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Klus JK, Thurston SW, Myers GJ, Watson GE, Rand MD, Love TM, Yeates AJ, Mulhern MS, McSorley EM, Strain JJ, Shamlaye CF, van Wijngaarden E. Postnatal methylmercury exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 7 years of age in the Seychelles Child Development Study Nutrition Cohort 2. Neurotoxicology 2023; 99:115-119. [PMID: 37832849 PMCID: PMC10842381 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consumption of fish yields many nutritional benefits, but also results in exposure to methylmercury (MeHg). The developing brain is known to be particularly susceptible to MeHg toxicity in high doses. However, the potential impact of low-level environmental exposure from fish consumption on children's neurodevelopment remains unclear. METHODS We investigated postnatal MeHg exposure at 7 years and its association with a battery of 17 neurodevelopmental outcomes in a subset of children (n = 376) from 1535 enrolled mother-child pairs in Nutrition Cohort 2 of the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS NC2). Each outcome was modeled in relation to postnatal MeHg exposure using linear regression, adjusting for prenatal MeHg exposure, levels of maternal polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and several other covariates known to be associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes. RESULTS Median postnatal MeHg exposure at 7 years was 2.5 ppm, while the median prenatal MeHg exposure was 3.5 ppm. We found no statistically significant associations between postnatal MeHg exposure and any of the 17 neurodevelopmental outcomes after adjusting for prenatal MeHg exposure and other covariates. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with previous cross-sectional analyses of the SCDS Main Cohort. Continued follow-up of the entire NC2 cohort at later ages with repeated exposure measures is needed to further confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K Klus
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sally W Thurston
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Gary J Myers
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Gene E Watson
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Matthew D Rand
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Tanzy M Love
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Alison J Yeates
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Maria S Mulhern
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Emeir M McSorley
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester Medical Center, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Nakamura M, Tatsuta N, Murata K, Nakai K, Iwata T, Otobe T, Sakamoto M, Yamamoto M, Itatani M, Miura Y, Koriyama C. Neurodevelopmental associations of prenatal and postnatal methylmercury exposure among first-grade children in the Kinan region, Japan. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116688. [PMID: 37467938 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The most severe effects of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure during child development are thought to result from exposure during fetal life and childhood. However, comparing the neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal and postnatal MeHg exposure (PreMeHg and PostMeHg, respectively) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the associations between neurodevelopmental indicators and PreMeHg or PostMeHg. The participants were 134 children in the first grade of elementary schools aged 7-8 years from the Kinan region, an area with high consumption of MeHg-rich whales and tunas in Japan. We measured MeHg levels in preserved umbilical cord tissues and total mercury (T-Hg) levels in children's hair to estimate PreMeHg and PostMeHg levels, respectively. Neuropsychological (intelligence quotient testing and Boston Naming Test) and neurophysiological (brainstem auditory evoked potential [BAEP], visual evoked potential [VEP], and color vision tests) studies were performed to evaluate the neurodevelopmental status. Multiple regression analyses were conducted according to sex. The geometric mean MeHg levels in preserved umbilical cord tissues and T-Hg levels in children's hair were 0.11 μg/g and 2.94 μg/g, respectively. Neither PreMeHg nor PostMeHg was related to neuropsychological indicators. Some associations between MeHg exposure and neurophysiological results were observed only in boys. N145 latency in VEPs was significantly prolonged with increasing PreMeHg (β: 12.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.648, 23.38). The III-V interpeak intervals in BAEP were significantly prolonged with increasing PreMeHg or PostMeHg (β [95% CI]: 0.142 [0.041, 0.243] and 0.159 [0.052, 0.265], respectively). After adjusting for PreMeHg, the association between PostMeHg and BAEP latencies disappeared. In conclusion, the latency in the auditory and visual pathways was significantly prolonged with increasing PreMeHg in boys. These findings suggest that male fetuses may be more susceptible to MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Nakamura
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Nozomi Tatsuta
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai City, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Hondo, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai City, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Toyoto Iwata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Hondo, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Otobe
- Department of Child Education, Jin-ai University, Echizen City, Fukui, 910-0124, Japan.
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- Department of Environment and Public Health, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Department of Environment and Public Health, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Mina Itatani
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Yoko Miura
- Department of Clinical Medicine, National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Chihaya Koriyama
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan.
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3
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Maffioli EM. The local health impacts of natural resource booms. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2023; 32:462-500. [PMID: 36440904 PMCID: PMC10098977 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper uses novel micro-data on natural resources and administrative health data in Brazil to study how economic booms in minerals affect health at birth. By implementing a reduced-form estimation of shift-share research designs, the identification strategy relies on the exogeneity of global commodity prices to municipality-specific health outcomes. I find that, following changes in international prices, municipalities with historically more endowments have a higher number of premature births and births with low Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration scores. The impacts are primarily driven by metallic minerals. Instead, industrial minerals do not appear to have any effect on birth outcomes. Even though booms in metallic minerals generate benefits through resource windfalls-by increasing wealth and generating economic opportunities-the investigation of mechanisms reveals that they also result in costs-due to pollution-which seem to prevail. Hence, some metallic minerals remain a curse more than a blessing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M. Maffioli
- Department of Health Management and PolicyUniversity of MichiganSchool of Public HealthAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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Galiciolli MEA, Pedroso TF, Mesquita M, Oliveira VA, Pereira ME, Oliveira CS. Biochemical Parameters of Female Wistar Rats and Their Offspring Exposed to Inorganic Mercury in Drinking Water during the Gestational and Lactational Periods. TOXICS 2022; 10:664. [PMID: 36355955 PMCID: PMC9696705 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inorganic mercury (Hg2+) exposure on biochemical parameters of dams and their offspring exposed to metal in drinking water. Female Wistar rats were exposed to 0, 10, and 50 µg Hg2+/mL (as HgCl2) for 42 days corresponding to gestational (21 days) and lactational (21 days) periods. The offspring were sacrificed on postnatal days 10, 20, 30, and 40. Dams exposed to Hg2+ presented a decrease in water intake in gestation [total: F(2,19) = 15.84; p ≤ 0.0001; daily: F(2,21) = 12.71; p = 0.0002] and lactation [total: F(2,19) = 4.619; p = 0.024; daily: F(2,21) = 5.309; p = 0.0136] without alteration in food intake. Dams exposed to 50 µg Hg2+/mL had an increase in kidney total [F(2,21) = 8.081; p = 0.0025] and relative [F(2,21) = 14.11; p = 0.0001] weight without changes in biochemical markers of nephrotoxicity. Moreover, dams had an increase in hepatic [F(2,10) = 3.847; p = 0.0577] and renal [F(2,11) = 6.267; p = 0.0152] metallothionein content concomitantly with an increase in renal Hg levels after Hg2+ exposure. Regarding offspring, the exposure to Hg2+in utero and breast milk increased the relative liver [F(2,18) = 5.33; p = 0.0152] and kidney [F(2,18) = 3.819; p = 0.0415] weight only on the postnatal day 40. In conclusion, dams were able to handle the Hg2+ avoiding the classic Hg2+ toxic effects as well as protecting the offspring. We suggest that this protection is related to the hepatic and renal metallothionein content increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eduarda A. Galiciolli
- Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Rua Silva Jardim, 1632, Curitiba 80250-060, PR, Brazil
- Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Avenida Iguaçu, 333, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Taíse F. Pedroso
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Mesquita
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Vitor A. Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria E. Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Cláudia S. Oliveira
- Instituto de Pesquisa Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Rua Silva Jardim, 1632, Curitiba 80250-060, PR, Brazil
- Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Avenida Iguaçu, 333, Curitiba 80230-020, PR, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, RS, Brazil
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de Vasconcellos ACS, Ferreira SRB, de Sousa CC, de Oliveira MW, de Oliveira Lima M, Basta PC. Health Risk Assessment Attributed to Consumption of Fish Contaminated with Mercury in the Rio Branco Basin, Roraima, Amazon, Brazil. TOXICS 2022; 10:516. [PMID: 36136481 PMCID: PMC9504189 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10090516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the health risk attributable to the consumption of mercury-contaminated fish for the urban and non-urban populations living in the Roraima state, Amazon, Brazil. Seventy-five fish specimens distributed across twenty different species, comprising four trophic levels (i.e., herbivore, omnivore, detritivore, and carnivore), were collected at four locations in the Branco River Basin. The fish samples were sent to the Toxicology Laboratory at Evandro Chagas Institute to determine the total-Hg levels by using the cold vapor atomic system (CVAAS). The total-Hg levels ranged from 0 to 3.159 µg/g. The average concentration in non-carnivorous species (n = 32) was 0.116 µg/g, and among carnivorous fish (n = 43), it was 0.869 µg/g. The weighted average of contamination levels for all samples was 0.545 µg/g. The health risk assessment was conducted according to the methodology proposed by the World Health Organization and different scenarios of human exposure were considered, based on three levels of fish consumption (low: 50 g/day; moderate: 100 g/day and high: 200 g/day). Women of childbearing age ingest 5 to 21 times more mercury than the dose considered safe by the U.S. EPA and intake a dose from 2 to 9 times higher than the safe dose proposed by FAO/WHO. Children under 5 years of age ingest from 18 to 75 times the dose proposed by the U.S. EPA and from 8 to 32 more mercury than the limit proposed by FAO/WHO. In summary, regardless of the level of fish consumption, type of residency (urban or non-urban), and the subset of the population analyzed, anyone who consumes fish from the locations sampled is at high risk attributable to mercury ingestion, with the only exception of adult men, who consume an average of 50 g of fish per day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education on Health Surveillance, Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sylvio Romério Briglia Ferreira
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Resources (Pronat), Federal University of Roraima, Campus Paricarana, Boa Vista 69310-000, RR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Environmental Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Secretariat of Science, Technology and Strategic Products, Ministry of Health of Brazil, Belém 70723-040, PA, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Department of Endemic Diseases Samuel Pessoa, National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, RJ, Brazil
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Zhang L, Wang B, Shen H, Zhang H, Liu X, Zhong L, Liu D, Jiang D, Zhu Y, Zhu B, Han L. Factors Influencing Trace Element Levels in the Blood of Tin Smelting Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e403-e408. [PMID: 35673257 PMCID: PMC9301975 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study is to assess the correlation between blood concentration ranges of eight elements of tin smelting workers from Guangxi Liuzhou and their job type, working years, age, and sex. METHODS We collected blood samples of 218 tin smelting workers from a Chinese tin smelting factory and determined the levels of elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS Within the blood concentrations of eight metal elements of the objects, the blood concentration of copper and zinc is affected by the job type of comprehensive work; that of arsenic and mercury is affected by refining; and that of chromium, cadmium, and lead is affected by primary smelting. CONCLUSIONS We present the remarkable influence of four job types on the blood concentration of seven trace elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludi Zhang
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Boshen Wang
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Huanxi Shen
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Hengdong Zhang
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Xin Liu
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Lixin Zhong
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Deye Liu
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Dong Jiang
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Yong Zhu
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Baoli Zhu
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
| | - Lei Han
- From the Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, H. Zhang, X. Liu, Zhong, D. Liu, Jiang, Y. Zhu, B. Zhu, and Han); and Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University (Drs L. Zhang, Wang, and B. Zhu), Nanjing; Kunshan Municipal Center for Disease Prevention and Control (Dr Shen); Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University (Dr B. Zhu); and Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Public Health Emergency (Dr B. Zhu), China
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7
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Heng YY, Asad I, Coleman B, Menard L, Benki-Nugent S, Hussein Were F, Karr CJ, McHenry MS. Heavy metals and neurodevelopment of children in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265536. [PMID: 35358213 PMCID: PMC8970501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of harmful environmental exposures, which disproportionately affects low-and-middle income countries (LMICs), contributes to >25% of deaths and diseases worldwide and detrimentally affects child neurodevelopment. Few resources succinctly summarize the existing literature on this topic. Our objective is to systematically review and characterize the evidence regarding the relationship between heavy metals and neurodevelopment of children in LMICs. METHODS We conducted a medical librarian-curated search on multiple online databases to identify articles that included individuals <18 years living in a LMIC, quantitatively measured exposure to a heavy metal (either prenatal or postnatal), and used a standardized measurement of neurodevelopment (i.e. cognitive, language, motor, and behavior). Reviews, editorials, or case studies were excluded. Results were analyzed qualitatively, and quality was assessed. RESULTS Of the 18,043 screened articles, 298 full-text articles were reviewed, and 100 articles met inclusion criteria. The included studies represented data from 19 LMICs, only one of which was classified as a low-income country. Ninety-four percent of postnatal lead and all postnatal manganese studies showed a negative association with metal exposure and neurodevelopment, which were the strongest relationships among the metals studied. Postnatal exposure of mercury was associated with poor neurodevelopment in only half of studies. Limited data on postnatal arsenic and cadmium suggests an association with worse neurodevelopment. Findings were mixed for prenatal arsenic and lead, although some evidence supports that the neurotoxicity of lead was amplified in the presence of manganese. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL IMPACT We found that lead and manganese appear to consistently have a detrimental effect on the neurodevelopment of children, and more evidence is needed for mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Better characterization of these effects can motivate and inform prioritization of much needed international policies and programs to reduce heavy metal exposures for young children within LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yan Heng
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Iqra Asad
- School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Bailey Coleman
- School of Health and Human Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Laura Menard
- Ruth Lilly Medical Library, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Sarah Benki-Nugent
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Faridah Hussein Were
- Department of Chemistry, College of Biological and Physical Sciences of the University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Catherine J. Karr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Megan S McHenry
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Hu Q, Feng Y, Xu M. Are There Heterogeneous Impacts of Air Pollution on Mental Health? Front Public Health 2021; 9:780022. [PMID: 34869193 PMCID: PMC8640523 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.780022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies reveal that air pollution is related to mental health. However, the level of impact and the regulatory mechanism of air pollution on different types of mental health are unknown. This paper examines the heterogeneous impact and mediating mechanisms of air pollution on mental health based on data of 51 countries from 2010 to 2017 by using panel Tobit random effect model, mediating effect model, and bootstrap test. The findings show that, firstly, there is heterogeneous impact of air pollution on different types of mental health. Specifically, air pollution has a significant positive impact on depression; and the impacts on happiness and anxiety are closely related to income level. Secondly, the heterogeneous impact of air pollution on mental health is contingent on income levels. Thirdly, the heterogeneous impacts under different income levels are exacerbated by different levels of education and population density. Lastly, the mediating effect of physical health on different types of mental health is also heterogeneous. To be specific, the effects of air pollution on depression and anxiety are partly mediated by physical health; whereas the effect on happiness is not. These findings contribute to the understanding of air pollution on public health, and have significant implication for social and public health policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Hu
