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Okeke ES, Nwankwo CE, Ezeorba TPC, Iloh VC, Enochoghene AE. Occurrence and ecotoxicological impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in electronic waste (e-waste) in Africa: Options for sustainable and eco-friendly management strategies. Toxicology 2024; 506:153848. [PMID: 38825032 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent contaminants used as flame retardants in electronic products. PBDEs are contaminants of concern due to leaching and recalcitrance conferred by the stable and hydrophobic bromide residues. The near absence of legislatures and conscious initiatives to tackle the challenges of PBDEs in Africa has allowed for the indiscriminate use and consequent environmental degradation. Presently, the incidence, ecotoxicity, and remediation of PBDEs in Africa are poorly elucidated. Here, we present a position on the level of contamination, ecotoxicity, and management strategies for PBDEs with regard to Africa. Our review shows that Africa is inundated with PBDEs from the proliferation of e-waste due to factors like the increasing growth in the IT sector worsened by the procurement of second-hand gadgets. An evaluation of the fate of PBDEs in the African environment reveals that the environment is adequately contaminated, although reported in only a few countries like Nigeria and Ghana. Ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and Soxhlet extraction coupled with specific chromatographic techniques are used in the detection and quantification of PBDEs. Enormous exposure pathways in humans were highlighted with health implications. In terms of the removal of PBDEs, we found a gap in efforts in this direction, as not much success has been reported in Africa. However, we outline eco-friendly methods used elsewhere, including microbial degradation, zerovalent iron, supercritical fluid, and reduce, reuse, recycle, and recovery methods. The need for Africa to make and implement legislatures against PBDEs holds the key to reduced effect on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Sunday Okeke
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, School of Emergency Management, School of the Environment and Safety, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Chidiebele Emmanuel Nwankwo
- Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Natural Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Rd., Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Timothy Prince Chidike Ezeorba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria; Department of Environmental Health and Risk Management, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Veronica Chisom Iloh
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 410001, Nigeria
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Abdulai PM, Sam K, Onyena AP, Ezejiofor AN, Frazzoli C, Ekhator OC, Udom GJ, Frimpong CK, Nriagu J, Orisakwe OE. Persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals in Ghanaian environment: a systematic review of food safety implications. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:376. [PMID: 38492071 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12500-w] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Advances in industrial and technological innovations have led to significant socio-economic benefits, but with overwhelming negative impacts on the environment. These impacts include the infiltration of organic contaminants into soil, water, and air, posing a threat to the environment and public health. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are increasingly released as waste, endangering the environment. In countries like Ghana, where regulations are weakly enforced, industrial waste is released uncontrollably, posing threats to public health, environmental integrity, and food systems. This study systematically evaluated existing literature on PBDEs, heavy metals, PAHs, and organic contaminant exposure in Ghana and proposes a roadmap for achieving food safety and protecting the environment and human health. The research identified high mobility of specific heavy metals and risks associated with PBDEs and PAHs in sediments, dumpsites, and various food items. Unregulated dumping of electronic waste with PBDEs raised environmental concerns. An integrated approach is needed to address the multifaceted impact of organic pollutants on public health and ecosystems. Urgent implementation of effective environmental management strategies and regulatory measures is crucial. The study proposed short- to mid-term priorities emphasising the need to foster collaboration and implementing global measures. The mid- to long-term strategy includes a national information surveillance system, local monitoring capacity development, and integrating land contamination controls with food safety legislation. These measures would mitigate risks, ensure sustainable practices, and improve overall food safety management in Ghana, serving as a model for regions facing similar challenges with diverse pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prosper Manu Abdulai
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, Port Harcourt, Choba, 5323, Nigeria
| | - Kabari Sam
- Department of Marine Environment and Pollution Control, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Nigeria
- School of the Environment, Geography and Geoscience, University of Portsmouth, University House, Winston Churchill Ave, Portsmouth, PO1 2UP, UK
| | - Amarachi Paschaline Onyena
- Department of Marine Environment and Pollution Control, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Nigeria
| | - Anthoneth Ndidi Ezejiofor
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, Port Harcourt, Choba, 5323, Nigeria
| | - Chiara Frazzoli
- Department for Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Aging, Istituto Superiore Di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Osazuwa Clinton Ekhator
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Godswill J Udom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Caleb Kesse Frimpong
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jerome Nriagu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB, Port Harcourt, Choba, 5323, Nigeria.
- Advanced Research Centre, European University of Lefke, Lefke, Northern Cyprus, TR-10 Mersin, Turkey.
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van der Schyff V, Kalina J, Abballe A, Iamiceli AL, Govarts E, Melymuk L. Has Regulatory Action Reduced Human Exposure to Flame Retardants? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19106-19124. [PMID: 37992205 PMCID: PMC10702444 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02896] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Flame retardant (FR) exposure has been linked to several environmental and human health effects. Because of this, the production and use of several FRs are regulated globally. We reviewed the available records of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) in human breast milk from literature to evaluate the efficacy of regulation to reduce the exposure of FRs to humans. Two-hundred and seven studies were used for analyses to determine the spatial and temporal trends of FR exposure. North America consistently had the highest concentrations of PBDEs, while Asia and Oceania dominated HBCDD exposure. BDE-49 and -99 indicated decreasing temporal trends in most regions. BDE-153, with a longer half-life than the aforementioned isomers, typically exhibited a plateau in breast milk levels. No conclusive trend could be established for HBCDD, and insufficient information was available to determine a temporal trend for BDE-209. Breakpoint analyses indicated a significant decrease in BDE-47 and -99 in Europe around the time that regulation has been implemented, suggesting a positive effect of regulation on FR exposure. However, very few studies have been conducted globally (specifically in North America) after 2013, during the time when the most recent regulations have been implemented. This meta-analysis provides insight into global trends in human exposure to PBDEs and HBCDD, but the remaining uncertainty highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and monitoring, even after a compound group is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiří Kalina
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech
Republic
| | - Annalisa Abballe
- Department
of Environment and Health, Italian National
Institute for Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Iamiceli
- Department
of Environment and Health, Italian National
Institute for Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO
Health, Flemish Institute for Technological
Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Lisa Melymuk
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech
Republic
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Torres-Moreno AC, Mejia-Grau K, Puente-DelaCruz L, Codling G, Villa AL, Ríos-Marquez O, Patequiva-Chauta L, Cobo M, Johnson-Restrepo B. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in human breast milk from Colombia: A probabilistic risk assessment approach. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139597. [PMID: 37487977 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. They were produced in relatively large volumes in the last century and are now subject to long-term monitoring and regulated under the United Nations Stockholm Convention (SC) on persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Though restricted, human exposure is still a concern and in some regions of the globe the information on the health risk is limited. Sixty breast milk samples from nursing mothers were collected between 2014 and 2015, residing in Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin, which are industrialized cities in Colombia. This is the first comprehensive study to determine the concentrations in breast milk of PBDEs (n = 7), PCBs (n = 29), and OCPs (n = 28) in Colombia. The detection frequency of POPs, including BDE-47, CB-138, CB-153, CB-156, and CB-180, as well as several OCPs such as chloroneb, aldrins, HCHs, DDTs, and heptachlor, was found to be 100% in all samples tested. The mean concentrations of the analyzed legacy POPs were ∑3DDTs (423 ng/g lw) > chloroneb (50.1 ng/g lw) > ∑2permetrins (17.5 ng/g lw) > ∑2aldrins (16.7 ng/g lw) > 29 PCBs (15.04 ng/g lw) > ∑2chlordanes (CHLs) (11.2 ng/g lw) ≈ ∑3endosulfans (11.1 ng/g lw) > ∑2heptachlors (2.43 ng/g lw) > 7PBDEs (2.1 ng/g lw) > ∑4HCHs (0.58 ng/g lw). The results of this study suggest that the concentrations of DDTs were present in breast milk samples from Colombia at levels comparable to those found in previous studies conducted in other countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and various Asian countries. The concentrations of PBDE and PCB congeners, as well as many pesticides, were found to be significantly correlated with each other. This suggests that these substances may have similar sources of exposure. The strength of the pair correlation among concentrations of POPs was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients, which varied from r = 0.62 for the association between BDE-47 and CB-153, to a high correlation of 0.99 for the correlation between γ-Chlordane and heptachlor. This suggests that these POPs may share similar sources, such as diet. An exposure assessment model obtained by Monte Carlo simulation showed that infants were exposed to low concentrations of POPs with exception of p,p'-DDE and Aldrin, in which 25th, 50th and 95th percentiles were greater than the threshold reference values of non-carcinogenic effects suggested by US-EPA regulations while the 90th percentile of pg TEQ/Kg-bw/day for dl-PCBs was above of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, the health risk of infants exposed to OCPs and dl-PCBs should be exanimated continually through biomonitoring programs in the Colombian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana C Torres-Moreno
- Environmental Chemistry Research Group, School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus of San Pablo, University of Cartagena. Zaragocilla, Carrera 50 No. 24-99, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Karen Mejia-Grau
- Environmental Chemistry Research Group, School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus of San Pablo, University of Cartagena. Zaragocilla, Carrera 50 No. 24-99, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Laura Puente-DelaCruz
- Environmental Chemistry Research Group, School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus of San Pablo, University of Cartagena. Zaragocilla, Carrera 50 No. 24-99, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Garry Codling
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University. Kotlářská 267/2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic; Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW), Exeter University, Exeter, UK
| | - Aída Luz Villa
- Environmental Catalysis Research Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Oscar Ríos-Marquez
- Environmental Catalysis Research Group, Chemical Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Laura Patequiva-Chauta
- Energy, Materials and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de La Sabana, Campus Universitario Puente Del Común, Km. 7 Autopista Norte, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Martha Cobo
- Energy, Materials and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de La Sabana, Campus Universitario Puente Del Común, Km. 7 Autopista Norte, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Boris Johnson-Restrepo
- Environmental Chemistry Research Group, School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus of San Pablo, University of Cartagena. Zaragocilla, Carrera 50 No. 24-99, Cartagena, Colombia.
