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Cseresznye A, Hardy EM, Ait Bamai Y, Cleys P, Poma G, Malarvannan G, Scheepers PTJ, Viegas S, Martins C, Porras SP, Santonen T, Godderis L, Verdonck J, Poels K, João Silva M, Louro H, Martinsone I, Akūlova L, van Dael M, van Nieuwenhuyse A, Mahiout S, Duca RC, Covaci A. HBM4EU E-waste study: Assessing persistent organic pollutants in blood, silicone wristbands, and settled dust among E-waste recycling workers in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118537. [PMID: 38408627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118537] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
E-waste recycling is an increasingly important activity that contributes to reducing the burden of end-of-life electronic and electrical apparatus and allows for the EU's transition to a circular economy. This study investigated the exposure levels of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in workers from e-waste recycling facilities across Europe. The concentrations of seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners were measured by GC-MS. Workers were categorized into five groups based on the type of e-waste handled and two control groups. Generalized linear models were used to assess the determinants of exposure levels among workers. POPs levels were also assessed in dust and silicone wristbands (SWB) and compared with serum. Four PCB congeners (CB 118, 138, 153, and 180) were frequently detected in serum regardless of worker's category. With the exception of CB 118, all tested PCBs were significantly higher in workers compared to the control group. Controls working in the same company as occupationally exposed (Within control group), also displayed higher levels of serum CB 180 than non-industrial controls with no known exposures to these chemicals (Outwith controls) (p < 0.05). BDE 209 was the most prevalent POP in settled dust (16 μg/g) and SWB (220 ng/WB). Spearman correlation revealed moderate to strong positive correlations between SWB and dust. Increased age and the number of years smoked cigarettes were key determinants for workers exposure. Estimated daily intake through dust ingestion revealed that ΣPCB was higher for both the 50th (0.03 ng/kg bw/day) and 95th (0.09 ng/kg bw/day) percentile exposure scenarios compared to values reported for the general population. This study is one of the first to address the occupational exposure to PCBs and PBDEs in Europe among e-waste workers through biomonitoring combined with analysis of settled dust and SWB. Our findings suggest that e-waste workers may face elevated PCB exposure and that appropriate exposure assessments are needed to establish effective mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Cseresznye
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emilie M Hardy
- Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Yu Ait Bamai
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Paulien Cleys
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul T J Scheepers
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Viegas
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Martins
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Simo P Porras
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lode Godderis
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Idewe, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Jelle Verdonck
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Poels
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria João Silva
- ToxOmics -Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Henriqueta Louro
- ToxOmics -Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inese Martinsone
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīgas Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Lāsma Akūlova
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīgas Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Maurice van Dael
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - An van Nieuwenhuyse
- Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Selma Mahiout
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Radu Corneliu Duca
- Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Goutman SA, Boss J, Jang DG, Mukherjee B, Richardson RJ, Batterman S, Feldman EL. Environmental risk scores of persistent organic pollutants associate with higher ALS risk and shorter survival in a new Michigan case/control cohort. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:241-248. [PMID: 37758454 PMCID: PMC11060633 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-332121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, progressive neurogenerative disease caused by combined genetic susceptibilities and environmental exposures. Identifying and validating these exposures are of paramount importance to modify disease risk. We previously reported that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) associate with ALS risk and survival and aimed to replicate these findings in a new cohort. METHOD Participants with and without ALS recruited in Michigan provided plasma samples for POPs analysis by isotope dilution with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. ORs for risk models and hazard ratios for survival models were calculated for individual POPs. POP mixtures were represented by environmental risk scores (ERS), a summation of total exposures, to