculty, Istarska 43, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Ana Milardović
- University Hospital Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Medical Faculty, Istarska 43, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Inge Vlašić-Cicvarić
- University Hospital Rijeka, Centre for Clinical, Health and Organizational Psychology, Istarska 43, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Zdravko Špiric
- University of Rijeka, Medical Faculty, Oikon Ltd. Institute for Applied Ecology, Trg Senjskih Uskoka 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Jelena Radić Nišević
- University Hospital Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Medical Faculty, Istarska 43, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Petar Vukelić
- University Hospital Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Medical Faculty, Istarska 43, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Institute "Jožef Stefan", Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
274
|
Abass K, Koiranen M, Mazej D, Tratnik JS, Horvat M, Hakkola J, Järvelin MR, Rautio A. Arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury levels in blood of Finnish adults and their relation to diet, lifestyle habits and sociodemographic variables. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:1347-1362. [PMID: 27778267 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7824-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Northern Finland Birth Cohort program (NFBC) is the epidemiological and longitudinal prospective general population research program, which was established to promote health and wellbeing of the population in northern Finland. The aim of present study, as a part of the NFBC program, was to analyze the blood levels of arsenic (B-As), cadmium (B-Cd), lead (B-Pb), total mercury (B-Hg) and selenium (B-Se); to compare these levels with threshold limits; to study sociodemographic factors; and to correlate these levels with calcium and haemoglobin. The study was comprised of 249 NFBC subjects, of which 123 were female and 126 were male (ages 31.1 ± 0.3 and 31.1 ± 0.4, respectively). All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding diet and living habits. The geometric means (± SD) of B-As were 0.49 ± 2.80 μg/l and 0.44 ± 2.72 μg/l; B-Cd were 0.18 ± 4.02 μg/l and 0.12 ± 3.21 μg/l; B-Pb were 17.0 ± 1.8 μg/l and 9.06 ± 2.20 μg/l; B-Hg were 2.18 ± 2.02 μg/l and 1.85 ± 1.78 μg/l; and B-Se were 106.0 ± 1.3 and 94.3 ± 1.3 μg/l in males and females, respectively. Among the subjects in the present analysis, 23 % of males and 17.1 % of females had B-As levels above the ATSDR normal human levels of B-As in unexposed individuals (1.0 μg/l). The B-Pb geometric mean (12.44 μg/l) was approximately one eighth the CDC toxicological cut-off point of 100 μg/l. Twenty-one individuals (8.4 %) exceeded a B-Hg level of 5.8 μg/l. Fifty-eight females (47 %) had a B-Hg higher than 2.0 μg/l, the German Federal Environmental Agency cut-off point for women (18-69 years) who consume fish at least three times/month; therefore, their babies could be at risk of adverse effects during development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Abass
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
- Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
- Centre for Arctic Medicine, Thule Institute, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
- Department of Pesticides, Menoufia University, P.O. Box 32511, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Markku Koiranen
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Darja Mazej
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Snoj Tratnik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jukka Hakkola
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marjo-Riitta Järvelin
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Biocentre Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MRC PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Arja Rautio
- Centre for Arctic Medicine, Thule Institute, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
275
|
Groth E. Scientific foundations of fish-consumption advice for pregnant women: Epidemiological evidence, benefit-risk modeling, and an integrated approach. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:386-406. [PMID: 27475784 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women need fish consumption advice that increases seafood intake and simultaneously reduces methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. Two disciplines, epidemiology and benefit-risk modeling, can support such advice. Some current models suggest that fish consumption during pregnancy has only net beneficial effects. In contrast, many recent epidemiological studies have associated adverse effects on cognitive development with ordinary fish intake and MeHg doses routinely encountered by up to one in six US women of childbearing age. Proposed federal fish-consumption advice is based solely on a benefit-risk model. A more complete assessment integrating both types of evidence is needed. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS The goal of this paper is to use a model to rank seafood items by their relative benefits and risks, producing consumer seafood choice recommendations that are also consistent with epidemiological observations. Recent epidemiological studies and benefit-risk models are reviewed, and model results are compared with one another and with epidemiological observations to identify commonalities that support inter-calibration. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Both approaches quantify MeHg doses at which harm slightly exceeds benefit. A model from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) predicts adverse effects at fish intakes containing, on average, more than 16 times the the US Reference Dose (RfD) for MeHg. Epidemiological results indicate that the RfD itself approximates a minimal adverse dose. This conceptual similarity allows FDA's model to be calibrated with the epidemiological results to generate fish intake recommendations that both the model and the epidemiology suggest should have substantially positive public health impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Groth
- Groth Consulting Services, 455 Beacon Street, Apt. 6, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
276
|
Ha E, Basu N, Bose-O'Reilly S, Dórea JG, McSorley E, Sakamoto M, Chan HM. Current progress on understanding the impact of mercury on human health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:419-433. [PMID: 27444821 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Mercury pollution and its impacts on human health is of global concern. The authors of this paper were members of the Plenary Panel on Human Health in the 12th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant held in Korea in June 2015. The Panel was asked by the conference organizers to address two questions: what is the current understanding of the impacts of mercury exposure on human health and what information is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention in lowering exposure and preventing adverse effects. The authors conducted a critical review of the literature published since January 2012 and discussed the current state-of-knowledge in the following areas: environmental exposure and/or risk assessment; kinetics and biomonitoring; effects on children development; effects on adult general populations; effects on artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM); effects on dental workers; risk of ethylmercury in thimerosal-containing vaccines; interactions with nutrients; genetic determinants and; risk communication and management. Knowledge gaps in each area were identified and recommendations for future research were made. The Panel concluded that more knowledge synthesis efforts are needed to translate the research results into management tools for health professionals and policy makers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Ha
- Ewha Womans University, College of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, South Korea
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Canada
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- University Hospital Munich, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Occupational Health, Germany; University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology (UMIT), Department of Public Health, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, Austria
