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Gasull M, Camargo J, Pumarega J, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Campi L, Zumbado M, Contreras-Llanes M, Oliveras L, González-Marín P, Luzardo OP, Gómez-Gutiérrez A, Alguacil J, Porta M. Blood concentrations of metals, essential trace elements, rare earth elements and other chemicals in the general adult population of Barcelona: Distribution and associated sociodemographic factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 909:168502. [PMID: 37977377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very little information is available on the population distribution and on sociodemographic predictors of body concentrations of rare earth elements (REE) and other chemicals used in the manufacturing of high-tech devices. OBJECTIVES To analyze the distribution and associated sociodemographic factors of blood concentrations of chemical elements (including some metals, essential trace elements, rare earth elements and other minority elements) in a representative sample of the general population of Barcelona (Spain). METHODS A sample of participants in the Barcelona Health Survey of 2016 (N = 240) were interviewed face-to-face, gave blood, and underwent a physical exam. Concentrations of 50 chemical elements were analyzed by ICP-MS in whole blood samples. RESULTS All 50 chemicals studied, including 26 REE and minority elements, were detected. Lead, silver, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, antimony, strontium, thallium and six essential trace elements were detected in more than 70% of the population. The most frequently detected REE and minority elements were europium (62%), thulium (56%), gold (41%), indium (31%), ruthenium (24%), and tantalum (20%). Less affluent occupational social classes had higher percentages of detection of some REE. Median concentrations of silver, arsenic, cadmium and mercury were: 0.091, 3.01, 0.309, and 3.33 ng/mL, respectively. Women had lower median concentrations than men of lead (1.47 vs. 2.04 μg/dL, respectively), iron and zinc, and higher concentrations of copper and manganese. The influence of sociodemographic characteristics on chemical concentrations differed by sex. CONCLUSIONS While well-known contaminants as lead, mercury, cadmium, or arsenic were detected in the majority of the population, numerous individuals had also detectable concentrations of chemicals as europium, indium, thulium, or gold. Sociodemographic and physical characteristics (sex, age, social class, weight change) influenced concentrations of some chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Gasull
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Judit Camargo
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Pumarega
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; CIBER de Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Campi
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; CIBER de Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Contreras-Llanes
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales, Salud y Medio Ambiente, Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Laura Oliveras
- Qualitat i Intervenció Ambiental, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia González-Marín
- Qualitat i Intervenció Ambiental, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain; CIBER de Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Gómez-Gutiérrez
- Qualitat i Intervenció Ambiental, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Alguacil
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales, Salud y Medio Ambiente, Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Dalanggud M, Lv Y, Liu C, Zhang Z, Jin J, Wang S, Wang Y, Wei Y, Jin J. Dechlorane Plus in environmental samples and human serum samples from new and old electronic waste dismantling areas in East China: Levels, composition profiles, and human exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167571. [PMID: 37797757 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The global presence of Dechlorane Plus (DP) in environmental and human samples highlights the need for further research into its ecological risks and health effects. This study determined DP concentrations in soil and air samples from an old electronic waste dismantling area (Fengjiang) and a new electronic waste dismantling area (Binhai) in Taizhou City, China. Both syn-DP and anti-DP isomers were found in all soil and air samples. The median concentrations of DP in soil and air were 90.5 ng/g and 48.4 pg/m3 in Fengjiang, and 6.69 ng/g and 28.8 pg/m3 in Binhai. DP were widespread in the local environment, and in general at moderate levels compared with reports from other electronic waste dismantling areas. The analysis of DP isomer profiles in different seasons and the calculation of related fugacity fraction showed that anti-DP perhaps easier than syn-DP to migrate from soil to air in summer. DP concentrations in serum of residents from Fengjiang (median 9.74 ng/g) were significantly higher than those from Huangyan (common control area, median 2.77 ng/g; p < 0.01), while the fanti value showed that Fengjiang was significantly lower than Huangyan (p < 0.05). This revealed that DP exposure levels in serum perhaps one of the crucial factors influencing fanti value. Moreover, DP concentrations in serum showed an increasing trend with increasing body mass index (BMI) or age. However, the relationship between DP and sex was not observed. The fanti values of serum samples were higher than those in soil and air samples, suggested that DP perhaps stereo-selectively absorbed into the body or stereo-selectively metabolised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moson Dalanggud
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yan Lv
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chen Liu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zitong Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jingxi Jin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shijie Wang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China; Engineering Research Center of Food Environment and Public Health, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yongjie Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Jun Jin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China; Engineering Research Center of Food Environment and Public Health, Beijing 100081, China.
