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Poudel K, Ikeda A, Fukunaga H, Brune Drisse MN, Onyon LJ, Gorman J, Laborde A, Kishi R. How does formal and informal industry contribute to lead exposure? A narrative review from Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2024; 39:371-388. [PMID: 36735953 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0224] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lead industries are one of the major sources of environmental pollution and can affect human through different activities, including industrial processes, metal plating, mining, battery recycling, etc. Although different studies have documented the various sources of lead exposure, studies highlighting different types of industries as sources of environmental contamination are limited. Therefore, this narrative review aims to focus mainly on lead industries as significant sources of environmental and human contamination. CONTENT Based on the keywords searched in bibliographic databases we found 44 relevant articles that provided information on lead present in soil, water, and blood or all components among participants living near high-risk areas. We presented three case scenarios to highlight how lead industries have affected the health of citizens in Vietnam, Uruguay, and Malaysia. SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK Factories conducting mining, e-waste processing, used lead-acid battery recycling, electronic repair, and toxic waste sites were the primary industries for lead exposure. Our study has shown lead exposure due to industrial activities in Vietnam, Uruguay, Malaysia and calls for attention to the gaps in strategic and epidemiologic efforts to understand sources of environmental exposure to lead fully. Developing strategies and guidelines to regulate industrial activities, finding alternatives to reduce lead toxicity and exposure, and empowering the public through various community awareness programs can play a crucial role in controlling exposure to lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Poudel
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- WHO Collaborating Center for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Sapporo, Japan
- Centre for Health Equity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Atsuko Ikeda
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- WHO Collaborating Center for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Sapporo, Japan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Marie-Noel Brune Drisse
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lesley Jayne Onyon
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julia Gorman
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Amalia Laborde
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Republic University of Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- WHO Collaborating Center for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Sapporo, Japan
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Pereira EC, Piai KDA, Salles FJ, Silva ASD, Olympio KPK. A comprehensive analysis of children's blood lead levels in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last eight years: Progress and recommendations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 928:172372. [PMID: 38604359 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172372] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In 2017 we published a review on blood lead levels (BLL) in children from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) for data available up to 14th of March 2014 and recommended the identification and control of "lead hot spots". In the present study, an evaluation of progress toward reducing BLL in the region was carried out. A systematic review of the latest literature on lead exposure in the LAC region held on the PubMed, Web of Science and LILACS databases (January 2014 to March 2022) was conducted using the PRISMA methodology. Only original papers published in peer-reviewed English, Spanish, or Portuguese journals were eligible. A total of 558 papers were retrieved, 77 of which met the selection criteria and 31 (40.25 %) were carried out in Mexico. The prevalence of children with BLL above 10 μg. dL-1 was 22.08 % in the previous review versus 6.78 % in the current study. In the present review, the prevalence of children with BLL above 5 μg. dL-1 was 29.62 %, and only one study reported a BLL prevalence rate between 3.3 and 5 μg. dL-1. The highest BLLs were associated with well-known sources or occupational exposures. The number of countries (n = 13) that published data on BLL in children was lower compared to the previous review (n = 16). Most studies were conducted in areas with known lead exposure sources, similar to the earlier review. The percentage of children at risk of lead poisoning in the region remains unknown because few studies have published data on environmental exposure levels and most samples were relatively small. The recommendation to identify and control sources of lead exposure was maintained, while further suggestions for establishing a systematic public health surveillance system for lead were proposed to help reduce the knowledge gap and inform public health policy-making in LAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizeu Chiodi Pereira
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kamila de Almeida Piai
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Junqueira Salles
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Agnes Soares da Silva
- Departamento de Vigilância em Saúde Ambiental e Saúde do Trabalhador, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde e Ambiente, Ministério da Saúde, Brazil