| | - José G Dórea
- Department of Nutrition, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Emeir McSorley
- Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, Ulster University, United Kingdom
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Japan
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
277
|
Calder RSD, Schartup AT, Li M, Valberg AP, Balcom PH, Sunderland EM. Future Impacts of Hydroelectric Power Development on Methylmercury Exposures of Canadian Indigenous Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:13115-13122. [PMID: 27934282 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Developing Canadian hydroelectric resources is a key component of North American plans for meeting future energy demands. Microbial production of the bioaccumulative neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is stimulated in newly flooded soils by degradation of labile organic carbon and associated changes in geochemical conditions. We find all 22 Canadian hydroelectric facilities being considered for near-term development are located within 100 km of indigenous communities. For a facility in Labrador, Canada (Muskrat Falls) with planned completion in 2017, we probabilistically modeled peak MeHg enrichment relative to measured baseline conditions in the river to be impounded, downstream estuary, locally harvested fish, birds and seals, and three Inuit communities. Results show a projected 10-fold increase in riverine MeHg levels and a 2.6-fold increase in estuarine surface waters. MeHg concentrations in locally caught species increase 1.3 to 10-fold depending on time spent foraging in different environments. Mean Inuit MeHg exposure is forecasted to double following flooding and over half of the women of childbearing age and young children in the most northern community are projected to exceed the U.S. EPA's reference dose. Equal or greater aqueous MeHg concentrations relative to Muskrat Falls are forecasted for 11 sites across Canada, suggesting the need for mitigation measures prior to flooding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S D Calder
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences , Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Amina T Schartup
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences , Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Miling Li
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences , Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Amelia P Valberg
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Prentiss H Balcom
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences , Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences , Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, United States
| |
Collapse
|
278
|
Deng C, Xie H, Ye X, Zhang H, Liu M, Tong Y, Ou L, Yuan W, Zhang W, Wang X. Mercury risk assessment combining internal and external exposure methods for a population living near a municipal solid waste incinerator. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 219:1060-1068. [PMID: 27613324 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessments for human health have been conducted for municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs) in many western countries, whereas only a few risk assessments have been performed for MSWIs in developing countries such as China where the use of waste incineration is increasing rapidly. To assess the mercury exposure risks of a population living near the largest MSWI in South China, we combined internal exposure and external exposure assessment with an individual-specific questionnaire. The mercury concentrations in air, soil, and locally collected food around the MSWI were assessed. The total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) of 447 blood samples from a control group, residential exposure group, and MSWI workers were measured. The internal and external exposures of the subject population were analyzed. Significant difference in MeHg concentrations was observed between the control group and the exposed group, between the control group and the MSWI workers, and between the exposed group and the MSWI workers (median levels: 0.70 μg/L, 0.81 μg/L, and 1.02 μg/L for the control group, exposed group, and MSWI workers, respectively). The MeHg/T-Hg ratio was 0.51 ± 0.19, 0.59 ± 0.17 and 0.58 ± 0.25, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that MeHg concentrations were positively correlated with the gaseous mercury in the air. Combining internal and external exposure assessment showed that the direct contribution of MSWI emissions was minor compared with the dietary contribution. The external and internal exposures were well matched with each other. This study also suggested that an integrated method combining internal and external exposure assessment with an individual-specific questionnaire is feasible to assess the risks for a population living near a MSWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Deng
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Han Xie
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xuejie Ye
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Langbo Ou
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wen Yuan
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China.
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
279
|
Trasande L, DiGangi J, Evers DC, Petrlik J, Buck DG, Šamánek J, Beeler B, Turnquist MA, Regan K. Economic implications of mercury exposure in the context of the global mercury treaty: Hair mercury levels and estimated lost economic productivity in selected developing countries. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2016; 183:229-235. [PMID: 27594689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.08.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Several developing countries have limited or no information about exposures near anthropogenic mercury sources and no studies have quantified costs of mercury pollution or economic benefits to mercury pollution prevention in these countries. In this study, we present data on mercury concentrations in human hair from subpopulations in developing countries most likely to benefit from the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. These data are then used to estimate economic costs of mercury exposure in these communities. Hair samples were collected from sites located in 15 countries. We used a linear dose-response relationship that previously identified a 0.18 IQ point decrement per part per million (ppm) increase in hair mercury, and modeled a base case scenario assuming a reference level of 1 ppm, and a second scenario assuming no reference level. We then estimated the corresponding increases in intellectual disability and lost Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY). A total of 236 participants provided hair samples for analysis, with an estimated population at risk of mercury exposure near the 15 sites of 11,302,582. Average mercury levels were in the range of 0.48 ppm-4.60 ppm, and 61% of all participants had hair mercury concentrations greater than 1 ppm, the level that approximately corresponds to the USA EPA reference dose. An additional 1310 cases of intellectual disability attributable to mercury exposure were identified annually (4110 assuming no reference level), resulting in 16,501 lost DALYs (51,809 assuming no reference level). A total of $77.4 million in lost economic productivity was estimated assuming a 1 ppm reference level and $130 million if no reference level was used. We conclude that significant mercury exposures occur in developing and transition country communities near sources named in the Minamata Convention, and our estimates suggest that a large economic burden could be avoided by timely implementation of measures to prevent mercury exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; Department of Population Health, University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA; NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, NY, 10012, USA; NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, Department of Nutrition, Food & Public Health, New York, NY, 10013, USA.
| | | | - David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Jindrich Petrlik
- Arnika Association, Chlumova 17, Prague 3, 130 00, Czech Republic.