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Yurdakok-Dikmen B, Kuzukiran O, Uyar R, Boztepe UG, Çelik HT, Ozyuncu O, Turgut Y, Kanca H, Karakas-Alkan K, Filazi A. Live in same region, respond differently: Canine and human response to pollutants in placental accumulation. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 301:134470. [PMID: 35367487 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Their presence in the environment is particularly concerning in cases of fetal exposure, which is the most vulnerable period of life for both human and animals who share the same environment. Placenta, as a sample collected using noninvasive methods to screen EDCs, is a good indicator for potential fetal exposure. Although recent studies indicate that companion animal may correspond to human exposure, species-specific anatomo-morphological and metabolic differences are controversial. In this study, placenta samples of 60 women and 25 dogs living and giving birth within the same region were evaluated for the presence of PCB, OCP, PBDE, and PAH residues; where, socio-demographic factors were also assessed to identify the possible sources. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method was validated for the matrix, and among 45 screened and targeted pollutants, only 18 were found in human placentas. While the most frequently detected pollutants were DDTs, followed by PAHs and PCBs in decreasing order, the pollutants with the highest concentrations were PAHs, followed by PCBs and DDTs. Only five of the target contaminants were detected in the dog placentas. These results indicate that; as dogs have different bioaccumulation capacities and higher excretion rates than humans, the life-long effects of exposure to endocrine compound and possible consequences related to adverse health outcomes are expected to vary and concentrations cannot be directly correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begum Yurdakok-Dikmen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kuzukiran
- Eldivan Vocational School of Health Services, Cankiri Karatekin University, Eldivan, Cankiri, Turkey
| | - Recep Uyar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Turkey
| | - Ummu Gulsum Boztepe
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Turkey
| | - Hasan Tolga Çelik
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Ozyuncu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yagmur Turgut
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey
| | - Halit Kanca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kubra Karakas-Alkan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ayhan Filazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Turkey.
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Dinç B, Çelebi A, Avaz G, Canlı O, Güzel B, Eren B, Yetis U. Spatial distribution and source identification of persistent organic pollutants in the sediments of the Yeşilırmak River and coastal area in the Black Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112884. [PMID: 34454391 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Surface sediments from the Yeşilırmak River and the near coastal area in the Black Sea were collected using sediment traps to assess the spatial distributions of persistent organic pollutants and find their potential sources. Analyses were carried out to determine the concentrations of the persistent organic pollutants of seventeen polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, seven polychlorinated biphenyls, and eight organochlorine pesticides using high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry systems. Analysis showed that the three main components of persistent organic pollutants (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and organochlorine pesticides) primary sources are industrial activities. In addition, the widespread occurrence of persistent organic pollutants in the watershed surface sediments taken from the Yeşilırmak River basin showed that agricultural and urban areas are also diffuse persistent organic pollutants sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Dinç
- Environment and Cleaner Production Institute, TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Çelebi
- Environmental Engineering Department, Sakarya University, Sakarya 54187, Turkey.
