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Eze C, Vinken M. E-waste: mechanisms of toxicity and safety testing. FEBS Open Bio 2024. [PMID: 38987214 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, information on the toxicity profile of the majority of the identified e-waste chemicals, while extensive and growing, is admittedly fragmentary, particularly at the cellular and molecular levels. Furthermore, the toxicity of the chemical mixtures likely to be encountered by humans during and after informal e-waste recycling, as well as their underlying mechanisms of action, is largely unknown. This review paper summarizes state-of-the-art knowledge of the potential underlying toxicity mechanisms associated with e-waste exposures, with a focus on toxic responses connected to specific organs, organ systems, and overall effects on the organism. To overcome the complexities associated with assessing the possible adverse outcomes from exposure to chemicals, a growing number of new approach methodologies have emerged in recent years, with the long-term objective of providing a human-based and animal-free system that is scientifically superior to animal testing, more effective, and acceptable. This encompasses a variety of techniques, typically regarded as alternative approaches for determining chemical-induced toxicities and holds greater promise for a better understanding of key events in the metabolic pathways that mediate known adverse health outcomes in e-waste exposure scenarios. This is crucial to establishing accurate scientific knowledge on mixed e-waste chemical exposures in shorter time frames and with greater efficacy, as well as supporting the need for safe management of hazardous chemicals. The present review paper discusses important gaps in knowledge and shows promising directions for mechanistically anchored effect-based monitoring strategies that will contribute to the advancement of the methods currently used in characterizing and monitoring e-waste-impacted ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuebuka Eze
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Liao G, Weng X, Wang F, Kuen Yu YH, Arrandale VH, Chan AHS, Lu S, Tse LA. Estimated daily intake and cumulative risk assessment of organophosphate esters and associations with DNA damage among e-waste workers in Hong Kong. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 360:142406. [PMID: 38782132 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142406] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are extensively used as additives in various products, including electronic equipment, which becomes e-waste when obsolete. Nevertheless, no study has evaluated OPEs exposure levels and the related health risks among e-waste workers in Hong Kong. Therefore, 201 first-spot morning urine samples were collected from 101 e-waste workers and 100 office workers to compare eight urinary OPE metabolites (mOPEs) levels in these groups. The concentrations of six mOPEs were similar in e-waste workers and office workers, except for significantly higher levels of diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) in e-waste workers and bis(1-chloro-2propyl) phosphate (BCIPP) in office workers. Spearman correlation analysis showed that most non-chlorinated mOPEs were correlated with each other in e-waste workers (i.e., nine out of ten pairs, including di-p-cresyl phosphate (DpCP) and di-o-cresyl phosphate (DoCP), DpCP and bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP), DpCP and DPHP, DpCP and dibutyl phosphate (DBP), DoCP and BBOEP, DoCP and DPHP, DoCP and DBP, BBOEP and DPHP, DPHP and DBP), indicating that handling e-waste could be the exposure source of specific OPEs. The median values of estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) suggested that the health risks from OPEs exposures were under the recommended thresholds. However, linear regression models, Quantile g-computation, and Bayesian kernel machine regression found that urinary mOPEs elevated 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG) levels individually or as a mixture, in which DPHP contributed prominently. In conclusion, although e-waste might not elevate the internal OPEs levels among the participating Hong Kong e-waste workers, attention should be paid to the potential DNA damage stimulated by OPEs under the currently recommended thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengze Liao
- J.C. School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; The CUHK Centre for Public Health and Primary Care (Shenzhen) & Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueqiong Weng
- J.C. School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Feng Wang
- J.C. School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; The CUHK Centre for Public Health and Primary Care (Shenzhen) & Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | - Alan Hoi-Shou Chan
- Department of Systems Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shaoyou Lu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Lap Ah Tse
- J.C. School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; The CUHK Centre for Public Health and Primary Care (Shenzhen) & Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China; Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Rosendo GBO, Padovam JC, Ferreira RLU, Oliveira AG, Barbosa F, Pedrosa LFC. Assessing the impact of arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium exposure on glycemic and lipid profile markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. MethodsX 2024; 12:102752. [PMID: 38799037 PMCID: PMC11127555 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of metals presents a significant threat to human health due to the metabolic changes they induce. Thus, it is crucial to understand the impact of exposure to toxic elements on glycemic and lipid profiles. To this end, we developed a systematic review protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023393681), following PRISMA-P guidelines. This review aims to assess environmental exposure to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in individuals aged over ten years and elucidate their association with glycemic markers such as fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, as well as lipid parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Articles published in the MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases until March 2024 will be included without language restrictions. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale will be employed to assess the quality of the included studies, and the results will be presented through narrative synthesis. If adequate data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. This review can help understand the metabolic responses to exposure to toxic elements and the associated health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Curioso Padovam