- School of International Studies, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang, China
| | - Yanhong Feng
- School of Economics and Statistics, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mark Xu
- Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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9
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de Bakker LB, Gasparinetti P, de Queiroz JM, de Vasconcellos ACS. Economic Impacts on Human Health Resulting from the Use of Mercury in the Illegal Gold Mining in the Brazilian Amazon: A Methodological Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182211869. [PMID: 34831624 PMCID: PMC8622153 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182211869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in the Amazon results in the dumping of tons of mercury into the environment annually. Despite consensus on the impacts of mercury on human health, there are still unknowns regarding: (i) the extent to which mercury from ASGM can be dispersed in the environment until it becomes toxic to humans; and (ii) the economic value of losses caused by contamination becomes evident. The main objective of this study is to propose a methodology to evaluate the impacts of ASGM on human health in different contexts in the Brazilian Amazon. We connect several points in the literature based on hypotheses regarding mercury dispersion in water, its transformation into methylmercury, and absorption by fish and humans. This methodology can be used as a tool to estimate the extent of environmental damage caused by artisanal gold mining, the severity of damage to the health of individuals contaminated by mercury and, consequently, can contribute to the application of fines to environmental violators. The consequences of contamination are evaluated by dose-response functions relating to mercury concentrations in hair and the development of the following health outcomes: (i) mild mental retardation, (ii) acute myocardial infarction, and (iii) hypertension. From disability-adjusted life years and statistical life value, we found that the economic losses range from 100,000 to 400,000 USD per kilogram of gold extracted. A case study of the Yanomami indigenous land shows that the impacts of mercury from illegal gold mining in 2020 totaled 69 million USD, which could be used by local authorities to compensate the Yanomami people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Barcellos de Bakker
- Leonardo B. Bakker Assessoria, São Clemente Street, Rio de Janeiro 254, Rio de Janeiro 22260-004, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Pedro Gasparinetti
- Conservation Strategy Fund, Av. Churchill 129, Rio de Janeiro 20020-050, Brazil;
| | - Júlia Mello de Queiroz
- Julia Queiroz Consultoria Desenvolvimento Verde, Maria Angelica Street, Rio de Janeiro 382, Rio de Janeiro 22461-152, Brazil;
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
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10
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Williams PRD, von Stackelberg K, Guerra Lopez MG, Sanchez-Triana E. Risk Analysis Approaches to Evaluating Health Impacts from Land-Based Pollution in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2021; 41:1971-1986. [PMID: 33565672 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Risk analysis offers a useful framework for evaluating and managing environmental health risks across different settings. In this Perspective, we question whether the principles and practice of risk analysis could be beneficial in the context of land-based pollution in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to better support risk-based decision making. Specifically, potential health and economic impacts from land-based pollution in LMICs has become an increasing issue of concern due to widespread environmental contamination from active and legacy operations, particularly informal activities that are becoming increasingly dispersed throughout communities, such as used lead acid battery recycling, artisanal and small-scale gold mining, and small-scale tanneries. However, the overall magnitude and scale of the public health problem arising from these sources remains highly uncertain and poorly characterized and cannot be compared to land-based pollution in high-income countries due to unique factors. This lack of knowledge has negatively affected the political priority and level of funding for risk mitigation actions targeting land-based pollution in these countries. Our primary objective is to raise further awareness of this emerging issue among risk analysts and decisionmakers and to advocate for more robust and focused research. Here, we highlight the types of industries and activities contributing to land-based pollution in LMICs and describe key findings and knowledge and data gaps that have hindered a fuller understanding of this issue. We also discuss how several risk assessment and risk management approaches might be useful in this resource-constrained context. We conclude that a combination of risk analysis approaches may be worthwhile, but more work is needed to determine which methods or tools will be most informative, technically feasible, and cost-effective for identifying, prioritizing, and mitigating land-based pollution in LMICs. Affected researchers, funding agencies, and local or national governments will need to work together to develop improved study designs and risk mitigation strategies.
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11
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Gade M, Comfort N, Re DB. Sex-specific neurotoxic effects of heavy metal pollutants: Epidemiological, experimental evidence and candidate mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111558. [PMID: 34224706 PMCID: PMC8478794 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The heavy metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and are known to exert severe adverse impacts on the nervous system even at low concentrations. In contrast, the heavy metal manganese (Mn) is first and foremost an essential nutrient, but it becomes neurotoxic at high levels. Neurotoxic metals also include the less prevalent metalloid arsenic (As) which is found in excessive concentrations in drinking water and food sources in many regions of the world. Males and females often differ in how they respond to environmental exposures and adverse effects on their nervous systems are no exception. Here, we review the different types of sex-specific neurotoxic effects, such as cognitive and motor impairments, that have been attributed to Pb, Hg, Mn, Cd, and As exposure throughout the life course in epidemiological as well as in experimental toxicological studies. We also discuss differential vulnerability to these metals such as distinctions in behaviors and occupations across the sexes. Finally, we explore the different mechanisms hypothesized to account for sex-based differential susceptibility including hormonal, genetic, metabolic, anatomical, neurochemical, and epigenetic perturbations. An understanding of the sex-specific effects of environmental heavy metal neurotoxicity can aid in the development of more efficient systematic approaches in risk assessment and better exposure mitigation strategies with regard to sex-linked susceptibilities and vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meethila Gade
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Comfort
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diane B Re
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; NIEHS Center of Northern Manhattan, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Motor Neuron Center for Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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12
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Basta PC, Viana PVDS, Vasconcellos ACSD, Périssé ARS, Hofer CB, Paiva NS, Kempton JW, Ciampi de Andrade D, Oliveira RAAD, Achatz RW, Perini JA, Meneses HDNDM, Hallwass G, Lima MDO, Jesus IMD, Santos CCRD, Hacon SDS. Mercury Exposure in Munduruku Indigenous Communities from Brazilian Amazon: Methodological Background and an Overview of the Principal Results. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9222. [PMID: 34501811 PMCID: PMC8430525 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Amazonian indigenous peoples depend on natural resources to live, but human activities' growing impacts threaten their health and livelihoods. Our objectives were to present the principal results of an integrated and multidisciplinary analysis of the health parameters and assess the mercury (Hg) exposure levels in indigenous populations in the Brazilian Amazon. We carried out a cross-sectional study based on a census of three Munduruku indigenous villages (Sawré Muybu, Poxo Muybu, and Sawré Aboy), located in the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land, between 29 October and 9 November 2019. The investigation included: (i) sociodemographic characterization of the participants; (ii) health assessment; (iii) genetic polymorphism analysis; (iv) hair mercury determination; and (v) fish mercury determination. We used the logistic regression model with conditional Prevalence Ratio (PR), with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CI95%) to explore factors associated with mercury exposure levels ≥6.0 µg/g. A total of 200 participants were interviewed. Mercury levels (197 hair samples) ranged from 1.4 to 23.9 μg/g, with significant differences between the villages (Kruskal-Wallis test: 19.9; p-value < 0.001). On average, the general prevalence of Hg exposure ≥ 6.0 µg/g was 57.9%. For participants ≥12 years old, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g showed associated with no regular income (PR: 1.3; CI95%: 1.0-1.8), high blood pressure (PR: 1.6; CI95%: 1.3-2.1) and was more prominent in Sawré Aboy village (PR: 1.8; CI95%: 1.3-2.3). For women of childbearing age, the Hg exposure ≥6.0 µg/g was associated with high blood pressure (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.2-2.3), with pregnancy (PR: 1.5; CI95%: 1.0-2.1) and was more prominent among residents in Poxo Muybu (PR: 1.9; CI95%: 1.0-3.4) and Sawré Aboy (PR: 2.5; CI95%: 1.4-4.4) villages. Our findings suggest that chronic mercury exposure causes harmful effects to the studied indigenous communities, especially considering vulnerable groups of the population, such as women of childbearing age. Lastly, we propose to stop the illegal mining in these areas and develop a risk management plan that aims to ensure the health, livelihoods, and human rights of the indigenous people from Amazon Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Cesar Basta