| | - Gülsen Avaz
- Environment and Cleaner Production Institute, TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey
| | - Oltan Canlı
- Environment and Cleaner Production Institute, TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey
| | - Bariş Güzel
- Environment and Cleaner Production Institute, TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Kocaeli 41470, Turkey
| | - Beytullah Eren
- Environmental Engineering Department, Sakarya University, Sakarya 54187, Turkey
| | - Ulku Yetis
- Environmental Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, Inönü Bulvari, Ankara 06800, Turkey
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5
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Aerts R, Van Overmeire I, Colles A, Andjelković M, Malarvannan G, Poma G, Den Hond E, Van de Mieroop E, Dewolf MC, Charlet F, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Van Loco J, Covaci A. Determinants of persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in human breast milk of a cross-sectional sample of primiparous mothers in Belgium. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 131:104979. [PMID: 31387080 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.104979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bio-accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment and in the food chain can lead to high pollutant concentrations in human fat-containing tissues and breast milk. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify the maternal characteristics that determined POP concentrations in breast milk of primiparous mothers in Belgium. METHODS Breast milk samples were obtained from a cross-sectional sample of 206 primiparous mothers in 2014. POP concentrations in breast milk samples were determined by GC-ECNI-MS and GC-EI-MS/MS depending on the analytes' sensitivity. Associations between POP concentrations in breast milk and potential determinants were investigated using two-way contingency tables and multivariable generalized linear models. RESULTS Fifteen of the 23 screened POPs were detected in the breast milk samples. Four organochlorine compounds (p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, HCB and β-HCH) and two brominated flame retardant congeners (BDE-47, BDE-153) were detected at concentrations above the limit of quantification in >50% of the breast milk samples. Maternal age and BMI were usually associated with higher POP concentrations. Rural residency and consumption of home-produced eggs, fatty fish and fish oil supplements were associated with higher concentrations of DDT and DDE. Consumption of fatty fish and being breastfed during childhood were associated with higher concentrations of HCB and β-HCH. Fish oil supplements and home-produced eggs were associated with higher concentrations of BDEs, but for BDE congeners exposure routes other than diet require further investigation. CONCLUSIONS Dietary and non-dietary determinants predict individual POP concentrations in breast milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Aerts
- Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Department of Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Julliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium; University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Celestijnenlaan 200E-2411, BE-3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Ilse Van Overmeire
- Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Department of Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Julliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Ann Colles
- VITO-HEALTH, Boeretang 200, BE-2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - Mirjana Andjelković
- Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Department of Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Julliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, BE-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Giulia Poma
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, BE-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, BE-2000 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Els Van de Mieroop
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, BE-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - François Charlet
- Hainaut Vigilance Sanitaire, Boulevard Sainctelette 55, BE-7000 Mons, Belgium.
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Department of Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Julliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Joris Van Loco
- Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Department of Chemical and Physical Health Risks, Julliette Wytsmanstraat 14, BE-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Adrian Covaci
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiteitsplein 1, BE-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Adamou TY, Riva M, Muckle G, Laouan-Sidi EA, Ayotte P. Socio-economic inequalities in blood mercury (Hg) and serum polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations among pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik, Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2018; 109:671-683. [PMID: 30030682 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-018-0077-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the relationships between socio-economic characteristics and mercury (Hg) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations among pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik. METHOD We used biomonitoring data from 208 pregnant Inuit women recruited in the 14 villages of Nunavik between September 2011 and December 2013. Blood samples were collected to monitor levels of blood Hg and serum congener PCB-153 (surrogate of total PCB concentration). Ratio of omega 3/omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a validated biomarker of marine country food consumption, was also measured in red blood cell membranes to determine maternal dietary profile. Data on socio-economic characteristics (income and education), health-related lifestyles, and reproductive history were collected through questionnaires. Association between socio-economic characteristics and contaminant concentrations was assessed using linear regressions. RESULTS We observed a significant inverse relationship between education and Hg levels. Lower concentrations of Hg were observed among women who had completed high school compared to women who had not completed high school. However, no association was observed between level of education and concentration of PCBs. CONCLUSION Socio-economic disparities in maternal exposure to Hg exist in Nunavik. Further research is needed to determine whether environmental health inequalities also exist in other subgroups of the Nunavik population and in other Indigenous communities in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thérèse Yéro Adamou
- Population Health and Practice-changing Research Group, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, G1S 4L8, Canada. .,Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand Vandry, 1050 avenue de la médecine, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Mylène Riva
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Burnside Hall Building, 805 Sherbrooke street west, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B9, Canada.,Institute for Health and Social Policy, McGill University, Avenue des pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- Population Health and Practice-changing Research Group, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, G1S 4L8, Canada.,School of Psychology, Université Laval, Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Québec, Qc, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Elhadji Anassour Laouan-Sidi