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Queirolo EI, Kordas K, Martínez G, Ahmed Z, Barg G, Mañay N. Secular trends in blood lead concentrations of school-age children in Montevideo, Uruguay from 2009 to 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123160. [PMID: 38104764 PMCID: PMC10922799 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123160] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Lead exposure continues to be a public health problem globally, yet very few countries perform systematic biomonitoring or surveillance of children's blood lead levels (BLLs). Secular trends in children's BLLs have not been well characterized outside North America and Europe. In 2009-19, we conducted a series of non-representative cross-sectional surveys in Montevideo, Uruguay, enrolling children living in areas of the city with known or suspected lead contamination. Lead was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry on fasting venous blood samples. Of the 856 children representing independent (non-sibling) observations, 759 had BLL measures. Other missing data were imputed. Using linear and logistic regression models, we estimated the covariate-adjusted year to year difference in mean BLL and the likelihood of having BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL. At the start of the study, mean ± SD BLL was 4.8 ± 2.6 μg/dL, and at the end 1.4 ± 1.4 μg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥5 and BLL ≥3.5 μg/dL also differed markedly between 2009 and 2019 (30.8% vs. 2.7% and 53.8% vs. 5.8%). Similarly, where 80.8% of children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL in 2011, in 2019 that number was 19.3%. The estimated year to year difference in BLL was ∼0.3 μg/dL. Despite this progress, pediatric lead exposure remains a problem in Montevideo. In years 2015-19, between 19 and 48% of school children had BLL ≥2 μg/dL, a level at which adverse neurobehavioral outcomes continue to be reported in the literature. Continued prevention and risk-reduction efforts are needed in Montevideo, including systematic surveillance of BLLs in all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena I Queirolo
- Department of Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Gabriela Martínez
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Zia Ahmed
- RENEW Institute, University at Buffalo, 106 Cooke Hall, Buffalo NY, USA.
| | - Gabriel Barg
- Department of Neuroscience and Learning, Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Nelly Mañay
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
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Frndak S, Yu G, Oulhote Y, Queirolo EI, Barg G, Vahter M, Mañay N, Peregalli F, Olson JR, Ahmed Z, Kordas K. Reducing the complexity of high-dimensional environmental data: An analytical framework using LASSO with considerations of confounding for statistical inference. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 249:114116. [PMID: 36805184 PMCID: PMC10977870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Frameworks for selecting exposures in high-dimensional environmental datasets, while considering confounding, are lacking. We present a two-step approach for exposure selection with subsequent confounder adjustment for statistical inference. METHODS We measured cognitive ability in 338 children using the Woodcock-Muñoz General Intellectual Ability (GIA) score, and potential associated features across several environmental domains. Initially, 111 variables theoretically associated with GIA score were introduced into a Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) in a 50% feature selection subsample. Effect estimates for selected features were subsequently modeled in linear regressions in a 50% inference (hold out) subsample, first adjusting for sex and age and later for covariates selected via directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). All models were adjusted for clustering by school. RESULTS Of the 15 LASSO selected variables, eleven were not associated with GIA score following our inference modeling approach. Four variables were associated with GIA scores, including: serum ferritin adjusted for inflammation (inversely), mother's IQ (positively), father's education (positively), and hours per day the child works on homework (positively). Serum ferritin was not in the expected direction. CONCLUSIONS Our two-step approach moves high-dimensional feature selection a step further by incorporating DAG-based confounder adjustment for statistical inference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Frndak
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, USA.
| | - Guan Yu
- Department of Biostatistics: University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Elena I Queirolo
- Department of Neuroscience and Learning, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriel Barg
- Department of Neuroscience and Learning, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marie Vahter
- Department of Environmental Medicine: Karolinska Institute, Sweden
| | - Nelly Mañay
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fabiana Peregalli
- Department of Neuroscience and Learning, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - James R Olson
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, USA
| | - Zia Ahmed
- Research and Education in eNergy, Environment and Water (RENEW) Institute University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, USA
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Warren-Vega WM, Campos-Rodríguez A, Zárate-Guzmán AI, Romero-Cano LA. A Current Review of Water Pollutants in American Continent: Trends and Perspectives in Detection, Health Risks, and Treatment Technologies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4499. [PMID: 36901509 PMCID: PMC10001968 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Currently, water pollution represents a serious environmental threat, causing an impact not only to fauna and flora but also to human health. Among these pollutants, inorganic and organic pollutants are predominantly important representing high toxicity and persistence and being difficult to treat using current methodologies. For this reason, several research groups are searching for strategies to detect and remedy contaminated water bodies and effluents. Due to the above, a current review of the state of the situation has been carried out. The results obtained show that in the American continent a high diversity of contaminants is present in the water bodies affecting several aspects, in which in some cases, there exists alternatives to realize the remediation of contaminated water. It is concluded that the actual challenge is to establish sanitation measures at the local level based on the specific needs of the geographical area of interest. Therefore, water treatment plants must be designed according to the contaminants present in the water of the region and tailored to the needs of the population of interest.