evaluate the association with risk (ERSrisk) and survival (ERSsurvival). RESULTS Samples from 164 ALS and 105 control participants were analysed. Several individual POPs significantly associated with ALS, including 8 of 22 polychlorinated biphenyls and 7 of 10 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). ALS risk was most strongly represented by the mixture effects of OCPs alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, trans-nonachlor and cis-nonachlor and an interquartile increase in ERSrisk enhanced ALS risk 2.58 times (p<0.001). ALS survival was represented by the combined mixture of all POPs and an interquartile increase in ERSsurvival enhanced ALS mortality rate 1.65 times (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS These data continue to support POPs as important factors for ALS risk and progression and replicate findings in a new cohort. The assessments of POPs in non-Michigan ALS cohorts are encouraged to better understand the global effect and the need for targeted disease risk reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Goutman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jonathan Boss
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dae-Gyu Jang
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rudy J Richardson
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Idowu IG, Megson D, Tiktak G, Dereviankin M, Sandau CD. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) half-lives in humans: A systematic review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140359. [PMID: 37832892 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140359] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript presents a systematic review of PCB half-lives reported in the scientific literature. The review was completed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and included a review of almost 1000 peer-reviewed publications. In total, 26 articles were found to report half-lives in humans, with the majority of data coming from studies performed in North America on individuals suspected to have been exposed to PCBs. Terminology for reporting PCB half-lives was inconsistent, so we have attempted to consolidate this and recommend using either "apparent half-life" or "intrinsic half-life" in future studies. Within the literature, values for reported half-lives varied considerably for different PCBs. Less chlorinated PCBs generally have shorter half-lives than more chlorinated PCBs. It was interesting to note the large variability of half-lives reported for the same PCB. For example, the reported half-life for PCB 180 varied by nearly 3 orders of magnitude (0.34 years-300 years). Our review identified that the half-lives estimated were largely dependent on the studied cohort. We discuss the importance of PCB body burden, degree of chlorination and PCB structure, gender, age, breastfeeding, BMI, and smoking status on half-life estimations. We also identified significantly shorter half-lives for some PCBs in occupationally exposed individuals compared to results reported from the general population. PCB half-lives are not the same for every PCB or every individual. Therefore, careful consideration is needed when these values are used in human exposure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Megson
- Chemistry Matters Inc, Calgary, Canada; Manchester Metropolitan University, Department of Natural Science, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Guuske Tiktak
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Department of Natural Science, Ecology and Environment Research Centre, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | | | - Courtney D Sandau
- Chemistry Matters Inc, Calgary, Canada; Mount Royal University, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Calgary, Canada.
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Esser A, Ziegler P, Kaifie A, Kraus T, Schettgen T. Modelling past human internal exposure to lower chlorinated indicator PCBs using proxies - A calculation based on multiple longitudinal PCB analyses. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 784:147250. [PMID: 34088037 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147250] [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: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants with former applications in electric transformers, capacitors, hydraulic fluids or joint sealants. While current internal exposure to PCBs can be readily assessed by human biomonitoring, the evaluation of longgone past exposures, in particular the estimation of past exposure to lower chlorinated non-dioxin-like PCB 28, 52 or 101 is limited due to the relatively short biological half-life of these PCB-congeners. This study was aimed to find a proxy that would allow an estimation of the former plasma level for these congeners even several years after exposure cessation. We used biomonitoring data of the German HELPcB cohort with six consecutive follow-up investigations and identified the congeners PCB 66, 74 and 99 as suitable proxies for the congeners of interest. The biological half-lives of the proxies as well as their individual correlation with the plasma levels of PCB 28, 52 and 101 was considered in the calculation models. The correlation coefficients and the inter correlation coefficient 3 (ICC3) between measured and calculated initial values were applied for validation. For external validation purposes we used longitudinal biomonitoring data from two different cohorts with indoor exposure to lower chlorinated PCBs. The backward estimation from current PCB 74 levels to former PCB 28 levels led to an ICC3 of 0.682 and a correlation of rho = 0.724 within the HELPcB cohort. The external validation revealed an ICC3 of 0.723 and a correlation of rho = 0.654. The external validation for PCB 101 was feasible, but measures were not comparably good (ICC3 = 0.460; Rho = 0.516). External validation for PCB 52 was not successful, maybe due to the lower level of burden. Our model shows that a rough estimation of former plasma levels of lower chlorinated PCBs is possible even years after exposure cessation using current measurements of PCB74.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Esser