- Population Health and Practice-changing Research Group, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Population Health and Practice-changing Research Group, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, G1S 4L8, Canada.,Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 avenue Wolfe, Québec, Qc, G1V 5B3, Canada
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7
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Čechová E, Vojta Š, Kukučka P, Kočan A, Trnovec T, Murínová ĽP, de Cock M, van de Bor M, Askevold J, Eggesbø M, Scheringer M. Legacy and alternative halogenated flame retardants in human milk in Europe: Implications for children's health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 108:137-145. [PMID: 28843142 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, 10 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 19 alternative halogenated flame retardants (AFRs) were determined in >450 human milk samples across three European countries, representing northern, western and eastern Europe. This study provides first insights into the occurrence of selected AFRs in mother milk samples and compares them among three European countries. Sums of median concentrations of the most frequently detected PBDEs were 2.16, 0.88 and 0.45ngg-1 lipid weight (lw) in Norway, the Netherlands and Slovakia, respectively. The sum of the concentrations of AFRs ranged from 0.14 to 0.25ngg-1lw in all countries, which was 2 to 15 times less compared to Σ7PBDEs. The Penta-BDE replacement, bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate, BEH-TEBP, was present at the greatest concentrations of any of the AFRs and in some samples exceeded concentrations of BDE 47 and BDE 153. Four AFRs including bromobenzenes (hexabromobenzene, pentabromobenzene, pentabromotoluene) and another Penta-BDE replacement (2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate, EH-TBB) were detected in >42% of all human milk samples. Because of the potential developmental neurotoxicity of the halogenated flame retardants, infant dietary intakes via breastfeeding were estimated; in four cases the intakes of BDE 47 exceeded the reference dose indicating that the present concentrations may pose a risk for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliška Čechová
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Šimon Vojta
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kukučka
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anton Kočan
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Trnovec
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Limbová 12, 83303 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Marijke de Cock
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margot van de Bor
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joakim Askevold
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Eggesbø
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
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8
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Henríquez-Hernández LA, Luzardo OP, Zumbado M, Serra-Majem L, Valerón PF, Camacho M, Álvarez-Pérez J, Salas-Salvadó J, Boada LD. Determinants of increasing serum POPs in a population at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Results from the PREDIMED-CANARIAS study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 156:477-484. [PMID: 28415042 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Lluis Serra-Majem
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain; Preventive Medicine Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pilar F Valerón
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jacqueline Álvarez-Pérez
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain; Preventive Medicine Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain; Human Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Instituto Canario de Investigación del Cáncer (ICIC), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
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9
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Morrens B, Den Hond E, Schoeters G, Coertjens D, Colles A, Nawrot TS, Baeyens W, De Henauw S, Nelen V, Loots I. Human biomonitoring from an environmental justice perspective: supporting study participation of women of Turkish and Moroccan descent. Environ Health 2017; 16:48. [PMID: 28526013 PMCID: PMC5437637 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental justice research shows how socially disadvantaged groups are more exposed and more vulnerable to environmental pollution. At the same time, these groups are less represented and, thus, less visible in biomedical studies. This socioeconomic participation bias is a form of environmental injustice within research practice itself. METHODS We designed, implemented and evaluated a targeted recruitment strategy to enhance the participation of socially disadvantaged pregnant women in a human biomonitoring study in Belgium. We focused on women of Turkish and Moroccan descent and developed a setup using personal buddies that enabled information transfer about study conditions in the pre-parturition period as well as support and follow-up with questionnaires in the post-parturition period. RESULTS We identified four barriers to the participation of women with a vulnerable social and ethnic background which were related to psychosocial and situational factors. Lack of trust in researchers and no perceived study benefits were important personal barriers; the complex study design and difficult self-administered questionnaires were equally significant barriers. CONCLUSION By investing in direct, person-to-person contact with trusted buddies and supported by practical advice about cultural and linguistic sensitivity, it was possible to increase study participation of socially disadvantaged people. Above all, this required openness and flexibility in the mind-set of researchers so that study design and procedures could be better grounded in the experiences and circumstances of underprivileged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Morrens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Greet Schoeters
- Environmental Health and Risk, VITO, Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dries Coertjens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Colles
- Environmental Health and Risk, VITO, Mol, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilse Loots
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
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10