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Yi J, Ma Y, Ma J, Yu H, Zhang K, Jin L, Yang Q, Sun D, Wu D. Rapid Assessment of Ocular Toxicity from Environmental Contaminants Based on Visually Mediated Zebrafish Behavior Studies. TOXICS 2023; 11:706. [PMID: 37624211 PMCID: PMC10459940 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The presence of contaminants in the environment has increased in recent years, and studies have demonstrated that these contaminants have the ability to penetrate the blood-retinal barrier and directly affect the visual systems of organisms. Zebrafish are recognized as an ideal model for human eye diseases due to their anatomical and functional similarities to the human eye, making them an efficient and versatile organism for studying ocular toxicity caused by environmental contaminants in the field of environmental toxicology. Meanwhile, zebrafish exhibit a diverse repertoire of visually mediated behaviors, and their visual system undergoes complex changes in behavioral responses when exposed to environmental contaminants, enabling rapid assessment of the ocular toxicity induced by such pollutants. Therefore, this review aimed to highlight the effectiveness of zebrafish as a model for examining the effects of environmental contaminants on ocular development. Special attention is given to the visually mediated behavior of zebrafish, which allows for a rapid assessment of ocular toxicity resulting from exposure to environmental contaminants. Additionally, the potential mechanisms by which environmental contaminants may induce ocular toxicity are briefly outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yi
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yilei Ma
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Libo Jin
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China;
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China;
| | - Da Sun
- Institute of Life Science & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Ecological Treatment Technology of Urban Water Pollution, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China;
| | - Dejun Wu
- Emergency Department, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
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6
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Andeobu L, Wibowo S, Grandhi S. Informal E-waste recycling practices and environmental pollution in Africa: What is the way forward? Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 252:114192. [PMID: 37348165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Globally, e-waste is the fastest growing and most valuable waste-stream. While countries worldwide are increasingly acknowledging the e-waste problem and introducing policies and regulations that deal with e-waste, large quantities of e-waste still go undocumented. Much of these global e-wastes are accumulating in open-dumpsites and landfills in African-countries where they are recycled informally resulting in significant environmental and public-health concerns. Although, there is a plethora of studies on e-waste management and disposal, only a few-studies have focused on African-countries who are major recipients of e-waste. Moreover, despite the attempts to mitigate the problem of e-waste in African-countries, e-waste has remained a major-concern and there are currently very limited workable solutions. This study examines informal e-waste recycling, environmental pollution and the extent of environmental and health impacts in major countries of concern including Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa. The global e-waste Waste Atlas Report, 2020 identified these countries as major recipients of e-waste. To achieve the aims of this research, previous studies from 2005 to 2022 are collected from various databases and analyzed. Accordingly, this study focuses on environmental pollution and public-health impacts resulting from e-waste dumping and informal recycling practices, illegal transboundary shipment of e-waste to the selected countries, and the interventions of governments and international organizations in reducing the impact of e-waste pollution and informal recycling practices in Africa. Based on the outcomes of this study, practical approaches on the way-forward are recommended. The findings of this study contribute to a growing-body of research on informal e-waste recycling practices in Africa to document that individuals working within e-waste sites and residents in nearby communities are exposed to a number of toxic-substances, some at potentially concerning levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Andeobu
- Central Queensland University, 120 Spencer Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
| | - Santoso Wibowo
- Central Queensland University, 120 Spencer Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
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Tang H, Huang H, Wang D, Li P, Tian Z, Li D, Wang S, Ma R, Xia T, Wang A. TFEB ameliorates autophagy flux disturbance induced by PBDE-47 via up-regulating autophagy-lysosome fusion. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128483. [PMID: 35739666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47), the widely used brominated flame retardant, has remarkable neurotoxicity which is associated with autophagy disorder. However, the mechanism remains unclear. The results showed that PBDE-47 damaged lysosomal biogenesis and interfered with autophagy-lysosome fusion both in vivo and in vitro. Our investigation further demonstrated that PBDE-47 could downregulate TFEB expression and inhibit the nuclear translocation of TFEB. Knockdown of TFEB in PC12 cells increased the reduction of lysosomal-associated proteins and the expression of STX17-SNAP29-VAMP8 proteins involved in autophagy-lysosomal fusion. Conversely, Overexpression TFEB in vitro significantly improved lysosomal abundance and ameliorated the autophagosome-lysosome fusion inhibition, thus restoring autophagic flux and improving PC12 cells survival. In addition, TFEB biologically interacted with STX17 by not inducing or inducing TFEB overexpression. Collectively, our results indicate that the autophagy flux compromised by PBDE-47 is related to the defective fusion of autophagosome and lysosome. TFEB may serve as a promising molecular target for future study of PBDE-47 developmental neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayang Tang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoying Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Tian
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongjie Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Sumei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Rulin Ma
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Xia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiguo Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Lin S, Ali MU, Zheng C, Cai Z, Wong MH. Toxic chemicals from uncontrolled e-waste recycling: Exposure, body burden, health impact. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:127792. [PMID: 34802823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled electronic-waste (e-waste) recycling processes have induced serious environmental pollution and human health impacts. This paper reviewed studies on the wide range of toxic chemicals through the use of primitive recycling techniques, their transfer to various ecological compartments, and subsequent health impacts. Results indicated that local food items were heavily polluted by the pollutants emitted, notably heavy metals in vegetables, rice, fish and seafood, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in livestock. Dietary exposure is the most important exposure pathway. The associations between exposure to e-waste and high body burdens of these pollutants were evident. It seems apparent that toxic chemicals emitted from e-waste activities are causing a number of major illnesses related to cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems, according to the information provided by a local hospital (Taizhou, an e-waste recycling hot spot in China). More epidemiological data should be made available to the general public. It is envisaged that there are potential dangers of toxic chemicals passing on to the next generation via placental transfer and lactation. There is a need to monitor the development and health impacts of infants and children, born and brought up in the e-waste sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Lin
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Muhammad Ubaid Ali
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Consortium on Health, Environment, Education and Research (CHEER), Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Haarr A, Mwakalapa EB, Lyche JL, Mmochi AJ, Polder A, Ruus A, Borgå K. Spatial Variation in Contaminant Occurrence in Marine Fishes and Prawns from Coastal Tanzania. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:321-333. [PMID: 34888929 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5254] [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: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There are limited data on organic contaminants in marine biota from coastal Tanzania, especially on the occurrence of industrial-use contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The present study, performed in 2018-2019 in coastal Tanzania and Zanzibar Island, aimed at assessing spatial variation in the occurrence of PCBs; brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including PBDEs; and organochlorine pesticides, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), among three locations that differ in degree of anthropogenic activity. Analyzed samples included edible tissues of marine fishes and prawns representing different trophic levels and habitats. The results indicate a mainland-island difference, with fishes and prawns collected on Zanzibar having significantly lower PCB and DDT concentrations but higher concentrations of hexachlorobenzene compared to the two mainland locations. The highest contaminant concentrations were found in fishes and prawns collected around central Dar es Salaam harbor, with median ΣPCBs ranging from 22.3 to 577 ng/g lipid weight and ΣDDTs from 22.7 to 501 ng/g lipid weight, suggesting local sources. Concentrations of PBDEs were similar among locations, suggesting more diffuse sources. None of the "newer-type" BFRs, including compounds introduced as replacements for PBDEs, were detected in the present study. Stable isotope values of carbon (δ13 C) and nitrogen (δ15 N) varied among locations, and the relationship between contaminants and δ15 N varied among locations and habitat (pelagic/demersal). Concentrations measured in the present study are below European guidelines for human consumption of fishes and prawns. However, industrial-use contaminants should be monitored in developing countries because they are contaminants of emerging concern as a result of increasing industrialization and global trade of used products and wastes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:321-333. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Haarr
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eliezer B Mwakalapa
- Department of Natural Sciences, Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Jan L Lyche
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Aviti J Mmochi
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Anuschka Polder
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Anders Ruus
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Nevondo V, Okonkwo OJ. Status of short-chain chlorinated paraffins in matrices and research gap priorities in Africa: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:52844-52861. [PMID: 34478051 PMCID: PMC8476396 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15924-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) have been applied as additives in a wide range of consumer products, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, mining conveyor belts, paints, sealants, adhesives and as flame retardants. Consequently, CPs have been found in many matrices. Of all the CP groups, short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) have raised an alarming concern globally due to their toxicity, persistence and long-range transportation in the environment. As a result, SCCPs were listed in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in May 2017. Additionally, a limit for the presence of SCCPs in other CP mixtures was set at 1% by weight. CPs can be released into the environment throughout their life cycle; therefore, it becomes crucial to assess their effects in different matrices. Although about 199 studies on SCCP concentration in different matrices have been published in other continents; however, there are scarce/or limited studies on SCCP concentration in Africa, particularly on consumer products, landfill leachates and sediment samples. So far, published studies on SCCP concentration in the continent include SCCPs in egg samples, e-waste recycling area and indoor dust in Ghana and South Africa, despite absence of any production of SCCPs in Africa. However, there still remains a huge research gap in the continent of Africa on SCCPs. Consequently, there is a need to develop robust SCCP inventories in Africa since the Stockholm Convention has already developed guidance document in this respect. This review, therefore, examines the state of knowledge pertaining to the levels and trends of these contaminants in Africa and further provides research gaps that need to be considered in order to better understand the global scale of the contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vhodaho Nevondo
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Pretoria Central, 0001 South Africa
| | - Okechukwu Jonathan Okonkwo
- Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Pretoria Central, 0001 South Africa
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11
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Guo F, Yin S, Wang H, Zhang J, Liu Y, Aamir M, Liu W. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the colostrum samples from the Yangtze River Region: Exposure profile and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117253. [PMID: 33957509 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may transfer into the neonates through the placental transfer and via breastfeeding after the delivery, thus might be harmful to the infant. Sixty colostrum samples in the Yangtze River Region were collected to investigate the concentration, distribution pattern, and enantiomer characteristic of the PCB exposure. Among all samples, over 90% of pollutants were tetra-to hepta-chlorinated PCBs. The sum concentration of the PCB was 512 (IQR: 322-856) ng g-1 lipid weight. Enantiomer fraction (EF) of PCB 95 and PCB 149 was found lower than the racemic value, while EFs of PCB 45 and PCB 136 were found higher and near-racemic state, respectively. The concentration pattern and enantiomeric properties of the PCBs indicated that the mothers from Mianyang had a recent exposure to PCBs. Among all samples, similar exposure and metabolic pathways of the PCB congeners were observed. PCB exposure showed no significant correlation with the birth outcome of the infants, but 43.3% of the infants have potential health risks via breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangjie Guo
- Quality and Safety Engineering Institute of Food and Drug, School of Management Engineering and Electronic Commerce, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Yin
- Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Quality and Safety Engineering Institute of Food and Drug, School of Management Engineering and Electronic Commerce, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianyun Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121, China
| | - Yingxue Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, Institution of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Muhammad Aamir
- Water-Energy Resilience Research Laboratory, Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Weiping Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
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Haarr A, Mwakalapa EB, Mmochi AJ, Lyche JL, Ruus A, Othman H, Larsen MM, Borgå K. Seasonal rainfall affects occurrence of organohalogen contaminants in tropical marine fishes and prawns from Zanzibar, Tanzania. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145652. [PMID: 33609827 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal differences in precipitation may affect contaminant dynamics in tropical coastal regions due to terrestrial runoff of contaminants to the marine environment after the rainy seasons. To assess the effect of seasonal rainfall on occurrence of organohalogen contaminants in a coastal ecosystem, marine fishes and prawns were collected off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania in January and August 2018, representing pre- and post-rainy season, respectively. Samples were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and emerging BFRs, as well as the dietary descriptors stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). Across all species and seasons, mean contaminant concentrations ranged from below limit of detection (LOD) to 129 ng/g lipid weight (lw) ΣPCBs; 5.6-336 ng/g lw ΣOCPs; and < LOD -22.1 ng/g lw ΣPBDEs. Most of the emerging BFRs were below LOD. Contaminant concentrations generally increased with higher pelagic carbon signal (δ13C) and higher relative trophic position (δ15N). The ratio of DDE/ΣDDTs in fishes and prawns was lower in August than in January, suggesting runoff of non-degraded DDT into the marine system during or after the seasonal rainfall. Contaminant patterns of OCPs and PCBs, and concentrations of BFRs, differed between seasons in all species. A higher relative concentration-increase in lower halogenated, more mobile PCB and PBDE congeners, compared to higher halogenated congeners with lower mobility, between January and August aligns with a signal and effect of terrestrial runoff following the rainy season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Haarr
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O.Box 1066, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Eliezer B Mwakalapa
- Department of Natural Sciences, Mbeya University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 131, Mbeya, Tanzania.
