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Wiesel A, Stolz G, Queisser-Wahrendorf A. Evidence for a teratogenic risk in the offspring of health personnel exposed to ionizing radiation?! ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 106:475-9. [PMID: 27301560 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence concerning safety of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation on teratogenic effects mainly relies on animal models, disaster epidemiology and experience in cancer etiology. Following an explorative result on maternal exposure in medical occupations we conducted a feasibility study, addressing congenital anomalies (CA) in the offspring of health workers potentially exposed to radiation. METHODS In a prospective follow-up study, we enrolled women, identified by mandatory registration at the office of radiation protection as wearing a dosimeter. The participating women answered a questionnaire and if pregnant agreed to an examination of their infant. CA were diagnosed and categorized, and demographic and anamnestic findings (including dosimeter values) were ascertained. Mainz Birth Registry data were used for comparison, and a nonresponder analysis was performed. RESULTS Answers were received from 286 of 604 (51%) women exposed and 183 (30.3%) of them participated in the study including 88 nonparticipants who provided exposure data only. Further sources of ionizing radiation and other factors relevant for CA did not differ between the groups. Thirty pregnancies occurred among the participants. Eight of the resulting 27 infants were diagnosed with CA (30%) compared with 6.2% of the comparison group. CONCLUSION Previous explorative findings were corroborated by this feasibility study. The increased prevalence for CA could not be explained by any other factor. A preferable prospective active design is achievable, and the participation rate is essential to calculate valid results and answer this important issue. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:475-479, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awi Wiesel
- Birth Registry Mainz Model, Children's Hospital, University Medical Center of Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gabriela Stolz
- Birth Registry Mainz Model, Children's Hospital, University Medical Center of Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Annette Queisser-Wahrendorf
- Birth Registry Mainz Model, Children's Hospital, University Medical Center of Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Gong X, Benjamin Zhan F, Lin Y. Maternal residential proximity to nuclear facilities and low birth weight in offspring in Texas. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2017; 56:111-120. [PMID: 28035471 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-016-0673-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Health effects of close residential proximity to nuclear facilities have been a concern for both the general public and health professionals. Here, a study is reported examining the association between maternal residential proximity to nuclear facilities and low birth weight (LBW) in offspring using data from 1996 through 2008 in Texas, USA. A case-control study design was used together with a proximity-based model for exposure assessment. First, the LBW case/control births were categorized into multiple proximity groups based on distances between their maternal residences and nuclear facilities. Then, a binary logistic regression model was used to examine the association between maternal residential proximity to nuclear facilities and low birth weight in offspring. The odds ratios were adjusted for birth year, public health region of maternal residence, child's sex, gestational weeks, maternal age, education, and race/ethnicity. In addition, sensitivity analyses were conducted for the model. Compared with the reference group (more than 50 km from a nuclear facility), the exposed groups did not show a statistically significant increase in LBW risk [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81, 1.03) for group 40-50 km; aOR 0.98 (CI 0.84, 1.13) for group 30-40 km; aOR 0.95 (CI 0.79, 1.15) for group 20-30 km; aOR 0.86 (CI 0.70, 1.04) for group 10-20 km; and aOR 0.98 (CI 0.59, 1.61) for group 0-10 km]. These results were also confirmed by results of the sensitivity analyses. The results suggest that maternal residential proximity to nuclear facilities is not a significant factor for LBW in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Gong
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - F Benjamin Zhan
- Department of Geography, Texas Center for Geographic Information Science, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
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Foster WG, Evans JA, Little J, Arbour L, Moore A, Sauve R, Andrés León J, Luo W. Human exposure to environmental contaminants and congenital anomalies: a critical review. Crit Rev Toxicol 2016; 47:59-84. [PMID: 27685638 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2016.1211090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Congenital anomalies are an important cause of infant mortality and disability. Developmental exposure to environmental contaminants is thought to increase the risk for congenital anomalies. Herein, we describe a critical review of the literature conducted between February and March 2014 yielding 3057 references from which 97 unique relevant articles published from 2003 through 2014 were evaluated. Common congenital anomalies including hypospadias, cryptorchidism, anogenital distance (AGD), congenital heart defects and oral clefts were well represented in the literature whereas other outcomes such as neural tube defects, limb deficiency defects and gastroschisis were rarely described. While definitions used for congenital anomalies and methods of ascertainment were usually consistent across studies, inconsistencies were frequently found in grouping of different congenital heart defects. Despite strong links between some congenital anomalies and parental occupation, these studies are unable to provide clear insight into the specific chemicals responsible owing to lack of direct measures of exposure. In comparison, data are mixed for contaminant exposures at concentrations representative of results from contemporary biomonitoring studies. Of the environmental contaminants studied, the association between phthalate exposures and developmental abnormalities of the male reproductive tract received the greatest attention. Important limitations of the literature studied relate to adequacy of sample size, absence of or weaknesses in exposure assessment methodologies, failure to account for biological plausibility and grouping of congenital anomalies with divergent mechanisms. We conclude that the literature is inadequate at this time to support a conclusion that exposure to environmental contaminants are or are not associated with increased risks for congenital anomalies in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren G Foster
- a Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology , McMaster University , Hamilton , Ontario , Canada