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Čechová E, Scheringer M, Seifertová M, Mikeš O, Kroupová K, Kuta J, Forns J, Eggesbø M, Quaak I, de Cock M, van de Bor M, Patayová H, Palkovičová Murínová Ľ, Kočan A. Developmental neurotoxicants in human milk: Comparison of levels and intakes in three European countries. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 579:637-645. [PMID: 27890414 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.11.046] [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: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicants (DNTs), such as methylmercury (MeHg), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), have gained increasing interest recently due to their possible relation to developmental disorders in children, which are increasing worldwide. We analyzed levels of 14 developmental neurotoxicants in human milk samples from Slovakia (n=37), the Netherlands (n=120) and Norway (n=388). Positive identification for most target analytes was >95% in all samples. In all three countries MeHg was measured for the first time in mother milk. The highest MeHg levels were observed in Norway (39pgg-1 ww) with the highest fish consumption. Levels of indicator PCBs (iPCBs, sum of PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180), HCB and DDE+DDT were 2-4 times higher in Slovakia compared to the Netherlands or Norway. The levels of MeHg and organochlorine compounds were used for calculations of weekly or daily intakes (top-down approach) by means of pharmacokinetic modeling. The intakes ranged from 0.014 to 0.142μgkgbw-1week-1 for MeHg and from 0.043 to 17.4ngkgbw-1day-1 for organochlorine compounds in all three countries. Intakes of iPCBs exceeded a tolerable daily intake of 10ngkgbw-1day-1 in 16% of the Slovak participants. The top-down estimates were compared with bottom-up intakes based on national dietary estimates and the results showed good consistency between both approaches, with the bottom-up intakes exceeding the top-down by a factor of maximum 3.8 for iPCBs in the Netherlands and 3.9 for HCB in Slovakia. This confirms that food consumption in all three countries represents the dominant pathway of exposure to these developmental neurotoxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliška Čechová
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Marta Seifertová
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Mikeš
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Kroupová
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kuta
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Joan Forns
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Eggesbø
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Lovisenberggata 8, 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ilona Quaak
- Department of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke de Cock
- Department of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margot van de Bor
- Department of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henrieta Patayová
- Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University, Limbová 12, 83303 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Anton Kočan
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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11
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Vassilopoulou L, Psycharakis C, Petrakis D, Tsiaoussis J, Tsatsakis AM. Obesity, Persistent Organic Pollutants and Related Health Problems. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 960:81-110. [PMID: 28585196 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-48382-5_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The present review aims to delve into persistent organic pollutants (POPs) , as xenobiotics, in correlation to human health. POPs exhibit a group of common characteristics, including lipophilicity, persistence to decomposition and bioaccumulation in tissues. POPs have been thoroughly studied by former researchers, as they offer a particular interest in the elucidation of metabolic, endocrine and immune perturbation caused by their synergy with intracellular mechanisms. Herein particular focus is attributed to the relationship of POPs with obesity provocation. Obesity nowadays receives epidemic dimensions, as its prevalence elevates in an exponential degree. POPs-induced obesity rotates around interfering in metabolic and endocrinal procedures and interacting with peroxisome-proliferator and retinoic receptors. Moreover, polymorphisms in CYP gene families exert a negative result, as they incapacitate detoxification of POPs. Obesity could be deemed as a multidimensional condition, as various factors interact to lead to an obesogenic result. Therefore, concomitant disorders may occur, from mild to lethal, and get intensified due to POPs exposure. POPs exact function mechanisms remain rather enigmatic, thus further investigation should be prospectively performed, for a more lucid picture of this issue, and, consequently for the establishment of alternative solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukia Vassilopoulou
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71409, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Christos Psycharakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71409, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Demetrios Petrakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71409, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aristides M Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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12
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Pumarega J, Gasull M, Lee DH, López T, Porta M. Number of Persistent Organic Pollutants Detected at High Concentrations in Blood Samples of the United States Population. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160432. [PMID: 27508420 PMCID: PMC4979965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human exposure to environmental chemicals as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is usually assessed considering each pollutant individually, with little attention to concentrations of mixtures in individuals or social groups. Yet, it may be relatively common for humans to have low and high concentrations of numerous POPs. The study objectives were to analyze the number of POPs detected per person at high concentrations in the U.S. population, and the associations between such type of indicators and socioeconomic factors as gender, race / ethnicity, education, and poverty level. From 91 POPs analyzed in serum samples of 4,739 individuals in three subsamples of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 (the last period with valid updated individual data for the compounds considered in the present study), we computed the number of POPs whose serum concentrations were above selected cutoff points. POPs included were 13 organochlorine compounds (OCs), 10 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), the polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) 153, 38 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs), and 12 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Over 13% of participants had ≥10 of the 37 most detected POPs each at a concentration in the top decile (P90). Over 30% of subjects with total toxic equivalency (TEQ) ≥P75, had ≥10 of 24 POPs not included in TEQ calculations at concentrations ≥P90. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, the adjusted odds ratio of having ≥10 of the 37 POPs at P90 was 9.2 for non-Hispanic blacks and 0.18 for Mexican Americans. Poverty, body mass index, age, and gender were also independently associated with having ≥10 POPs in the top decile. More than one tenth of the US population may have ≥10 POPs each at concentrations in the top decile. Such pattern is nine times more frequent in Non-Hispanic blacks and four times less frequent in Mexican Americans than in non-Hispanic whites.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pumarega
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Magda Gasull
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Duk-Hee Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Tomàs López
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- * E-mail:
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13
