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Ondayo MA, Watts MJ, Humphrey OS, Osano O. Public health assessment of Kenyan ASGM communities using multi-element biomonitoring, dietary and environmental evaluation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116323. [PMID: 38653024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The Kakamega gold belt's natural geological enrichment and artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) have resulted in food and environmental pollution, human exposure, and subsequent risks to health. This study aimed to characterise exposure pathways and risks among ASGM communities. Human hair, nails, urine, water, and staple food crops were collected and analysed from 144 ASGM miners and 25 people from the ASGM associated communities. Exposure to PHEs was predominantly via drinking water from mine shafts, springs and shallow-wells (for As>Pb>Cr>Al), with up to 366 µg L-1 arsenic measured in shaft waters consumed by miners. Additional exposure was via consumption of locally grown crops (for As>Ni>Pb>Cr>Cd>Hg>Al) besides inhalation of Hg vapour and dust, and direct dermal contact with Hg. Urinary elemental concentrations for both ASGM workers and wider ASGM communities were in nearly all cases above bioequivalents and reference upper thresholds for As, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Sb, with median concentrations of 12.3, 0.4, 1.6, 5.1, 0.7 and 0.15 µg L-1, respectively. Urinary As concentrations showed a strong positive correlation (0.958) with As in drinking water. This study highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in integrating environmental, dietary, and public health investigations to better characterise the hazards and risks associated with ASGM and better understand the trade-offs associated with ASGM activities relating to public health and environmental sustainability. Further research is crucial, and study results have been shared with Public Health and Environmental authorities to inform mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureene Auma Ondayo
- Department of Environmental Health and Biology, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Michael J Watts
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK.
| | - Olivier S Humphrey
- Inorganic Geochemistry, Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Odipo Osano
- Department of Environmental Health and Biology, University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya
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2
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Buch AC, Sims DB, de Ramos LM, Marques ED, Ritcher S, Abdullah MMS, Silva-Filho EV. Assessment of environmental pollution and human health risks of mine tailings in soil: after dam failure of the Córrego do Feijão Mine (in Brumadinho, Brazil). ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:72. [PMID: 38367120 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01870-2] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The dam failure of the Córrego do Feijão Mine (CFM) located in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, killed at least 278 people. In addition, large extensions of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems were destroyed, directly compromising the environmental and socioeconomic quality of the region. This study assessed the pollution and human health risks of soils impacted by the tailing spill of the CFM dam, along a sample perimeter of approximately 200 km. Based on potential ecological risk and pollution load indices, the enrichments of Cd, As, Hg, Cu, Pb and Ni in soils indicated that the Brumadinho, Mário Campos, Betim and São Joaquim de Bicas municipalities were the most affected areas by the broken dam. Restorative and reparative actions must be urgently carried out in these areas. For all contaminated areas, the children's group indicated an exacerbated propensity to the development of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic diseases, mainly through the ingestion pathway. Toxicological risk assessments, including acute, chronic and genotoxic effects, on people living and working in mining areas should be a priority for public management and mining companies to ensure effective environmental measures that do not harm human health and well-being over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Cristhy Buch
- Department of Environmental Geochemistry, Fluminense Federal University, Outeiro São João Baptista, S/N., Centro, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24020-007, Brazil.
| | - Douglas B Sims
- Department of Physical Sciences, College of Southern Nevada, North Las Vegas, NV, 89030, USA
| | - Larissa Magalhães de Ramos
- Department of Bioprocess and Biotechnology Engineering, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, 82590-300, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Duarte Marques
- Service Geological Survey of Brazil/Company of Research of Mineral Resources (SGB/CPRM), Belo Horizonte Regional Office, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30140-002, Brazil
| | - Simone Ritcher
- Researcher of Paraná Center of Reference in Agroecology, Estrada da Graciosa, Pinhais, Paraná, 6960, 83327-055, Brazil
| | - Mahmood M S Abdullah
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emmanoel Vieira Silva-Filho
- Department of Environmental Geochemistry, Fluminense Federal University, Outeiro São João Baptista, S/N., Centro, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, 24020-007, Brazil
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3
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Gasser M, Lenglet S, Bararpour N, Sajic T, Vaucher J, Wiskott K, Augsburger M, Fracasso T, Gilardi F, Thomas A. Arsenic induces metabolome remodeling in mature human adipocytes. Toxicology 2023; 500:153672. [PMID: 37956786 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Human lifetime exposure to arsenic through drinking water, food supply or industrial pollution leads to its accumulation in many organs such as liver, kidneys, lungs or pancreas but also adipose tissue. Recently, population-based studies revealed the association between arsenic exposure and the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. To shed light on the molecular bases of such association, we determined the concentration that inhibited 17% of cell viability and investigated the effects of arsenic acute exposure on adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells differentiated in vitro into mature adipocytes and treated with sodium arsenite (NaAsO2, 10 nM to 10 µM). Untargeted metabolomics and gene expression analyses revealed a strong dose-dependent inhibition of lipogenesis and lipolysis induction, reducing the cellular ability to store lipids. These dysregulations were emphasized by the inhibition of the cellular response to insulin, as shown by the perturbation of several genes and metabolites involved in the mentioned biological pathways. Our study highlighted the activation of an adaptive oxidative stress response with the strong induction of metallothioneins and increased glutathione levels in response to arsenic accumulation that could exacerbate the decreased insulin sensitivity of the adipocytes. Arsenic exposure strongly affected the expression of arsenic transporters, responsible for arsenic influx and efflux, and induced a pro-inflammatory state in adipocytes by enhancing the expression of the inflammatory interleukin 6 (IL6). Collectively, our data showed that an acute exposure to low levels of arsenic concentrations alters key adipocyte functions, highlighting its contribution to the development of insulin resistance and the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gasser
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Lenglet
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nasim Bararpour
- Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tatjana Sajic
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Vaucher
- Service of Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Service of Internal Medicine, Fribourg Hospital and University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Kim Wiskott
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Augsburger
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tony Fracasso
- Unit of Forensic Medicine, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Federica Gilardi
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Aurélien Thomas
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Boi ME, Fois M, Podda L, Porceddu M, Bacchetta G. Using Mediterranean Native Plants for the Phytoremediation of Mining Sites: An Overview of the Past and Present, and Perspectives for the Future. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3823. [PMID: 38005720 PMCID: PMC10674270 DOI: 10.3390/plants12223823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Mining exploitation in the Mediterranean Basin has left evident scars on the environment, and poses serious risks for human health and biodiversity, especially when mine wastes are left abandoned. This review analysed the main issues of metal(loid)s pollution related to mine exploitation in the Mediterranean Basin. Here, a list of Mediterranean native plant species studied for phytoremediation is given and, considering their biological forms, vegetational types, and ecology, we categorised them into halotolerant and hydro/hygrophilous vegetation, annual and perennial meadows, garrigues and maquis, and high maquis and woods. The main conclusions of the review are as follows: (1) plant communities established on mine environments are often rich in endemic taxa which ensure a high biodiversity and landscape value, and can help in the psychophysical health of local inhabitants; (2) political and land management should take greater account of the use of native plants for the remediation of contaminated soils; (3) a multidisciplinary approach that includes, among others, studies on biochemical response to metal(loid)s as well as the application of innovative soil amendments gives better results; (4) phytoextraction applications require a detailed recovery plan that takes into consideration several issues, including the negative influence on biodiversity due to extensive use of monotypic plantations, disposal of harvested hazardous plants, and the risk of phytoextracts entering the food chain; and (5) more studies are necessary to increase knowledge and to detect suitable species-especially halophytic ones-for phytoremediation purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauro Fois
- Sardinian Germplasm Bank (BG-SAR), Centre for the Conservation of Biodiversity (CCB), Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy; (M.E.B.); (L.P.); (M.P.); (G.B.)