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A Call for Biomonitoring Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Considerations for Potentially Toxic Metals/Metalloids. Ann Glob Health 2022; 88:80. [PMID: 36185997 PMCID: PMC9479654 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region makes up 8.4% of the world’s population. Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs, which can shed light on population-level exposure to environmental contaminants such as toxic metals and thus, improve the health of the populations are inexistent in LAC countries. We call for the creation of HBM programs in the region and identify three viable design options for HBM at the individual level, through national surveys, newborn blood collection, and biobanks. We highlight some of challenges to the implementation of HBM programs, including financial and human resources, technical constrains (laboratory), sample, and data logistics. Finally, we provide the case studies of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay, to illustrate a range of responses to toxic metal exposure in non-occupational populations. Although different in many respects, the individual country responses share two commonalities: 1) academic centers drive the research to raise awareness of governmental entities; 2) reference levels are adapted from international norms rather than arising from the studied populations. Well-designed and sufficiently funded biomonitoring systems need to be established in each country of the LAC region. HBM programs are key to promoting human health by informing the public and contributing to policy processes that establish sustainable environmental controls and health prevention programs.
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Rowan J, Kordas K, Queirolo EI, Vahter M, Mañay N, Peregalli F, Desai G. Contribution of household drinking water intake to arsenic and lead exposure among Uruguayan schoolchildren. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 292:133525. [PMID: 34998846 PMCID: PMC10977869 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food and water are common exposure sources of arsenic and lead among children. Whereas dietary sources of these toxicants are fairly well-studied, the contribution of drinking water to toxicant exposures is not well characterized in many populations, particularly in the Global South. OBJECTIVE To assess the extent to which consumption of household drinking water contributes to arsenic and lead exposure among Uruguayan schoolchildren with low-level exposure. METHODS Children, aged 5-8 years, were enrolled into the Salud Ambiental Montevideo study during 2009-2013 from schools in Montevideo, Uruguay. Participants reported water intake as part of two 24-h dietary recalls. Concentrations of arsenic were measured in first morning void urine samples, and adjusted for urinary specific gravity. Lead concentrations were measured in venous blood samples. Drinking water samples were collected from participants' homes and toxicant concentrations measured. Data analyses involved a triangulation approach. First, multivariable linear regressions estimated the associations between toxicant exposure through drinking water, calculated for each child as the product of water intake and water toxicant concentration, and the respective toxicant biomarker concentrations among children with complete data on all variables (Sample A; n = 40). Second, regressions were repeated for participants with complete data on all variables except water intakes (Sample B; n = 195), after water intakes were imputed. Finally, models were constructed for participants of Sample B (n = 195) based on drinking water intakes assumed to be fixed at 25th, 50th, 75th percentile intakes of participants in sample A. RESULTS Toxicant exposure via drinking water intake was low. The triangulation approach revealed no associations between toxicant exposure through household water intake and the respective toxicant biomarker concentrations. CONCLUSION Studies with larger samples and repeated measures are needed to confirm these findings. Nevertheless, it appears that at low water toxicant concentrations, typical water consumption is not a major contributor to children's exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Rowan
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, NY, USA; Genesee County Health Department, Batavia, NY, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Elena I Queirolo
- Center for Research, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nelly Mañay
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fabiana Peregalli
- Center for Research, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gauri Desai