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Gasull M, Pallarès N, Salcedo N, Pumarega J, Alonso J, Porta M. Self-rated health and chronic conditions are associated with blood concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in the general population of Catalonia, Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 143:211-220. [PMID: 26505651 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-rated health (SRH) is a powerful predictor of mortality, morbidity, and need for health services. SRH generally increases with educational level, and decreases with age, number of chronic conditions, and body mass index (BMI). Because human concentrations of most persistent organic pollutants (POPs) also vary by age, education, and BMI, and because of the physiological and clinical effects of POPs, we hypothesized that body concentrations of POPs are inversely associated with SRH. OBJECTIVES To analyze the relation between serum concentrations of POPs and SRH in the general population of Catalonia, Spain, taking into account sociodemographic factors and BMI, as well as chronic health conditions and mental disorders, measured by the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). METHODS POP serum concentrations were measured by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection in 919 participants of the Catalan Health Interview Survey. RESULTS Individuals with higher concentrations of POPs had significantly poorer SRH; e.g., the median concentration of HCB in subjects with poor SRH was twice as high as in subjects with excellent SRH (366 ng/g vs. 169 ng/g, respectively; p-value<0.001). In crude models and in models adjusted for sex and BMI, the POPs-SRH association was often dose-dependent, and the likelihood of poor or regular SRH was 2 to 4-times higher in subjects with POP concentrations in the top quartile. In models adjusted for age or for chronic conditions virtually all ORs were near unity. No associations were found between POP levels and GHQ-12. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with higher concentrations of POPs had significantly poorer SRH, an association likely due to age and chronic conditions, but not to sex, education, social class, BMI, or mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Gasull
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natàlia Pallarès
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Salcedo
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Pumarega
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Jordi Alonso
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
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14
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Nadal M, Marquès M, Mari M, Domingo JL. Climate change and environmental concentrations of POPs: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 143:177-185. [PMID: 26496851 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the climate change impact on the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has become a topic of notable concern. Changes in environmental conditions such as the increase of the average temperature, or the UV-B radiation, are likely to influence the fate and behavior of POPs, ultimately affecting human exposure. The state of the art of the impact of climate change on environmental concentrations of POPs, as well as on human health risks, is here reviewed. Research gaps are also identified, while future studies are suggested. Climate change and POPs are a hot issue, for which wide attention should be paid not only by scientists, but also and mainly by policy makers. Most studies reported in the scientific literature are focused on legacy POPs, mainly polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides. However, the number of investigations aimed at estimating the impact of climate change on the environmental levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is scarce, despite of the fact that exposure to PAHs and photodegradation byproducts may result in adverse health effects. Furthermore, no data on emerging POPs are currently available in the scientific literature. In consequence, an intensification of studies to identify and mitigate the indirect effects of the climate change on POP fate is needed to minimize the human health impact. Furthermore, being this a global problem, interactions between climate change and POPs must be addressed from an international perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Montse Mari
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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15
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Porta M. Human contamination by persistent toxic substances: the rationale to improve exposure assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:14560-14565. [PMID: 25167816 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We know quite a lot about the generalized human contamination by environmental chemical agents; this statement is fully compatible with the view that most countries lack the necessary monitoring systems. We also know quite a lot about the toxic effects of environmental pollutants; this statement is fully compatible with the proposal that we need both more research and more energetic policies to decrease human contamination by such pollutants. Unsurprisingly, we know too little about the (environmental and social) causes and the etiopathogenesis (mechanisms) of the most prevalent diseases, and we will continue to miss relevant causes and mechanisms if we neglect the toxic chemicals that commonly contaminate humans, worldwide. Basic, clinical end environmental-epidemiological research on human health should more often consider integrating biomarkers of internal dose of environmental chemical pollutants. When we act in more responsible, rational, and scientific ways; when we become less dismissive towards environmental hazards; and when we thus neglect less the generalized human contamination by environmental chemical agents and their toxic effects, we will expand mechanistic biologic knowledge, and we shall as well increase the effectiveness of interventions and policies that enable the primary prevention of human diseases which cause huge amounts of economic burden and human suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Institute of Medical Research (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
- CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
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16
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García-Altés A, Ortún V. [Vertical social mobility in Spain and ways to improve it. SESPAS report 2014]. GACETA SANITARIA 2015; 28 Suppl 1:31-6. [PMID: 24863991 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we analyze the extent to which an individual's socioeconomic status is inherited and how equality of opportunity could be increased to improve social mobility. Poverty and deprivation can stop being dynastic-like if the social elevator works. In Spain, income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, rose from 0.31 in 2006 to 0.35 in 2012 (moving away from Scandinavia and Central Europe and more closely resembling income inequality in the UK or the United States), while the degree of intergenerational mobility is half-way between that in Italy and the United States. To change this situation and make the social elevator work, primary education should be improved and the health system should be steered toward primary healthcare. This will not be feasible without an improvement in politics and the institutional framework that determine these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna García-Altés
- Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya (AQuAS), Barcelona, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, España.