| | - Aviti J Mmochi
- Institute of Marine Science, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
| | - Jan L Lyche
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ullevålsveien 72, 0474 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anders Ruus
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalleen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O.Box 1066, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Halima Othman
- State University of Zanzibar, P.O.BOX 146, Tunguu, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
| | - Martin M Larsen
- University of Aarhus, Institute of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, P.O.Box 1066, 0316 Oslo, Norway; Center for Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene, University of Oslo, PB 1066, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
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Matovu H, Li ZM, Henkelmann B, Bernhöft S, De Angelis M, Schramm KW, Sillanpää M, Kato CD, Ssebugere P. Multiple persistent organic pollutants in mothers' breastmilk: Implications for infant dietary exposure and maternal thyroid hormone homeostasis in Uganda, East Africa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:145262. [PMID: 33513488 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are ubiquitous contaminants with adverse health effects in the ecosystem. One of such effects is endocrine disruption in humans and wildlife even at background exposure concentrations. This study assessed maternal breastmilk concentrations of POPs; brominated flame retardants (BFRs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs), and the potential health risks posed to the nursing infants. We also evaluated the association of these POPs with total 3,3',5-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3), L-thyroxine (T4), and 3,3',5'-triiodo-L-thyronine (rT3) levels measured in human breast milk. Thirty breastmilk samples were collected from Kampala, Uganda between August and December 2018. Hexabromobenzene was not detected while the maximum level of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabrombiphenyl was 64.7 pg/g lw. The median levels of total indicator PCBs, PBDEs, dioxin-like PCBs, and PCDD/Fs in the samples were 159 pg/g lw, 511 pg/g lw, 1.16 pg TEQ/g lw, and 0.4 pg TEQ/g lw, respectively. These levels were lower than those reported in other countries. Owing to their bio accumulative nature, PCBs -81, -169, and ∑PCDD/Fs increased with increase in maternal age. Estimated dietary intakes for dioxin-like PCBs and PCDD/Fs were lower than those reported elsewhere but were higher than the WHO tolerable daily intakes suggesting potential health risks to nursing infants. In adjusted single pollutant models, PCB-126, PCB-169, and ∑PCBTEQ were negatively associated with T3, while 1,2,3,4,5,7,8-HpCDF was positively associated with rT3. Although these associations did not persist in multipollutant models, our findings suggest potential thyroid hormone disruption by POPs in mothers. This may reduce the levels of thyroid hormones transferred from the mother to the neonates and, hence, adversely influence infant growth. A temporal study with a bigger sample size is required to corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Matovu
- Department of Chemistry, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Zhong-Min Li
- Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German National Research Centre for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany; School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan (Nutrition), Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Bernhard Henkelmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German National Research Centre for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
| | - Silke Bernhöft
- Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German National Research Centre for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
| | - Meri De Angelis
- Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German National Research Centre for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
| | - Karl-Werner Schramm
- Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German National Research Centre for Environmental Health (GmbH), Molecular EXposomics (MEX), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany; TUM, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung und Umwelt, Department für Biowissenschaftliche Grundlagen, Weihenstephaner Steig 23, 85350 Freising, Germany
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam; Faculty of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Viet Nam; Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
| | - Charles Drago Kato
- School of Bio-security, Biotechnical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Ssebugere
- Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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Electronic Waste, an Environmental Problem Exported to Developing Countries: The GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13095302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a rapidly developing environmental problem particularly for the most developed countries. There are technological solutions for processing it, but these are costly, and the cheaper option for most developed countries has been to export most of the waste to less developed countries. There are various laws and policies for regulating the processing of e-waste at different governance scales such as the international Basel Convention, the regional Bamoko Convention, and various national laws. However, many of the regulations are not fully implemented and there is substantial financial pressure to maintain the jobs created for processing e-waste. Mexico, Brazil, Ghana Nigeria, India, and China have been selected for a more detailed study of the transboundary movements of e-waste. This includes a systematic review of existing literature, the application of the Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) framework for analysing complex problems associated with social ecological systems, and the application of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for evaluating the environmental impact of electronic devices from their manufacture through to their final disposal. Japan, Italy, Switzerland, and Norway have been selected for the LCA to show how e-waste is diverted to developing countries, as there is not sufficient data available for the assessment from the selected developing countries. GOOD, BAD and UGLY outcomes have been identified from this study: the GOOD is the creation of jobs and the use of e-waste as a source of raw materials; the BAD is the exacerbation of the already poor environmental conditions in developing countries; the UGLY is the negative impact on the health of workers processing e-waste due to a wide range of toxic components in this waste. There are a number of management options that are available to reduce the impact of the BAD and the UGLY, such as adopting the concept of a circular economy, urban mining, reducing loopholes and improving existing policies and regulations, as well as reducing the disparity in income between the top and bottom of the management hierarchy for e-waste disposal. The overarching message is a request for developed countries to help developing countries in the fight against e-waste, rather than exporting their environmental problems to these poorer regions.
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Environmental contamination and public health effects of electronic waste: an overview. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021; 19:1209-1227. [PMID: 34150306 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00654-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose In recent years, electronic waste has become the fastest growing waste stream globally with potential deleterious environmental and public health effects from its hazardous constituents. This review aims at providing an up-to-date information on the environmental and public health effects of e- wastes, and also identify research gaps that could form basis of further innovative studies on this important subject. Methods We carried out literature survey using several search engines. All available literature which reported directly on environmental contamination of air, soil, and water by e-wastes, and their effects on exposed plants, animals, and humans were used in other to generate an updated information. Results High production volume coupled with indiscriminate disposal and informal recycling has made electronic waste (e-waste) to become a global public and environmental health issue. E-waste is made up of different hazardous substances such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants with the capacity to contaminate the environment if processed or recycled inappropriately. Humans and animals become exposed to e-waste constituents via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Several health effects have been linked to e-wastes. The most susceptible were children, pregnant women, and workers in primitive recycling sites. Generation of e-waste is predicted to increase drastically in the next decade with the potential complex interactive effects of its constituents. Conclusion This review is an up-to-date assessment of studies and reports on e-waste environmental contamination and public health effects. The review has shown that e-waste contains constituents that caused adverse environmental effects and toxicity to the biota. However, there is an enormous data gap between exposure quantification and possible health effects. More studies are needed to elucidate and provide holistic information on environmental and public health dangers posed by e-waste constituents.
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Abstract
The development of suspect or non-target screening methods to detect xenobiotics in biological fluids is essential to properly understand the exposome and assess its adverse health effects on humans. In order to fulfil that aim, the biomonitorization of human fluids is compulsory. However, these methods are not yet extensively developed, especially for polar organic xenobiotics in biofluids such as milk, as most works are only focused on certain analytes of interest. In this work, a multi-target analysis method to determine 245 diverse xenobiotics in milk by means of Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC)-qOrbitrap was developed. Under optimal conditions, liquid milk samples were extracted with acetonitrile in the presence of anhydrous Na2SO4 and NaCl, and the extracts were cleaned-up by protein precipitation at low temperature and Captiva Non-Drip (ND)—Lipids filters. The optimized method was validated at two concentration-levels (10 ng/g and 40 ng/g) obtaining satisfactory figures of merit for more than 200 compounds. The validated multi-target method was applied to several milk samples, including commercial and breast milk, provided by 4 healthy volunteers. Moreover, the method was extended to perform suspect analysis of more than 17,000 xenobiotics. All in all, several diverse xenobiotics were detected, highlighting food additives (benzothiazole) or phytoestrogens (genistein and genistin) in commercial milk samples, and stimulants (caffeine), plasticizers (phthalates), UV filters (benzophenone), or pharmaceuticals (orlistat) in breast milk samples.