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Paulo Victor de Sousa Viana
- Centro de Referência Professor Hélio Fraga, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (CRPHF/ENSP/Fiocruz), Estrada de Curicica, 2000-Curicica, Rio de Janeiro 22780-195, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratório de Educação Profissional em Vigilância em Saúde, Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (EPSJV/Fiocruz), Av. Brazil, 4365-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - André Reynaldo Santos Périssé
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
| | - Cristina Barroso Hofer
- Instituto de Pediatria e Puericultura Martagão Gesteira, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rua Bruno Lobo, 50-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-912, Brazil
| | - Natalia Santana Paiva
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva (IESC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Horácio Macedo, s/n, Ilha do Fundão-Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil
| | - Joseph William Kempton
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Medical School Building, St Mary's Hospital, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Daniel Ciampi de Andrade
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Rogério Adas Ayres de Oliveira
- Centro de Dor, Departamento de Neurologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-Cerqueira César, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Waddington Achatz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Clínica do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Professor Mello Moraes, 1721-Butantã, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil
| | - Jamila Alessandra Perini
- Laboratório de Pesquisa de Ciências Farmacêuticas (LAPESF), Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste (UEZO), Av. Manuel Caldeira de Alvarenga, 1.203, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, Brazil
| | - Heloísa do Nascimento de Moura Meneses
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde (PPGCSA), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz Av. Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, 1° Pavimento, Bloco Modular Tapajós, Unidade Tapajós, Santarém, Pará 68035-110, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Hallwass
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências (PPGBio), Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Rua Vera Paz, s/n, Bairro Salé, Santarém 68035-110, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Seção de Meio Ambiente, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Ministério da Saúde (SEAMB/IEC/SVS/MS), Rodovia BR-316 km 7, s/n, Levilândia 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Cleidiane Carvalho Ribeiro Dos Santos
- Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Rio Tapajós (DSEI), Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena Tapajós (Sesai), Av. Santa Catarina, 10° Rua, nº 96, Bairro Bela Vista, Itaituba 68180-210, Brazil
| | - Sandra de Souza Hacon
- Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (ENSP/Fiocruz), Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil
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13
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de Vasconcellos ACS, Hallwass G, Bezerra JG, Aciole ANS, Meneses HNDM, Lima MDO, de Jesus IM, Hacon SDS, Basta PC. Health Risk Assessment of Mercury Exposure from Fish Consumption in Munduruku Indigenous Communities in the Brazilian Amazon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7940. [PMID: 34360233 PMCID: PMC8345402 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fish serves as the principal source of animal protein for the indigenous people of the Amazon, ensuring their food and nutritional security. However, gold mining causes mercury (Hg) contamination in fish, and consequently increases health risks associated with fish consumption. The aim of this study was to assess the health risk attributed to the consumption of mercury-contaminated fish by Munduruku indigenous communities in the Middle-Tapajós Region. Different fish species were collected in the Sawré Muybu Indigenous Land to determine mercury levels. The health risk assessment was carried out according to the World Health Organization (WHO 2008) methodology and different scenarios were built for counterfactual analysis. Eighty-eight fish specimens from 17 species and four trophic levels were analyzed. Estimates of Hg ingestion indicated that the methylmercury daily intake exceeds the U.S. EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) (2000) reference dose from 3 to 25-fold, and up to 11 times the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)/WHO (2003) dose recommendation. In all situations analyzed, the risk ratio estimates were above 1.0, meaning that the investigated Munduruku communities are at serious risk of harm as a result of ingestion of mercury-contaminated fish. These results indicate that, at present, fish consumption is not safe for this Munduruku population. This hazardous situation threatens the survival of this indigenous population, their food security, and their culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos
- Laboratory of Professional Education in Health Surveillance, Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Hallwass
- Laboratory of Human Ecology, Fish, Fisheries and Conservation, Postgraduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of West Para, 68270-000 Oriximiná, Brazil; (G.H.); (J.G.B.); (A.N.S.A.)
| | - Jaqueline Gato Bezerra
- Laboratory of Human Ecology, Fish, Fisheries and Conservation, Postgraduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of West Para, 68270-000 Oriximiná, Brazil; (G.H.); (J.G.B.); (A.N.S.A.)
| | - Angélico Nonato Serrão Aciole
- Laboratory of Human Ecology, Fish, Fisheries and Conservation, Postgraduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of West Para, 68270-000 Oriximiná, Brazil; (G.H.); (J.G.B.); (A.N.S.A.)
| | | | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Environment Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, 67030-000 Ananindeua, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Environment Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Ministry of Health, 67030-000 Ananindeua, Brazil; (M.O.L.); (I.M.J.)
| | - Sandra de Souza Hacon
- Samuel Pessoa Department of Endemics, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Cesar Basta
- Samuel Pessoa Department of Endemics, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
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14
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Dórea JG. Neurodevelopment in mining environments entails different types of exposure and non-essential element interactions: Broadening the significance of the Nyanza et al study in Tanzania. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 149:106407. [PMID: 33508535 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasília, 70919-970 DF Brasília, Brazil.
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15
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Santos-Sacramento L, Arrifano GP, Lopes-Araújo A, Augusto-Oliveira M, Albuquerque-Santos R, Takeda PY, Souza-Monteiro JR, Macchi BM, do Nascimento JLM, Lima RR, Crespo-Lopez ME. Human neurotoxicity of mercury in the Amazon: A scoping review with insights and critical considerations. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111686. [PMID: 33396018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to mercury is a major public health concern, causing neurological outcomes such as motor and visual impairment and learning disabilities. Currently, human exposure in the Amazon is among the highest in the world. A recent systematic review (doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.12.001), however, highlighted the lack of high-quality studies on mercury-associated neurotoxicity. There is, therefore, a need to improve research and much to still learn about how exposure correlates with disease. In this review, we discuss studies evaluating the associations between neurological disturbances and mercury body burden in Amazonian populations, to generate recommendations for future studies. A systematic search was performed during July 2020, in Pubmed/Medline, SCOPUS and SCIELO databases with the terms (mercury*) and (Amazon*). Four inclusion criteria were used: original article (1), with Amazonian populations (2), quantifying exposure (mercury levels) (3), and evaluating neurological outcomes (4). The extracted data included characteristics (as year or origin of authorship) and details of the research (as locations and type of participants or mercury levels and neurological assessments). Thirty-four studies, most concentrated within three main river basins (Tapajós, Tocantins, and Madeira) and related to environmental exposure, were found. Mercury body burden was two to ten times higher than recommended and main neurological findings were cognitive, vision, motor, somatosensory and emotional deficits. Important insights are described that support novel approaches to researching mercury exposure and intoxication, as well as prevention and intervention strategies. As a signatory country to the Minamata Convention, Brazil has the opportunity to play a central role in improving human health and leading the research on mercury intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Raquel Albuquerque-Santos
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Y Takeda
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | | | - Barbarella M Macchi
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - José Luiz M do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), 68903-419 Macapá, AP, Brazil.