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Patrick Ziegler
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Kaifie
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Eftekhari S, Aminian O, Esser A, Schettgen T, Kaifie A, Felten M, Kraus T, Moinfar Z. PCB plasma level in different occupational groups in Iran. Toxicol Ind Health 2021; 37:458-468. [PMID: 34128435 DOI: 10.1177/07482337211024818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the ban of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) some decades ago, concerns regarding their adverse health effects are continuing, because the workers employed for installation and repair of electrical equipment may be still exposed to PCBs. This study aimed to assess serum PCBs levels in workers in different industries. To do this, we determined the serum concentrations of 9 non-dioxin-like PCBs and 12 dioxin-like PCBs in 147 workers from seven occupational groups and 35 housewives. An electrical distribution company, paint manufacturer, and pesticide manufacturer were categorized as high probability exposure jobs, whereas turning and casting operations, polymer plastic manufacturing, professional driving, and office work were categorized as low probability exposure jobs. In addition, the average of PCB 138, 153, and 180 and PCB sums were observed to be significantly higher in paint manufacture workers compared to the another groups. In addition, the average PCB 118 level was higher in electrical distribution workers and housewives. Following the adjustment for age, blood lipid, residency place, and seafood in the regression model, the association of PCB 118 in electrical distribution workers and PCB 153 in paint manufacture workers remained significant. The results of this study served as further support for the hypothesis for an occupational basis for bioaccumulation of some PCB types. However, the plasma levels of almost all PCB congeners in Iran were found to be lower than many other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Eftekhari
- School of Medicine, 48439Tehran University of Medical Science-International Campus (TUMS-IC), Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Aminian
- Occupational Diseases Research Center, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - André Esser
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital 9165RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital 9165RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Andrea Kaifie
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital 9165RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Michael Felten
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital 9165RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital 9165RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Zeinab Moinfar
- Community and Preventive Medicine Department, 48439Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Gorbunova TI, Egorova DO, Pervova MG, Kyrianova TD, Demakov VA, Saloutin VI, Chupakhin ON. Biodegradation of trichlorobiphenyls and their hydroxylated derivatives by Rhodococcus-strains. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 409:124471. [PMID: 33199145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A possibility of using a complex approach is considered to explain features of biodestruction of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are known to be persistent organic pollutants. The approach comprises the following main stages: (i) chemical modification of chloroarenes by hydroxylation and (ii) bacterial degradation of the hydroxylated derivatives. This approach is applicable to individual trichlorobiphenyls (PCB 29, PCB 30) and to a widespread mixture Trikhlorbifenil (analog of Aroclor 1242 and Delor 103). As bacterial strain destructors, the Rhodococcus-strains (КТ112-7, СН628, P25) were used. It was established that the main metabolites of microbial biodegradation of both polychlorobiphenyls and their hydroxy derivatives are polychloro- and hydroxy(polychloro)benzoic acids, which allows an assumption to be made about possible further biodegradation of these compounds down to the products of the base exchange reaction in a cell: water, carbon dioxide and chlorine compounds. The study discusses the effect that the structure of PCBs congeners causes on the conversion by hydroxylation, on the biodegradation rate of both PCBs and their hydroxy derivatives, and on the metabolite formation levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana I Gorbunova
- I.Ya. Postovskii Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg 620990, Russia.