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Gastellu T, Le Bizec B, Rivière G. Characterisation of the risk associated with chronic lifetime exposure to mixture of chemical hazards: case study of trace elements. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2023; 40:951-970. [PMID: 37428801 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2023.2231086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessment methodology, mostly commonly used, faces the complexity of the environment. Populations are exposed to multiple sources of chemicals throughout life and the chemical mixtures they are exposed change during time (lifestyle factors, regulatory decisions, etc). The risk assessment needs to consider these dynamics and the evolution of the body with age, in order to refine the exposure assessment to chemicals and to predict the health impact of these exposures. This review highlights the latest methodologies developed to improve risk assessment, especially cor heavy metals. The methodologies aim to better describe the chemical toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic as well as the exposure assessment. Human Biomonitoring (HBM) data give great opportunities to link biomarkers of exposure with an adverse effect. Physiologically-Based Toxicokinetic (PBTK) models are more and more used to simulate the evolution of biomarkers in organisms, considering the external exposures and the physiological evolutions. PBTK models may also be used to determine the routes of exposure or to predict the impacts of schemes of exposure. The major limit is the integration of several chemicals in mixture with common adverse effects and the interactions between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gastellu
- Oniris, INRAE, LABERCA, Nantes, France
- Risk Assessment Department, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Gilles Rivière
- Risk Assessment Department, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Maisons-Alfort, France
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Godebo TR, Stoner H, Kodsup P, Stoltzfus M, Nyachoti S, Atkins S, Jeuland M. Selenium in drinking water and cereal grains, and biomarkers of Se status in urine and fingernails of the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley population. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 77:127137. [PMID: 36773555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selenium (Se) plays an important role in human health, yet Se overexposure or deficiency can lead to deleterious health effects. This study aims to determine the concentration of Se in drinking water and staple cereal grain (maize, wheat, and teff) samples from the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) Valley, and correspondingly, assesses Se biomarkers and their status as measured in the urine and fingernails of 230 individuals living in 25 MER communities. METHOD The concentration of Se in drinking water and cereal grain (maize, wheat, and teff) samples, and urine and fingernail samples were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Demographic, anthropometric, and elemental concentrations were described by their quartiles and mean ± standard deviations. The 5th and 95th percentiles were used to describe the concentrations Se biomarkers ranges. The Se biomarker distributions in different study communities were further characterized according to Se levels found in drinking water, sex, and age using ANOVA, and multivariate regression. We conducted a correlation analysis (with Pearson correlation coefficient) and fitted a regression to evaluate the associations between these variables. RESULTS The mean concentration of Se in the drinking water samples was 0.66 (range: 0.015-2.64 µg/L; n = 25), and all samples were below the threshold value of 10 μg/L for Se in drinking water set by the World Health Organiation (WHO). In Ethiopia, most rural communities rely on locally produced cereal grains. We found mean Se concentrations (µg/kg) of 357 ± 190 (n = 14), 289 ± 123 (n = 14), and 145 ± 100 (n = 14) in wheat, teff, and maize, respectively. Furthermore, Se concentrations in drinking water showed no significant correlation with biomarker measures, indicating that the primary source of dietary Se is likely from local foods including staple grains. The mean±SD (5th-95th percentiles) of Se concentrations in fingernails and urine among study subjects were 1022 ± 320 (624-1551 µg/kg), and 38 ± 30 (1.9-100 µg/L), respectively. CONCLUSION A sizeable share of study participants (31%) fell below the lower limits of what is considered the currently accepted Se range of 20-90 µg/L in urine, though relatively few (only 4%) had similarly low fingernail levels. On the other hand, none of the samples reached Se toxicity levels, and the biomarker levels in this study are comparable to results from other studies that find adequate Se. Our results show that Se toxicity or deficiency is unlikely in the study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tewodros Rango Godebo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Hannah Stoner
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Pornpimol Kodsup
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mikaela Stoltzfus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Syprose Nyachoti
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Sydney Atkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Marc Jeuland
- Sanford School of Public Policy and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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Markiv B, Ruiz-Azcona L, Expósito A, Santibáñez M, Fernández-Olmo I. Short- and long-term exposure to trace metal(loid)s from the production of ferromanganese alloys by personal sampling and biomarkers. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:4595-4618. [PMID: 35190915 PMCID: PMC8860625 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01218-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The environmental exposure to trace metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) was assessed near a ferromanganese alloy plant using filters from personal particulate matter (PM) samplers (bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible fine and coarse fractions) and whole blood as short-term exposure markers, and scalp hair and fingernails as long-term biomarkers, collected from volunteers (n = 130) living in Santander Bay (northern Spain). Bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible metal(loid) concentrations in coarse and fine PM from personal samplers were determined by ICP-MS after extraction/digestion. Metal(loid) concentration in biomarkers was measured after alkaline dilution (whole blood) and acid digestion (fingernails and scalp hair) by ICP-MS as well. Results were discussed in terms of exposure, considering the distance to the main Mn source, and sex. In terms of exposure, significant differences were found for Mn in all the studied fractions of PM, As in whole blood, Mn and Cu in scalp hair and Mn and Pb in fingernails, with all concentrations being higher for those living closer to the Mn source, with the exception of Cu in scalp hair. Furthermore, the analysis of the correlation between Mn levels in the studied biomarkers and the wind-weighted distance to the main source of Mn allows us to conclude that scalp hair and mainly fingernails are appropriate biomarkers of long-term airborne Mn exposure. This was also confirmed by the significant positive correlations between scalp hair Mn and bioaccessible Mn in coarse and fine fractions, and between fingernails Mn and all PM fractions. This implies that people living closer to a ferromanganese alloy plant are exposed to higher levels of airborne metal(loid)s, mainly Mn, leading to higher levels of this metal in scalp hair and fingernails, which according to the literature, might affect some neurological outcomes. According to sex, significant differences were observed for Fe, Cu and Pb in whole blood, with higher concentrations of Fe and Pb in males, and higher levels of Cu in females; and for Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in scalp hair, with higher concentrations in males for all metal(loid)s except Cu.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Markiv
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
| | - L Ruiz-Azcona
- Departamento de Enfermería, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - A Expósito
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - M Santibáñez
- Departamento de Enfermería, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - I Fernández-Olmo
- Departamento de Ingenierías Química y Biomolecular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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Gutiérrez-González E, Fernández-Navarro P, Pastor-Barriuso R, García-Pérez J, Castaño-Vinyals G, Martín-Sánchez V, Amiano P, Gómez-Acebo I, Guevara M, Fernández-Tardón G, Salcedo-Bellido I, Moreno V, Pinto-Carbó M, Alguacil J, Marcos-Gragera R, Gómez-Gómez JH, Gómez-Ariza JL, García-Barrera T, Varea-Jiménez E, Núñez O, Espinosa A, Molina de la Torre AJ, Aizpurua-Atxega A, Alonso-Molero J, Ederra-Sanz M, Belmonte T, Aragonés N, Kogevinas M, Pollán M, Pérez-Gómez B. Toenail zinc as a biomarker: Relationship with sources of environmental exposure and with genetic variability in MCC-Spain study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107525. [PMID: 36150295 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107525] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toenails are commonly used as biomarkers of exposure to zinc (Zn), but there is scarce information about their relationship with sources of exposure to Zn. OBJECTIVES To investigate the main determinants of toenail Zn, including selected sources of environmental exposure to Zn and individual genetic variability in Zn metabolism. METHODS We determined toenail Zn by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 3,448 general population controls from the MultiCase-Control study MCC-Spain. We assessed dietary and supplement Zn intake using food frequency questionnaires, residential proximity to Zn-emitting industries and residential topsoil Zn levels through interpolation methods. We constructed a polygenic score of genetic variability based on 81 single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved in Zn metabolism. Geometric mean ratios of toenail Zn across categories of each determinant were estimated from multivariate linear regression models on log-transformed toenail Zn. RESULTS Geometric mean toenail Zn was 104.1 µg/g in men and 100.3 µg/g in women. Geometric mean toenail Zn levels were 7 % lower (95 % confidence interval 1-13 %) in men older than 69 years and those in the upper tertile of fibre intake, and 9 % higher (3-16 %) in smoking men. Women residing within 3 km from Zn-emitting industries had 4 % higher geometric mean toenail Zn levels (0-9 %). Dietary Zn intake and polygenic score were unrelated to toenail Zn. Overall, the available determinants only explained 9.3 % of toenail Zn variability in men and 4.8 % in women. DISCUSSION Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, diet, and environmental exposure explained little of the individual variability of toenail Zn in the study population. The available genetic variants related to Zn metabolism were not associated with toenail Zn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gutiérrez-González
- Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition, Ministry for Consumer Affairs, Alcala 56 St, 28014 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Fernández-Navarro
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Pastor-Barriuso
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier García-Pérez
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma Castaño-Vinyals
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), Carrer del Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Plaça de la Mercè, 10-12, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Carrer del Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Martín-Sánchez
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus Universitario de Vegazana, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Pilar Amiano
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, Health Department of the Basque Government, Antso Jakituna Hiribidea, 35, 20010 San Sebastian, Spain; Epidemiology and Public Health Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Paseo Dr. Begiristain, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Inés Gómez-Acebo
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Calle Cardenal Herrera Oria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Marcela Guevara
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Public Health Institute of Navarra, C. Leyre, 15, 31003 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; V, C. de Irunlarrea, 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Guillermo Fernández-Tardón
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, Av. del Hospital Universitario, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Salcedo-Bellido
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Av. de la Investigación, 11, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Victor Moreno
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Oncology Data Analytics Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Avinguda de la Granvia de l'Hospitalet, 199-203, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Colorectal Cancer Group, ONCOBELL Program, Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Avinguda de la Granvia de l'Hospitalet, 199, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Carrer de Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Pinto-Carbó
- Cancer and Public Health Area, The Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), Av. de Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Alguacil
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centre for Health and Environmental Research, Huelva University, s, Campus El Carmen, Avda. Andalucía, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Rafael Marcos-Gragera
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology Unit and Girona Cancer Registry, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), IDIBGI, Oncology Coordination Plan, Department of Health Government of Catalonia, Carrer del Dr. Castany, 17190 Girona, Spain; University of Girona, Plaça de Sant Domènec, 3, 17004 Girona, Spain
| | - Jesús Humberto Gómez-Gómez
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology, Regional Health Council, IMIB-Arrixaca, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista, 30120 El Palmar Murcia, Spain
| | - José Luis Gómez-Ariza
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva, C/ Menéndez Pelayo, 21002 Huelva, Spain
| | - Tamara García-Barrera
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva, C/ Menéndez Pelayo, 21002 Huelva, Spain
| | - Elena Varea-Jiménez
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Olivier Núñez
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Espinosa
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), Carrer del Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Plaça de la Mercè, 10-12, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio J Molina de la Torre
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, Campus Universitario de Vegazana, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Amaia Aizpurua-Atxega
- Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, Health Department of the Basque Government, Antso Jakituna Hiribidea, 35, 20010 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jessica Alonso-Molero
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Calle Cardenal Herrera Oria, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - María Ederra-Sanz
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Public Health Institute of Navarra, C. Leyre, 15, 31003 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; V, C. de Irunlarrea, 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Thalia Belmonte
- Public Health Department, University of Oviedo, Av. Julián Clavería, 6, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nuria Aragonés
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology Section, Division of Public Health, Department of Health, C. San Martín de Porres, 6, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manolis Kogevinas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), Carrer del Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Plaça de la Mercè, 10-12, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Carrer del Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Pollán
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Gómez
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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9
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Karyakina NA, Shilnikova N, Farhat N, Ramoju S, Cline B, Momoli F, Mattison D, Jensen N, Terrell R, Krewski D. Biomarkers for occupational manganese exposure. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 52:636-663. [PMID: 36705643 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2022.2128718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Long-term inhalation exposure to manganese (Mn) metal or its inorganic compounds can result in manganism or subclinical neurofunctional deficits. Studies have described affected workers in Mn dioxide mining, Mn-containing ore crushing and milling facilities, manufacturing of dry-cell batteries, Mn steel and alloy production plants, and in welders. The objective of this study was to critically review existing evidence on the reliability of potential biomarkers of Mn exposure, specifically the relationship between inhalation exposure to Mn particulates in different occupational settings and Mn concentrations in blood and other biological fluids and tissues, with a particular focus on whole blood as a potentially useful medium for measuring internal tissue dose. We also examined available evidence on the relationship between Mn levels in blood and adverse clinical and subclinical neurotoxic outcomes. Three bibliographic databases were searched for relevant studies and identified references were screened by two independent reviewers. Of the 6338 unique references identified, 76 articles were retained for data abstraction. Findings indicate that the relationships between Mn in blood and both external Mn exposure indices and neurofunctional impairments are limited and inconsistent. Different sources of exposure to Mn compounds, heterogeneity in the methodological approaches, and inadequate reporting of essential information limited direct comparison of the reported findings. Among the Mn-exposure biomarkers considered in this review - including biomarkers in blood, plasma, serum, erythrocytes, urine, bone, toenails, fingernails, hair, saliva - biomarkers in whole blood may provide to be most useful in Mn biomonitoring and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya A Karyakina
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada.,McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Natalia Shilnikova
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada.,McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Nawal Farhat
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | | | - Franco Momoli
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Donald Mattison
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - N Jensen
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - R Terrell
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewski
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, Canada.,McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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10
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Rafiee A, Delgado-Saborit JM, Aquilina NJ, Amiri H, Hoseini M. Assessing oxidative stress resulting from environmental exposure to metals (Oids) in a middle Eastern population. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:2649-2668. [PMID: 34390449 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01065-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of metals and metalloids derived mainly from anthropogenic activities have increased considerably in the environment. Metals might be associated with increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage, potentially related to several health outcomes. This study has recruited 200 adult participants, including 110 males and 90 females in Shiraz (Iran), to investigate the relationship between chronic exposure to metals and ROS damage by analyzing malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentrations, and has evaluated the associations between chronic metal exposure and ROS damage using regression analysis. Our findings showed participants are chronically exposed to elevate As, Ni, Hg, and Pb levels. The mean urinary concentrations of 8-OHdG and MDA were 3.8 ± 2.35 and 214 ± 134 µg/g creatinine, respectively. This study shows that most heavy metals are correlated with urinary ROS biomarkers (R ranges 0.19 to 0.64). In addition, regression analysis accounting for other confounding factors such as sex, age, smoking status, and teeth filling with amalgam highlights that Al, Cu, Si and Sn are associated with 8-OHdG concentrations, while an association between Cr and MDA and 8-OHdG is suggested. Smoking cigarettes and water-pipe is considered a significant contributory factor for both ROS biomarkers (MDA and 8-OHdG).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata Rafiee
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Juana Maria Delgado-Saborit
- Perinatal Epidemiology, Environmental Health and Clinical Research, School of Medicine, Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain
- ISGlobal Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain
- Population Health and Environmental Sciences, Analytical Environmental and Forensic Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
- Division of Environmental Health & Risk Management, School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Noel J Aquilina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malta, Msida, 2080, MSD, Malta
| | - Hoda Amiri
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hoseini
- Research Center for Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Razi blvd, Kuye Zahra Street, Shiraz, Iran.