| | - Rafael R Lima
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
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16
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Dórea JG. Exposure to environmental neurotoxic substances and neurodevelopment in children from Latin America and the Caribbean. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110199. [PMID: 32941839 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Environmental (and occupational) exposure to neurotoxic substances is a worldwide problem that can affect children's neurodevelopment (ND). In Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries there are over 300 million children living under the threat of neurodevelopmental delays due to toxic environmental exposure. Large industrial centers, intense mining and agricultural activities, along with changing complex ecosystems constitute a mosaic that drives contamination of air, water and the food chain. Neurotoxic contaminants such as pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, and manganese fungicides), chemicals of industrial use (phthalates), and metals (Hg, Pb, Al, As, F, Cd, Mo, Mn) are at the center of environmental exposure studies. Exposure to neurotoxic substances singly or in combination with other compounds or socioeconomic stressors (maternal education, socio-economic and nutritional status) intertwined with occupational and para-occupational exposure can affect ND (motor, cognition, behavior) of children. Significant negative effects of pesticides and neurotoxic elements on ND were found in all studied countries, affecting especially the less-privileged children from laboring families. Studies showed that exposures to the neurotoxicants in human milk are secondary to their more lasting effects during prenatal exposure. This review integrates exposure (prenatal and breastfeeding), metabolism, and ND effects of neurotoxicants. It highlights the overwhelming evidence showing that current levels of exposures are hazardous and detrimental to children's ND in LAC countries. The evidence indicates that a reduction in neurotoxicant exposure is essential to protect children's ND. Therefore, it is urgent to adopt policies and actions that prevent and remediate region-specific children's ND issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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17
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Crespo-Lopez ME, Augusto-Oliveira M, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Yuki Takeda P, Macchi BDM, do Nascimento JLM, Maia CSF, Lima RR, Arrifano GP. Mercury: What can we learn from the Amazon? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106223. [PMID: 33120229 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is among the ten most dangerous chemicals for public health, and is a priority concern for the 128 signatory countries of the Minamata Convention. Mercury emissions to the atmosphere increased 20% between 2010 and 2015, with South America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia as the main contributors. Approximately 80% of the total mercury emissions in South America is from the Amazon, where the presence of the metal is ubiquitous and highly dynamic. The presence of this metal is likely increasing, with global consequences, due to events of the last two years including extensive biomass burning and deforestation, as well as mining activities and the construction of large-scale projects, such as dams. Here we present a concise profile of this mobilization, highlighting the human exposure to this metal in areas without mining history. Mercury reaches the food chain in its most toxic form, methylmercury, intoxicating human populations through the intake of contaminated fish. Amazonian populations present levels over 6 ppm of hair mercury and, according to the 175:250:5:1 ratio for methylmercury intake : mercury hair : mercury brain : mercury blood, consume 2-6 times the internationally recognized reference doses. This exposure is alarmingly higher than that of other populations worldwide. A possible biphasic behavior of the mercury-related phenomena, with consequences that may not be observed in populations with lower levels, is hypothesized, supporting the need of improving our knowledge of this type of chronic exposure. It is urgent that we address this serious public health problem in the Amazon, especially considering that human exposure may be increasing in the near future. All actions in this region carry the potential to have global repercussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Leticia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Priscila Yuki Takeda
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Barbarella de Matos Macchi
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Martins do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), 68903-419 Macapá, AP, Brazil.
| | - Cristiane S F Maia
- Laboratório de Farmacologia da Inflamação e do Comportamento, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Rafael R Lima
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
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18
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Bauer JA, Fruh V, Howe CG, White RF, Henn BC. Associations of metals and neurodevelopment: a review of recent evidence on susceptibility factors. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2020; 7:237-262. [PMID: 33777647 PMCID: PMC7993302 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-020-00249-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Epidemiologic evidence exists that many metals are associated with adverse neurobehavioral effects in young children, including lead (Pb), methylmercury (meHg), manganese (Mn) and arsenic (As)5-8. Importantly, chemical insult can vary depending on host factors and exposure circumstance. This systematic review summarizes the recent literature investigating modifying factors of the associations between metals and neurodevelopment, including immutable traits (sex or genetics) or exposure conditions (timing or co-exposures). RECENT FINDINGS Of the 53 studies included in this review, the number investigating modification of exposure effects were: 30 for sex, 21 for co-exposures, 12 for timing of exposure, and six for genetic modifiers. Sex-specific effects of metal-neurobehavioral associations were inconclusive for all metals, likely due to the heterogeneity of outcome domains assessed and the exposure time points measured. Seven studies evaluated both sex and exposure timing as modifying factors using deciduous teeth or other biomarkers with repeated measures to characterize metals exposure over time. Only five studies used statistical methods for mixtures to evaluate associations of more than two metals with neurobehavioral domains. SUMMARY Despite the expansion of research on susceptibility to the neurodevelopmental effects of metals exposure, considerable gaps remain. This work remains critical, as characterizing susceptible subpopulations can aid in identifying biological mechanisms and is fundamental for the protection of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Bauer
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Victoria Fruh
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin G Howe
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roberta F White
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Marques RC, Dórea JG, Cunha MP, Bello TC, Bernardi JV, Malm O. Data relating to maternal fish consumption, methylmercury exposure, and early child neurodevelopment in the traditional living of Western Amazonians. Data Brief 2019; 25:104153. [PMID: 31312700 PMCID: PMC6610680 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.104153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This data paper includes information of a cohort organized to study the health, nutrition, and development of Amazonian children [1]. Child development were evaluated by trained nurses and psychologists with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (at 24 months), the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (at 60 months) and also with questionnaires administered by trained interviewers to the mothers. Maternal food questionnaires were used to estimate fish consumption and the associations between levels of prenatal and postnatal hair mercury (from mothers and children) and scores of neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Olaf Malm
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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20
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Dórea JG. Multiple low-level exposures: Hg interactions with co-occurring neurotoxic substances in early life. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1863:129243. [PMID: 30385391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
All chemical forms of Hg can affect neurodevelopment; however, low levels of organic Hg (methylmercury-MeHg and ethylmercury-EtHg in Thimerosal-containing vaccines, hereafter 'TCV') exposures during early life (pregnancy and lactation) co-occur with other environmental neurotoxic substances. These neurotoxicants may act in parallel, synergistically, or antagonistically to Hg. Nevertheless, the risks of neurotoxicity associated with multiple neuro-toxicants depend on type, time, combinations of exposure, and environmental and/or genetic-associated factors. Neurological developmental disorders, delays in cognition and behavioral outcomes associated with multiple exposures (which include Hg) may show transient or lasting outcomes depending on constitutional and/or environmental factors that can interact to neutralize, aggravate or attenuate these effects; often these studies are challenging to interpret. During pregnancy and lactation, fish-MeHg exposure is frequently confounded with the opposing effects of neuroactive nutrients (in fish) that lead to positive, negative, or no effects on neurobehavioral tests. In infancy, exposures to acute binary mixtures (TCV- EtHg and Al-adjuvants in infant immunizations) are associated with increased risks of tics and other developmental disorders. Despite the certitude that promulgates single environmental neurotoxicants, empirical comparisons of combined exposures indicate that Hg-related outcome is uneven. Hg in combination with other neurotoxic mixtures may elevate risks of neurotoxicity, but these risks arise in circumstances that are not yet predictable. Therefore, to achieve the goals of the Minamata treaty and to safeguard the health of children, low levels of mercury exposure (in any chemical form) needs to be further reduced whether the source is environmental (air- and food-borne) or iatrogenic (pediatric TCVs).
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, DF, Brazil..