| | - Darya O Egorova
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm 614081, Russia
| | - Marina G Pervova
- I.Ya. Postovskii Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg 620990, Russia
| | - Tatyana D Kyrianova
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm 614081, Russia
| | - Vitalyi A Demakov
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm 614081, Russia
| | - Victor I Saloutin
- I.Ya. Postovskii Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg 620990, Russia
| | - Oleg N Chupakhin
- I.Ya. Postovskii Institute of Organic Synthesis, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg 620990, Russia
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Graves DF, Morse GS, Kerr K, Carpenter DO. A Pilot Study to Examine Psychological and Neuropsychological Outcomes and a Novel Detoxification Program for Gulf War Illness. Mil Med 2021; 186:205-213. [PMID: 33499551 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposures to environmental toxins have been associated with severe health problems for approximately one-quarter of the nearly 700,000 U.S. soldiers who served in the Gulf War between the years 1990 and 1991. Gulf War illness still affects about 30% of Gulf War veterans (GWV), causing reduced psychological wellness and neuropsychological function. METHOD AND MATERIALS This pilot study used a randomized wait-list control design to explore the feasibility and efficacy of a novel detoxification method for GWV exposed to toxicants such as pesticides, nerve gases, and pyridostigmine bromide. Our study included 32 GWV (67% male), with a mean age of 51 (range: 43-70, SD = 6.97), who participated in a 4- to 5-week treatment that was hypothesized to reduce the reported psychological and neuropsychological symptoms. Psychological measures used included tests given for the evaluation of neurocognitive function, including motor function for a dominant hand with the grooved pegboard test; verbal and visual immediate and delayed memory with the Wechsler Memory Scale III abbreviated subtests; executive function domains of attention, speed, and mental flexibility with trail making test parts A and B and Stroop color and word test. Psychological status was measured using the nine subscales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. RESULTS Primary outcomes included between-group differences in self-reported psychological measures and a neuropsychological battery at 7-day and 3-month assessments. Baseline comparison revealed improvements in 16 of 19 psychological and neuropsychological measures at 7-day assessment and that 13 remained stable at 3-month assessment. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the detoxification procedure provided improvement in psychological and cognitive function for GWV and that future study is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald F Graves
- Psychology Department, Russell Sage College, Troy, NY 12181, USA
| | - Gayle S Morse
- Psychology Department, Russell Sage College, Troy, NY 12181, USA.,Institute for Health & the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12144, USA
| | - Kathleen Kerr
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - David O Carpenter
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12144, USA.,Institute for Health & the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12144, USA
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Esser A, Ziegler P, Kaifie A, Kraus T, Schettgen T. Estimating plasma half-lives of dioxin like and non-dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls after occupational exposure in the German HELPcB cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 232:113667. [PMID: 33307299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are carcinogenic persistent organic pollutants that have been used as mixtures in transformers, electrical capacitors or hydraulic oils in underground mining until their ban in the late 1980s in Germany. The widespread use of PCBs has led to an age-dependent body burden in the general population. In order to determine the human half-lives of different PCB-congeners, we have used data collected between 2010 and 2017 from the prospective investigation of the German HELPcB-cohort with high initial occupational exposure to PCBs from a transformer recycling company. PCBs were quantified in plasma of the study participants in six cross-sectional investigations using gas-chromatography coupled to mass-spectrometry. Applying logistic regression on the individual plasma levels after statistical elimination of outliers, the elimination half-lives of 18 PCB-congeners were determined. Further stratifications were performed using adjustment for blood lipids, calculation of the total amount of PCB in the body and by using a statistical model taking into account the individual age-dependent background burden. The calculated plasma half-lives ranged from 0.8 years for PCB 52 until a maximum of 28.9 years for PCB 189, depending on the model applied. E.g. the total body amount related half-live for PCB 28 is 2.41 years, for PCB 74 it is 12.81 years, for PCB 118 it is 6.65 years and for PCB 153 = 10.75 years. The model with adjustment for age dependent background burden led to shorter half-lives. The analysis revealed structure-related differences in the kinetics for the PCB-congeners examined. Congeners with a chlorine substitution in 2,4,(5)- and 4'-position showed longer half-lives than other isomers with one (or two) free 4-positions. Due to the high number of included cases and repeated measurements, our results provide valid half-live data for a large number of PCB congeners. Using these data, a rough estimation of former occupational exposures from current PCB-levels seems feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Esser
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Patrick Ziegler