| | - David G Buck
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| | - Jan Šamánek
- Arnika Association, Chlumova 17, Prague 3, 130 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Bjorn Beeler
- IPEN, Första Långgatan 18, 413 28, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | | | - Kevin Regan
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME, 04103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
280
|
Reyes ES, Aristizabal Henao JJ, Kornobis KM, Hanning RM, Majowicz SE, Liber K, Stark KD, Low G, Swanson HK, Laird BD. Associations between omega-3 fatty acids, selenium content, and mercury levels in wild-harvested fish from the Dehcho Region, Northwest Territories, Canada. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2016; 80:18-31. [PMID: 27905863 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2016.1230916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the risks and benefits of eating wild-harvested fish from the Northwest Territories, Canada, levels of total mercury (HgT) and selenium (Se) and composition of omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) were measured in muscle tissue of fish harvested from lakes in the Dehcho Region, Northwest Territories, Canada. Average HgT levels ranged from 0.057 mg/kg (cisco) to 0.551 mg/kg (northern pike), while average n-3 FA concentrations ranged from 101 mg/100 g (burbot) to 1,689 mg/100 g (lake trout). In contrast to HgT and n-3 FA, mean Se concentrations were relatively similar among species. Consequently, species such as lake whitefish, cisco, and longnose sucker displayed the highest nutrient levels relative to HgT content. Levels of HgT tended to increase with fish size, while Se and n-3 FA levels were typically not associated with fork length or fish weight. Interestingly, HgT concentration was occasionally inversely related to tissue nutrient content. Significant negative correlations were observed between Hg and n-3 FA for lake trout, northern pike, and walleye. There were also significant negative correlations between Hg and Se noted for lake whitefish, cisco, and northern pike. Samples with the highest nutritional content displayed, on occasion, lower levels of HgT. This study provides valuable information for the design of probabilistic models capable of refining public health messaging related to minimizing Hg risks and maximizing nutrient levels in wild-harvested fish in the Canadian subarctic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen S Reyes
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | | | | | - Rhona M Hanning
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Shannon E Majowicz
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Karsten Liber
- d Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , Canada
| | - Ken D Stark
- b Department of Kinesiology , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - George Low
- e Dehcho Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Ocean Management , Hay River, Northwest Territories , Canada
| | - Heidi K Swanson
- c Department of Biology , University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Brian D Laird
- a School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
281
|
Ricketts P, Basu N, Fletcher H, Voutchkov M, Bassaw B. Assessment of fish consumption and mercury exposure among pregnant women in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 164:462-468. [PMID: 27612166 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fish is an essential and traditional element in the diet of most Caribbean people. However it also contains methylmercury which can have severe effects on fetal neurodevelopment. The objective of this study was to assess the fish intake of a selected group of pregnant women from Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago and evaluate prenatal mercury exposure, using the placenta as a biomarker. METHOD Food frequency questionnaires and placental samples were obtained from participating parturients at the time of delivery at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica (N = 100, from November 2012 to March 2013) and the Mt Hope Women's hospital in St Joseph, Trinidad & Tobago (N = 30, in June 2015). The participants were asked to identify the species of fish and the frequency of consumption. Placental samples were analysed for mercury using cold vapour atomic absorption. RESULTS The fish consumption preferences for pregnant women, varies based on the marine fish catch production of each country. The main fish species that contributed to the highest estimated methylmercury exposure in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago were cod and shark, respectively. There was a weak association between maternal fish intake and placental mercury concentrations. The mean placental mercury concentrations in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago were 0.74 ± 0.5 μg/kg and 1.46 ± 0.6 μg/kg, wet weight respectively. CONCLUSION The results from this study showed an influence of Caribbean fish intake preferences on mercury exposure and thus a recommendation for continuous bio-monitoring for public health purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phylicia Ricketts
- Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Horace Fletcher
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Mitko Voutchkov
- Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Bharat Bassaw
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| |
Collapse
|
282
|
Rocha AV, Rita Cardoso B, Zavarize B, Almondes K, Bordon I, Hare DJ, Teixeira Favaro DI, Franciscato Cozzolino SM. GPX1 Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion do not affect selenium and mercury status in mildly exposed Amazonian women in an urban population. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 571:801-808. [PMID: 27450956 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is potent toxicant element, but its toxicity can be reduced by forming a complex with selenium for safe excretion. Considering the impact of mercury exposure in the Amazon region and the possible interaction between these two elements, we aimed to assess the effects of Pro198Leu polymorphism to GPX1 and GSTM1 deletion, on mercury levels in a population from Porto Velho, an urban locality in the Brazilian Amazon region. Two hundred women from the capital city of Rondônia state were recruited for this study with 149 deemed suitable to participate. We assessed dietary intake using 24-hour recall. Selenium levels in plasma and erythrocytes were measured using hydride generation quartz tube atomic absorption spectroscopy and total hair mercury using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Oxidative stress parameters (GPx activity, oxygen radical absorbency capacity [ORAC] and malondialdehyde [MDA]) were also analyzed. All participants were genotyped for Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion. We observed that this population presented high prevalence of selenium deficiency, and also low levels of mercury, likely due to food habits that did not include selenium-rich food sources or significant consumption of fish (mercury biomagnifiers) regularly. Univariate statistical analysis showed that Pro198Leu and GSTM1 genotypes did not affect selenium and mercury levels in this population. Pro198Leu polymorphism and GSTM1 deletion had no effect on mercury levels in mildly exposed people, suggesting these genetic variants impact mercury levels only in highly exposed populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariana V Rocha
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Rita Cardoso
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Bruna Zavarize
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kaluce Almondes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabella Bordon
- Laboratory of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), Research Reactor Centre, IPEN - Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dominic J Hare
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Elemental Bio-Imaging Facility, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Déborah Inês Teixeira Favaro
- Laboratory of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), Research Reactor Centre, IPEN - Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
283
|
Murcia M, Ballester F, Enning AM, Iñiguez C, Valvi D, Basterrechea M, Rebagliato M, Vioque J, Maruri M, Tardon A, Riaño-Galán I, Vrijheid M, Llop S. Prenatal mercury exposure and birth outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:11-20. [PMID: 27448728 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Results regarding the association between mercury exposure and anthropometry at birth, gestational length and placental weight are inconsistent, as is the role of seafood intake in these associations. OBJECTIVE We assessed whether prenatal mercury exposure is associated with anthropometry at birth, placental weight and gestational length in a population with a relatively high exposure to mercury from seafood consumption. METHODS Total mercury (T-Hg) was determined in cord blood from 1869 newborns with birth outcome measures, within the Spanish multicenter INMA cohort from 2004 to 2008. We adjusted cohort specific linear and Cox regression models to evaluate the association between T-Hg and birth anthropometry (weight, length, and head circumference), placental weight and gestational length. Non-spontaneous labor was taken to be censoring in the survival analysis. Final estimates were obtained using meta-analysis. RESULTS Geometric mean T-Hg was 8.2μg/L. A doubling of T-Hg was associated with a 7.7g decrease in placental weight (95% CI: -13.6, -1.8) and marginally with head circumference (beta: -0.052cm, 95% CI: -0.109, 0.005). T-Hg was also inversely related to weight and length, although with weaker estimates. Mercury exposure was not associated with the length of gestation. The inverse relation between T-Hg and growth was enhanced when the intake of different seafood groups was adjusted for in the models. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal mercury exposure may be associated with reduced placental and fetal growth. Confounding by fish intake should be considered when assessing these relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Murcia
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Nursing Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ashley Michel Enning