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Maidoumi S, Ouaziz CR, Ouisselsat M, El Maouaki A, Loukid M, Lekouch N, Pineau A, Ahami A, Sedki A. Iron deficiency and cognitive impairment in children with low blood lead levels. Toxicol Rep 2022; 9:1681-1690. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Endale YT, Ambelu A, Sahilu G G, Mees B, Du Laing G. Exposure and health risk assessment from consumption of Pb contaminated water in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07946. [PMID: 34553084 PMCID: PMC8441166 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to lead (Pb) through drinking water has been linked to adverse health outcomes. Children are particularly susceptible. This study was designed to measure Pb contamination level in drinking water of the Ethiopian city Addis Ababa and assess the associated health risks. Eighty-eight fully-flushed drinking water samples were collected from all ten sub-cities of Addis Ababa. Pb concentration was measured using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The chronic daily intake (CDI), the hazard quotient (HQ), and the cancer risk (CR) of Pb were determined to assess exposure levels and health effects. Blood lead level (B-Pb) for children was modelled using the integrated exposure uptake biokinetic model (IEUBK). The mean concentration of Pb in the drinking water was 17.8 μg/l, where >50% of the samples exceeded WHO's 10 μg/l guideline. Significant spatial variation of Pb was noticed among sub-cities. The mean CDI was 1.43 and 0.59 μg/kg/day for children and adults, respectively. The HQ showed that 8% of children and 2.3% of adults exceeded the safe limit. The predicted geometric mean of B-Pb ranged from 3.23 to 14.65 μg/dl. The risk of a child having a B-Pb level >5 μg/dl at the median water Pb concentration (10.5 μg/l) was estimated at 13.4%. Based on the 95th percentile Pb concentration (75.1 μg/l), 89.6% of children would have B-Pb levels above the 5 μg/dl threshold. The estimated CR was found in the range of 1 × 10-7 to 9.9 × 10-5; hence cancer risks are not a concern. The study concluded that Addis Ababa's drinking water is likely to be a source of lead exposure where consumers at specific city locations are at risk of numerous non-cancer health effects. The impacts are expected to be severe in the Ethiopian context; hence further investigations and coordinated interventions are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Tesfaye Endale
- Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box: 56402, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Argaw Ambelu
- Department of Environmental Health Science & Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, P.O.Box: 807, Ethiopia
| | - Geremew Sahilu G
- Addis Ababa Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bernd Mees
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653 - B-9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Gijs Du Laing
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653 - B-9000, Gent, Belgium
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Olivero-Verbel J, Alvarez-Ortega N, Alcala-Orozco M, Caballero-Gallardo K. Population exposure to lead and mercury in Latin America. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Frndak S, Gallo Y, Queirolo EI, Barg G, Mañay N, Kordas K. A mixed methods study examining neighborhood disadvantage and childhood behavior problems in Montevideo, Uruguay. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 235:113753. [PMID: 33915423 PMCID: PMC10916338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neighborhood disadvantage (ND) is a risk factor for child behavior problems (CBPs), but is understudied outside the United States and Europe. Our mixed methods study aims to (1) create a culturally meaningful measure of ND, (2) test cross-sectional associations between ND and CBPs and (3) qualitatively explore life in the neighborhoods of families participating in the Salud Ambiental Montevideo (SAM) study. METHODS The quantitative study (Study 1) comprised 272, ~7-year-old children with geolocation and complete data on twelve behavioral outcomes (Conner's Teachers Rating Scale - Revised Short Form: CTRS-R:S and Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning: BRIEF). A ND factor was created at the census segment level (1,055 segments) with 19 potential indicators of ND downloaded from the Municipality of Montevideo Geographic Services. Children were assigned ND scores based on the location of their household within a census segment. Multilevel models tested associations between ND and all CBP scales, controlling for confounders at the individual level. The qualitative study (Study 2) comprised 10 SAM caregivers. Photovoice alongside semi-structured interviews in Spanish were used to foster conversations about neighborhood quality, activities, and raising children. Thematic analysis with inductive coding was used to summarize qualitative study findings. RESULTS The ND factor consisted of 12 census-based indicators related to education, employment, ethnicity, housing quality, and age characteristics, but unrelated to home ownership and some ethnicity variables. In multivariable models, ND was associated with greater conduct problems (β = 1.37, p < .05), poor shifting (β = 1.56, p < .01) and emotional control problems (β = 2.36, p < .001). Photovoice and semi-structured interviews yielded four themes: physical disorder, recreation, safety and crime, and community resources. Residents discussed improving waste management and transportation, updating playgrounds, and ensuring neighborhood safety. CONCLUSIONS ND in Montevideo comprised a unique set of census indicators. ND was primarily related to behavioral regulation problems. Hypothesized pathways whereby ND affects CBPs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Frndak
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, United States.