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21
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Dórea JG. Low-dose Thimerosal (ethyl-mercury) is still used in infants` vaccines: Should we be concerned with this form of exposure? J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 49:134-139. [PMID: 29895363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In developing countries, Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCV) are the main causes of organic Hg exposure for newborns, neonates, and infants immunized with TCV. This article addresses early-life exposure to this unique organic mercury compound (ethylmercury-EtHg) and the risks of its exposure. English language studies pertaining to Thimerosal/EtHg toxicity and exposure during early life were searched in PubMed; and, those publications judged to be relevant to the topic of this review were selected. The risk from the neurotoxic effects of pre- and post-natal Hg exposures depend, in part, on aggravating or attenuating environmental and/or genetic-associated factors. Health authorities in charge of controlling infectious disease dismiss the toxicology of mercury (immunological and subtle neurological effects as insignificant) related to low-dose Thimerosal. The review addresses the evidence that brings into question the safety of Thimerosal that is still present in vaccines given to pregnant women, infants, and children in developing countries, and recognizes the ethical imperative to extend the use of Thimerosal-free vaccines to developing countries, not just developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970, DF, Brazil.
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22
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Sex-Specific Response of Caenorhabditis elegans to Methylmercury Toxicity. Neurotox Res 2018; 35:208-216. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9949-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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23
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Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Sakamoto M, Murata K, Satoh H. Methylmercury Exposure and Developmental Outcomes in Tohoku Study of Child Development at 18 Months of Age. TOXICS 2018; 6:toxics6030049. [PMID: 30134554 PMCID: PMC6161177 DOI: 10.3390/toxics6030049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Seafood is an important component in a healthy diet and may contain methylmercury or other contaminants. It is important to recognize the risks and benefits of consuming seafood. A longitudinal prospective birth cohort study has been conducted to clarify the effects of neurotoxicants on child development—the Tohoku Study of Child Development (TSCD) in Japan. TSCD comprises two cohorts; a polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) cohort (urban area) and a methylmercury cohort (coastal area). Our previous results from the coastal area showed prenatal methylmercury exposure affected psychomotor development in 18-month-olds, and boys appear to be more vulnerable to the exposure than girls. In this report, we have added the urban area cohort and we reanalyzed the impact of prenatal exposure to methylmercury, which gave the same results as before. These findings suggest prenatal exposure to low levels methylmercury may have adverse effects on child development, especially in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Tatsuta
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
- Environmental Health Section, Department of Environmental Science and Epidemiology, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8502, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Satoh
- Environmental Health Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
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Oliveira CS, Nogara PA, Ardisson-Araújo DMP, Aschner M, Rocha JBT, Dórea JG. Neurodevelopmental Effects of Mercury. ADVANCES IN NEUROTOXICOLOGY 2018; 2:27-86. [PMID: 32346667 PMCID: PMC7188190 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ant.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The toxicology of mercury (Hg) is of concern since this metal is ubiquitously distributed in the environment, and living organisms are routinely exposed to Hg at low to high levels. The toxic effects of Hg are well studied and it is known that they may differ depending on the Hg chemical species. In this chapter, we emphasize the neurotoxic effects of Hg during brain development. The immature brain is more susceptible to Hg exposure, since all the Hg chemical forms, not only the organic ones, can harm it. The possible consequences of Hg exposure during the early stages of development, the additive effects with other co-occurring neurotoxicants, and the known mechanisms of action and targets will be addressed in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia S Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Pablo A Nogara
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniel M P Ardisson-Araújo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Virologia de Insetos, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY, USA
| | - João B T Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - José G Dórea
- Professor Emeritus, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Kusanagi E, Takamura H, Chen SJ, Adachi M, Hoshi N. Children's Hair Mercury Concentrations and Seafood Consumption in Five Regions of Japan. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:259-272. [PMID: 29313075 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0502-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) during the foetal and postnatal periods is known to have adverse effects on children's development. However, little attention has been paid to MeHg exposure during early childhood in Japan. To examine the regional differences in MeHg exposure and seafood consumption and the association between MeHg exposure and seafood consumption and dental metal restorations, we measured the total mercury (T-Hg) concentration in hair as an MeHg exposure index, and using questionnaires, we measured the frequency and amount of seafood consumption and the presence of dental metal restorations in 118 children aged 3-6 years in five regions of Japan. The arithmetic and geometric means of the T-Hg concentrations in hair were 1.03 and 0.87 ppm, respectively, and approximately 40% of the children exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommendation of 1.0 ppm. Significant regional differences in the hair T-Hg concentrations were found among the five regions, and the regional differences were consistent with the traditional regional patterns of eating fatty fish. According to the regression analysis, the consumption of fatty fish, particularly tuna/swordfish, had a significant effect on hair T-Hg concentrations, whereas age, sex, the materials used for dental metal restorations, and other types of seafood or fish/shellfish had no significant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Kusanagi
- Kokugakuin University Hokkaido Junior College, Takikawa, 073-0014, Japan.
| | | | - Shing-Jen Chen
- Koen Gakuen Women's Junior College, Sapporo, 005-0012, Japan
| | | | - Nobuko Hoshi
- Junior College of Sapporo Otani University, Sapporo, 065-8567, Japan
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26
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Integrated Assessment of Shallow-Aquifer Vulnerability to Multiple Contaminants and Drinking-Water Exposure Pathways in Holliston, Massachusetts. WATER 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/w10010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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27
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The Putative Role of Environmental Mercury in the Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Subtypes. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:4834-4856. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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28
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Tatsuta N, Murata K, Iwai-Shimada M, Yaginuma-Sakurai K, Satoh H, Nakai K. Psychomotor Ability in Children Prenatally Exposed to Methylmercury: The 18-Month Follow-Up of Tohoku Study of Child Development. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2017; 242:1-8. [PMID: 28484113 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.242.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Fish contain nutrients essential to the developing fetal brain, but they are contaminated with methylmercury. The Tohoku Study of Child Development, now underway in the Sanriku coastal area of Miyagi prefecture, Japan, follows mother-child pairs to examine the risks and benefits of fish consumption during pregnancy, especially the effects of prenatal exposures to methylmercury, selenium, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on child neurodevelopment. Children aged 18 months were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development second edition (BSID-II) and Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) in 2004-2008. Complete data of cord-blood total mercury (THg), cord-plasma selenium, maternal-plasma DHA, the above test scores, and confounders for 566 mother-child pairs were available. The median cord-blood THg level was 15.7 (range, 2.7-96.1) ng/g. Since the BSID-II and KSPD scores were significantly lower in the 285 boys than in the 281 girls, analyses were conducted separately. The Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) of BSID-II was significantly correlated with cord-blood THg only in the boys, and significance of the association remained unchanged after adjusting for possible confounders; i.e., a 10-fold increase in cord-blood THg was associated with a 8.3-point decrease in the score of the PDI. Other significant correlations of THg were not seen in the boys or girls. Selenium and DHA showed no significant correlations with the BSID-II or KSPD scores in either sex. In conclusion, intrauterine methylmercury exposure may affect psychomotor development, and boys appear to be more vulnerable to the exposure than girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Tatsuta
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Miyuki Iwai-Shimada
- Centre for Health and Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Kozue Yaginuma-Sakurai
- Department of Human Health and Nutrition, Shokei Gakuin University Faculty of Comprehensive Human Science
| | - Hiroshi Satoh
- Environmental Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
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Dórea JG. Abating Mercury Exposure in Young Children Should Include Thimerosal-Free Vaccines. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:2673-2685. [PMID: 28439753 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric immunization is essential to prevent, control and eradicate children`s infectious diseases. Newborns and infants in less developed countries have a concentrated schedule of Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs); pregnant mothers are also immunized with TCVs. Metabolic changes during early development are demonstrably an important risk factor for ethylmercury (EtHg) effects on neurodevelopment, while exposure to Thimerosal sensitizes susceptible individuals to life-long contact dermatitis. Concerns regarding toxicity of Hg have moved rich nations to withdraw it from medicines and, in particular, Thimerosal from pediatric vaccines; it has been more than 20 years since rich countries started using Thimerosal-free vaccines. TCVs and Thimerosal-free vaccines show dissimilar profiles of adverse effects. Thimerosal-free vaccines have shown a decrease in contact dermatitis, while TCVs showed a significant association with increased risk of tic disorders; in some circumstances, EtHg in combination with other neurotoxic substances negatively impacted neurobehavioral tests. In studies that explored vaccines and risk of tics, Thimerosal was a necessary factor. However, when the binary exposure to organic Hg forms (TCV-EtHg and fish-MeHg) was considered, effects on neurobehavioral tests were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS (a) The indiscriminate use of pediatric-TCVs in less developed countries carries an unjustifiable and excessive EtHg exposure with an unnecessary risk of neurotoxicity to the developing brain; (b) measurable benefits (of Thimerosal-free) and measurable risks of tic disorders have been associated with the (Thimerosal-containing) type of vaccine;