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Bruce-Vanderpuije P, Megson D, Jones GR, Jobst K, Reiner E, Clarke E, Adu-Kumi S, Gardella JA. Infant dietary exposure to dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs), polybrominated and mixed halogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PBDD/Fs and PXDD/Fs) in milk samples of lactating mothers in Accra, Ghana. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128156. [PMID: 33297135 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, polybrominated and mixed halogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PBDD/Fs and PXDD/Fs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs) were quantified in 24 human milk samples of first-time lactating mothers from Greater Accra region in Ghana. The aims of the study were to determine the concentrations and toxic equivalent concentrations of PBDD/F, PXDD/F and dlPCBs in human milk, and to estimate an infant's daily intake. The samples were analysed for 12 dioxin-like PCBs, 7 congeners of 2,3,7,8-polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PBDD/Fs), and 7 congeners of 2,3,7,8-mixed halogenated dioxins and furans (PXDD/Fs, where X = Br/Cl). The mean concentrations in human milk ranged from 0.15 to 212.9 pg/g lipid for dlPCB congeners (mean TEQ: 1.67 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g lipid). Lesser concentrations for 2,3,7,8-PXDD/Fs (and PBDD/Fs congeners) ranged between <0.01-1.67 pg/g lipid, with a total mean tentative TEQ of 0.56 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g lipid. For an infant of average weight 7 kg, consuming an estimated volume of 600 mL human milk, the estimated average daily intake of dlPCBs in 21 human milk samples was 4.95 pg TEQ/kg bw/day; contributions from dlPCBs, PXDD/Fs and PBDD/Fs resulted in an average estimated daily intake of 6.56 pg TEQ/kg bw/day. The results obtained in this study, although lower than infant dietary intake estimates in human milk from industrialized countries, exceeded the recommended safety standards of 1 pg TEQ/kg bw/day and 1-4 pg TEQ/kg bw/day from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pennante Bruce-Vanderpuije
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA; CSIR Water Research Institute, P. O. Box AH 38, Achimota, Accra, Ghana
| | - David Megson
- School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK; Chemistry Matters Inc., Suite 405, 104-1240 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 3P7, Canada
| | | | - Karl Jobst
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Laboratory Services Branch, Toronto, ON, M9P 3V6, Canada
| | - Eric Reiner
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Laboratory Services Branch, Toronto, ON, M9P 3V6, Canada
| | - Edith Clarke
- Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service, Ghana
| | - Sam Adu-Kumi
- Environmental Protection Agency, P. O. Box MB 326, Ministries Post Office, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph A Gardella
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
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Plunk EC, Richards SM. Endocrine-Disrupting Air Pollutants and Their Effects on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239191. [PMID: 33276521 PMCID: PMC7731392 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can contaminate air, soil, and water. Human exposures to EDCs occur through inhalation, absorption, and ingestion. EDCs act by disrupting various pathways in the endocrine system. When the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis is disrupted by EDCs, there can be effects on fertility in both men and women. Not only can fertility be indirectly affected by EDC disruptions of the HPG axis, but EDCs can also directly affect the menstrual cycle and sperm morphology. In this review, we will discuss the current findings on EDCs that can be inhaled. This review examines effects of exposure to prominent EDCs: brominated and organophosphate flame retardants, diesel exhaust, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, cadmium and lead, TCDD, and polychlorinated biphenyls on fertility through alterations that disrupt the HPG axis and fertility through inhalation. Although the studies included herein include multiple exposure routes, all the studies indicate receptor interactions that can occur from inhalation and the associated effects of all compounds on the HPG axis and subsequent fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C. Plunk
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Sean M. Richards
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA
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Cai K, Song Q, Yuan W, Ruan J, Duan H, Li Y, Li J. Human exposure to PBDEs in e-waste areas: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115634. [PMID: 33254638 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are commonly added to electronic products for flame-retardation effects, and are attracting more and more attentions due to their potential toxicity, durability and bioaccumulation. This study conducts a sysmtematic review to understand the human exposure to PBDEs from e-waste recycling, especially exploring the exposure pathways and human burden of PBDEs as well as investigating the temporal trend of PBDEs exposure worldwide. The results show that the particular foods (contaminated fish, poultry, meat and breast milk) ingestion, indoor dust ingestion and indoor air inhalation may be key factors leading to human health risks of PBDEs exposure in e-waste recycling regions. Residents and some vulnerable groups (occupational workers and children) in e-waste recycling areas may face higher exposure levels and health risks. PBDE exposure is closely related to exposure level, exposure duration, e-waste recycling methods, and dietary customs. High levels of PBDEs are found in human tissues (breast milk, hair, blood (serum), placenta and other tissues) in e-waste areas, at far higher levels than in other areas. Existing data indicate that PBDE exposure levels do not present any apparent downward trend, and will possibly cause serious human diseases. More epidemiological studies are still needed to provide a solid basis for health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaihan Cai
- Macau Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, China; Macau Institute of Systems Engineering, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Qingbin Song
- Macau Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, China.
| | - Wenyi Yuan
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Centre for WEEE Recycling, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai, 201209, China
| | - Jujun Ruan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Huabo Duan
- College of Civil Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Environment and Safety Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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Adusei A, Arko-Mensah J, Dzodzomenyo M, Stephens J, Amoabeng A, Waldschmidt S, Löhndorf K, Agbeko K, Takyi S, Kwarteng L, Acquah A, Botwe P, Tettey P, Kaifie A, Felten M, Kraus T, Küpper T, Fobil J. Spatiality in Health: The Distribution of Health Conditions Associated with Electronic Waste Processing Activities at Agbogbloshie, Accra. Ann Glob Health 2020; 86:31. [PMID: 32211301 PMCID: PMC7082828 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A walk through the Agbogbloshie e-waste recycling site shows a marked heterogeneity in the spatial distribution of the different e-waste processing activities, which are likely to drive clustering of health conditions associated with the different activity type in each space. Objective of study To conduct a spatial assessment and analysis of health conditions associated with different e-waste activities at different activity spaces at Agbogbloshie. Methods A choropleth showing the various activity spaces at the Agbogbloshie e-waste site was produced by mapping boundaries of these spaces using Etrex GPS device and individuals working in each activity spaces were recruited and studied. Upon obtaining consent and agreeing to participate in the study, each subject was physically examined and assessed various health outcomes of interest via direct physical examination while characterizing and enumerating the scars, lacerations, abrasions, skin condition and cuts after which both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were recorded alongside the administration of open and close ended questionnaires. All individuals working within each activity space and consented to participate were recruited; giving a total of one hundred and twelve (112) subjects in all. Results A study of the choropleth showed that health conditions associated e-waste processing activities were clustered in a fashion similar to the corresponding distribution of each activity. While a total of 96.2% of all the study subjects had cuts, the dismantlers had higher mix of scars, lacerations and abrasions. Abrasions were observed in 16.3% of the dismantlers. Scars were the most common skin condition and were observed on the skins of 93.6% of the subjects. Prevalence of burns among the study subjects was 23.1%. Developing hypertension was not associated with activity type and while a total of 90.2% of subjects had normal blood pressure and 9.8% of them were hypertensives. Finally, 98.2% of respondents felt the need to have a first aid clinic at the site with 96.4% and 97.3% willing to visit the clinic and pay for services respectively. Conclusion We conclude that while the observed injuries were random and were due purely to accidents without any role of spatial determinants such as the configuration, slope, topography and other subterranean features of the activity spaces, a strong association between the injuries and activity type was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Botwe
- University of Ghana School of Public Health, GH
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Alabi OA, Adeoluwa YM, Bakare AA. Elevated Serum Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr Levels and DNA Damage in Exfoliated Buccal Cells of Teenage Scavengers at a Major Electronic Waste Dumpsite in Lagos, Nigeria. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 194:24-33. [PMID: 31104299 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the levels of Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr in the blood, and DNA damage in exfoliated buccal cavity of scavenging teenagers at Alaba International electronic market, Nigeria. One hundred and ninety-nine blood samples were collected from scavenging teenagers in Alaba International market (n = 95) and the control group (n = 104). Blood Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr concentrations were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Genotoxicity assessment was through exfoliated buccal cell micronucleus assay, while questionnaire was used to collect data on factors that can contribute to the blood heavy metal levels. The blood Pb of scavenging teenagers from Alaba International market varied from 2.84 to 189.44 μg/L compared to the control group with a range of 0.01 to 4.21 μg/L. The blood Cd (range = 0.38-12.35 μg/L), Cr (range = 0.20-19.03 μg/L), and Ni (range = 0.24-21.01 μg/L) were higher significantly in the Alaba group compared to the control group (Cd: range = 0.00-0.96 μg/L; Cr: range = 0.01-0.72 μg/L; and Ni: range = 0.00-0.28 μg/L). Frequencies of micronucleus, karyolysis, and pycnosis in the exfoliated buccal cells in Alaba group also increased significantly compared with the control group. Spearman correlation analyses indicated a positive correlation between the blood Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr and induced micronucleus in the buccal exfoliated cells. Furthermore, data showed a positive correlation between Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr and the duration of scavenging of the teenagers. However, a negative correlation was observed between educational status and Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr. E-waste indiscriminate disposal and primitive recycling processes may be responsible for the high blood heavy metal levels, and consequently an increased DNA damage in exfoliated buccal cells in scavenging teenagers at Alaba International market. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okunola A Alabi
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
| | - Yetunde M Adeoluwa
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Adekunle A Bakare
- Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria
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Awere E, Obeng PA, Bonoli A, Obeng PA. E-waste recycling and public exposure to organic compounds in developing countries: a review of recycling practices and toxicity levels in Ghana. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21622515.2020.1714749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Awere
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Civil Engineering, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Peter Appiah Obeng
- Department of Water and Sanitation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Alessandra Bonoli
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Panin Asirifua Obeng
- Department of Civil Engineering, Cape Coast Technical University, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Joubert BR, Mantooth SN, McAllister KA. Environmental Health Research in Africa: Important Progress and Promising Opportunities. Front Genet 2020; 10:1166. [PMID: 32010175 PMCID: PMC6977412 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization in 2016 estimated that over 20% of the global disease burden and deaths were attributed to modifiable environmental factors. However, data clearly characterizing the impact of environmental exposures and health endpoints in African populations is limited. To describe recent progress and identify important research gaps, we reviewed literature on environmental health research in African populations over the last decade, as well as research incorporating both genomic and environmental factors. We queried PubMed for peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, or books examining environmental exposures and health outcomes in human populations in Africa. Searches utilized medical subheading (MeSH) terms for environmental exposure categories listed in the March 2018 US National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, which includes chemicals with worldwide distributions. Our search strategy retrieved 540 relevant publications, with studies evaluating health impacts of ambient air pollution (n=105), indoor air pollution (n = 166), heavy metals (n = 130), pesticides (n = 95), dietary mold (n = 61), indoor mold (n = 9), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs, n = 0), electronic waste (n = 9), environmental phenols (n = 4), flame retardants (n = 8), and phthalates (n = 3), where publications could belong to more than one exposure category. Only 23 publications characterized both environmental and genomic risk factors. Cardiovascular and respiratory health endpoints impacted by air pollution were comparable to observations in other countries. Air pollution exposures unique to Africa and some other resource limited settings were dust and specific occupational exposures. Literature describing harmful health effects of metals, pesticides, and dietary mold represented a context unique to Africa. Studies of exposures to phthalates, PFASs, phenols, and flame retardants were very limited. These results underscore the need for further focus on current and emerging environmental and chemical health risks as well as better integration of genomic and environmental factors in African research studies. Environmental exposures with distinct routes of exposure, unique co-exposures and co-morbidities, combined with the extensive genomic diversity in Africa may lead to the identification of novel mechanisms underlying complex disease and promising potential for translation to global public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie R Joubert
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Kimberly A McAllister
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
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Matovu H, Sillanpää M, Ssebugere P. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in mothers' breast milk and associated health risk to nursing infants in Uganda. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 692:1106-1115. [PMID: 31539942 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast milk samples from healthy primiparous mothers who had lived in Kampala capital city (urban area) and Nakaseke district (a rural area) for the last five years. Fifty samples were collected between March and June 2018 and were extracted by dispersive solid-phase extraction (SPE). Clean-up was performed on an SPE column and analysis was done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total (∑) PBDEs (BDE 28, 47, 49, 66, 77, 99, 100,138,153, 154, 183 and 209) ranged from 0.59 to 8.11 ng/g lipid weight (lw). The levels of PBDEs in samples from Kampala capital city were significantly higher than those from Nakaseke (p < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U test). The most dominant congeners were BDE-209 and -47 (contributed 37.1% and 20.2%, respectively to ∑PBDEs), suggesting recent exposure of mothers to deca-and penta-BDE formulations. Fish and egg consumption, plastics/e-waste recycling and paint fumes were associated with higher levels of BDE-47, -153 and -99, respectively, implying that diet and occupation were possible sources of the pollutants. Estimated dietary intakes (ng kg-1 body weight day-1) for BDE-47, -99 and -153 were below the US EPA reference doses for neurodevelopmental toxicity, suggesting minimal health risks to nursing infants who feed on the milk. Generally, the risk quotients for BDE-47, -99 and -153 were <1 in majority (96%) samples, indicating that the breast milk of mothers in Uganda was fit for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Matovu