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11
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Specht AJ, Zhang X, Young A, Nguyen VT, Christiani DC, Ceballos DM, Allen JG, Weuve J, Nie LH, Weisskopf MG. Validation of in vivo toenail measurements of manganese and mercury using a portable X-ray fluorescence device. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:427-433. [PMID: 34211112 PMCID: PMC8720103 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00358-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Toenail metal concentrations can be used as an effective biomarker for exposure to environmental toxicants. Typically toenail clippings are measured ex vivo using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). X-ray fluorescence (XRF) toenail metal measurements done on intact toenails in vivo could be used as an alternative to alleviate some of the disadvantages of ICP-MS. In this study, we assessed the ability to use XRF to measure toenail metal concentrations in real-time without having to clip the toenails (i.e., in vivo) in two occupational settings for exposure assessment of manganese and mercury. MATERIALS AND METHODS The portable XRF method used a 3-min in vivo measurement of toenails prior to clipping and was assessed against ICP-MS measurement of toenail clippings taken immediately after the XRF measurement and work history for a group of welders (n = 16) assessed for manganese exposure and nail salon workers (n = 10) assessed for mercury exposure. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified that in vivo XRF metal measurements were able to discern exposure to manganese in welders and mercury in nail salon workers. We identified significant positive correlations between ICP-MS of clippings and in vivo XRF measures of both toenail manganese (R = 0.59, p = 0.02) and mercury (R = 0.74, p < 0.001), as well as between in vivo XRF toenail manganese and work history among the welders (R = 0.55, p = 0.03). We identified in vivo XRF detection limits to be 0.5 µg/g for mercury and 2.6 µg/g for manganese. Further work should elucidate differences in the timing of exposure using the in vivo XRF method over toenail clippings and modification of measurement time and x-ray setting to further decrease the detection limit. In vivo portable, XRF measurements can be used to effectively measure toenail Mn and Hg in occupational participants in real-time during study visits and at a fraction of the cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Specht
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Purdue University, School of Health Sciences, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Purdue University, School of Health Sciences, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Anna Young
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vy T Nguyen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Diana M Ceballos
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer Weuve
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linda H Nie
- Purdue University, School of Health Sciences, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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12
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Gasser M, Lenglet S, Bararpour N, Sajic T, Wiskott K, Augsburger M, Fracasso T, Gilardi F, Thomas A. Cadmium acute exposure induces metabolic and transcriptomic perturbations in human mature adipocytes. Toxicology 2022; 470:153153. [PMID: 35301059 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is considered as a major public health concern with strong economic and social burdens. Exposure to pollutants such as heavy metals can contribute to the development of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Adipose tissue is an endocrine and paracrine organ that plays a key role in the development of these diseases and is one of the main target of heavy metal accumulation. In this study, we determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry cadmium concentrations in human subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues, ranging between 2.5nM and 2.5µM. We found a positive correlation between cadmium levels and age, sex and smoking status and a negative correlation between Cd and body mass index. Based on cadmium adipose tissue concentrations found in humans, we investigated the effects of cadmium exposure, at concentrations between 1nM and 10µM, on adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells differentiated into mature adipocytes in vitro. Transcriptomic analysis highlighted that such exposure altered the expression of genes involved in trace element homeostasis and heavy metal detoxification, such as Solute Carrier Family transporters and metallothioneins. This effect correlated with zinc level alteration in cells and cellular media. Interestingly, dysregulation of zinc homeostasis and transporters has been particularly associated with the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, we found that cadmium exposure induces the pro-inflammatory state of the adipocytes by enhancing the expression of genes such as IL-6, IL-1B and CCL2, cytokines also induced in obesity. Finally, cadmium modulates various adipocyte functions such as the insulin response signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis. Collectively, our data identified some of the cellular mechanisms by which cadmium alters adipocyte functions, thus highlighting new facets of its potential contribution to the progression of metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gasser
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Lenglet
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nasim Bararpour
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Present address: Department of Genetics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Tatjana Sajic
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kim Wiskott
- Unit of Forensic Pathology, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Augsburger
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tony Fracasso
- Unit of Forensic Pathology, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Federica Gilardi
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aurélien Thomas
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry, CURML, Lausanne and Geneva University Hospitals, Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland; Faculty Unit of Toxicology, CURML, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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13
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Helser J, Vassilieva E, Cappuyns V. Environmental and human health risk assessment of sulfidic mine waste: Bioaccessibility, leaching and mineralogy. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127313. [PMID: 34597925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sulfidic mine waste can pose environmental and human health risks, especially when it contains high levels of mobile metal(loid)s. To assess the environmental and health risks of mine waste originating from three historic and active sulfidic Pb-, Zn- and/or Cu-mines in Europe, mineralogical and chemical characterizations were conducted in combination with in vitro bioaccessibility tests, sequential extractions and leaching tests. Results indicated that most samples contained highly elevated levels of metal(loid)s and key minerals consisting of pyrite, sphalerite and cerussite. The orally bioaccessible fraction varied amongst samples: Cd (13-100%), Zn (9-69%), Pb (4-67%), Cu (8-41%) and As (1-11%). Given these bioaccessible levels, the human health risk assessment indicated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for most investigated samples in a worst-case exposure scenario. The leaching tests revealed a high mobility of metal(loid)s, especially Pb, posing potential environmental risks. The sequential extractions coupled with mineralogical analyses highlighted the highly mobile levels of Cd, Pb and Zn, posing environmental and health risks. Cerussite dissolved in the easily exchangeable fraction, releasing elevated levels of Pb, while pyrite never completely dissolved. In conclusion, the studied wastes pose environmental and health risks, but the high mobility of some elements also provides opportunities for the valorization of the waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Helser
- KU Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Research Center for Economics and Corporate Sustainability (CEDON), 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Elvira Vassilieva
- KU Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Valérie Cappuyns
- KU Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Research Center for Economics and Corporate Sustainability (CEDON), 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
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14
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Human Biomonitoring of Selected Hazardous Compounds in Portugal: Part I-Lessons Learned on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Metals, Metalloids, and Pesticides. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 27:molecules27010242. [PMID: 35011472 PMCID: PMC8746698 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) data provide information on total exposure regardless of the route and sources of exposure. HBM studies have been applied to quantify human exposure to contaminants and environmental/occupational pollutants by determining the parent compounds, their metabolites or even their reaction products in biological matrices. HBM studies performed among the Portuguese population are disperse and limited. To overcome this knowledge gap, this review gathers, for the first time, the published Portuguese HBM information concerning polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, metalloids, and pesticides concentrations detected in the urine, serum, milk, hair, and nails of different groups of the Portuguese population. This integrative insight of available HBM data allows the analysis of the main determinants and patterns of exposure of the Portuguese population to these selected hazardous compounds, as well as assessment of the potential health risks. Identification of the main difficulties and challenges of HBM through analysis of the enrolled studies was also an aim. Ultimately, this study aimed to support national and European policies promoting human health and summarizes the most important outcomes and lessons learned through the HBM studies carried out in Portugal.
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15
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Heavy Metal in Rice and Vegetable and Human Exposure near a Large Pb/Zn Smelter in Central China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312631. [PMID: 34886356 PMCID: PMC8657013 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Non-ferrous metal smelting is a significant source of anthropogenic heavy metal emission and has led to severe environmental pollution that ultimately threatens the health of local residents. In this study, we determined concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), as well as Pb isotopic compositions in rice, vegetables and human hair in areas surrounding the Zhuzhou Pb/Zn smelter in Hunan, China and we assessed the health risks associated with rice and vegetable consumption for local residents. Results showed that rice and vegetable samples were significantly contaminated by Cd and Pb. Age and source of rice were important factors for the enrichment of heavy metal concentrations in human hair. The ratios of Pb isotopes in human hair (1.164-1.170 for 206Pb/207Pb and 2.102-2.110 for208Pb/206Pb) were comparable to those in rice (1.162-1.172 for 206Pb/207Pb and 2.098-2.114 for208Pb/206Pb) and were slightly lower than those in vegetables (1.168-1.172 for 206Pb/207Pb and 2.109-2.111 for208Pb/206Pb), indicating that Pb in human hair mainly originated from food ingestion. A non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that Cd exposure was the dominant health risk for local residents. This study suggested that crops planted surrounding the smelter were seriously contaminated with Cd and human exposure was related to dietary intake.