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasília, 70919-970, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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30
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Branco V, Caito S, Farina M, Teixeira da Rocha J, Aschner M, Carvalho C. Biomarkers of mercury toxicity: Past, present, and future trends. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:119-154. [PMID: 28379072 PMCID: PMC6317349 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1289834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) toxicity continues to represent a global health concern. Given that human populations are mostly exposed to low chronic levels of mercurial compounds (methylmercury through fish, mercury vapor from dental amalgams, and ethylmercury from vaccines), the need for more sensitive and refined tools to assess the effects and/or susceptibility to adverse metal-mediated health risks remains. Traditional biomarkers, such as hair or blood Hg levels, are practical and provide a reliable measure of exposure, but given intra-population variability, it is difficult to establish accurate cause-effect relationships. It is therefore important to identify and validate biomarkers that are predictive of early adverse effects prior to adverse health outcomes becoming irreversible. This review describes the predominant biomarkers used by toxicologists and epidemiologists to evaluate exposure, effect and susceptibility to Hg compounds, weighing on their advantages and disadvantages. Most importantly, and in light of recent findings on the molecular mechanisms underlying Hg-mediated toxicity, potential novel biomarkers that might be predictive of toxic effect are presented, and the applicability of these parameters in risk assessment is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco Branco
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Sam Caito
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Marcelo Farina
- c Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas , Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina , Florianópolis , Brazil
| | - João Teixeira da Rocha
- d Departamento Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular , Universidade Federal de Santa Maria , Santa Maria , RS , Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- b Department of Molecular Pharmacology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , New York , USA
| | - Cristina Carvalho
- a Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia , Universidade de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
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31
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Dórea JG. Low-dose Thimerosal in pediatric vaccines: Adverse effects in perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 152:280-293. [PMID: 27816865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are prophylactics used as the first line of intervention to prevent, control and eradicate infectious diseases. Young children (before the age of six months) are the demographic group most exposed to recommended/mandatory vaccines preserved with Thimerosal and its metabolite ethylmercury (EtHg). Particularly in the less-developed countries, newborns, neonates, and young children are exposed to EtHg because it is still in several of their pediatric vaccines and mothers are often immunized with Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) during pregnancy. While the immunogenic component of the product has undergone more rigorous testing, Thimerosal, known to have neurotoxic effects even at low doses, has not been scrutinized for the limit of tolerance alone or in combination with adjuvant-Al during immaturity or developmental periods (pregnant women, newborns, infants, and young children). Scientific evidence has shown the potential hazards of Thimerosal in experiments that modeled vaccine-EtHg concentrations. Observational population studies have revealed uncertainties related to neurological effects. However, consistently, they showed a link of EtHg with risk of certain neurodevelopment disorders, such as tic disorder, while clearly revealing the benefits of removing Thimerosal from children's vaccines (associated with immunological reactions) in developed countries. So far, only rich countries have benefited from withdrawing the risk of exposing young children to EtHg. Regarding Thimerosal administered to the very young, we have sufficient studies that characterize a state of uncertainty: the collective evidence strongly suggests that Thimerosal exposure is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. It is claimed that the continued use of Thimerosal in the less-developed countries is due to the cost to change to another preservative, such as 2-phenoxyethanol. However, the estimated cost increase per child in the first year of life is lower than estimated lifetime cost of caring for a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder, such tic disorder. The evidence indicates that Thimerosal-free vaccine options should be made available in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasilia, 70919-970 Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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32
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Chemical Speciation of Selenium and Mercury as Determinant of Their Neurotoxicity. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 18:53-83. [PMID: 28889263 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60189-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The antagonism of mercury toxicity by selenium has been well documented. Mercury is a toxic metal, widespread in the environment. The main target organs (kidneys, lungs, or brain) of mercury vary depending on its chemical forms (inorganic or organic). Selenium is a semimetal essential to mammalian life as part of the amino acid selenocysteine, which is required to the synthesis of the selenoproteins. This chapter has the aim of disclosing the role of selenide or hydrogen selenide (Se-2 or HSe-) as central metabolite of selenium and as an important antidote of the electrophilic mercury forms (particularly, Hg2+ and MeHg). Emphasis will be centered on the neurotoxicity of electrophile forms of mercury and selenium. The controversial participation of electrophile mercury and selenium forms in the development of some neurodegenerative disease will be briefly presented. The potential pharmacological use of organoseleno compounds (Ebselen and diphenyl diselenide) in the treatment of mercury poisoning will be considered. The central role of thiol (-SH) and selenol (-SeH) groups as the generic targets of electrophile mercury forms and the need of new in silico tools to guide the future biological researches will be commented.
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33
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Rebelo FM, Caldas ED. Arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium: Toxicity, levels in breast milk and the risks for breastfed infants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:671-688. [PMID: 27619212 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Metals are ubiquitous in nature, being found in all environmental compartments, and have a variety of applications in human activities. Metals are transferred by maternal blood to the fetus via the placenta, and exposure continues throughout life. For the general population, exposure comes mainly from water and food consumption, including breast milk. In this paper, we reviewed studies on the toxicity of arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium, the toxic metals of most concern to human health, focusing on the potential risks to newborns and infants. A total of 75 studies published since 2000 reporting the levels of these metals in breast milk were reviewed. Lead was the metal most investigated in breast milk (43 studies), and for which the highest levels were reported (up to 1515µg/L). Arsenic was the least investigated (18 studies), with higher levels reported for breast milk (up to 149µg/L) collected in regions with high arsenic concentrations in water (>10µg/L). Data from 34 studies on mercury showed that levels in breast milk were generally higher in populations with high fish consumption, where it may be present mainly as MeHg. Cadmium levels in breast milk were the lowest, with means <2µg/L in most of the 29 studies reviewed. Results of risk assessments indicated that the intake of arsenic, lead and mercury by infants through breastfeeding can be considered a health concern in most regions of the world. Although the potential risks to infants are mostly outweighed by the benefits of breast milk consumption, it is essential that contaminants be continuously monitored, especially in the most critical regions, and that measures be implemented by health authorities to reduce exposure of newborns and infants to these metals, and thus avoid unnecessary health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Maciel Rebelo
- Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency, University of Brasilia, 70910-900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Dutra Caldas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, 70910-900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Inorganic mercury exposure in drinking water alters essential metal homeostasis in pregnant rats without altering rat pup behavior. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 65:18-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Marques RC, Abreu L, Bernardi JVE, Dórea JG. Neurodevelopment of Amazonian children exposed to ethylmercury (from Thimerosal in vaccines) and methylmercury (from fish). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 149:259-265. [PMID: 26774584 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.12.022] [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: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have addressed co-occurring methylmercury (MeHg) from maternal origin and ethylmercury (EtHg) from Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) during infant's neurodevelopment. We studied children (n=1139) from the Western Amazon based on combined (low, intermediate, and high) exposure to chronic MeHg from fish consumption and acute TCV- EtHg. Neurodevelopment outcomes were age of walking and age of talking, and the Bayley Scale of Infant Development (BSID). The Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) were measured at six and 24 months of age. Median hair-Hg (HHg) at birth was 6.4µgg(-1) in mothers, and 1.94µgg(-1) in newborns; total (pregnancy and infancy) EtHg exposure ranged from 0 to 187.5µg. The combined (MeHg+EtHg) exposure showed significant differences for MDI but not for PDI; however, there was a significant decrease in both MDI and PDI scores at 24 months. The increase in BSID delays (scores <80) between six and 24 months was not discernible with regards to EtHg or MeHg exposure. We found a statistically significant increase in neurodevelopmental (BSID) delays related to the combined exposure to Hg (MeHg>EtHg). Neurodevelopment delays due to low-doses of organic mercury (albeit undiscernible) are not predictable but can be avoided by choosing low-Hg fish and providing Thimerosal-free vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rejane C Marques
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro CEP 27930-560, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | | | - José G Dórea
- Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 7 0919-970, DF, Brazil.