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernando Barbosa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo - Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lucia Fatima Campos Pedrosa
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
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Issah I, Duah MS, Arko-Mensah J, Bawua SA, Agyekum TP, Fobil JN. Exposure to metal mixtures and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes: A systematic review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168380. [PMID: 37963536 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168380] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to metal mixtures is associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes like low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age. However, prior studies have used individual metal analysis, lacking real-life exposure scenarios. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aims to evaluate the strength and consistency of the association between metal mixtures and pregnancy and birth outcomes, identify research gaps, and inform future studies and policies in this area. METHODS The review adhered to the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist, along with the guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies of etiology (COSMOS-E). Our data collection involved searching the PubMed, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases. We utilized inclusion criteria to identify relevant studies. These chosen studies underwent thorough screening and data extraction procedures. Methodological quality evaluations were conducted using the NOS framework for cohort and case-control studies, and the AXIS tool for cross-sectional studies. RESULTS The review included 34 epidemiological studies, half of which focused on birth weight, and the others investigated neonate size, preterm birth, small for gestational age, miscarriage, and placental characteristics. The findings revealed significant associations between metal mixtures (including mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), barium (Ba), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr)) and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, demonstrating diverse effects and potential interactions. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this review consistently establishes connections between metal exposure during pregnancy and adverse consequences for birth weight, gestational age, and other vital birth-related metrics. This review further demonstrates the need to apply mixture methods with caution but also shows that they can be superior to traditional approaches. Further research is warranted to deeper understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop effective strategies for mitigating the potential risks associated with metal mixture exposure during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Issah
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Surgery, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana.
| | - Mabel S Duah
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Serwaa A Bawua
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Thomas P Agyekum
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
| | - Julius N Fobil
- West Africa Center for Global Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Takyi SA, Arko-Mensah J, Basu N, Bawuah S, Dwomoh D, Fobil JN. Iron- and protein rich diets may boost hemoglobin levels among informal electronic waste recyclers exposed to metals at Agbogbloshie, Ghana. HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVANCES 2023; 8:100073. [PMID: 38318113 PMCID: PMC10843856 DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
While human exposure to metals may play a role in the pathogenesis of anemia, consumption of balanced diets may boost blood hemoglobin (Hb) levels in humans. Although informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling processes have recently drawn attention as an important source of pollution, there is almost no empirical evidence on the relationship between diet, metals exposure and anemia among e-waste recyclers. Therefore, we evaluated possible ameliorating effects of diet on metal exposure related anemia, as measured by Hb levels of e-waste recyclers and a reference population in Ghana. This repeated measure study used data collected from e-waste recyclers (n=142) and a reference population (n=65) between March 2017 and October 2018. Stored whole blood samples were analyzed for the following metals; Cd, Pb, Rb, Tb, Tl, and Eu. Next, Hb levels were analysed using the URIT-810® semiautomatic biochemistry analyzer. Furthermore, a 48-hour dietary recall questionnaire was administered to assess dietary intake parameters such as protein, folate, carbohydrates, Fe, Ca, Mg, Se, Zn, and Cu. Ordinary regression models were used to estimate joint effects of metals and nutrients on Hb levels. At baseline, the mean Hb was lower among recyclers (12.99 ± 3.17 g/dL) than the reference group (13.02 ±2.37 g/dL). Blood Pb, Cd, Rb, Eu and Tb were associated with significant decreases in Hb levels of e-waste recyclers. Dietary intake of proteins and Fe was associated with concomitant increase in Hb levels of both groups as well as when analysis was restricted to recyclers. Despite the high exposure of e-waste recyclers to a myriad of metals, consumption of Fe-rich diets appears to ameliorate anemia and improved Hb levels (β=0.229; 95% CI: 0.013, 0.445; p=0.04). Therefore, the consumption of Fe and protein-rich foods may boost blood Hb levels in e-waste recyclers, even though exposure to high levels of metals is a predictor of anemia among this worker-group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia A. Takyi