| | - Vicente Ortún
- Centro de Investigación en Economía y Salud (CRES) y Departamento de Economía y Empresa, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, España
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17
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Reaves DK, Ginsburg E, Bang JJ, Fleming JM. Persistent organic pollutants and obesity: are they potential mechanisms for breast cancer promotion? Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22:R69-86. [PMID: 25624167 PMCID: PMC4352112 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dietary ingestion of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is correlated with the development of obesity. Obesity alters metabolism, induces an inflammatory tissue microenvironment, and is also linked to diabetes and breast cancer risk/promotion of the disease. However, no direct evidence exists with regard to the correlation among all three of these factors (POPs, obesity, and breast cancer). Herein, we present results from current correlative studies indicating a causal link between POP exposure through diet and their bioaccumulation in adipose tissue that promotes the development of obesity and ultimately influences breast cancer development and/or progression. Furthermore, as endocrine disruptors, POPs could interfere with hormonally responsive tissue functions causing dysregulation of hormone signaling and cell function. This review highlights the critical need for advanced in vitro and in vivo model systems to elucidate the complex relationship among obesity, POPs, and breast cancer, and, more importantly, to delineate their multifaceted molecular, cellular, and biochemical mechanisms. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies directly testing the observed correlations as well as detailing their molecular mechanisms are vital to cancer research and, ultimately, public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise K Reaves
- Department of BiologyNorth Carolina Central University, MTSC Room 2247, 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USANational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Training, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USADepartment of BiologyNorth Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Erika Ginsburg
- Department of BiologyNorth Carolina Central University, MTSC Room 2247, 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USANational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Training, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USADepartment of BiologyNorth Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - John J Bang
- Department of BiologyNorth Carolina Central University, MTSC Room 2247, 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USANational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Training, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USADepartment of BiologyNorth Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
| | - Jodie M Fleming
- Department of BiologyNorth Carolina Central University, MTSC Room 2247, 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USANational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of Health, Center for Cancer Training, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USADepartment of BiologyNorth Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina 27707, USA
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18
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Luzardo OP, Boada LD, Carranza C, Ruiz-Suárez N, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Valerón PF, Zumbado M, Camacho M, Arellano JLP. Socioeconomic development as a determinant of the levels of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in the inhabitants of Western and Central African countries. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 497-498:97-105. [PMID: 25127444 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.07.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Several studies of environmental samples indicate that the levels of many persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are increasing in Africa, but few studies have been conducted in humans. Simultaneously, many African countries are experiencing a rapid economic growth and implementing information and communication technologies (ICT). These changes have generated high amounts of electronic waste (e-waste) that have not been adequately managed. We tested the hypothesis that the current levels of two main classes of POPs in Western and Central African countries are affected by the degree of socioeconomic development. We measured the levels of 36 POPs in the serum of recent immigrants (N=575) who came from 19 Sub-Saharan countries to the Canary Islands (Spain). We performed statistical analyses on their anthropometric and socioeconomic data. High median levels of POPs were found in the overall sample, with differences among the countries. Organochlorine pesticide (OCP) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels increased with age. People from low-income countries had significantly higher OCP levels and much lower PCB levels than those from high-income countries. We found a significant association between the implementation of ICT and PCB contamination. Immigrants from the countries with a high volume of imports of second-hand electronic equipment had higher PCB levels. The economic development of Africa and the e-waste generation have directly affected the levels of POPs. The POP legacies of these African populations most likely are due to the inappropriate management of the POPs' residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 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
| | - Norberto Ruiz-Suárez
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | | | - Pilar F Valerón
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, 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