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Abstract
CONTEXT Environmental mercury in the Amazon mostly originates from geochemical sources with some from artisanal gold mining (AGM). Geochemical-originated methylmercury (MeHg) reaches the aquatic food chain, ending up in fish. Inorganic Hg used in AGM is responsible for localised environmental contamination and occupational exposure of adults. In addition to this, iatrogenic ethylmercury (EtHg) derived from Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) exposes immunised infants. OBJECTIVE To understand Hg exposure in the Amazon in relation to environmental fish-MeHg exposure, occupational AGM activities and low-doses of TCV-EtHg. METHODS Medline and Thomson-Reuter Web of Science were searched to retrieve and select papers addressing Hg exposure and human health. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Environmental-Hg studies addressed health effects associated with birth weight, infant linear growth and neurodevelopment, while, in adults, environmental and occupational studies addressed immune and neurological issues. No widespread clinical toxicity was reported due to fish-MeHg. However, mixed results associated with Hg exposure can be found. Reducing children's exposure to EtHg is possible using Thimerosal-free vaccines, but it is difficult to interfere with fish consumption without consequences to riverine subsistence populations. Policies to diminish Hg exposure should focus on controlling and/or curbing widespread use of Hg (in gold amalgamation) and promotion of Thimerosal-free vaccines for pregnant women and young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- a Universidade de Brasília , Brasília , DF , Brasil
| | - Rejane C Marques
- b Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , RJ, Brasil
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Marques RC, Abreu L, Bernardi JVE, Dórea JG. Traditional living in the Amazon: Extended breastfeeding, fish consumption, mercury exposure and neurodevelopment. Ann Hum Biol 2016; 43:360-70. [DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2016.1189962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Hu Y, Chen L, Wang C, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Shi R, Gao Y, Tian Y. Prenatal low-level mercury exposure and infant neurodevelopment at 12 months in rural northern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:12050-12059. [PMID: 26965274 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Although MeHg is a confirmed neurotoxin at sufficiently high dosages, the effect of prenatal low-level Hg exposure on infant neurodevelopment is still unknown. Four hundred ten mother-infant pairs were recruited in rural northern China from September 2010 to September 2012. We investigated maternal diet during pregnancy, collected maternal and umbilical blood samples, and tested infant neurodevelopment using Gesell developmental schedules (GDS) at the age of 1 year old. The geometric means (GM) of Hg exposure in maternal and umbilical blood were 0.72 and 1.2 μg/L, respectively. Positive associations between Hg levels and the frequency of total fish consumption were found (Spearman's correlation, r = 0.09 for maternal Hg, r = 0.14 for umbilical Hg, p < 0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, we found a log-unit increase in umbilical blood Hg levels was associated with a 4.22-point (95 % confidence interval (95 %CI) 0.77 to 7.67) increase in the adaptive domain and a 4.06-point (95 %CI 0.51 to 7.62) increase in the social domain. No significant association has been found between other domains and Hg levels in our study. In further analysis, we noticed the positive correlation between the developmental quotient (DQ) scores of the adaptive domain and frequencies of total fish consumption (p = 0.04). Our results failed to indicate the adverse effects between prenatal Hg exposure and infant neurodevelopment. However, given the low-level Hg exposure and its predominant source, the potential positive associations in our study may be attributed to the beneficial nutrients of fish consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Limei Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Caifeng Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijun Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwen Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025, Shanghai, China.
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Karita K, Sakamoto M, Yoshida M, Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Iwai-Shimada M, Iwata T, Maeda E, Yaginuma-Sakurai K, Satoh H, Murata K. [Recent Epidemiological Studies on Methylmercury, Mercury and Selenium]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2016; 71:236-251. [PMID: 27725427 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.71.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
More than sixty years has passed since the outbreak of Minamata disease, and high-level methylmercury contaminations now seem nonexistent in Japan. However, mercury has been continuously discharged from natural sources and industrial activities, and the health effects on children susceptible to methylmercury exposure at low levels, in addition to mercury contamination from mercury or gold mining areas in developing countries, become a worldwide concern. In this article, we provide a recent overview of epidemiological studies regarding methylmercury and mercury. The following findings were obtained. (1) Many papers on exposure assessment of methylmercury/mercury have been published since the Minamata Convention on Mercury was adopted in 2013. (2) The most crucial problem is child developmental neurotoxicity resulting from prenatal exposure to methylmercury, but its precise assessment seems to be difficult because most of such effects are neither severe nor specific. (3) Several problems raised in birth cohort studies (e.g., whether IQ deficits due to prenatal methylmercury exposure remain when the children become adults, or whether the postnatal exposure at low levels also causes such adverse effects in children) remain unsolved. (4) Concurrent exposure models of methylmercury, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, aresenic, and organochlorine pesticides, as well as possible antagonists such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and selenium, should be considered in the study design because the exposure levels of methylmercury are extremely low in developed countries. (5) Further animal experiments and molecular biological studies, in addition to human studies, are required to clarify the mechanism of methylmercury toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Karita
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kyorin University School of Medicine
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Dórea JG. Exposure to mercury and aluminum in early life: developmental vulnerability as a modifying factor in neurologic and immunologic effects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:1295-313. [PMID: 25625408 PMCID: PMC4344667 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120201295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Currently, ethylmercury (EtHg) and adjuvant-Al are the dominating interventional exposures encountered by fetuses, newborns, and infants due to immunization with Thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs). Despite their long use as active agents of medicines and fungicides, the safety levels of these substances have never been determined, either for animals or for adult humans—much less for fetuses, newborns, infants, and children. I reviewed the literature for papers reporting on outcomes associated with (a) multiple exposures and metabolism of EtHg and Al during early life; (b) physiological and metabolic characteristics of newborns, neonates, and infants relevant to xenobiotic exposure and effects; (c) neurobehavioral, immunological, and inflammatory reactions to Thimerosal and Al-adjuvants resulting from TCV exposure in infancy. Immunological and neurobehavioral effects of Thimerosal-EtHg and Al-adjuvants are not extraordinary; rather, these effects are easily detected in high and low income countries, with co-exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) or other neurotoxicants. Rigorous and replicable studies (in different animal species) have shown evidence of EtHg and Al toxicities. More research attention has been given to EtHg and findings have showed a solid link with neurotoxic effects in humans; however, the potential synergic effect of both toxic agents has not been properly studied. Therefore, early life exposure to both EtHg and Al deserves due consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasilia, 70919-970 DF Brasilia, Brazil.
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