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16
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Salcedo-Bellido I, Gutiérrez-González E, García-Esquinas E, Fernández de Larrea-Baz N, Navas-Acien A, Téllez-Plaza M, Pastor-Barriuso R, Lope V, Gómez-Ariza JL, García-Barrera T, Pollán M, Jiménez Moleón JJ, Pérez-Gómez B. Toxic metals in toenails as biomarkers of exposure: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111028. [PMID: 33753073 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Toenails have been used as biomarkers of exposure to toxic metals, but their validity for this purpose is not yet clear and might differ depending on the specific agent. To evaluate this issue, we reviewed the literature on: a) the time-window of exposure reflected by toenails; b) the reproducibility of toenail toxic-metal levels in repeated measures over time; c) their relationship with other biomarkers of exposure, and; d) their association with potential determinants (i.e. sociodemographic, anthropometric, or lifestyle characteristics) or with sources of exposure like diet or environmental pollution. Thus, we performed a systematic review, searching for articles that provided original data for levels of any of the following toxic metals in toenails: aluminum, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, lead, thallium and uranium. We identified 88 articles, reporting data from 67 different research projects, which were quite heterogeneous with regard to population profile, sample size and analytical technique. The most commonly studied metal was mercury. Concerning the time-window of exposure explored by toenails, some reports indicate that toenail cadmium, nickel and lead may reflect exposures that occurred 7-12 months before sampling. For repeated samples obtained 1-6 years apart, the range of intraindividual correlation coefficients of aluminum, chromium and mercury was 0.33-0.56. The correlation of toxic metal concentrations between toenails and other matrices was higher for hair and fingernails than for urine or blood. Mercury levels were consistently associated with fish intake, while other toxic metals were occasionally associated with specific sources (e.g. drinking water, place of residence, environmental pollution, and occupation). The most frequently evaluated health endpoints were cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and central nervous system diseases. Available data suggest that toenail mercury levels reflected long-term exposures and showed positive associations with fish intake. The lack of standardization in sample collection, quality control, analytical techniques and procedures - along with the heterogeneity and conflicting results among studies - mean it is still difficult to conclude that toenails are a good biomarker of exposure to toxic metals. Further studies are needed to draw solid conclusions about the suitability of toenails as biomarkers of exposure to toxic metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Salcedo-Bellido
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Av. de La Investigación, 11, 18016, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Enrique Gutiérrez-González
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Public Health & Preventive Medicine Teaching Unit, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Spanish Agency of Food Safety and Nutrition, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Alcalá, 56, 28014, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther García-Esquinas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Fernández de Larrea-Baz
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - María Téllez-Plaza
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Pastor-Barriuso
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Lope
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Gómez-Ariza
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva, Fuerzas Armadas, Ave., 21007, Huelva, Spain; Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Spain
| | - Tamara García-Barrera
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Campus El Carmen, University of Huelva, Fuerzas Armadas, Ave., 21007, Huelva, Spain; Research Center for Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Spain
| | - Marina Pollán
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Juan Jiménez Moleón
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Av. de La Investigación, 11, 18016, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Gómez
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Public Health & Preventive Medicine Teaching Unit, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Van Horne YO, Farzan SF, Johnston JE. Metal-mixtures in toenails of children living near an active industrial facility in Los Angeles County, California. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:427-441. [PMID: 33935287 PMCID: PMC8893014 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00330-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children residing in communities near metalworking industries are vulnerable to multiple toxic metal exposures. Understanding biomarkers of exposure to multiple toxic metals is important to characterize cumulative burden and to distinguish potential exposure sources in such environmental justice neighborhoods impacted by industrial operations. Exposure to metal mixtures has not been well-characterized among children residing in the United States, and is understudied in communities of color. METHODS In this study we used toenail clippings, a noninvasive biomarker, to assess exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and vanadium (V). We used nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) to identify "source" signatures and patterns of exposure among predominantly working class Latinx children residing near an industrial corridor in Southeast Los Angeles County. Additionally, we investigated the association between participant demographic, spatial, and dietary characteristics with identified metal signatures. RESULTS Through NMF, we identified three groupings (source factors) for the metal concentrations in children's toenails. A grouping composed of Sb, Pb, As, and Cd, was identified as a potential industrial source factor, reflective of known airborne elemental emissions in the industrial corridor. We further identified a manganese source factor primarily composed of Mn, and a potential dietary source factor driven by Se and Hg. We observed differences in the industrial source factor by age of participants, while the dietary source factor varied by neighborhood. CONCLUSION Utilizing an unsupervised dimension reduction technique (NMF), we identified a "source signature" of contamination in toenail samples from children living near metalworking industry. Investigating patterns and sources of exposures in cumulatively burdened communities is necessary to identify appropriate public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shohreh F Farzan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jill E Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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18
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Signes-Pastor AJ, Gutiérrez-González E, García-Villarino M, Rodríguez-Cabrera FD, López-Moreno JJ, Varea-Jiménez E, Pastor-Barriuso R, Pollán M, Navas-Acien A, Pérez-Gómez B, Karagas MR. Toenails as a biomarker of exposure to arsenic: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110286. [PMID: 33075355 PMCID: PMC7987585 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review summarizes the current evidence related to the reliability of toenail total arsenic concentrations (thereafter "arsenic") as a biomarker of long-term exposure. Specifically, we reviewed literature on consistency of repeated measures over time, association with other biomarkers and metal concentrations, factors influencing concentrations, and associations with health effects. We identified 129 papers containing quantitative original data on arsenic in toenail samples covering populations from 29 different countries. We observed geographic differences in toenail arsenic concentrations, with highest median or mean concentrations in Asian countries. Arsenic-contaminated drinking water, occupational exposure or living in specific industrial areas were associated with an increased toenail arsenic content. The effects of other potential determinants and sources of arsenic exposure including diet, gender and age on the concentrations in toenails need further investigations. Toenail arsenic was correlated with the concentrations in hair and fingernails, and with urine arsenic mainly among highly exposed populations with a toenail mean or median ≥1 μg/g. Overall, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that arsenic content from a single toenail sample may reflect long-term internal dose-exposure. Toenail arsenic can serve as a reliable measure of toxic inorganic arsenic exposure in chronic disease research, particularly promising for cancer and cardiovascular conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J Signes-Pastor
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, 1 Medical Center Dr, Williamson Translational Research Bldg, Lebanon NH, 03756, USA.
| | - Enrique Gutiérrez-González
- Spanish Agency of Food Safety and Nutrition, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Alcalá, 56, 28014, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel García-Villarino
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Unit of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, University Institute of Oncology of the Principality of Asturias (IUOPA) - Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Julian Clavería Street s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Francisco D Rodríguez-Cabrera
- Public Health Teaching Unit, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029. Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge J López-Moreno
- Public Health Teaching Unit, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029. Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Varea-Jiménez
- Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Pastor-Barriuso
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Pollán
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Gómez
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Public Health Teaching Unit, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029. Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, 1 Medical Center Dr, Williamson Translational Research Bldg, Lebanon NH, 03756, USA
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19
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Di Ciaula A. Bioaccumulation of Toxic Metals in Children Exposed to Urban Pollution and to Cement Plant Emissions. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2021; 13:681-695. [PMID: 34189342 PMCID: PMC8229267 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-021-00412-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cement plants located in urban areas can increase health risk. Although children are particularly vulnerable, biomonitoring studies are lacking. Toenail concentration of 24 metals was measured in 366 children (6-10 years), who live and attend school in a city hosting a cement plant. Living addresses and schools were geocoded and attributed to exposed or control areas, according to modeled ground concentrations of PM10 generated by the cement plant. Air levels of PM10 and NO2 were monitored. PM10 levels were higher in the exposed, than in the control area. The highest mean PM10 concentration was recorded close to the cement plant. Conversely, the highest NO2 concentration was in the control area, where vehicular traffic and home heating were the prevalent sources of pollutants. Exposed children had higher concentrations of Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Arsenic (As) than controls. These concentrations correlated each other, indicating a common source. Toenail Barium (Ba) concentration was higher in the control- than in the exposed area. The location of the attended school was a predictor of Cd, Hg, Ni, Ba concentrations, after adjusting for confounders. In conclusion, children living and attending school in an urban area exposed to cement plant emissions show a chronic bioaccumulation of toxic metals, and a significant exposure to PM10 pollution. Cement plants located in populous urban areas seem therefore harmful, and primary prevention policies to protect children health are needed.