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Mikel Basterrechea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastián, Spain; Health Research Institute (BIODONOSTIA), San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Marisa Rebagliato
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Medicine Department, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Maite Maruri
- OSI Goierri-Alto Urola, Centro de Salud de Azkoitia, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardon
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; IUOPA-Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
| | - Isolina Riaño-Galán
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Pediatric Unit, Hospital San Agustin, Aviles, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
284
|
Evers DC, Keane SE, Basu N, Buck D. Evaluating the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention on Mercury: Principles and recommendations for next steps. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 569-570:888-903. [PMID: 27425440 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a multilateral environmental agreement that obligates Parties to reduce or control sources of mercury pollution in order to protect human health and the environment. The Convention includes provisions on providing technical assistance and capacity building, particularly for developing countries and countries with economies in transition, to promote its effective implementation. Evaluating the effectiveness of the Convention (as required by Article 22) is a crucial component to ensure that it meets this objective. We describe an approach to measure effectiveness, which includes a suite of short-, medium-, and long-term metrics related to five major mercury control Articles in the Convention, as well as metrics derived from monitoring of mercury in the environment using select bioindicators, including people. The use of existing biotic Hg data will define spatial gradients (e.g., biological mercury hotspots), baselines to develop relevant temporal trends, and an ability to assess risk to taxa and human communities of greatest concern. We also recommend the development of a technical document that describes monitoring options for the Conference of Parties, to provide science-based standardized guidelines for collecting relevant monitoring information, as guided by Article 19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David C Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, Maine, USA.
| | | | | | - David Buck
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, Maine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
285
|
van Wijngaarden E, Thurston SW, Myers GJ, Harrington D, Cory-Slechta DA, Strain JJ, Watson GE, Zareba G, Love T, Henderson J, Shamlaye CF, Davidson PW. Methyl mercury exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the Seychelles Child Development Study Main cohort at age 22 and 24years. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 59:35-42. [PMID: 27989696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND All fish contain methyl mercury (MeHg), a known neurotoxicant at adequate dosage. There is still substantial scientific uncertainty about the consequences, if any, of mothers consuming fish with naturally-acquired levels of MeHg contamination. In 1989-1990, we recruited the Main Cohort of the Seychelles Child Development Study to assess the potential developmental effects of prenatal MeHg exposure. We report here on associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes obtained at 22 and 24years of age. METHODS Neurodevelopmental tests at 22years included the Boston Naming Test, Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), and the Profile of Mood States. At 24years, we administered the Stroop Word-Color Test, the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scale, the Test of Variables of Attention, and the Finger Tapping test. We also administered a healthy behaviors survey at both ages. Primary analyses examined covariate-adjusted associations in multiple linear regression models with prenatal MeHg exposure. In secondary analyses we also examined associations with recent postnatal MeHg exposure. RESULTS We did not observe adverse associations between prenatal MeHg exposure and any of the measured endpoints. Some measures of attention, executive function, and delayed recall showed improved performance with increasing exposure. Secondary analysis did not show consistent patterns of association with postnatal exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our cohort has been examined at ten different ages over 24years of follow-up. Findings suggest that prenatal and recent postnatal MeHg exposure from ocean fish consumption is not adversely associated with neurobehavioral development at levels that are about ten times higher than typical U.S. exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States.
| | - Sally W Thurston
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Gary J Myers
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Donald Harrington
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | - J J Strain
- Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Gene E Watson
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Grazyna Zareba
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Tanzy Love
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Philip W Davidson
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
286
|
Gautier L, Pirkle CM, Furgal C, Lucas M. Assessment of the implementation fidelity of the Arctic Char Distribution Project in Nunavik, Quebec. BMJ Glob Health 2016; 1:e000093. [PMID: 28588959 PMCID: PMC5321351 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2016-000093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In September 2011, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services began supporting the Arctic Char Distribution Project (AC/DP) for pregnant women. This initiative promoted consumption of the fish Arctic char-a traditional Inuit food-by pregnant women living in villages of Nunavik, an area in northern Quebec (Canada) inhabited predominantly by people of Inuit ethnicity. This intervention was intended to reduce exposure to contaminants and improve food security in Inuit communities. METHODS We assessed the project's implementation based on data collected from background documentation, field notes and qualitative interviews with project recipients and implementers. Themes emerging from the data are critically discussed in the light of the framework for implementation fidelity developed by Carroll et al in 2007. RESULTS Pregnant women fully embraced the initiative because of its cultural appropriateness. However, project implementation was incomplete: first because it did not cover all intended geographic areas, and second because of a recurring inconsistency in the supply and distribution of the fish. In addition, the initiative has been inconsistently funded and relies on multiple funding sources. DISCUSSION This work highlights the extent to which project complexity can impede successful implementation, particularly in terms of communication and coordination. We provide recommendations for improving project implementation and suggest amendments to the implementation fidelity framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Gautier
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Public Health Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Etudes en Sciences Sociales sur les Mondes Africains, Américains et Asiatiques, Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - Catherine M Pirkle
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawaii-Mãnoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Christopher Furgal
- Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michel Lucas
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.,Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Québec, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
287
|
Davis JA, Ross JRM, Bezalel S, Sim L, Bonnema A, Ichikawa G, Heim WA, Schiff K, Eagles-Smith CA, Ackerman JT. Hg concentrations in fish from coastal waters of California and Western North America. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 568:1146-1156. [PMID: 27067833 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The State of California conducted an extensive and systematic survey of mercury (Hg) in fish from the California coast in 2009 and 2010. The California survey sampled 3483 fish representing 46 species at 68 locations, and demonstrated that methylHg in fish presents a widespread exposure risk to fish consumers. Most of the locations sampled (37 of 68) had a species with an average concentration above 0.3μg/gwet weight (ww), and 10 locations an average above 1.0μg/gww. The recent and robust dataset from California provided a basis for a broader examination of spatial and temporal patterns in fish Hg in coastal waters of Western North America. There is a striking lack of data in publicly accessible databases on Hg and other contaminants in coastal fish. An assessment of the raw data from these databases suggested the presence of relatively high concentrations along the California coast and in Puget Sound, and relatively low concentrations along the coasts of Alaska and Oregon, and the outer coast of Washington. The dataset suggests that Hg concentrations of public health concern can be observed at any location on the coast of Western North America where long-lived predator species are sampled. Output from a linear mixed-effects model resembled the spatial pattern observed for the raw data and suggested, based on the limited dataset, a lack of trend in fish Hg over the nearly 30-year period covered by the dataset. Expanded and continued monitoring, accompanied by rigorous data management procedures, would be of great value in characterizing methylHg exposure, and tracking changes in contamination of coastal fish in response to possible increases in atmospheric Hg emissions in Asia, climate change, and terrestrial Hg control efforts in coastal watersheds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Davis
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - J R M Ross
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - S Bezalel
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - L Sim
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Avenue, Richmond, CA 94804, USA.