| | - Yanina Gallo
- Department of Neurocognition, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Elena I Queirolo
- Department of Neurocognition, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriel Barg
- Department of Neurocognition, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nelly Mañay
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay (UDELAR), Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, United States
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Gatzke-Kopp LM, Warkentien S, Willoughby M, Fowler C, Folch DC, Blair C. Proximity to sources of airborne lead is associated with reductions in Children's executive function in the first four years of life. Health Place 2021; 68:102517. [PMID: 33540187 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although policies to remove lead from gasoline have resulted in a substantial reduction in airborne lead, multiple industries are known to generate lead that is released in the air. The present study examines the extent to which residential proximity to a documented source of airborne lead is associated with intellectual and executive function in children. Data were available for n = 849 children from the Family Life Project. Geolocation for children's residences between birth and 36 months were referenced against the Environmental Protection Agency's Risk Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI) database, which estimates exposure for each ½ mile grid in the contiguous United States. Instrumental variable models were employed to estimate causal associations between exposure and cognitive outcomes measured at 36, 48, and 60 months, using census-documented density of manufacturing employment as the instrument. Models of continuous lead dosage indicated small negative effects for both child IQ and executive function (EF). These results indicate that RSEI estimates of airborne lead exposure are meaningfully associated with decrements in cognitive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Gatzke-Kopp
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Siri Warkentien
- Education and Workforce Development, RTI International, Washington, DC, 20005, USA
| | - Michael Willoughby
- Education and Workforce Development, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Chris Fowler
- Department of Geography, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - David C Folch
- Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA
| | - Clancy Blair
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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Travis SC, Aga DS, Queirolo EI, Olson JR, Daleiro M, Kordas K. Catching flame retardants and pesticides in silicone wristbands: Evidence of exposure to current and legacy pollutants in Uruguayan children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:140136. [PMID: 32927574 PMCID: PMC10989841 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Children are exposed to many potentially toxic compounds in their daily lives and are vulnerable to the harmful effects. To date, very few non-invasive methods are available to quantify children's exposure to environmental chemicals. Due to their ease of implementation, silicone wristbands have emerged as passive samplers to study personal environmental exposures and have the potential to greatly increase our knowledge of chemical exposures in vulnerable population groups. Nevertheless, there is a limited number of studies monitoring children's exposures via silicone wristbands. In this study, we implemented this sampling technique in ongoing research activities in Montevideo, Uruguay which aim to monitor chemical exposures in a cohort of elementary school children. The silicone wristbands were worn by 24 children for 7 days; they were quantitatively analyzed using gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry for 45 chemical pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), and novel halogenated flame-retardant chemicals (NHFRs). All classes of chemicals, except NHFRs, were identified in the passive samplers. The average number of analytes detected in each wristband was 13 ±3. OPFRs were consistently the most abundant class of analytes detected. Median concentrations of ΣOPFRs, ΣPBDEs, ΣPCBs, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD)) were 1020, 3.00, 0.52 and 3.79 ng/g wristband, respectively. Two major findings result from this research; differences in trends of two OPFRs (TCPP and TDCPP) are observed between studies in Uruguay and the United States, and the detection of DDT, a chemical banned in several countries, suggests that children's exposure profiles in these settings may differ from other parts of the world. This was the first study to examine children's exposome in South America using silicone wristbands and clearly points to a need for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Travis
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Diana S Aga
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Elena I Queirolo
- Center for Research, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - James R Olson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, New York, United States
| | - Mónica Daleiro
- Center for Research, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo, New York, United States.