- Department of Chemistry, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Laboratory of Green Chemistry, School of Engineering Science, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Laboratory of Green Chemistry, School of Engineering Science, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Patrick Ssebugere
- Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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Bruce-Vanderpuije P, Megson D, Jobst K, Jones GR, Reiner E, Sandau CD, Clarke E, Adu-Kumi S, Gardella JA. Background levels of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs), polychlorinated, polybrominated and mixed halogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs & PXDD/Fs) in sera of pregnant women in Accra, Ghana. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 673:631-642. [PMID: 30999104 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure data on dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) in Ghana are limited. Based on health risks associated with dioxins and DLCs, the impact of maternal body burdens on foetal exposure is significant. This is the first study that assesses polychlorinated, polybrominated and mixed halogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs and PXDD/Fs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs) in sera of primiparous Ghanaians. Our sample selection includes 34 participants from two municipalities (Accra and Tema), and explores contributions from environmental and dietary exposures using questionnaire data. Sample preparation involved C18 solid phase extraction, purification with acidified silica and lipid removal cartridges, and detection with gas chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. The calculated average toxic equivalent concentration was 5.3 pg TEQ/g lw, with contributions from dlPCBs (1.25 pg TEQ/g lw), PCDD/Fs (3.10 pg TEQ/g lw), PBDD/Fs (0.49 pg TEQ/g lw) and PXDD/Fs (0.50 pg TEQ/g lw). The calculated total TEQ concentration was lower than background TEQ concentrations reported in sera of pregnant women globally. Positive correlations were obtained for total dioxins and DLC concentrations with age and Body Mass Index (BMI). Dietary intake of seafood and dairy products had a strong influence on PCDD/F and dlPCB concentrations. Statistically significant differences were observed for dioxins and DLCs in participants from Accra (in close proximity to Agbogbloshie e-waste site) and Tema. Given the significant TEQ contribution of PBDD/Fs and PXDD/Fs (~20%), it is essential to explore these classes of dioxins and DLCs in future biomonitoring studies as they may pose health risks, and add extra diagnostic information in source exposure investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pennante Bruce-Vanderpuije
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA; CSIR Water Research Institute, P. O. Box AH 38, Achimota, Accra, Ghana
| | - David Megson
- School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom; Chemistry Matters Inc., Suite 405, 104-1240 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3P7, Canada
| | - Karl Jobst
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Laboratory Services Branch, Toronto, ON M9P 3V6, Canada
| | | | - Eric Reiner
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Laboratory Services Branch, Toronto, ON M9P 3V6, Canada
| | - Court D Sandau
- Chemistry Matters Inc., Suite 405, 104-1240 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3P7, Canada; Mount Royal University, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada
| | - Edith Clarke
- Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service, Ghana
| | - Sam Adu-Kumi
- Environmental Protection Agency, P. O. Box MB 326, Ministries Post Office, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph A Gardella
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.
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Abbasi G, Li L, Breivik K. Global Historical Stocks and Emissions of PBDEs. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:6330-6340. [PMID: 31083912 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b07032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The first spatially and temporally resolved inventory of BDE28, 47, 99, 153, 183, and 209 in the anthroposphere and environment is presented here. The stock and emissions of PBDE congeners were estimated using a dynamic substance flow analysis model, CiP-CAFE. To evaluate our results, the emission estimates were used as input to the BETR-Global model. Estimated concentrations were compared with observed concentrations in air from background areas. The global (a) in-use and (b) waste stocks of ∑5BDE(28, 47, 99, 153, 183) and BDE209 are estimated to be (a) ∼25 and 400 kt and (b) 13 and 100 kt, respectively, in 2018. A total of 6 (0.3-13) and 10.5 (9-12) kt of ∑5BDE and BDE209, respectively, has been emitted to the atmosphere by 2018. More than 70% of PBDE emissions during production and use occurred in the industrialized regions, while more than 70% of the emissions during waste disposal occurred in the less industrialized regions. A total of 70 kt of ∑5BDE and BDE209 was recycled within products since 1970. As recycling rates are expected to increase under the circular economy, an additional 45 kt of PBDEs (mainly BDE209) may reappear in new products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnoush Abbasi
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research , Box 100, NO-2027 Kjeller , Norway
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences , University of Toronto Scarborough , 1265 Military Trail , Toronto , Ontario , Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Knut Breivik
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research , Box 100, NO-2027 Kjeller , Norway
- Department of Chemistry , University of Oslo , Box 1033, NO-0315 Oslo , Norway
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Orisakwe OE, Frazzoli C, Ilo CE, Oritsemuelebi B. Public Health Burden of E-waste in Africa. J Health Pollut 2019; 9:190610. [PMID: 31259086 PMCID: PMC6555250 DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-9.22.190610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental impacts from informal e-waste recycling are increasing in Africa. E-waste handling and disposal exposes people to highly toxic cocktails of heavy metals, brominated flame retardants, non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PBDF) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCB). Most of these compounds are endocrine disrupters, and most are neuro- and immune-toxic as well. OBJECTIVES Informal e-waste recycling in African countries is a serious public health threat. The present paper reviews the extent of e-waste exposure in Africa and related impacts on people, animals and the environment. METHODS Four electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar) were searched for publications related to e-waste and human health in Africa. Search terms included 'e-waste in Africa', 'e-waste in developing nations', 'public health and e-waste', 'environment and e-waste', and 'e-waste and health'. DISCUSSION Elevated levels of e-waste pollutants in water, air, soil, dust, fish, vegetable, and human matrices (blood, urine, breast milk) indicate that not only are e-waste workers at risk from exposure to e-waste, but the general population and future generations as well. Headache, cough and chest pain, stomach discomfort, miscarriage, abnormal thyroid and reproductive function, reduction of gonadal hormone, and cancer are common complaints of those involved with the processing of e-waste. CONCLUSIONS The evidence presented from the reviewed studies illustrates the extent of the human health and environmental risks posed by e-waste in Africa. There is a need for a regulatory framework including specific legislation, infrastructure and protocols to safely recycle and dispose of e-waste in sub-Saharan African countries. COMPETING INTERESTS The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Chiara Frazzoli
- Department for Cardiovascular, Dysmetabolic and Aging-Associated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cajetan Elochukwu Ilo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Oritsemuelebi
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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Asamoah A, Nikbakht Fini M, Essumang DK, Muff J, Søgaard EG. PAHs contamination levels in the breast milk of Ghanaian women from an e-waste recycling site and a residential area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 666:347-354. [PMID: 30970497 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Breast milk samples from 128 primipararae and multiparae Ghanaian women were screened for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from 2014 and 2016. These were breast milk from women residing or working around an electronic waste recycling site and a reference area (a residential area). This research is aimed at assessing PAHs levels in human milk samples from some Ghanaian mothers, prediction of the sources of these PAHs and the probable carcinogenic and mutagenic risks to infants. PAHs in the breast milk were analyzed using a gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS/MS). A total of 18 PAH congeners were identified in the human milk samples with a total range between <LOD and 15,936.57 ng/g lipid wt and an overall mean of 1105.63 ng/g lipid wt. In general, the mean concentrations of low molecular weight PAHs were appreciably greater than the high molecular weight PAHs in the breast milk samples. Naphthalene recorded the highest mean concentrations of 1026.52 ng/g lipid wt and 78.73 ng/g lipid wt for both e-waste and residential areas, respectively. Naphthalene contributed 77.4% of the total PAHs in the milk samples. Most of the high molecular weight PAHs were below the limit of detection in milk samples from Kwabenya (a residential area) but were detected in the milk samples from Agbogbloshie (e-waste recycling site). The diagnostic ratio tests in this study suggest that most of the PAHs in the milk samples are originating from pyrogenic sources. Risk assessment for carcinogenicity and mutagenicity on infants based on this study were 1.1 × 10-5 and 1.9 × 10-5, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Asamoah
- Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Nuclear Chemistry and Environmental Research Centre, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Mahdi Nikbakht Fini
- Aalborg University, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Section of Chemical Engineering, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - David Kofi Essumang
- University of Cape Coast, Department of Chemistry, Environmental Research Group, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jens Muff
- Aalborg University, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Section of Chemical Engineering, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Erik Gydesen Søgaard
- Aalborg University, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Section of Chemical Engineering, Esbjerg, Denmark
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Müller MHB, Polder A, Brynildsrud OB, Grønnestad R, Karimi M, Lie E, Manyilizu WB, Mdegela RH, Mokiti F, Murtadha M, Nonga HE, Skaare JU, Solhaug A, Lyche JL. Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants in Northern Tanzania and their distribution between breast milk, maternal blood, placenta and cord blood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 170:433-442. [PMID: 30634139 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) begins during pregnancy and may cause adverse health effects in the fetus or later in life. The present study aimed to assess prenatal POPs exposure to Tanzanian infants and evaluate the distribution of POPs between breast milk, maternal blood, placenta and cord blood. For assessment of prenatal exposure, 48 maternal blood samples from Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital (MMRRH), Arusha Tanzania, were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), dioxin-like (DL) activity and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs). For evaluation of POPs distribution between maternal/infant compartments, breast milk, placenta and cord blood corresponding to the maternal blood were analyzed for OCPs, PCBs and BFRs. In maternal blood, p,p´- DDE was detected in 100% of the samples ranging between 29 and 1890 ng/g lipid weight (lw). PCB-153 was the only PCB detected in maternal blood, with detection rate of 29% and concentrations up to 116 ng/g lw. BDE-47 was detected in 65% of the maternal blood samples, ranging between <LOD and 83.2 ng/g lw. DL activity was measured using Dioxin Responsive CALUX® bioassay. The DL activity was above LOQ in 92% of the samples, ranging from <LOQ to 114 pg CALUX TEQ/g lw. PFASs was dominated by PFOS and PFOA, however, the concentrations were low (range ∑PFASs 0.18-3.14 ng/mL). p,p´-DDE was detected in 100% of the breast milk, placenta and cord blood samples and the concentrations were strongly correlated (r = 0.89-0.98) between all compartments. Maternal blood (MB) had significantly lower p,p´-DDE concentrations (ng/g lw) than cord blood (CB) and breast milk (BM). The median CB/MB ratio was 1.3 and median MB/BM ratio was 0.8. p,p´-DDE concentrations in breast milk and cord blood did not show significant difference and median CB/BM ratio was 1. In addition, the relative p,p`-DDE transfer from maternal blood to breast milk and to cord blood increased when p,p`-DDE concentrations in maternal blood increased. This study shows that Tanzanian infants are exposed to a wide range of POPs during fetal life, which raise concerns for potential health effects. In addition, this study found that maternal blood concentrations may lead to underestimation of prenatal exposure, while breast milk collected close to delivery may be a more suitable indicator of prenatal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H B Müller
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - A Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - O B Brynildsrud
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - R Grønnestad
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - M Karimi
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - E Lie
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadallèen 21, N-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - W B Manyilizu
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - R H Mdegela
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - F Mokiti
- Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3092, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - M Murtadha
- Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3092, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - H E Nonga
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - J U Skaare
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, N-0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - A Solhaug
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, N-0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - J L Lyche
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
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Qin Q, Xu X, Dai Q, Ye K, Wang C, Huo X. Air pollution and body burden of persistent organic pollutants at an electronic waste recycling area of China. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2019; 41:93-123. [PMID: 30171476 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-018-0176-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in atmosphere of an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling town, Guiyu, in Southeast China, focusing on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We assess the evidence for the association between air pollution and human body burden, to provide an indication of the severity of respiratory exposure. Compared with standards and available existing data for other areas, it clearly shows that four typical POPs, derived from recycling processes, lead to serious atmospheric pollution and heavy body burden. From published data, the estimated respiratory exposure doses of Guiyu adults and children, varied between 2.48-10.37 and 3.25-13.6 ng kg-1 body weight (bw) day-1 for PBDEs, 2.31-7.6 and 4.09-13.58 pg World Health Organization-Toxic Equivalent Quantity (WHO-TEQ) kg-1 bw day-1 for PCDD/Fs, 5.57 and 20.52 ng kg-1 bw day-1 for PCBs, and 8.59-50.01 and 31.64-184.14 ng kg-1 bw day-1 for PAHs, respectively. These results show that air pollution is more harmful to children. Furthermore, except for PBDEs, the hazard quotient (HQ) of the other three pollutants was rated more than 1 by respiratory exposure only, and all of them are at risk of carcinogenesis. So we speculate these pollutants enter the body mainly through air inhalation, making respiratory exposure may be more important than dietary exposure in the Guiyu e-waste recycling area. Effective management policies and remediation techniques are urgently needed to prevent the deterioration of ambient air quality in the e-waste recycling area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Qin
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511486, Guangdong, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingyuan Dai
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511486, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Ye
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511486, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenyang Wang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, and Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511486, Guangdong, China.