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Kaifie
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Onozuka D, Nakamura Y, Tsuji G, Furue M. Mortality in Yusho patients exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzofurans: a 50-year retrospective cohort study. Environ Health 2020; 19:119. [PMID: 33228703 PMCID: PMC7685647 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00680-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 1968, the Yusho incident resulted in accidental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and related compounds in Japan. This study updated the risk of mortality in Yusho patients. METHODS We obtained updated cohort data for all Yusho patients for the period 1968-2017. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality over a 50-year follow-up period compared with the general population in Japan. RESULTS A total of 1664 Yusho patients with 63,566 person-years of follow up were included in the analysis. Among males, excess mortality was observed for all cancers (SMR: 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.45) and lung cancer (SMR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.19). Among females, increased mortality was observed for liver cancer (SMR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.02 to 3.67). No significant increase was seen in non-cancer-related mortality compared with the general population. CONCLUSIONS Carcinogenic risk in humans after exposure to PCBs and PCDFs remains higher among Yusho patients. Our findings suggest the importance of care engagement and optimum management to deal with the burden of Yusho disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Onozuka
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 6-1 Kishibeshin-machi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565 Japan
- Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakamura
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Gaku Tsuji
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masutaka Furue
- Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Kerr K, Morse G, Graves D, Zuo F, Lipowicz A, Carpenter DO. A Detoxification Intervention for Gulf War Illness: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4143. [PMID: 31661809 PMCID: PMC6862571 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 30% of the 700,000 US veterans of the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War developed multiple persistent symptoms called Gulf War illness. While the etiology is uncertain, several toxic exposures including pesticides and chemical warfare agents have shown associations. There is no effective medical treatment. An intervention to enhance detoxification developed by Hubbard has improved quality of life and/or reduced body burdens in other cohorts. We evaluated its feasibility and efficacy in ill Gulf War (GW) veterans in a randomized, waitlist-controlled, pilot study at a community-based rehabilitation facility in the United States. Eligible participants (n = 32) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 22) or a four-week waitlist control (n = 10). The daily 4-6 week intervention consisted of exercise, sauna-induced sweating, crystalline nicotinic acid and other supplements. Primary outcomes included recruitment, retention and safety; and efficacy was measured via Veteran's Short Form-36 (SF-36) quality of life, McGill pain, multidimensional fatigue inventory questionnaires and neuropsychological batteries. Scoring of outcomes was blinded. All 32 completed the trial and 21 completed 3-month follow-up. Mean SF-36 physical component summary score after the intervention was 6.9 (95% CI; -0.3, 14.2) points higher compared to waitlist control and 11 of 16 quality of life, pain and fatigue measures improved, with no serious adverse events. Most improvements were retained after 3 months. The Hubbard regimen was feasible, safe and might offer relief for symptoms of GW illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Kerr
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada.
| | - Gayle Morse
- Department of Psychology, The Sage Colleges, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12144, USA.
| | - Donald Graves
- Department of Psychology, The Sage Colleges, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
| | - Fei Zuo
- Applied Health Research Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1B1, Canada.
| | - Alain Lipowicz
- Trillium Gift of Life Network, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Toronto, ON M5G 2C9, Canada.
| | - David O Carpenter
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12144, USA.
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11
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Photolysis of polychlorobiphenyls in the presence of nanocrystalline TiO2 and CdS/TiO2. REACTION KINETICS MECHANISMS AND CATALYSIS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11144-019-01543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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Wood SA, Xu F, Armitage JM, Wania F. Unravelling the Relationship between Body Mass Index and Polychlorinated Biphenyl Concentrations Using a Mechanistic Model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:10055-10064. [PMID: 27616073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b01961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) often reveals statistical associations between persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations and body mass index (BMI). Both negative and positive associations have been observed, which has been hypothesized to reflect variable toxicokinetics in lean and obese individuals during times of increasing and decreasing exposure. We examined this hypothesis and assessed the influence of the obesity epidemic on time trends in human exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) at the population level using a mechanistic modeling approach and data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004. Using model results for PCB-153, we simulated cross-sectional body burden versus BMI trends (CBBTs), as well as population level body burden versus time trends. Negative associations between PCB-153 concentrations and BMI are predicted for all birth cohorts in HBM studies conducted in the 1990s, while for future cross-sectional studies, we predict negative or positive relationships depending on the age group sampled. At the population level, demographic changes such as the obesity epidemic and population aging had only marginal influence on the simulated rate of decline in PCB-153 concentrations between 1980 and 2010. Mechanistic bioaccumulation models can help unravel relationships between age, BMI, and POP concentrations, informing efforts to understand potential obesogenic effects of POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Wood
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough , 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto Scarborough , 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough , 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - James M Armitage
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough , 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Frank Wania
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough , 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto Scarborough , 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
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13
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Kania-Korwel I, Lehmler HJ. Toxicokinetics of chiral polychlorinated biphenyls across different species--a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:2058-80. [PMID: 25824003 PMCID: PMC4591098 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4383-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Nineteen polychlorinated biphenyls (chiral or C-PCBs) exist as two stable rotational isomers (atropisomers) that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. C-PCBs are released into the environment as racemic (i.e., equal) mixtures of both atropisomers and undergo atropisomeric enrichment due to biological, but not abiotic, processes. In particular, toxicokinetic studies provide important initial insights into atropselective processes involved in the disposition (i.e., absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion) of C-PCBs. The toxicokinetic of C-PCBs is highly congener and species dependent. In particular, at lower trophic levels, abiotic processes play a predominant role in C-PCB toxicokinetics. Biotransformation plays an important role in the elimination of C-PCBs in mammals. The elimination of C-PCB follows the approximate order mammals > birds > amphibians > fish, mostly due to a corresponding decrease in metabolic capacity. A few studies have shown differences in the toxicokinetics of C-PCB atropisomers; however, more work is needed to understand the toxicokinetics of C-PCBs and the underlying biological processes. Such studies will not only contribute to our understanding of the fate of C-PCBs in aquatic and terrestrial food webs but also facilitate our understanding of human exposures to C-PCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Kania-Korwel
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, UI Research Park, #221 IREH, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hans-Joachim Lehmler
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, UI Research Park, #221 IREH, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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14
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Freese M, Sühring R, Pohlmann JD, Wolschke H, Magath V, Ebinghaus R, Hanel R. A question of origin: dioxin-like PCBs and their relevance in stock management of European eels. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2016; 25:41-55. [PMID: 26477019 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-015-1565-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The stock of European Eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) has reached an all-time low in 2011. Spawner quality of mature eels in terms of health status and fitness is considered one of the key elements for successful migration and reproduction. Dioxin-like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are known persistent organic pollutants potentially affecting the reproductive capability and health status of eels throughout their entire lifetime. In this study, muscle tissue samples of 192 European eels of all continental life stages from 6 different water bodies and 13 sampling sites were analyzed for contamination with lipophilic dl-PCBs to investigate the potential relevance of the respective habitat in light of eel stock management. Results of this study reveal habitat-dependent and life history stage-related accumulation of targeted PCBs. Sum concentrations of targeted PCBs differed significantly between life stages and inter-habitat variability in dl-PCB levels and -profiles was observed. Among all investigated life stages, migrant silver eels were found to be the most suitable life history stage to represent their particular water system due to habitat dwell-time and their terminal contamination status. With reference to a possible negative impact of dl-PCBs on health and the reproductive capability of eels, it was hypothesized that those growing up in less polluted habitats have a better chance to produce healthy offspring than those growing up in highly polluted habitats. We suggest that the contamination status of water systems is fundamental for the life cycle of eels and needs to be considered in stock management and restocking programs.