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon. Accra Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon. Accra Ghana
| | | | - Serwaa Bawuah
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon. Accra Ghana
| | - Duah Dwomoh
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon. Accra Ghana
| | - Julius N. Fobil
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon. Accra Ghana
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Kuang HX, Li MY, Zhou Y, Li ZC, Xiang MD, Yu YJ. Volatile organic compounds and metals/metalloids exposure in children after e-waste control: Implications for priority control pollutants and exposure mitigation measures. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131598. [PMID: 37187124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The decade-long effort to control e-waste in China has made significant progress from haphazard disposal to organized recycling, but environmental research suggests that exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metals/metalloids (MeTs) still poses plausible health risks. To investigate the exposure risk faced by children and identify corresponding priority control chemicals, we evaluated the carcinogenic risk (CR), non-CR, and oxidative DNA damage risks of VOCs and MeTs exposure in 673 children from an e-waste recycling area (ER) by measuring urinary exposure biomarker levels. The ER children were generally exposed to high levels of VOCs and MeTs. We observed distinctive VOCs exposure profiles in ER children. In particular, the 1,2-dichloroethane/ethylbenzene ratio and 1,2-dichloroethane were promising diagnostic indexes for identifying e-waste pollution due to their high accuracy (91.4%) in predicting e-waste exposure. Exposure to acrolein, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, 1,2-dichloroethane, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, arsenic, vanadium, copper, and lead posed considerable CR or/and non-CR and oxidative DNA damage risks to children, while changing personal lifestyles, especially enhancing daily physical exercise, may facilitate mitigating these chemical exposure risks. These findings highlight that the exposure risk of some VOCs and MeTs is still non-negligible in regulated ER, and these hazardous chemicals should be controlled as priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xuan Kuang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Meng-Yang Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Zhen-Chi Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Ming-Deng Xiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, PR China
| | - Yun-Jiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, PR China.
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Issah I, Arko-Mensah J, Agyekum TP, Dwomoh D, Fobil JN. Health Risks Associated with Informal Electronic Waste Recycling in Africa: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14278. [PMID: 36361155 PMCID: PMC9655142 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling in Africa has become a major public health concern. This review examined studies that report on the association between e-waste exposure and adverse human health outcomes in Africa. The review was conducted following the updated version of the Preferred Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA 2020) statement checklist. We included papers that were original peer-reviewed epidemiological studies and conference papers, written in English, and reported on e-waste exposure among human populations and any health-related outcome in the context of Africa. Our results from the evaluation of 17 studies found an association between informal e-waste recycling methods and musculoskeletal disease (MSD) symptoms and physical injuries such as back pains, lacerations, eye problems, skin burns, and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In addition, the generation and release of particulate matter (PM) of various sizes, and toxic and essential metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), etc., during the recycling process are associated with adverse systemic intermediate health outcomes including cardiopulmonary function and DNA damage. This systematic review concludes that the methods used by e-waste recyclers in Africa expose them to increased risk of adverse health outcomes. However, there is a need for more rigorous research that moves past single pollutant analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Issah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
| | - Thomas P. Agyekum
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 00233, Ghana
| | - Duah Dwomoh
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
| | - Julius N. Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra 00233, Ghana
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Dawud F, Takyi SA, Arko-Mensah J, Basu N, Egbi G, Ofori-Attah E, Bawuah SA, Fobil JN. Relationship between Metal Exposures, Dietary Macronutrient Intake, and Blood Glucose Levels of Informal Electronic Waste Recyclers in Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12768. [PMID: 36232070 PMCID: PMC9564681 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