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Bruce-Vanderpuije P, Megson D, Reiner EJ, Bradley L, Adu-Kumi S, Gardella JA. The state of POPs in Ghana- A review on persistent organic pollutants: Environmental and human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 245:331-342. [PMID: 30447476 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ghana is one of the top pesticide users and highest persistent organic pollutant (POP) emitters in sub-saharan Africa. Despite recent increases in published data, there is limited information on how POP concentrations have changed, post ratification of the Stockholm Convention. As a result, this review aims to address these knowledge gaps by collating available data that reported POPs in Ghanaian environmental matrices, identify spatial and temporal trends, and establish potential health risks. It is worth noting that Ghana has not developed its own regulatory standards for POPs, but adapts United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards. Results obtained showed concentrations in excess of USEPA regulatory standards for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl sulphonates (PFASs) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) in water, polychlorinated and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs and PBDD/Fs) in e-waste soils, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in aquatic organisms and dairy products. The published studies do not cover major regions nationwide. The inconsistency in methods and analytes measured, along with data scarcity in some regions, makes it challenging to identify temporal trends. However, the data did indicate decreasing concentrations of some legacy POPs in soil/sediment and aquatic organisms, with increasing concentrations of some POPs in water, fish, fruits and vegetables. Studies that performed health risks assessments were limited although the data indicated risks to e-waste workers, some farmers and vulnerable sub-populations. This review identified potential human health risks from POPs in the Ghanaian environment and the need for more consistent and widespread monitoring program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pennante Bruce-Vanderpuije
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - David Megson
- School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Eric J Reiner
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Laboratory Services Branch, Toronto, ON, M9P 3V6, Canada
| | - Lee Bradley
- School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Sam Adu-Kumi
- Environmental Protection Agency, P. O. Box MB 326, Ministries Post Office, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph A Gardella
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
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Dirbaba NB, Li S, Wu H, Yan X, Wang J. Organochlorine pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in surficial sediments of the Awash River Basin, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205026. [PMID: 30286178 PMCID: PMC6171923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was initiated to document information on the levels of sediment contamination with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Moreover, it was intended to identify compounds which impose major ecological risks to aquatic organisms. Surficial sediments were collected from 46 locations within the streams and rivers of the Awash River Basin. In total 30 compounds were included in this study: 16 OCPs, 7 PCBs and 7 PBDEs. The total concentrations of OCPs, PCBs, and PBDEs ranged from 6.63 to 206.13 ng g-1- dry weight (dw), 0.85 to 26.56 ng g-1-dw and 3.71 to 18.95 ng g-1-dw respectively. Out of all the tested OCPs, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT) and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) were the most abundant in the study area. The ratio of (β-HCH/∑HCHs) indicated that HCHs were originally from earlier usage of HCH in the area whereas the ratio of (p,p’-DDT/p,p’-DDE) showed that the majority of DDT components were recently introduced into most of the sampling locations. Even though there were relatively low concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs across the sampling sites, substantial amounts of PCBs were observed in Addis Ababa City. According to the established ecological risk indices, p,p’-DDT and γ-HCH are the major concerns for potential adverse ecological impacts. This study provided the first comprehensive information on organohalogenated compounds’ (OCs’) occurrences, spatial distributions, and ecological risks in sediments of the Awash River Basin. Thus, the report will be very useful background information for further studies on sediment contamination with OCs’ in the region. It also adds important first-hand data to the field of fresh water ecology and provides useful empirical evidence for setting pollution control priorities for an ecologically important, yet largely understudied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niguse Bekele Dirbaba
- School of Environmental and Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Sen Li
- School of Environmental and Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjuan Wu
- School of Environmental and Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail: (HW); (XY); (JW)
| | - Xue Yan
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail: (HW); (XY); (JW)
| | - Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail: (HW); (XY); (JW)
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Estimation of anthropogenic organo-chlorine, bromine and iodine compounds in apolar lipid fractions of bovine milk by solid-phase extraction and neutron activation analysis (SPE–NAA). J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6086-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Hogarh JN, Seike N, Kobara Y, Carboo D, Fobil JN, Masunaga S. Source characterization and risk of exposure to atmospheric polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Ghana. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:16316-16324. [PMID: 29705902 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
With recent evidence that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are emerging in environmental media in some developing countries that otherwise have sparing production and usage history, it has become important to identify such contemporary source factors of PCBs and the risks this may pose, in line with the global consensus on POP management and elimination. The present study investigated contaminations from atmospheric PCBs in Ghana, deciphered source factors, and accessed risk of exposure to dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs). Atmospheric PCBs were monitored by deployment of PUF-disk passive air samplers (PAS) at several sites across Ghana for 56 days. Atmospheric ∑190PCB concentration in Ghana ranged from 0.28 ng/m3 in Kumasi to 4.64 ng/m3 at Agbogbloshie, a suburb in Accra noted for informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling activities. As high as 11.10 ng/m3 of PCB concentration was measured in plumes from uncontrolled open burning of e-wastes at Agbogbloshie. Applying statistical source characterization tools, it emerged that e-wastes were a major contributor to the environmental burden of atmospheric PCBs in Ghana. The risk of DL-PCB toxicity via inhalation in the Agbogbloshie area was 4.2 pg TEQ/day, within similar order of magnitude of an estimated risk of 3.85 pg TEQ/day faced by e-waste workers working averagely for 8 h per day. It is suggested that elimination of e-waste sites would help to significantly reduce PCB-related toxicity issues in Ghana. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan N Hogarh
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 240-8501, Japan.
| | - Nobuyasu Seike
- Division of Hazardous Chemicals, Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8604, Japan
| | - Yuso Kobara
- Division of Hazardous Chemicals, Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8604, Japan
| | - Derick Carboo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ghana, P.O. Box 56, Legon, Ghana
| | - Julius N Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Shigeki Masunaga
- Faculty of Environment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 240-8501, Japan
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Lu S, Tan Z, Jiang Y, Wu D, Zhang J, Zhou J, Lin X. Hexabromocyclododecanes in breast milk from residents in Shenzhen, China: Implications for infant exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 622-623:1090-1097. [PMID: 29890578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) are widely used as flame retardants for various products and have become ubiquitous pollutants in environmental media. However, little is known about HBCD exposure for humans, especially in China. This study aimed to investigate the levels and profiles of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in human breast milk and to estimate the daily HBCD intake for infants in Shenzhen, China. Levels of the HBCD diastereoisomers α-, β-, and γ-HBCD in 180 breast milk samples collected from primiparas in Shenzhen were measured. The concentrations of α-, β-, and γ-HBCD (ΣHBCDs) ranged within 0.103-15.1ng/g lipid and had a median of 1.82ng/g lipid. ΣHBCDs levels in milk in the present study are comparable to those in milk from other countries and regions but are markedly higher than those for most populations in other regions of China. Among the diastereoisomers, α-HBCD was predominant, accounting for 97.6% of the concentration of ΣHBCDs. The estimated daily intake of ΣHBCDs via breast milk for infants in Shenzhen ranged from 0.481 to 100ng/kgbw/day with a median of 8.40ng/kgbw/day, however, which was unlikely to raises a health concern based on the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. The duration of residence was found to have a significant positive correlation with the HBCD levels in the human breast milk (p<0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report on HBCD levels in breast milk from Shenzhen residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyou Lu
- POPs Lab, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhen Tan
- Shenzhen Academy of Metrology & Quality Inspection, Shenzhen 518131, China
| | - Yousheng Jiang
- POPs Lab, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Dongting Wu
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Jianqing Zhang
- POPs Lab, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jian Zhou
- POPs Lab, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaoshi Lin
- POPs Lab, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
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Shi Z, Zhang L, Li J, Wu Y. Legacy and emerging brominated flame retardants in China: A review on food and human milk contamination, human dietary exposure and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 198:522-536. [PMID: 29428767 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a large group of widely used chemicals, which have been produced and used since 1970s. As a consequence of substantial and long-term usage, BFRs have been found to be ubiquitous in humans, wildlife, and abiotic matrices around the world. Although several reports have reviewed BFRs contamination in general, none have focused specifically on foods and human milk, and the corresponding dietary exposure. Foods (including human milk) have long been recognized as a major pathway of BFRs intake for non-occupationally exposed persons. This review summarizes most available BFRs data in foods and human milk from China in recent years, and emphasizes several specific aspects, i.e., contamination levels of legacy and emerging BFRs, dietary exposure assessment and related health concerns, comparison between various BFRs, and temporal changes in BFRs contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Shi
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, and China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jingguang Li
- The Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, and China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yongning Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, and China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China.