| | - Jane A Evans
- b Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics , University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , Manitoba , Canada
| | - Julian Little
- c School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Laura Arbour
- d Department of Medical Genetics , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Aideen Moore
- e Department of Paediatrics , University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Reg Sauve
- f Department of Community Health Sciences , University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada
| | - Juan Andrés León
- g Maternal, Child and Youth Health Surveillance and Epidemiology Division , Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Wei Luo
- g Maternal, Child and Youth Health Surveillance and Epidemiology Division , Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
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Ha S, Hu H, Roth J, Kan H, Xu X. Associations Between Residential Proximity to Power Plants and Adverse Birth Outcomes. Am J Epidemiol 2015; 182:215-24. [PMID: 26121989 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwv042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies have assessed the associations between residential proximity to power plants and adverse birth outcomes including preterm delivery (PTD), very preterm delivery (VPTD), and term low birth weight (LBW). We geocoded 423,719 singleton Florida births born from 2004 to 2005 and all active power plants and determined residential proximity to the nearest power plant for each birth. Prenatal exposure to particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter for women living near different types of power plants was also determined by using National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network data. Logistic regression models were used to test the hypothesized associations. Women who lived closer to coal and solid waste power plants were exposed to higher levels of particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter compared with other types. We observed a 1.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3, 2.3) increased odds for PTD, 2.2% (95% CI: 1.0, 3.4) for VPTD, and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.2, 2.0) for term LBW for each 5 km closer to any power plant. When stratifying by different fuel type, we found that only solid waste had an association with term LBW, whereas oil, gas, and solid waste all had an association with PTD and VPTD. Results were consistent when exposure was categorized by number of power plants. Our study found evidence of increasing odds of adverse birth outcomes among infants born to pregnant women living closer to power plants. More research is warranted to better understand the causal relationship.
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Laurier D, Grosche B, Auvinen A, Clavel J, Cobaleda C, Dehos A, Hornhardt S, Jacob S, Kaatsch P, Kosti O, Kuehni C, Lightfoot T, Spycher B, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Wakeford R, Ziegelberger G. Childhood leukaemia risks: from unexplained findings near nuclear installations to recommendations for future research. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2014; 34:R53-R68. [PMID: 24938793 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/34/3/r53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings related to childhood leukaemia incidence near nuclear installations have raised questions which can be answered neither by current knowledge on radiation risk nor by other established risk factors. In 2012, a workshop was organised on this topic with two objectives: (a) review of results and discussion of methodological limitations of studies near nuclear installations; (b) identification of directions for future research into the causes and pathogenesis of childhood leukaemia. The workshop gathered 42 participants from different disciplines, extending widely outside of the radiation protection field. Regarding the proximity of nuclear installations, the need for continuous surveillance of childhood leukaemia incidence was highlighted, including a better characterisation of the local population. The creation of collaborative working groups was recommended for consistency in methodologies and the possibility of combining data for future analyses. Regarding the causes of childhood leukaemia, major fields of research were discussed (environmental risk factors, genetics, infections, immunity, stem cells, experimental research). The need for multidisciplinary collaboration in developing research activities was underlined, including the prevalence of potential predisposition markers and investigating further the infectious aetiology hypothesis. Animal studies and genetic/epigenetic approaches appear of great interest. Routes for future research were pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Laurier
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), BP 17, F-92262 Fontenay-aux-Roses Cedex, France
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Wiesel A, Spix C, Mergenthaler A, Queisser-Luft A. Maternal occupational exposure to ionizing radiation and birth defects. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2011; 50:325-328. [PMID: 21369823 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-010-0350-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
So far, only a few studies investigated occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in pregnancy to cause birth defects (BDs). No association between BDs and ionizing radiation, although described for high-dose exposure, could ever be confirmed for employees, or specific job titles. Here, an explorative analysis of a prospective population-based birth cohort used to quantify the prevalence of BDs in infants between 1/2007 and 2/2008 is presented. An active examination of all livebirths by specially trained paediatricians in two defined areas was performed. Additionally, a study-specific questionnaire distributed among all becoming mothers in the surveyed regions included questions on maternal occupational exposure to ionizing radiation within the first trimester of pregnancy. In 3,816 births (including 165 infants with BDs; 4.3%), maternal answers concerning possible exposures to medical and occupational ionizing radiation were available. Relative risk (RR) estimates in mothers surveyed for occupational exposure to ionizing radiation (wearing a radiation dosimeter) and BDs in the offspring were calculated exploratively. A higher prevalence of infants with BDs (n = 4; 13.8%) was documented in newborns of the 29 surveyed mothers compared to that in 3,787 births from unexposed mothers (n = 161; 4.3%), corresponding to a RR of 3.2 (1.2-8.7). Excluding deformations, the RR increased to 4.0 (1.5-10.7). Adjustment for possible confounders did not change the results substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awi Wiesel
- Birth Registry Mainz Model, Children's Hospital, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstr.1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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