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20
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Orru H, Viitak A, Herodes K, Veber T, Lukk M. Human Biomonitoring in the Oil Shale Industry Area in Estonia-Overview of Earlier Programmes and Future Perspectives. Front Public Health 2020; 8:582114. [PMID: 33282816 PMCID: PMC7689261 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.582114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ida-Viru County, in Eastern Estonia, features industrially contaminated sites–where oil shale has been mined and used for electricity generation, and shale oil extraction. Higher prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular disease has been found in the region due to high quantities of air pollution. Within the framework of “Studies of the health impact of the oil shale sector—SOHOS,” this analysis aimed to map earlier human biomonitoring (HBM) studies and identify the suitable biomarkers for upcoming HBM in Estonia. Altogether, three studies have been conducted among residents: first, among adults in the 1980's; second, among children in the 1990's; and third, among employees, with a focus on workers and miners in the oil shale chemistry industry in the late 1990's and 2000's. In some of those studies, increased levels of biomarkers in blood and urine (heavy metals, 1-OHP) have appeared; nevertheless, in last 20 years, there has been no population-wide HBM in Estonia. According to air pollution monitoring and emission analysis, the pollutants of concern are benzene, PM10, PM2.5, and PAHs. In general, there is a decreasing trend in air pollutant levels, with the exception of a slight increase in 2018. One of the aims of HBM is to be analyzed if this trend can be identified in HBM, using similar biomarkers as applied earlier. The future perspective HBM could be divided into two Tiers. Tier 1 should focus on exposure biomarkers as heavy metals, PAH, and BTEX metabolites and Tier 2, in later stage, on effect biomarkers as Ox LDL, TBARS, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Orru
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anu Viitak
- Department of Chemistry, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Koit Herodes
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Triin Veber
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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21
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Astolfi ML, Pietris G, Mazzei C, Marconi E, Canepari S. Element Levels and Predictors of Exposure in the Hair of Ethiopian Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228652. [PMID: 33233360 PMCID: PMC7700284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Children's development and health may be affected by toxic heavy metal exposure or suboptimal essential element intake. This study aimed to provide updated information regarding the concentrations of 41 elements in children's hair (aged under 18) living in a rural area of the Benishangul-Gumuz region, Ethiopia. The highest average levels (as a geometric mean) for toxic heavy metals were obtained for Al (1 mg kg-1), Pb (3.1 mg kg-1), and Ni (1.2 mg kg-1), while the lowest concentrations among the essential elements were found for Co (0.32 mg kg-1), Mo (0.07 mg kg-1), Se (0.19 mg kg-1), and V (0.8 mg kg-1). Hair analysis was combined with a survey to evaluate relationships and variations among subgroups and potential metal exposure predictors. Females showed significantly higher concentrations for most hair elements, excluding Zn, than males, and the 6-11 years age group reported the highest levels for Be, Ce, Co, Fe, La, Li, Mo, and Na. The main predictors of exposure to toxic elements were fish consumption for Hg and drinking water for Ba, Be, Cs, Li, Ni, Tl, and U. The data from this study can be used to develop prevention strategies for children's health and protection in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-991-3384
| | - Georgios Pietris
- Department of General Surgery, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria of Athens, Mesogion 152, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Corrado Mazzei
- Canon Toshiba Medical Systems s.r.l., Via Canton 115, I-00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
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22
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Di Ciaula A, Gentilini P, Diella G, Lopuzzo M, Ridolfi R. Biomonitoring of Metals in Children Living in an Urban Area and Close to Waste Incinerators. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061919. [PMID: 32187971 PMCID: PMC7143875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The impact of waste incinerators is usually examined by measuring environmental pollutants. Biomonitoring has been limited, until now, to few metals and to adults. We explored accumulation of a comprehensive panel of metals in children free-living in an urban area hosting two waste incinerators. Children were divided by georeferentiation in exposed and control groups, and toenail concentrations of 23 metals were thereafter assessed. The percentage of children having toenail metal concentrations above the limit of detection was higher in exposed children than in controls for Al, Ba, Mn, Cu, and V. Exposed children had higher absolute concentrations of Ba, Mn, Cu, and V, as compared with those living in the reference area. The Tobit regression identified living in the exposed area as a significant predictor of Ba, Ni, Cu, Mn, and V concentrations, after adjusting for covariates. The concentrations of Ba, Mn, Ni, and Cu correlated with each other, suggesting a possible common source of emission. Exposure to emissions derived from waste incinerators in an urban setting can lead to body accumulation of specific metals in children. Toenail metal concentration should be considered a noninvasive and adequate biomonitoring tool and an early warning indicator which should integrate the environmental monitoring of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Bisceglie (ASL BAT), 76011 Bisceglie, Italy
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.R.)
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrizia Gentilini
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Giusy Diella
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Study of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Marco Lopuzzo
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Study of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Ruggero Ridolfi
- International Society of Doctors for Environment (ISDE), 52100 Arezzo, Italy; (P.G.); (R.R.)
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23
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Specht AJ, Dickerson AS, Kponee-Shovein KZ, Nkpaa KW, Weisskopf MG. Toenail Metal Exposures in Fishermen from Bodo City, Nigeria. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 104:90-95. [PMID: 31728558 PMCID: PMC6946879 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02750-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We conducted exposure assessment using toenails from 20 fishermen living in Bodo City, a community of the Niger delta region in Nigeria. This community has been affected by over 4000 oil spills and environmental disasters. Fishing is the primary source of food and income for individuals in this community. Previous research in Bodo City found elevated metal levels in fish. Toenails were used as a biomarker to investigate the feasibility for use in risk assessment studies in developing countries. The toenails collected had significantly higher manganese levels (median 5.8 µg/g) and lead levels (median 0.98 µg/g) than those reported in more developed countries, comparable levels to those from other low-middle incomes countries. These exposure levels are likely a direct result of exposures from the environmental disasters the community has experienced and would be related to increased risks for many diseases previously associated with heavy metal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Specht
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | | | - Kpobari W Nkpaa
- Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
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24
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Gutiérrez-González E, García-Esquinas E, de Larrea-Baz NF, Salcedo-Bellido I, Navas-Acien A, Lope V, Gómez-Ariza JL, Pastor R, Pollán M, Pérez-Gómez B. Toenails as biomarker of exposure to essential trace metals: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 179:108787. [PMID: 31610392 PMCID: PMC8164381 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Health problems associated with essential trace metals can result from both inadequate (i.e., low intake) and excessive exposures (i.e., from environmental and/or occupational source). Thus, measuring the exposure level is a real challenge for epidemiologists. Among non-invasive biomarkers that intend to measure long-term exposure to essential trace metals, the toenail is probably the biological matrix with the greatest potential. This systematic review collects the current evidence regarding the validity of toenail clippings as exposure biomarker for trace metals such as boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, vanadium and zinc. Special attention was paid to the time-window of exposure reflected by the toenail, the intraindividual variability in exposure levels over time in this matrix, and the relationship of toenail with other biomarkers, personal characteristics and environmental sources. Our search identified 139 papers, with selenium and zinc being the most studied elements. The variability among studies suggests that toenail levels may reflect different degrees of exposure and probably correspond to exposures occurred 3-12 months before sampling (i.e., for manganese/selenium). Few studies assessed the reproducibility of results over time and, for samples obtained 1-6 years apart, the correlation coefficient were between 0.26 and 0.66. Trace metal levels in toenails did not correlate well with those in the blood and urine and showed low-moderate correlation with those in the hair and fingernails. Available data suggests that for some elements (Se, Mn, Zn) toenail concentrations reflect long-term external exposures in fairly reproducible levels, while for other metals, this association has not yet been assessed. Among dietary factors, only toenail selenium showed clear associations with the intake of supplements or specific foods. The toenail levels could also represent occupational exposure, for instance, Mn exposure in welders. The scarcity of information on other essential trace elements, together with the great heterogeneity among studies makes the validation of the usage of toenails as biomarkers of exposure to these elements difficult. Standardization of sample collection, quality control, analytical techniques and reporting procedures might facilitate further research focused on the clear understanding of the significance of essential levels in this promising matrix and would enhance its utility in epidemiological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gutiérrez-González
- Public Health & Preventive Medicine Teaching Unit, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Esther García-Esquinas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Fernández de Larrea-Baz
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Salcedo-Bellido
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada & Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Av. de La Investigación, 11, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Virginia Lope
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Gómez-Ariza
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, Campus de El Carmen, Research Center on Health and Environment (RENSMA), C/ Menéndez Pelayo, 21002, Huelva, Spain
| | - Roberto Pastor
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Pollán
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Gómez
- Public Health & Preventive Medicine Teaching Unit, National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública - CIBERESP), Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain; Department of Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases, National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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25