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Asamoah A, Essumang DK, Muff J, Kucheryavskiy SV, Søgaard EG. Assessment of PCBs and exposure risk to infants in breast milk of primiparae and multiparae mothers in an electronic waste hot spot and non-hot spot areas in Ghana. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 612:1473-1479. [PMID: 28903176 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the levels of PCBs in the breast milk of some Ghanaian women at suspected hotspot and relatively non-hotspot areas and to find out if the levels of these PCBs pose any risk to the breastfed infants. A total of 128 individual human breast milk were sampled from both primiparae and multiparae mothers. The levels of PCBs in the milk samples were compared. Some of these mothers (105 individuals) work or reside in and around Agbogbloshie (hot-spot), the largest electric and electronic waste dump and recycling site in Accra, Ghana. Others (23 donor mothers) also reside in and around Kwabenya (non-hotspot) which is a mainly residential area without any industrial activities. Samples were analyzed using GC-MS/MS. The total mean levels and range of Σ7PCBs were 3.64ng/glipidwt and ˂LOD-29.20ng/glipidwt, respectively. Mean concentrations from Agbogbloshie (hot-spot area) and Kwabenya (non-hotspot areas) were 4.43ng/glipidwt and 0.03ng/glipidwt, respectively. PCB-28 contributed the highest of 29.5% of the total PCBs in the milk samples, and PCB-101 contributed the lowest of 1.74%. The estimated daily intake of PCBs and total PCBs concentrations in this work were found to be lower as compared to similar studies across the world. The estimated hazard quotient using Health Canada's guidelines threshold limit of 1μg/kgbw/day showed no potential health risk to babies. However, considering minimum tolerable value of 0.03μg/kgbw/day defined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the values of some mothers were found to be at the threshold limit. This may indicate a potential health risk to their babies. Mothers with values at the threshold levels of the minimum tolerable limits are those who work or reside in and around the Agbogbloshie e-waste site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Asamoah
- Section of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Esbjerg, Denmark.
| | - David Kofi Essumang
- Environmental Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jens Muff
- Section of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Sergey V Kucheryavskiy
- Section of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Erik Gydesen Søgaard
- Section of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Esbjerg, Denmark
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El Megdiche Y, Ameur WB, Bèchir H, Hassine SB, Badreddine B, Touil S, Driss MR, Eljarrat E, Barceló D. Anthropogenic (PBDE) and naturally-produced (MeO-PBDE) brominated compound levels in Bizerte Lagoon clams (Ruditapes decussatus): Levels and human health risk assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 125:176-185. [PMID: 28818605 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Information on the occurrence of organobrominated compounds in bivalves from Tunisia is scarce. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of these compounds in clams from Tunisia. The aim of this study is to measure natural and synthetic organobrominated compound concentrations and evaluate congener distribution and pollution sources in a clam species (Ruditapes decussatus) from three sites of the Bizerte Lagoon. Total synthetic organobrominated pollutant levels in clam ranged from 34.8 to 188ngg-1lw. For natural organobrominated compounds, concentrations varied from 18.2 to 49.5ngg-1lw. Total PBDE and MeO-PBDE concentrations in clams from the Bizerte Lagoon were similar or slightly lower than those reported for other species from other locations around the world. The health risks associated with the consumption of this species were assessed and posed no threat to public health concerning PBDE intakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassine El Megdiche
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Walid Ben Ameur
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - Hammami Bèchir
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Sihem Ben Hassine
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Barhoumi Badreddine
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Soufiane Touil
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Ridha Driss
- Laboratory of Heteroatom Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Ethel Eljarrat
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Damia Barceló
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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Shi Z, Zhang L, Zhao Y, Sun Z, Zhou X, Li J, Wu Y. A national survey of tetrabromobisphenol-A, hexabromocyclododecane and decabrominated diphenyl ether in human milk from China: Occurrence and exposure assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:237-245. [PMID: 28477480 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A national survey of three currently used brominated flame retardants (BFRs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) in human milk was conducted in 2011. Human milk from 16 provinces of China were collected, pooled and measured. The estimated daily intake (EDI) via human milk ingestion for nursing infant and the related health risks were evaluated. The median levels of TBBPA, HBCD and BDE-209 were 1.21, 6.83 and 0.556ng/g lipid weight (lw), respectively. Levels of BDE-209 were lower than those of TBBPA, indicating that the production and application of deca-BDE in China has been below that of TBBPA after the restriction of PBDEs. Moreover, contamination levels of TBBPA and HBCD in this survey were higher than those observed in last national survey conducted in 2007, indicating an increase of TBBPA and HBCD in the environment from 2007 to 2011. The mean estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of TBBPA, HBCD and BDE-209 via human milk for 1-6months old infant were 39.2, 51.7 and 3.65ng/kgbw/day, respectively. For risk assessment, margin of exposure (MOE) was calculated by comparing the BMDL10 (benchmark dose lower confidence limit for a benchmark response of 10%) to the EDI of each BFR. Large MOEs indicates that the estimated dietary exposure to these three BFRs for nursing infant is unlikely to raise significant health concerns. Compared with some currently used novel BFRs which also measured in this survey, higher contamination levels were found in some non-PBDE BFRs, indicating that the consumption pattern of BFRs has shifted from PBDEs to non-PBDE BFRs in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Shi
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, and China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, and China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhiwei Sun
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xianqing Zhou
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jingguang Li
- The Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, and China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Yongning Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health, and China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
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Amankwaa EF, Adovor Tsikudo KA, Bowman JA. 'Away' is a place: The impact of electronic waste recycling on blood lead levels in Ghana. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 601-602:1566-1574. [PMID: 28609845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
E-waste recycling remains a major source of livelihood for many urban poor in developing countries, but this economic activity is fraught with significant environmental health risk. Yet, human exposure to the toxic elements associated with e-waste activities remains understudied and not evidently understood. This study investigates the impact of informal e-waste processing on the blood lead levels (BLLs) of e-waste workers and non-e-waste workers (mainly females working in activities that serve the Agbogbloshie e-waste site), and relates their lead exposure to socio-demographic and occupational characteristics. A total of 128 blood samples were analysed for lead levels. Surprisingly, the mean BLL (3.54μg/dL) of non-e-waste workers was slightly higher than that of e-waste workers (3.49μg/dL), although higher BLLs ranges were found among e-waste workers (0.50-18.80μg/dL) than non-e-waste workers (0.30-8.20μg/dL). Workers who engaged in e-waste burning tended to have the highest BLLs. In general, the BLLs are within the ABLES/US CDC reference level of 5μg/dL, although 12.3% of the workers have elevated BLLs, i.e. BLL ≥5μg/dL. The study concludes that the impact of e-waste recycling is not limited to workers alone. Traders and residents within the Agbogbloshie enclave are equally at risk through a range of environmental vectors. This calls for increased public awareness about the effects of human exposure to lead and other toxic elements from e-waste recycling. A key contribution is that government and stakeholder projects for safe e-waste infrastructure should disaggregate the e-waste value chain, recognize differential risk and resist one-size-fits-all strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Forkuo Amankwaa
- Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Box Lg 59, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Kwame A Adovor Tsikudo
- Department of Geography, Environment, & Society, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, U.S.A.
| | - Jay A Bowman
- Department of Geography, Environment, & Society, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, U.S.A.