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14
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Xu L, Huo X, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Qin Q, Xu X. Hearing loss risk and DNA methylation signatures in preschool children following lead and cadmium exposure from an electronic waste recycling area. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 246:125829. [PMID: 31927382 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.125829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Experimental studies have uncovered chemical exposure-induced ototoxicity, but population-based hearing risk assessment especially for early-life exposure to heavy metals and relevant biological mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to measure lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels, blood DNA methylations of Rb1, CASP8 and MeCP2 and hearing in 116 preschool children 3- to 7-years of age from an e-waste and a reference area, and to evaluate the association of exposures with hearing loss potentially affected by epigenetic modifications. A higher median Pb level but not Cd was found in the exposed group than the reference group. Average hearing thresholds in either ear of the exposed children were higher. Higher promoter methylation levels at cg02978827 and position +14, and lower at position +4 of Rb1 were found in the exposed group. Pb was positively correlated with chewing pencil habit while negatively correlated with washing hands before dinner. Slightly negative trends of promoter methylations in Rb1 and CASP8, while a strong positive trend of MeCP2 promoter methylation, were found along with increasing Pb and Cd levels. Logistic analyses showed the adjusted OR of Pb for hearing loss in the left ear and both ears was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.91) and 1.40 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.84), respectively. Our results show an elevated Pb level, altered promoter DNA methylations and hearing ability in children of e-waste areas, suggesting that epigenetic changes of specific genes involves in the development of the auditory system during early exposure to environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Qilin Qin
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China; Department of Cell Biolog Park y and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
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15
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Alvarez-Ortega N, Caballero-Gallardo K, Olivero-Verbel J. Toxicological effects in children exposed to lead: A cross-sectional study at the Colombian Caribbean coast. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104809. [PMID: 31302530 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant with a toxicity that is a serious public health problem. The aim of this research was to evaluate the associations between Pb exposure and morphometric, hematological and biochemical parameters, mRNA expression of the P53, SOD1, ALAD, TNF and INF-γ genes, ALAD polymorphisms (db SNP ID: rs1800435) and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in children from the Colombian Caribbean. Blood lead levels (BLL) were determined in 554 participants between the ages of 5-16 years old, from different places of the Colombian Caribbean. A health survey was given to assess risk factors. Whole blood was used for hematology and plasma employed to analyze markers of hepatic toxicity. Gene expression was quantified from blood mRNA by RT-PCR. The ALAD polymorphism was characterized by PCR-RFLP, and the Kaufman's brief intelligence test was employed to estimate the IQ. The mean BLL was 3.5 ± 0.2 μg/dL. The site of greatest exposure to Pb was Tasajera, a poor fishing community, with an average of 8.9 ± 0.8 μg/dL. Breastfeeding was associated with high BLL. Morphometric characteristics and IQ were negatively correlated with BLL. The blood platelet count and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration showed positive and negative correlations with BLL, respectively. Negative relationships with BLL were observed with the ratios Neutrophils/Eosinophils and Neutrophils/Basophils, whereas for BLL and Neutrophils/Monocytes the association was positive. The associations between morphometric and some hematological parameters with BLL were age- and gender-related. The expression of ALAD, SOD1, INF-γ and P53 mRNA was down-regulated according to the BLL, whereas TNF showed an opposite trend. In short, fishing communities are at a high risk of Pb exposure. This xenobiotic can affect physical development and IQ, as well as hematological parameters, even at low concentrations. In addition, it can regulate the transcription of genes associated with inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, heme synthesis, and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Alvarez-Ortega
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia
| | - Karina Caballero-Gallardo
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia
| | - Jesus Olivero-Verbel
- Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, Cartagena 130015, Colombia.
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16
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Wang N, Qiu Y, Xiao T, Wang J, Chen Y, Xu X, Kang Z, Fan L, Yu H. Comparative studies on Pb(II) biosorption with three spongy microbe-based biosorbents: High performance, selectivity and application. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 373:39-49. [PMID: 30901684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Lead pollution in industrial-derived water has become an increasingly serious concern. The development of adsorbents with excellent efficiency, selectivity and separability using diverse microorganisms is ideal for treating lead pollution. In this study, gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas putida I3, gram-positive bacteria Microbacterium sp. OLJ1 and mycelial fungus Talaromyces amestolkiae Pb served as raw materials to facilely synthesize sponge-like biosorbents via a one-step method at room temperature. SEM, EDS, FTIR, 13C NMR, XRD and XPS were used for investigating the morphology and surface properties of these three biosorbents. The obtained biosorbents possessed the same three-dimensional porous structure but different productivities and mechanical strengths due to the similar chemical compositions and different cell structures of their microorganisms. Pb(II) adsorption on X-PI3, X-OLJ1 and X-TPb was fast and pH dependent, with maximal adsorption capacities of 345.02, 237.02 and 199.02 mg/g, respectively. The biosorbents had a high selectivity for Pb(II), while Pb(II) remarkably suppressed the adsorption of co-existing heavy metal ions. The analyses indicated that Pb(II) removal was mainly achieved by ion exchange reactions, surface complexation with heteroatom-containing functional groups and microprecipitation. The treatment effects of synthetic and real wastewater revealed that the as-prepared biosorbents are promising for Pb(II) removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Wang
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuyin Qiu
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Tangfu Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jianqiao Wang
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuxiao Chen
- Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xingjian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Zhichao Kang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Lili Fan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Hongwen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China.
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