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Signes-Pastor AJ, Doherty BT, Romano ME, Gleason KM, Gui J, Baker E, Karagas MR. Prenatal exposure to metal mixture and sex-specific birth outcomes in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. Environ Epidemiol 2019; 3:e068. [PMID: 31844832 PMCID: PMC6914313 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In utero exposure to individual metals may impact fetal growth, though little is known about the effects of exposure to metal mixtures. Therefore, we investigated joint effects of in utero exposure to a mixture of As (arsenic), Mn (manganese), and Pb (lead) on newborn outcomes in a United States population. METHODS Concentrations of As, Mn, and Pb were determined in maternal postpartum toenail samples, a biomarker of in utero exposure, from 989 maternal-infant pairs (492 females and 497 males). Newborns' anthropometric characteristics, including head circumference, length, and weight, were obtained from medical records. The joint effects of the three metals were modeled using Bayesian kernel machine regression and linear regression. Both sex-combined and sex-stratified statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS We observed an inverted-U-shape association between maternal toenail Mn concentrations and newborn head circumference, particularly among female infants. Concentrations of Pb were related to reduced head circumference, weight, and length, especially among females at lower concentrations of the other metals. Overall, toenail As concentrations were related to reduced head circumference, especially among males, and an increase in birth length and weight among females. We found little evidence of As interactions with other metals within the mixture. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that in utero metal mixture exposures may influence birth outcomes, and that such relations may differ by infant sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J. Signes-Pastor
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Brett T. Doherty
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Megan E. Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Kelsey M. Gleason
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Jiang Gui
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Emily Baker
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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26
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Biomonitoring of metals and trace elements in urine of central Ethiopian populations. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:410-418. [PMID: 30612877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Biomonitoring of chemical concentrations in humans is important for detecting, monitoring, and addressing a wide range of health threats. However, it is virtually absent across many African nations, including Ethiopia. This study aims to determine urinary concentrations for metals and trace elements in populations living in the central Ethiopian Rift Valley. The region is unindustralized, rural, and characterized by unique geologic rifting and volcanic activities that have produced vast pyroclastic materials, forming its aquifer and fertile agricultural soils. Millions of people in the region rely on wells for drinking water and are engaged in cereal-based subsistence agriculture. We enrolled a total of 386 residents aged 10-50 years old (201 females and 185 males). The levels of 23 elements except F─ were quantified in water and urine samples by ICP-MS. Mean concentrations of B, F─, Ca, and Mg were measured in mg/L levels, while concentrations of Mo, Zn, Sr, Rb, and Li ranged between 100 and 700 μg/L. Mean concentrations between 5 and 15 μg/L were found for Ni, Cu, and Mn, while Ag, Be, Cd, Co, Pb, Sb, Th, TI, and U were all below 5 μg/L. Arsenic and Al had mean concentrations between 30 and 50 μg/L. Mean urinary concentrations of Ca, Cu, Mg, Pb, Sr, and Zn were significantly higher in males than females, whereas Co and Mn were higher in females. Finally, younger individuals (10-30 years) had significantly higher mean concentrations of B, Cd, Co, Mg, Mo, and Pb than those between 31 and 50 years, whereas only Ca was higher in the older age group. The concentration ranges of B, Mo, Mn, TI, Li, Zn, and in particular F─ (0.44-44.6 mg/L) and As (2.2-164 μg/L) in urine were higher than the reference ranges reported in healthy unexposed North American and European populations, while those for the remaining 16 elements were comparable to published reference ranges from such settings. The established concentration ranges are important to monitor future changes in exposure, and risk factors for disease, that might stem from the economic growth and industrialization that is currently underway in the region.
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Dede E, Tindall MJ, Cherrie JW, Hankin S, Collins C. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic models for estimating human exposure to five toxic elements through oral ingestion. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 57:104-114. [PMID: 29253785 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Biological monitoring and physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling are useful complementary tools in quantifying human exposure to elements in the environment. In this work, we used PBPK models to determine the optimal time for collecting biological samples in a longitudinal study to determine if participants who consumed allotment produce had been exposed to arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel or lead. There are a number of PBPK models for these elements published in the literature, which vary in size, complexity and application, given the differences in physiochemical properties of the elements, organs involved in metabolism and exposure pathways affected. We selected PBPK models from the literature to simulate the oral ingestion pathway from consumption of allotment produce. Some models required modification by reducing or removing selected compartments whilst still maintaining their original predictability. The performance of the modified models was evaluated by comparing the predicted urinary and blood elemental levels with experimental data and other model simulations published in the literature. Overall, the model predictions were consistent with literature data (r > 0.7, p < 0.05), and were influential in predicting when samples should be collected. Our results demonstrate the use of mathematical modelling in informing and optimising the design of longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Dede
- Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments (TSBE) Centre, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AF, UK; Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP, UK.
| | - Marcus J Tindall
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AX, UK; The Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AS, UK.
| | - John W Cherrie
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP, UK; Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
| | - Steve Hankin
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AP, UK.
| | - Chris Collins
- Soil Research Centre, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AB, UK.
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Sureda A, Bibiloni MDM, Julibert A, Aparicio-Ugarriza R, Palacios-Le Blé G, Pons A, Gonzalez-Gross M, Tur JA. Trace element contents in toenails are related to regular physical activity in older adults. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185318. [PMID: 28985222 PMCID: PMC5630118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to assess the trace element contents in toenails of older adults and its association with regular physical activity. Cross-sectional multicentre study in Spain, collecting data from a random sample of 380 participants (54% female) aged 55–80 years (men) and 60–80 years (women) with no previously documented cardiovascular disease. Physical activity performed was measured using the Minnesota Leisure-time Physical Activity Questionnaire. The 25 most inactive and 25 most active individuals for each sex were selected for this study (final sample n = 100). Anthropometric measurements were performed and toenail samples collected for calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) analysis. Significant differences between sexes were reported in Ca concentrations, women having lower concentrations than men. No differences were reported in trace element contents between active and inactive men. Active women showed higher Ca, Cr, Fe, Co, and Zn and lower Hg contents than their inactive peers (all p<0.05). Inactive women showed lower Ca and Co levels (735.0 mg/kg and 4.5 μg/kg, respectively) than inactive men (1170.0 mg/kg and 7.9 μg/kg, respectively). Active women had lower Ca and higher levels of Cr (936.0 mg/kg and 1230.0 μg/kg, respectively) than active men (1070.0 mg/kg and 522.0 μg/kg, respectively). The present data added new information on the element contents in toenails of healthy Spanish older adults. The concentration of trace elements was similar in both sexes except for Ca which were lower in women. The trace element contents in women’s toenails, but not in men, were markedly influenced by physical activity, with higher levels of Ca and Fe and lower Hg among active females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Sureda
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria del Mar Bibiloni
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Julibert
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Aparicio-Ugarriza
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ImFINE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (INEF), Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Palacios-Le Blé
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ImFINE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (INEF), Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Pons
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcela Gonzalez-Gross
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ImFINE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (INEF), Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep A. Tur
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CB12/03/30038), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Xing R, Li Y, Zhang B, Li H, Liao X. Indicative and complementary effects of human biological indicators for heavy metal exposure assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2017; 39:1031-1043. [PMID: 27599975 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-016-9870-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Although human biological indicators have been widely utilized for biomonitoring environmental pollutants in health exposure assessment, the relationship between internal and external exposure has not yet been adequately established. In this study, we collected and analyzed 61 rice, 56 pepper, and 58 soil samples, together with 107 hair, 107 blood, and 107 urine samples from residents living in selected intensive mining areas in China. Concentrations of most of the four elements considered (Pb, Cd, Hg, and Se) exceeded national standards, implying high exposure risk in the study areas. Regression analysis also revealed a correlation (0.33, P < 0.001) between the concentration of Pb in soil and that in human hair (as well as in human blood); to some extent, Pb content in hair and blood could therefore be used to characterize external Pb exposure. The correlation between Hg in rice and in human hair (up to 0.5, P < 0.001) further confirmed a significant indicative effect of human hair for Hg exposure. A significant correlation was also noted between concentrations of some elements in different human samples, for example, between Hg in hair and blood (0.641, P < 0.01) and between Cd in urine and blood (0.339, P < 0.01). To some extent, there could thus be mutual reflectance of the same heavy metal in different samples, with the possibility for complementary use in assessing heavy metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiya Xing
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yonghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Damage Assessment and Remediation, Beijing, China.