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15
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Tøttenborg SS, Choi AL, Bjerve KS, Weihe P, Grandjean P. Effect of seafood mediated PCB exposure on desaturase activity and PUFA profile in Faroese septuagenarians. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 140:699-703. [PMID: 26087436 PMCID: PMC4528611 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure may affect serum concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by inhibiting desaturases ∆5 and ∆6 that drive their synthesis from precursor fatty acids. Such changes in the composition of fatty acids may affect cardiovascular disease risk, which is thought to increase at elevated PCB exposures. This population-based cross-sectional study examined 712 Faroese men and women aged 70-74 years. The serum phospholipid fraction of fasting blood samples was used to determine the PUFA profile, including linoleic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, and other relevant fatty acids. Ratios between precursor and metabolite fatty acids were used as proxies for ∆5 and ∆6 desaturase activity. Tertiles of serum-PCB concentrations were used in multiple regression analyses to determine the association between the exposure and desaturase activity. In multiple regression models, PCB exposure was inversely related to the estimated Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in accumulation of precursor fatty acids and decrease in the corresponding product PUFAs. A positive association between PCB and Δ5 desaturation was also found. A relative increase in EA was also observed, though only in the third tertile of PCB exposure. Non-linear relationships between the exposure and the desaturase activity were not found. Consuming fish and seafood may not be translated into beneficial fatty acid profiles if the diet simultaneously causes exposure to PCBs. Although the desaturase estimates were likely influenced by dietary intakes of product PUFAs, the association between PCB exposure and ∆6 desaturase activity is plausible and may affect cardiovascular disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anna L Choi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA
| | - Kristian S Bjerve
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Clinic of Laboratory Medicine, St. Olavs Hospital HF, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pal Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Faroese Hospital System, Torshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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16
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Hopf NB, Ruder AM, Succop P, Waters MA. Evaluation of cumulative PCB exposure estimated by a job exposure matrix versus PCB serum concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:6314-23. [PMID: 23475397 PMCID: PMC4557726 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Although polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been banned in many countries for more than three decades, exposures to PCBs continue to be of concern due to their long half-lives and carcinogenic effects. In National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health studies, we are using semiquantitative plant-specific job exposure matrices (JEMs) to estimate historical PCB exposures for workers (n = 24,865) exposed to PCBs from 1938 to 1978 at three capacitor manufacturing plants. A subcohort of these workers (n = 410) employed in two of these plants had serum PCB concentrations measured at up to four times between 1976 and 1989. Our objectives were to evaluate the strength of association between an individual worker's measured serum PCB levels and the same worker's cumulative exposure estimated through 1977 with the (1) JEM and (2) duration of employment, and to calculate the explained variance the JEM provides for serum PCB levels using (3) simple linear regression. Consistent strong and statistically significant associations were observed between the cumulative exposures estimated with the JEM and serum PCB concentrations for all years. The strength of association between duration of employment and serum PCBs was good for highly chlorinated (Aroclor 1254/HPCB) but not less chlorinated (Aroclor 1242/LPCB) PCBs. In the simple regression models, cumulative occupational exposure estimated using the JEMs explained 14-24% of the variance of the Aroclor 1242/LPCB and 22-39% for Aroclor 1254/HPCB serum concentrations. We regard the cumulative exposure estimated with the JEM as a better estimate of PCB body burdens than serum concentrations quantified as Aroclor 1242/LPCB and Aroclor 1254/HPCB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy B. Hopf
- Institute for Work and Health (IST), Route de la Corniche 2, CH-1066 Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Avima M. Ruder
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
| | - Paul Succop
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Kettering G29, PO Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Martha A. Waters
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
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17
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Min JY, Kim R, Min KB. Serum polychlorinated biphenyls concentrations and hearing impairment in adults. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 102:6-11. [PMID: 24360845 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Experimental studies have suggested the potential link between exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and auditory impairment, but little evidence exists to support the ototoxicity of PCBs in human. Only a few studies have implicated PCB-induced hearing loss in children. This study investigated the association between serum PCB levels and hearing impairment in US adults. We analyzed data from 1946 adults aged 20 years and older in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004: eleven PCB congeners detected in 60-90% of the samples at greater than the limit of detection (LOD) were selected, and hearing impairment was defined as a pure-tone average of the thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz of >25 dB hearing level in better ear. The adjusted odds ratio of hearing impairment was significantly increased comparing the highest quartile (Q4) of detectable PCB range with the reference (below LOD): 5.83 (95% CI: 1.20-28.24) for 2,2',3,3',4,4',5-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB-170), 7.79(95% CI: 1.81-33.44) for 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB-180), 7.46 (95% CI: 1.62-34.47) for 2,2',3,4',5,5',6-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB-187), 8.59 (95% CI: 1.26-58.73) for 2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5'-octachlorobiphenyl (PCB-194), 11.62 (95% CI: 2.20-61.55) for 2,2',3,3',4,4',5,6'-octachlorobiphenyl (PCB-196). Our findings suggest that specific classes of PCB levels may be associated with hearing impairment in a general sample of adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Young Min
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rokho Kim
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Suva, Fiji
| | - Kyoung-Bok Min
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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