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López T, Pumarega JA, Pollack AZ, Lee DH, Richiardi L, Jacobs DR, Schisterman EF, Porta M. Adjusting serum concentrations of organochlorine compounds by lipids and symptoms: a causal framework for the association with K-ras mutations in pancreatic cancer. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 114:219-25. [PMID: 25113205 PMCID: PMC6196356 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In clinically aggressive diseases, patients experience pathophysiological changes that often alter concentrations of lipids and environmental lipophilic factors; such changes are related to disease signs and symptoms. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of correcting for total serum lipids (TSL) and other clinical factors on the odds of mutations in the K-ras oncogene by organochlorine compounds (OCs), in logistic models, in 103 patients with exocrine pancreatic cancer (EPC) using a causal directed acyclic graph (DAG) framework. Results and likelihood of bias were discussed in the light of possible causal scenarios. The odds of K-ras mutated EPC was associated with some TSL-corrected OCs, including p,p'-DDT (p-value: 0.008) and polychlorinated biphenyl 138 (p-trend: 0.024). When OCs were not corrected by TSL, the OR of a K-ras mutation was significant for p,p'-DDT (p-trend: 0.035). Additionally adjusting for cholestatic syndrome increased the ORs of TSL-corrected OCs. When models were adjusted by the interval from first symptom to blood extraction (ISE), the ORs increased for both TSL-corrected and uncorrected OCs. Models with TSL-corrected OCs and adjusted for cholestatic syndrome or ISE yielded the highest ORs. We show that DAGs clarify the covariates necessary to minimize bias, and demonstrate scenarios under which adjustment for TSL-corrected OCs and failure to adjust for symptoms or ISE may induce bias. Models with TSL-uncorrected OCs may be biased too, and adjusting by symptoms or ISE may not control such biases. Our findings may have implications as well for studying environmental causes of other clinically aggressive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomàs López
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José A Pumarega
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Anna Z Pollack
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Duk-Hee Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Health Promotion Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Lorenzo Richiardi
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Torino, Italy
| | - David R Jacobs
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Enrique F Schisterman
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
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Vineis P, Stringhini S, Porta M. The environmental roots of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the epigenetic impacts of globalization. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 133:424-430. [PMID: 24593864 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing worldwide. We hypothesize that environmental factors (including social adversity, diet, lack of physical activity and pollution) can become "embedded" in the biology of humans. We also hypothesize that the "embedding" partly occurs because of epigenetic changes, i.e., durable changes in gene expression patterns. Our concern is that once such factors have a foundation in human biology, they can affect human health (including NCDs) over a long period of time and across generations. OBJECTIVES To analyze how worldwide changes in movements of goods, persons and lifestyles (globalization) may affect the "epigenetic landscape" of populations and through this have an impact on NCDs. We provide examples of such changes and effects by discussing the potential epigenetic impact of socio-economic status, migration, and diet, as well as the impact of environmental factors influencing trends in age at puberty. DISCUSSION The study of durable changes in epigenetic patterns has the potential to influence policy and practice; for example, by enabling stratification of populations into those who could particularly benefit from early interventions to prevent NCDs, or by demonstrating mechanisms through which environmental factors influence disease risk, thus providing compelling evidence for policy makers, companies and the civil society at large. The current debate on the '25 × 25 strategy', a goal of 25% reduction in relative mortality from NCDs by 2025, makes the proposed approach even more timely. CONCLUSIONS Epigenetic modifications related to globalization may crucially contribute to explain current and future patterns of NCDs, and thus deserve attention from environmental researchers, public health experts, policy makers, and concerned citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Vineis
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College, St. Mary׳s Campus Norfolk Place, W2 1PG London, United Kingdom; Human Genetics Foundation, Torino (HuGeF), Italy.
| | - Silvia Stringhini
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (IUMSP), Lausanne University Hospital, 1010 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Institute of Medical Research (IMIM), CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Muncke J, Myers JP, Scheringer M, Porta M. Food packaging and migration of food contact materials: will epidemiologists rise to the neotoxic challenge? J Epidemiol Community Health 2014; 68:592-4. [PMID: 24554760 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2013-202593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John Peterson Myers
- Environmental Health Sciences, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miquel Porta
- Hospital del Mar Institute of Medical Research (IMIM), School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and CIBERESP, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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