| | - A Bonnema
- Marine Pollution Studies Lab, 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA.
| | - G Ichikawa
- Marine Pollution Studies Lab, 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA.
| | - W A Heim
- Marine Pollution Studies Lab, 7544 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA.
| | - K Schiff
- Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd., Suite 110, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA.
| | - C A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - J T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Science Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Dixon, CA 95620, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
288
|
Hong C, Yu X, Liu J, Cheng Y, Rothenberg SE. Low-level methylmercury exposure through rice ingestion in a cohort of pregnant mothers in rural China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 150:519-527. [PMID: 27423706 PMCID: PMC5003649 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rice ingestion is an important dietary exposure pathway for methylmercury. There are few studies concerning prenatal methylmercury exposure through rice ingestion, yet the health risks are greatest to the developing fetus, and thus should be investigated. OBJECTIVES Our main objective was to quantify dietary methylmercury intake through rice and fish/shellfish ingestion among pregnant mothers living in southern China, where rice was a staple food and mercury contamination was considered minimal. METHODS A total of 398 mothers were recruited at parturition, who donated scalp hair and blood samples. Total mercury and/or methylmercury concentrations were measured in biomarkers, in rice samples from each participant's home, and in fish tissue purchased from local markets. Additional fish/shellfish mercury concentrations were obtained from a literature search. Dietary methylmercury intake during the third trimester was equivalent to the ingestion rate for rice (or fish/shellfish)×the respective methylmercury concentration. RESULTS Dietary methylmercury intake from both rice and fish/shellfish ingestion averaged 1.2±1.8µg/day (median=0.79µg/day, range=0-22µg/day), including on average 71% from rice ingestion (median: 87%, range: 0-100%), and 29% from fish/shellfish consumption (median 13%, range: 0-100%). Median concentrations of hair total mercury, hair methylmercury, and blood total mercury were 0.40µg/g (range: 0.08-1.7µg/g), 0.28µg/g (range: 0.01-1.4µg/g), and 1.2µg/L (range: 0.29-8.6µg/L), respectively, and all three biomarkers were positively correlated with dietary methylmercury intake through rice ingestion (Spearman's rho=0.18-0.21, p≤0.0005), although the correlations were weak. In contrast, biomarkers were not correlated with fish/shellfish methylmercury intake (Spearman's rho=0.04-0.08, p=0.11-0.46). CONCLUSIONS Among pregnant mothers living in rural inland China, rice ingestion contributed to prenatal methylmercury exposure, more so than fish/shellfish ingestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Hong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- MOE-Shanghai Key Lab of Children's Environmental Health, XinHua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Yue Cheng
- Department of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Sarah E Rothenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
289
|
|
290
|
Crespo-Lopez ME, Costa-Malaquias A, Oliveira EHC, Miranda MS, Arrifano GPF, Souza-Monteiro JR, Sagica FES, Fontes-Junior EA, Maia CSF, Macchi BM, do Nascimento JLM. Is Low Non-Lethal Concentration of Methylmercury Really Safe? A Report on Genotoxicity with Delayed Cell Proliferation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162822. [PMID: 27622704 PMCID: PMC5021279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human exposure to relatively low levels of methylmercury is worrying, especially in terms of its genotoxicity. It is currently unknown as to whether exposure to low levels of mercury (below established limits) is safe. Genotoxicity was already shown in lymphocytes, but studies with cells of the CNS (as the main target organ) are scarce. Moreover, disturbances in the cell cycle and cellular proliferation have previously been observed in neuronal cells, but no data are presently available for glial cells. Interestingly, cells of glial origin accumulate higher concentrations of methylmercury than those of neuronal origin. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze the possible genotoxicity and alterations in the cell cycle and cell proliferation of a glioma cell line (C6) exposed to a low, non-lethal and non-apoptotic methylmercury concentration. Biochemical (mitochondrial activity) and morphological (integrity of the membrane) assessments confirmed the absence of cell death after exposure to 3 μM methylmercury for 24 hours. Even without promoting cell death, this treatment significantly increased genotoxicity markers (DNA fragmentation, micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds). Changes in the cell cycle profile (increased mitotic index and cell populations in the S and G2/M phases) were observed, suggesting arrest of the cycle. This delay in the cycle was followed, 24 hours after methylmercury withdrawal, by a decrease number of viable cells, reduced cellular confluence and increased doubling time of the culture. Our work demonstrates that exposure to a low sublethal concentration of MeHg considered relatively safe according to current limits promotes genotoxicity and disturbances in the proliferation of cells of glial origin with sustained consequences after methylmercury withdrawal. This fact becomes especially important, since this cellular type accumulates more methylmercury than neurons and displays a vital role protecting the CNS, especially in chronic intoxication with this heavy metal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém (Pará), Brasil
- * E-mail:
| | - Allan Costa-Malaquias
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém (Pará), Brasil
| | - Edivaldo H. C. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Cultura de Tecidos e Citogenética, Departamento de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, 67030-000 Ananindeua (Pará), Brasil
| | - Moysés S. Miranda
- Laboratório de Fertilização In Vitro, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém (Pará), Brasil
| | - Gabriela P. F. Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém (Pará), Brasil
| | - José R. Souza-Monteiro
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém (Pará), Brasil
| | - Fernanda Espirito-Santo Sagica
- Laboratório de Cultura de Tecidos e Citogenética, Departamento de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, 67030-000 Ananindeua (Pará), Brasil
| | - Enéas A. Fontes-Junior
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Inflamação e do Comportamento, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém (Pará), Brasil
| | - Cristiane S. F. Maia
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Inflamação e do Comportamento, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém (Pará), Brasil
| | - Barbarella M. Macchi