| | - Biao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hairong Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Damage Assessment and Remediation, Beijing, China
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Yedomon B, Menudier A, Etangs FLD, Anani L, Fayomi B, Druet-Cabanac M, Moesch C. Biomonitoring of 29 trace elements in whole blood from inhabitants of Cotonou (Benin) by ICP-MS. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 43:38-45. [PMID: 27847219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the blood concentration of 29 trace elements, metals or metalloids, in a healthy population of Cotonou not directly exposed to metals in order to propose reference values. Blood samples from 70 blood donors were collected in K2 EDTA tubes for trace elements during September 2015 and a questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle exposure. Blood metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) equipped with a quadrupole-based reaction cell. Among the selected blood donors 51.4% were aged from 18 to 36 years and 49.6% from 37 to 65 years. Among the 29 elements analyzed As, Pb, Mn, Pd, Sb, Co, Se, Sr showed blood concentrations higher than the reference values found in the literature for non-exposed healthy European populations and their geometric means were respectively 5.81; 47.39; 19.71; 1.91; 7.50; 0.66; 163.01; 30.53μg/L. This study provides the first reference value (5th-95th percentiles) for each element in Cotonou, which enables us to carry out further investigations on environmental and occupational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Yedomon
- INSERM, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Limoges, France; Unit of Teaching and Research in Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 188 Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Alain Menudier
- University hospital of Limoges, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, F-87000 Limoges, France.
| | | | - Ludovic Anani
- National Agency for Blood Transfusion of Benin, BP 386 Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Benjamin Fayomi
- Unit of Teaching and Research in Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 188 Cotonou, Benin.
| | | | - Christian Moesch
- INSERM, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Limoges, France; University hospital of Limoges, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, F-87000 Limoges, France.
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E T, D V, G D. Gender as a key factor in trace metal and metalloid content of human scalp hair. A multi-site study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 573:996-1002. [PMID: 27607902 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This multi-site study discusses the content of metals and metalloids (MM) in scalp hair of children, living in different environmental contexts, with the purpose of verifying if hair level of some MM is distinctively gender-specific. A total of 943 hair samples (537 females and 406 males) from adolescents were analyzed for their content of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V and Zn. Elemental quantification was performed by ICP-MS. The obtained data identified different metal distributions in adolescent girls which exhibited significantly higher hair concentrations of some trace metals, especially Sr, Zn and Ni, than boys. On the base of the median value, hair of female donors contained 3.8 times more Sr (6.6μg/g) than males (1.7μg/g). Highest concentrations of Zn in females were observed in samples from the mining area of Sardinia (587μg/g). Nickel showed significant differences resulting 2.5-fold higher in female hair. Regardless of the residence site, these elements resulted always significantly different (at p<0.01) between female and male indicating that gender is a confounding factor that has to be more extensively considered for a correct interpretation of metal profiles in human hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamburo E
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Varrica D
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Dongarrà G
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
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Pan Y, Li H. Trace elements in scalp hair from potentially exposed individuals in the vicinity of the Bayan Obo mine in Baotou, China. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2015; 40:678-685. [PMID: 26407230 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2015.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mining activities including mineral excavation and ore transportation produce and release large amounts of pollutants to the surrounding environment, raising concerns regarding the effects of environmental exposure to pollutants on human health. The concentration of elements in hair can be used as a biomarker of exposure to chemical elements. In the present study, hair samples from 89 relatively healthy volunteers aged 11-77 years old (57 living near Bayan Obo giant REE-Nb-Fe ore deposit and 32 in non-mining areas) from Baotou (Inner Mongolia, China) were analyzed to determine the contents of 25 chemical elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Tl, U, V and Zn) with the aim of gaining insights about the potential exposure to chemical elements of the population living within the Bayan Obo opencast mining area. The effects of gender and living area on element concentrations in hair were also investigated. The results showed that the mean concentrations of the target elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl, V, Cs, Ga, Rb, U, Bi, Mo, As, Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn) in human hair from the mining area (MA) were primarily higher than that in non-mining areas (NMA). The area of residence had an influence on the presence of select trace elements (As, Cd, Mg, Pb, Tl, U and Zn) in human hair. In addition, the hair samples from MA showed statistically significant differences between males and females for a larger number of elements than those in NMA in which only Ag, Bi and Se were significantly different. This result implies a potential influence of mining activities on residents living in the vicinity. These findings confirm the need for competent authorities to act as early as possible and to implement strategies aimed to protect exposed populations and the entire ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxue Pan
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haitao Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Varrica D, Tamburo E, Milia N, Vallascas E, Cortimiglia V, De Giudici G, Dongarrà G, Sanna E, Monna F, Losno R. Metals and metalloids in hair samples of children living near the abandoned mine sites of Sulcis-Inglesiente (Sardinia, Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 134:366-374. [PMID: 25212264 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The Sulcis-Iglesiente district (SW Sardinia, Italy) is one of the oldest and most important polymetallic mining areas in Italy. Large outcrops of sulfide and oxide ores, as well as the products of the long-lasting mining activity, are present throughout the district releasing significant quantities of metals and metalloids into the surrounding environment. Here are reported concentrations of 21 elements determined in scalp hair samples from children (aged 11-13 years) living in different geochemical environments of southwestern Sardinia: Iglesias, hosting several abandoned mines, and the island of Sant׳Antioco, not affected by significant base metal mineralization events. Trace element determinations were performed by ICP-MS. Statistically significant differences (p<0.01) in elemental concentration levels between the two study sites were found. Hair of children from Iglesias exhibited higher concentration values for Ag, Ba, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, U, V, and Zn. Rubidium, V and U resulted more abundant at Sant׳Antioco. Hair samples from Iglesias showed gender-related differences for a larger number of elements (Ag, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Sr, U and Zn) than at Sant׳Antioco, where only U was significantly different. The above elemental concentrations in females were always higher than in male donors. Robust Principal Component Analysis operated on log-transformed elemental concentrations showed components indicative of a) sulfides ore minerals (PC1) reflecting the influence of the diffuse mineralization covering the entire study area, b) the presence of some bioavailable As sources (PC2) as As-rich pyrite and Fe-containing sphalerite and c) other sources of metals overlapping the diffuse mineralizations, as carbonate rocks and coal deposits (PC3). The results provided evidence of a potential risk of adverse effects on the health of the exposed population, with children living at Iglesias being greatly exposed to several metals and metalloids originated in mining tailings, enriched soils, waters and food.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Varrica
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - E Tamburo
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - N Milia
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - E Vallascas
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - V Cortimiglia
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - G De Giudici
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, Via Trentino 51, 09127 Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Dongarrà
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
| | - E Sanna
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - F Monna
- UMR 6298, ArTeHiS, Université de Bourgogne - CNRS - Culture, 6 bd Gabriel, Bat. Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - R Losno
- Universités Paris Diderot et Paris Est Créteil, LISA, CNRS UMR 7583, 61 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil Cedex, France
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Identifying Sources and Assessing Potential Risk of Exposure to Heavy Metals and Hazardous Materials in Mining Areas: The Case Study of Panasqueira Mine (Central Portugal) as an Example. GEOSCIENCES 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences4040240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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