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Cazabon D, Fobil JN, Essegbey G, Basu N. Structured identification of response options to address environmental health risks at the Agbogbloshie electronic waste site. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2017; 13:980-991. [PMID: 28742281 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing problem across low- and middle-income countries. Agbogbloshie (Accra, Ghana) is among the world's largest and most notorious e-waste sites, with an increasing number of studies documenting a range of environmental health risks. The present study aimed to provide national, regional, and international stakeholders with a summary of expert opinion on the most pressing problems arising from e-waste activities at Agbogbloshie, as well as suggested solutions to address these problems. Structured interviews were performed between April and September 2015 that used a Logical Framework Approach as a scoping exercise to gauge problems and benefits of e-waste recycling, and the Delphi methodology to identify response options. Stakeholders (n = 19) from 15 institutions were interviewed with 2 rounds of a Delphi Poll: open-ended interviews followed by an electronic questionnaire in which experts ranked various proposed response options based on health, environmental, social, and economic benefit and feasibility. The goal was to prioritize potential interventions that would address identified problems at Agbogbloshie. Experts identified the most beneficial and feasible options in decreasing rank order as follows and prefaced by the statement "it is recommended that": 1) there be further research on the health effects; 2) e-waste workers be given appropriate personal protective equipment; 3) the Ministry of the Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation re-visit Ghana's Hazardous Waste Bill; 4) e-waste workers be involved in the planning process of interventions and are be kept informed of any results; and 5) there be increased education and sensitization on hazards related to e-waste for both workers and the general public. These solutions are discussed in relation to ongoing dialogue at the international level concerning e-waste recycling interventions, with strengths and weaknesses examined for the Ghanaian context. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:980-991. ©2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Cazabon
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julius N Fobil
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - George Essegbey
- CSIR-STEPRI - Science and Technology Policy Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Henríquez-Hernández LA, Luzardo OP, Boada LD, Carranza C, Pérez Arellano JL, González-Antuña A, Almeida-González M, Barry-Rodríguez C, Zumbado M, Camacho M. Study of the influencing factors of the blood levels of toxic elements in Africans from 16 countries. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 230:817-828. [PMID: 28734263 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Africa's economy is growing faster than any other continent and it has been estimated that the middle class in Africa now exceeds 350 million people. This has meant a parallel increase in the importation of consumer goods and in the implementation of communication and information technologies (ICT), but also in the generation of large quantities of e-waste. However, inadequate infrastructure development remains a major constraint to the continent's economic growth and these highly toxic residues are not always adequately managed. Few studies have been conducted to date assessing the possible association between socioeconomic development factors, including e-waste generation, and blood levels of inorganic elements in African population. To disclose the role of geographical, anthropogenic, and socioeconomic development determinants on the blood levels of Ag, Al, As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, and V -all of them frequently found in e-waste-, an immigrant population-based study was made including a total of 245 subjects from 16 countries recently arrived to the Canary Islands (Spain). Women presented higher levels of blood elements than men, and Northern Africans (Moroccans) were the most contaminated. People from low-income countries exhibited significantly lower blood levels of inorganic elements than those from middle-income countries. We found a significant association between the use of motor vehicles and the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) and the level of contamination. Immigrants from the countries with a high volume of imports of second-hand electronic equipment, telephone and internet use had higher levels of inorganic elements. In general terms, the higher level of economic development the higher the blood levels of inorganic pollutants, suggesting that the economic development of Africa, in parallel to e-waste generation and the existence of informal recycling sites, have directly affected the level of contamination of the population of the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Cristina Carranza
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Medical Sciences and Surgery Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José Luis Pérez Arellano
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit, Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Medical Sciences and Surgery Department, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ana González-Antuña
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Maira Almeida-González
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Carlos Barry-Rodríguez
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain
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Zhang J, Chen L, Xiao L, Ouyang F, Zhang QY, Luo ZC. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Concentrations in Human Breast Milk Specimens Worldwide. Epidemiology 2017; 28 Suppl 1:S89-S97. [DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000000714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Tang J, Zhai JX. Distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in breast milk, cord blood and placentas: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:21548-21573. [PMID: 28831660 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9821-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been extensively used as flame retardants in consumer products. PBDEs rapidly bioaccumulate in the environment, food, wild animals and humans. In this review, we investigated the harmful effects of PBDEs on humans, especially in early life, and summarised the levels of PBDEs in human biological samples (breast milk, cord blood and placentas). In addition, we described the spatiotemporal distribution of PBDEs in this review. PBDE levels in breast milk, cord blood and placentas were generally higher in North America than in other regions, such as Asia, Europe, Oceania and Africa. However, high levels of PBDEs in human biological samples were detected at e-waste recycling sites in South China, East China and South Korea. This finding suggests that newborns living in e-waste regions are exposed to high levels of PBDEs during prenatal and postnatal periods. The time trends of PBDE concentration differed according to the region. Few studies have investigated PBDE levels in humans from 1967 to 2000, but they increased rapidly after 2000. PBDE concentration peaked at approximately 2006 globally. Compared with other PBDE congeners, BDE-47, BDE-153 and BDE-209 were the major components, but the detection rate of BDE-209 was lower than those of others. Future studies should focus on determining the BDE-209 concentration, which requires the implementation of different analytical approaches. Additionally, the levels of PBDEs in human samples and the environment should be monitored, especially in e-waste recycling regions. Graphical abstract The figures described the spatial distribution of the lowest (Fig. a1) and highest concentration of ∑PBDE (Fig. a2) in different countries by 2006 and described the spatial distribution of the lowest (Fig. b1) and highest concentration of ∑PBDE (Fig. b2) in different countries from 2007 to 2015. All the figures indicated that the levels of PBDEs in North America were substantially higher than those in many regions of Europe, Asia, Oceania, or Africa. Comparing Fig. a1-b1 or Fig. a2-b2, increasing trends were observed in some countries, especially in some regions in China, Korea and Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jin Xia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Saeedi R, Khakzad S, Koolivand A, Dobaradaran S, Khaloo SS, Jorfi S, Abtahi M. Transformer oils as a potential source of environmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): an assessment in three central provinces of Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:19098-19103. [PMID: 28660512 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9576-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination of oils from all transformers of the national electrical grid in Tehran, Qom, and Alborz, three central provinces of Iran, was assessed. The concentration of PCBs in transformer oils was determined by gas chromatography. At the national level, the proportions of transformers with oil PCB contents of <5, 5-49, 50-499, 500-4999, and >5000 ppm were determined to be 85.7, 12.4, 1.6, 0.1, and 0.1%, respectively. About 0.5% of transformer oils (66,000 kg out of 13,342,000 kg) exhibited PCB levels higher than 50 ppm that based on the Stockholm Convention should be phased out before 2025. The contaminated oils contained 91.4% of detected PCBs (132 kg PCBs out of 144 kg PCBs) and were located in 1.9% of transformers (27 transformers out of 1449 transformers). Statistical analysis indicated that the year of manufacture and manufacturing company provided significant effects on PCB contamination (p value <0.001). PCB contamination of transformer oils in Tehran was higher than that of the other provinces that could be mainly caused by the older average year of manufacture. PCB levels higher than 499 ppm were also observed only in Tehran. This study provided valuable information for future studies on identification of PCB-contaminated transformers as well as planning and design of waste management facilities for PCB-contaminated oils at the national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Saeedi
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Health, Safety and Environment, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Khakzad
- Department of Virtual Education, School of Medical Education Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Koolivand
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
- Systems Environmental Health, Oil, Gas and Energy Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Shokooh Sadat Khaloo
- School of Health, Safety and Environment, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 16858-116, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahand Jorfi
- Environmental Technology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehrnoosh Abtahi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Anim AK, Drage DS, Goonetilleke A, Mueller JF, Ayoko GA. Distribution of PBDEs, HBCDs and PCBs in the Brisbane River estuary sediment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 120:165-173. [PMID: 28502627 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
To date, very little or no data exist in literature for some brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polychlorinated biphenyls in Queensland sediments. These pollutants were measured in the sediments along the Brisbane River estuary. The target compounds were regularly detected in measurable concentrations: PBDEs=33.3-97.8% (n=45), PCBs=94.1-100% (n=51) and HBCDs=79-98% (n=48). Consistently, >90% of the observed ∑8PBDE concentration was attributed to BDE-209. Mean PBDE levels (ng/g dry wt.) were: 4.4±3.2 (∑8PBDE) and 4.4±3.0 (BDE-209) across 22 sampling sites. The mean ∑7PCB and ∑HBCD were 5.4±4.5 and 1.0±1.5ng/g dry wt. respectively. The 25% (α-HBCD), 8% (β-HBCD) and 67% (γ-HBCD) diastereoisomer contributions observed were consistent with values reported in the literature. Contaminant levels are fairly distributed along the River and were generally low compared to similar studies around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred K Anim
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Science and Engineering Faculty, 2 George St., GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Daniel S Drage
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ashantha Goonetilleke
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Science and Engineering Faculty, 2 George St., GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia
| | - Godwin A Ayoko
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Science and Engineering Faculty, 2 George St., GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
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Nøst TH, Sandanger TM, Nieboer E, Odland JØ, Breivik K. The impacts of emission trends of POPs on human concentration dynamics: Lessons learned from a longitudinal study in Norway (1979–2007). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:776-781. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Müller MHB, Polder A, Brynildsrud OB, Karimi M, Lie E, Manyilizu WB, Mdegela RH, Mokiti F, Murtadha M, Nonga HE, Skaare JU, Lyche JL. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human breast milk and associated health risks to nursing infants in Northern Tanzania. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:425-434. [PMID: 28196346 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This is the first study to report organochlorines (OCs), including chlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human milk from Tanzania. The main aims of this study were to assess the level of contamination and the possible health risks related to OC exposure in nursing infants from the Northern parts of Tanzania. Ninety-five healthy mother-infant couples attending Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital (MMRRH), Arusha, Tanzania, were assessed for associations between maternal/infant characteristics, i.e. mother's age, BMI, gestational weight gain, occupation, residence and fetal growth parameters and breast milk levels of OCPs, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, dieldrin and PCBs. p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT were detected in 100% and 75% of the breast milk samples, respectively, and ranged between 24 and 2400ng/g lipid weight (lw) and <LOD and 133ng/g lw, respectively. Dieldrin was detected in 66% of the samples in levels up to 937ng/g lw. ∑7PCBs ranged between <LOD and 157ng/g lw. Other OCPs were detected in low levels. For assessment of health risks, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) was calculated by comparing estimated daily intakes of OCPs and PCBs with health based guidance values. The estimated daily intake (ng/kg body weight/day) of ∑DDTs, dieldrin and nondioxin-like PCBs (∑6PCBs) exceeded the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) in two, six and forty-eight of the nursing infants, respectively, suggesting potential health risks. In addition, head circumference were negatively associated with p,p´-DDE in female infants, suggesting that OC exposure during pregnancy may influence fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H B Müller
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N- 0033, Oslo, Norway.
| | - A Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N- 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - O B Brynildsrud
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway
| | - M Karimi
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N- 0033, Oslo, Norway
| | - E Lie
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N- 0033, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadallèen 21, N-0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - W B Manyilizu
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - R H Mdegela
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - F Mokiti
- Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3092, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - M Murtadha
- Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 3092, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - H E Nonga
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - J U Skaare
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, N-0106, Oslo, Norway
| | - J L Lyche
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Campus Adamstuen, P.O. Box 8146 Dep, N- 0033, Oslo, Norway
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Tetteh D, Lengel L. The urgent need for health impact assessment: proposing a transdisciplinary approach to the e-waste crisis in sub-Saharan Africa. Glob Health Promot 2017; 24:35-42. [PMID: 28353403 DOI: 10.1177/1757975916686926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing health and environmental concern in developing countries. In the sub-Saharan African region e-waste is considered a crisis with no end in sight yet; there is lack of structures and regulations to manage the problem. In this article, we discuss the potential of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in addressing the health, environmental, and social impacts of e-waste in sub-Saharan Africa. We draw from environmental policy, environmental communication, global health policy, and health communication to argue that managing e-waste could be framed as ongoing HIA where all the steps of HIA are performed on a rolling basis with input from local communities. Further, we suggest that HIA should be infused into recycling legislation to help streamline the practice in order to make it safe for health and the environment and to maximize the economic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinah Tetteh
- 1 Arkansas State University - Department of Communication, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Lara Lengel
- 2 Bowling Green State University - School of Media and Communication, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
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Daum K, Stoler J, Grant RJ. Toward a More Sustainable Trajectory for E-Waste Policy: A Review of a Decade of E-Waste Research in Accra, Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14020135. [PMID: 28146075 PMCID: PMC5334689 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Global flows of e-waste from the Global North to the Global South continue to damage local environments and harm human health. Weak e-waste regulations and limited use of safety measures for e-waste workers in Accra, Ghana, foster an exploitative environment within the industry, and pose health risks for those working and living near e-waste processing sites. This paper presents an integrated review of over 40 e-waste studies specific to Accra, with particular emphasis on the well-studied e-waste processing site in Agbogbloshie, and synthesizes the existing research base across interdisciplinary themes of human health, environmental health, globalization, trade and informalization, and public policy. Despite significant international attention to Accra’s e-waste problem, loopholes within international environmental regulations and treaties provide few incentives and resources for Ghana to strengthen protections for human and environmental health. After a decade of e-waste research in Accra, the crisis continues to intensify; we present a renewed vision for sustainable e-waste policy reform in Ghana and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Daum
- Department of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
| | - Justin Stoler
- Department of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, FL 33136, USA.
- Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
| | - Richard J Grant
- Department of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA.
- Department of Geography, Environment Management, and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa.
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