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém (Pará), Brasil
| | - José Luiz M. do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém (Pará), Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
291
|
Elevated mercury bound to serum proteins in methylmercury poisoned rats after selenium treatment. Biometals 2016; 29:893-903. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-016-9961-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
292
|
Wolff S, Brown G, Chen J, Meals K, Thornton C, Brewer S, Cizdziel JV, Willett KL. Mercury concentrations in fish from three major lakes in north Mississippi: Spatial and temporal differences and human health risk assessment. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2016; 79:894-904. [PMID: 27644342 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2016.1194792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to compare total mercury (Hg) concentrations in fish muscle tissue and assess consumption health risks of fish collected from three north Mississippi lakes (Sardis, Enid, and Grenada) that are extensively used for fishing and recreation. Largemouth bass (LMB; n = 64), channel catfish (CC; n = 72), and white crappie (WC; n = 100), which represent a range of trophic levels, were collected during spring 2013 and 2014. Creel data estimated that anglers harvested approximately 370,000 kg of WC, 27,000 kg of CC, and 15,000 kg of LMB from the lakes annually. Median Hg wet weight concentrations were highest in LMB (443 ng/g), followed by CC (211 ng/g) and WC (192 ng/g). Fish-Hg concentrations were lower than those reported in fish >10 years ago. There were significant differences between lakes consistent across species. Grenada length-normalized fish-Hg concentrations were higher than those from Enid and Sardis. Because existing consumption advisories for CC are length based, the lack of relationship between length and Hg concentration indicated that the recommendations may not be sufficiently protective. Further, five different risk assessment paradigms yielded hazard quotient (HQ) values suggesting that existing fish consumption advisories may be insufficient to protect adults and especially children from exposure to Hg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Wolff
- a Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi , USA
| | - Garry Brown
- a Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi , USA
| | - Jingjing Chen
- b College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China
| | - Keith Meals
- c Mississippi Department of Wildlife , Fisheries, and Parks , University , Mississippi , USA
| | - Cammi Thornton
- d Department of BioMolecular Sciences , Environmental Toxicology Research Program, University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi , USA
| | - Steve Brewer
- e Department of Biology , University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi , USA
| | - James V Cizdziel
- a Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi , USA
| | - Kristine L Willett
- d Department of BioMolecular Sciences , Environmental Toxicology Research Program, University of Mississippi , University , Mississippi , USA
| |
Collapse
|
293
|
Parajuli RP, Goodrich JM, Chou HN, Gruninger SE, Dolinoy DC, Franzblau A, Basu N. Genetic polymorphisms are associated with hair, blood, and urine mercury levels in the American Dental Association (ADA) study participants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 149:247-258. [PMID: 26673400 PMCID: PMC4897752 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Mercury (Hg) is a potent toxicant of concern to the general public. Recent studies suggest that several genes that mediate Hg metabolism are polymorphic. We hypothesize that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in such genes may underline inter-individual differences in exposure biomarker concentrations. METHODS Dental professionals were recruited during the American Dental Association (ADA) 2012 Annual Meeting. Samples of hair, blood, and urine were collected for quantifying Hg levels and genotyping (88 SNPs in classes relevant to Hg toxicokinetics including glutathione metabolism, selenoproteins, metallothioneins, and xenobiotic transporters). Questionnaires were administrated to obtain information on demographics and sources of Hg exposure (e.g., fish consumption and use of dental amalgam). Here, we report results for 380 participants with complete genotype and Hg biomarker datasets. ANOVA and linear regressions were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Mean (geometric) Hg levels in hair (hHg), blood (bHg), urine (uHg), and the average estimated Hg intake from fish were 0.62µg/g, 3.75µg/L, 1.32µg/L, and 0.12µg/kg body weight/day, respectively. Out of 88 SNPs successfully genotyped, Hg biomarker levels differed by genotype for 25 SNPs, one of which remained significant following Bonferroni correction in ANOVA. When the associations between sources of Hg exposure and SNPs were analyzed with respect to Hg biomarker concentrations, 38 SNPs had significant main effects and/or gene-Hg exposure source interactions. Twenty-five, 23, and four SNPs showed significant main effects and/or interactions for hHg, bHg, and uHg levels, respectively (p<0.05), and six SNPs (in GCLC, MT1M, MT4, ATP7B, and BDNF) remained significant following Bonferroni correction. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that polymorphisms in environmentally-responsive genes can influence Hg biomarker levels. Hence, consideration of such gene-environment factors may improve the ability to assess the health risks of Hg more precisely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Prasad Parajuli
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Unisiversity of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | | | | | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Unisiversity of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Alfred Franzblau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Unisiversity of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Unisiversity of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
294
|
Cheng YH, Lin YJ, You SH, Yang YF, How CM, Tseng YT, Chen WY, Liao CM. Assessing exposure risks for freshwater tilapia species posed by mercury and methylmercury. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2016; 25:1181-1193. [PMID: 27207496 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-016-1672-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne and dietborne exposures of freshwater fish to mercury (Hg) in the forms of inorganic (Hg(II)) and organic (methylmercury or MeHg) affect their growth, development, and reproduction. However, an integrated mechanistic risk model framework to predict the impact of Hg(II)/MeHg on freshwater fish is lacking. Here, we integrated biokinetic, physiological and biogeographic data to calibrate and then establish key risk indices-hazardous quotient and exceedance risk-for freshwater tilapia species across geographic ranges of several major rivers in Taiwan. We found that Hg(II) burden was highest in kidney followed by gill, intestine, liver, blood, and muscle. Our results showed that Hg was less likely to pose mortality risk (mortality rate less than 5 %) for freshwater tilapia species. However, Hg is likely to pose the potential hazard to aquatic environments constrained by safety levels for aquatic organisms. Sensitivity analysis showed that amount of Hg accumulated in tilapia was most influenced by sediment uptake rate. Our approach opens up new possibilities for predicting future fish population health with the impacts of continued Hg exposure to provide information on which fish are deemed safe for human consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsien Cheng