While metal exposures are generally high among informal electronic waste (e-waste) recyclers, the joint effect of metals and dietary macronutrients on their metabolic health is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between metal exposures, dietary macronutrients intake, and blood glucose levels of e-waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie using dietary information (48-h recall survey), blood metals (Pb & Cd), and HbA1C levels of 151 participants (100 e-waste recyclers and 51 controls from the Accra, Ghana) in March 2017. A linear regression model was used to estimate the joint relationship between metal exposures, dietary macronutrient intake, and blood glucose levels. Except for dietary proteins, both groups had macronutrient deficiencies. Diabetes prevalence was significantly higher among controls. Saturated fat, OMEGA-3, and cholesterol intake were associated with significant increases in blood glucose levels of recyclers. In a joint model, while 1 mg of cholesterol consumed was associated with a 0.7% increase in blood glucose, 1 g/L of Pb was found to significantly increase blood glucose levels by 0.9% among recyclers. Although the dietary consumption of cholesterol and fat was not high, it is still possible that exposure to Pb and Cd may still increase the risk of diabetes among both e-waste recyclers and the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayizatu Dawud
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana
| | - Sylvia Akpene Takyi
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana
| | | | - Godfred Egbi
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 581, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Ofori-Attah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 581, Ghana
| | - Serwaa Akoto Bawuah
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana
| | - Julius N. Fobil
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana
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Liu X, Zhang D, Wu X, Tu J, Gong C, Li Y, Cui W, Chen J, Lu S. Urinary metals as influencing factors of coronary heart disease among a population in Guangzhou, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 241:113746. [PMID: 35689886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The cardiovascular system is highly sensitive to toxic metal exposure and trace element dysregulation. However, previous findings relating to metal exposure and coronary heart disease (CHD) have partially been conflicting and difficult to exhibit the combined effect of metal mixtures. This case-control study investigated urinary concentrations of ten metal/metalloids among clinically-diagnosed CHD patients and healthy adults during May to December 2021 in Guangzhou, China. We found that cadmium (Cd) status in urine from CHD patients was remarkably higher than its reference, while chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) concentrations were lower (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that urinary arsenic (As) and Se were highly correlated (rs=0.830, p < 0.001), indicating their similar sources. Principal component analysis (PCA) exhibited denser distribution of Cd-Sn in cases than in controls. Logistic regression analysis exhibited significant associations between urinary Cd (adjusted OR: 1.965, 95% CI: 1.222-3.162), Se (0.787, 95% CI: 0.695-0.893), Ni (0.493, 95% CI: 0.265-0.916) and CHD risk. Quantile g-computation showed negative joint effect of metal mixtures on CHD (adjusted OR: 0.383, 95% CI: 0.159-0.932) (p < 0.05), suggesting the need for supplementing essential trace elements. The negative partial effect was primarily attributed to Se and Ni, while positive partial effect was mainly due to tin (Sn) and Cd. Nevertheless, we also found a quantile increase of Cd-Sn level was negatively correlated with 8.26% (95% CI: 3.44-13.08%) decrease of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001), and 71.2% of the joint effect attributed to Cd. Based on random forest, Se, Cd and Ni were found to be the dominant influencing factors of CHD. The role of Ni in CHD is yet to be uncovered, while excessive Cd exposure and low Se status among CHD patients need to be mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiaoling Wu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Jiazichao Tu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Caiping Gong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yanmin Li
- Department of Physical Examination Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenhao Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jimei Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Shaoyou Lu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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Carlson K, Basu N, Fobil JN, Neitzel RL. Metal Exposures, Noise Exposures, and Audiometry from E-Waste Workers in Agbogbloshie, Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9639. [PMID: 34574563 PMCID: PMC8470926 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Metals, such as lead, may be ototoxic, but this property is not well understood, especially in conjunction with noise. This cross-sectional study investigated hearing, noise, and metal biomarkers in informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workers in Accra, Ghana. Workers (N = 58) participated in audiometric testing, a survey, blood collection, and personal noise dosimetry. Sixty percent of participants displayed audiometric notches indicative of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Most workers (86%) reported high noise while working. Daily average noise levels were in the range 74.4-90.0 dBA. Linear regression models indicated participants who lived at Agbogbloshie Market for longer periods were significantly associated with worse hearing thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz. The models did not identify blood levels of lead, mercury, or cadmium as significant predictors of worse hearing thresholds or larger noise notches, but increased levels of selenium were significantly associated with better hearing at 6 kHz. Models of thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz were improved by including an interaction term between the maximum noise exposure and the level of zinc in whole blood, suggesting that zinc may protect hearing at lower noise levels, but not at higher levels. Further study of the relationships between elements, noise, and NIHL is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystin Carlson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA;
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada;
| | - Julius N. Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra P.O. Box LG13, Ghana;
| | - Richard L. Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA;
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