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Jun Lin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shu-Han You
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ying-Fei Yang
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chun Ming How
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ting Tseng
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chung-Min Liao
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
295
|
González-Merizalde MV, Menezes-Filho JA, Cruz-Erazo CT, Bermeo-Flores SA, Sánchez-Castillo MO, Hernández-Bonilla D, Mora A. Manganese and Mercury Levels in Water, Sediments, and Children Living Near Gold-Mining Areas of the Nangaritza River Basin, Ecuadorian Amazon. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 71:171-82. [PMID: 27173830 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-016-0285-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold-mining activities performed in mountain areas of the Southern Ecuadorian Amazon have incorporated several heavy metals into the aquatic systems, thus increasing the risk of exposure in populations living in adjacent zones. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the contamination levels of mercury (Hg) and manganese (Mn) in several rivers of the Nangaritza River basin and assess the exposure in school-aged children residing near the gold-mining zones. River water and sediment samples were collected from a highly contaminated (HEx) and a moderately contaminated (MEx) zones. Hair Mn (MnH) and urinary Hg (HgU) levels were determined in school-aged children living in both zones. High concentrations of dissolved Mn were found in river waters of the HEx zone (between 2660 and 3990 µg l(-1)); however, Hg levels, in general, were lower than the detection limit (DL; <1.0 µg l(-1)). Similarly, Mn levels in sediments were also increased (3090 to 4086 µg g(-1)). Median values of MnH in children of the HEx and MEx zones were 5.5 and 3.4 µg g(-1), respectively, whereas the median values of HgU concentrations in children living in the HEx and MEx zones were 4.4 and 0.62 µg g-creat(-1), respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed between both biomarkers in children from the HEx and MEx zones. In addition, boys presented significantly greater MnH levels in both zones. The greater MnH values were found in children living in alluvial areas, whereas children living in the high mountain areas, where some ore-processing plants are located close to or inside houses and schools, had the greater HgU concentrations. In summary, the data reported in this paper highlights that artisanal and small-scale gold-mining activities can not only produce mercurial contamination, that can also release other heavy metals (such as Mn) that may pose a risk to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - José A Menezes-Filho
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, 40170-115, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Abrahan Mora
- Investigador Prometeo, Universidad Nacional de Loja, La Argelia, Loja, Ecuador.
| |
Collapse
|
296
|
Green DJ, Duffy M, Janz DM, McCullum K, Carrière G, Jardine TD. Historical and Contemporary Patterns of Mercury in a Hydroelectric Reservoir and Downstream Fishery: Concentration Decline in Water and Fishes. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 71:157-170. [PMID: 27272416 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-016-0287-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) contamination can pose risks to human and animal health as well as commercial fisheries. Reservoir construction in riverine systems produces flooded conditions amenable to Hg(II)-methylating bacteria, which can transform this relatively benign environmental contaminant into the bioaccumulative, environmentally relevant, and neurotoxic methyl-Hg (MeHg). Hg concentrations ([Hg]) in fishes from reservoirs can take decades to decrease to pre-dam levels, but less is known about Hg exported downstream and its dynamics within downstream fish populations. We examined and compared the multidecadal rates of biotic [Hg] decrease and contemporary factors affecting [Hg] in fish collected from a hydroelectric reservoir (Tobin Lake) and a related downstream fishery (Cumberland Lake) along the Saskatchewan River, Canada. Rates of [Hg] decrease were considered in four species-northern pike (Esox lucius), sauger (Sander canadensis), goldeye (Hiodon alosoides), and walleye (S. vitreus)-all of which showed a significant decrease over time (p < 0.001) and are now lower than Health Canada consumption guidelines (0.5 μg/g). Rates of decrease ranged from 0.5 to 3.9 %/year and were similar between sites in the cases of northern pike and sauger. Contemporary factors affecting [Hg] in walleye collected downstream include fish length (p < 0.001), fish age (p < 0.001), and trophic magnification through the food web (p < 0.001), and relationships between [Hg] and trophic level in predatory and prey fish are now similar to those found in non-Hg-inundated systems at a similar latitude. Together, these results suggest connected contamination between the two sites and delineate the timeline during which [Hg] in a variety of fish species decreased to nontoxic levels in both locations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Green
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada.
- Toxicology Graduate Program, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
| | - Mark Duffy
- Fisheries Unit, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, La Ronge, SK, Canada
| | - David M Janz
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Kevin McCullum
- Compliance and Field Services, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Regina, SK, Canada
| | - Gary Carrière
- Cumberland House Fisherman's Coop, Cumberland House, SK, Canada
| | - Timothy D Jardine
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B3, Canada
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
297
|
Pirkle CM, Muckle G, Lemire M. Managing mercury exposure in northern Canadian communities. CMAJ 2016; 188:1015-1023. [PMID: 27435478 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.151138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine McLean Pirkle
- Office of Public Health Studies (Pirkle), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu; École de psychologie (Muckle), Université Laval, Laval, Que.; Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé (Lemire, Muckle), Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, Que.
| | - Gina Muckle
- Office of Public Health Studies (Pirkle), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu; École de psychologie (Muckle), Université Laval, Laval, Que.; Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé (Lemire, Muckle), Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, Que
| | - Melanie Lemire
- Office of Public Health Studies (Pirkle), University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu; École de psychologie (Muckle), Université Laval, Laval, Que.; Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé (Lemire, Muckle), Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, Que
| |
Collapse
|
298
|
Brombach CC, Manorut P, Kolambage-Dona PPP, Ezzeldin MF, Chen B, Corns WT, Feldmann J, Krupp EM. Methylmercury varies more than one order of magnitude in commercial European rice. Food Chem 2016; 214:360-365. [PMID: 27507486 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.07.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Rice is known to accumulate methylmercury (MeHg) in the rice grains. MeHg as a neurotoxin impacts on the human central nervous systems and especially on the developing brain. In this exploratory study, 87 commercial rice products sold in Europe, including nine baby-rice products, were analyzed for total Hg and MeHg content. MeHg concentration in all rice products investigated range from 0.11 to 6.45μgkg(-1) with an average value of 1.91±1.07μgkg(-1) and baby-rice is not significantly different from other rice products. Total Hg ranges from 0.53 to 11.1μgkg(-1) with an average of 3.04±2.07μgkg(-1). MeHg concentrations in all rice products studied in this work would not exceed the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). 30% of all commercial market rice products exceeded 10% of the PTWI calculated for toddlers or 13% of products for adults with rice based diet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph-Cornelius Brombach
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom; PS Analytical, Arthur House, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, United Kingdom
| | - Parinda Manorut
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom
| | - Piumi P P Kolambage-Dona
- PS Analytical, Arthur House, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Farouk Ezzeldin
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom; Environmental Health Department, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bin Chen
- PS Analytical, Arthur House, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, United Kingdom
| | - Warren T Corns
- PS Analytical, Arthur House, Crayfields Industrial Estate, Main Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3HP, United Kingdom
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom
| | - Eva M Krupp
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Meston Walk, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
299
|
Vejrup K, Schjølberg S, Knutsen HK, Kvalem HE, Brantsæter AL, Meltzer HM, Alexander J, Magnus P, Haugen M. Prenatal methylmercury exposure and language delay at three years of age in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 92-93:63-69. [PMID: 27058928 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure and its possible neurodevelopmental effects in susceptible children are of concern. Studies of MeHg exposure and negative health outcomes have shown conflicting results and it has been suggested that co-exposure to other contaminants and/or nutrients in fish may confound the effect of MeHg. Our objective was to examine the association between prenatal exposure to MeHg and language and communication development at three years, adjusting for intake of fish, n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) and co-exposure to dioxins and dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs). We used data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) collected between 2002 and 2008. The study sample consisted of 46,750 mother-child pairs. MeHg exposure was calculated from reported fish intake during pregnancy by a FFQ in mid-pregnancy. Children's language and communication skills were measured by maternal report on the Dale and Bishop grammar rating and the Ages and Stages communication scale (ASQ). We estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regressions. Median MeHg exposure was 1.3μg/day, corresponding to 0.14μg/kgbw/week. An exposure level above the 90th percentile (>2.6μg/day, >0.29μg/kgbw/week) was defined as the high MeHg exposure. Results indicated an association between high MeHg exposure and unintelligible speech with an adjusted OR 2.22 (1.31, 3.72). High MeHg exposure was also associated with weaker communication skills adjusted OR 1.33 (1.03, 1.70). Additional adjustment for fish intake strengthened the associations, while adjusting for PCBs and n-3 LCPUFA from diet or from supplements had minor impact. In conclusion, significant associations were found between prenatal MeHg exposure above the 90th percentile and delayed language and communication skills in a generally low exposed population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Synnve Schjølberg
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jan Alexander
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Magnus
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Margaretha Haugen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, NO-0403 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
300
|
Bennett D, Bellinger DC, Birnbaum LS, Bradman A, Chen A, Cory-Slechta DA, Engel SM, Fallin MD, Halladay A, Hauser R, Hertz-Picciotto I, Kwiatkowski CF, Lanphear BP, Marquez E, Marty M, McPartland J, Newschaffer CJ, Payne-Sturges D, Patisaul HB, Perera FP, Ritz B, Sass J, Schantz SL, Webster TF, Whyatt RM, Woodruff TJ, Zoeller RT, Anderko L, Campbell C, Conry JA, DeNicola N, Gould RM, Hirtz D, Huffling K, Landrigan PJ, Lavin A, Miller M, Mitchell MA, Rubin L, Schettler T, Tran HL, Acosta A, Brody C, Miller E, Miller P, Swanson M, Witherspoon NO. Project TENDR: Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental Risks The TENDR Consensus Statement. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:A118-22. [PMID: 27479987 PMCID: PMC4937840 DOI: 10.1289/ehp358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Summary: Children in America today are at an unacceptably high risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders that affect the brain and nervous system including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disabilities, and other learning and behavioral disabilities. These are complex disorders with multiple causes—genetic, social, and environmental. The contribution of toxic chemicals to these disorders can be prevented. Approach: Leading scientific and medical experts, along with children’s health advocates, came together in 2015 under the auspices of Project TENDR: Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental Risks to issue a call to action to reduce widespread exposures to chemicals that interfere with fetal and children’s brain development. Based on the available scientific evidence, the TENDR authors have identified prime examples of toxic chemicals and pollutants that increase children’s risks for neurodevelopmental disorders. These include chemicals that are used extensively in consumer products and that have become widespread in the environment. Some are chemicals to which children and pregnant women are regularly exposed, and they are detected in the bodies of virtually all Americans in national surveys conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The vast majority of chemicals in industrial and consumer products undergo almost no testing for developmental neurotoxicity or other health effects. Conclusion: Based on these findings, we assert that the current system in the United States for evaluating scientific evidence and making health-based decisions about environmental chemicals is fundamentally broken. To help reduce the unacceptably high prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in our children, we must eliminate or significantly reduce exposures to chemicals that contribute to these conditions. We must adopt a new framework for assessing chemicals that have the potential to disrupt brain development and prevent the use of those that may pose a risk. This consensus statement lays the foundation for developing recommendations to monitor, assess, and reduce exposures to neurotoxic chemicals. These measures are urgently needed if we are to protect healthy brain development so that current and future generations can reach their fullest potential.
Collapse
|