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Bakali U, Baum JLR, Louzado-Feliciano P, Killawala C, Santiago KM, Pauley JL, Dikici E, Schaefer Solle N, Kobetz EN, Bachas LG, Deo SK, Caban-Martinez AJ, Daunert S. Characterization of fire investigators' polyaromatic hydrocarbon exposures using silicone wristbands. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 278:116349. [PMID: 38714081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116349] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposures to polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contribute to cancer in the fire service. Fire investigators are involved in evaluations of post-fire scenes. In the US, it is estimated that there are up to 9000 fire investigators, compared to approximately 1.1 million total firefighting personnel. This exploratory study contributes initial evidence of PAH exposures sustained by this understudied group using worn silicone passive samplers. OBJECTIVES Evaluate PAH exposures sustained by fire investigators at post-fire scenes using worn silicone passive samplers. Assess explanatory factors and health risks of PAH exposure at post-fire scenes. METHODS As part of a cross-sectional study design, silicone wristbands were distributed to 16 North Carolina fire investigators, including eight public, seven private, and one public and private. Wristbands were worn during 46 post-fire scene investigations. Fire investigators completed pre- and post-surveys providing sociodemographic, occupational, and post-fire scene characteristics. Solvent extracts from wristbands were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results were used to estimate vapor-phase PAH concentration in the air at post-fire scenes. RESULTS Fire investigations lasted an average of 148 minutes, standard deviation ± 93 minutes. A significant positive correlation (r=0.455, p<.001) was found between investigation duration and PAH concentrations on wristbands. Significantly greater time-normalized PAH exposures (p=0.039) were observed for investigations of newer post-fire scenes compared to older post-fire scenes. Regulatory airborne PAH exposure limits were exceeded in six investigations, based on exposure to estimated vapor-phase PAH concentrations in the air at post-fire scenes. DISCUSSION Higher levels of off-gassing and suspended particulates at younger post-fire scenes may explain greater PAH exposure. Weaker correlations are found between wristband PAH concentration and investigation duration at older post-fire scenes, suggesting reduction of off-gassing PAHs over time. Exceedances of regulatory PAH limits indicate a need for protection against vapor-phase contaminants, especially at more recent post-fire scenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umer Bakali
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeramy L R Baum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Paola Louzado-Feliciano
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chitvan Killawala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Katerina M Santiago
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Pauley
- International Association of Arson Investigators, Bowie, MD, USA
| | - Emre Dikici
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute of the University of Miami (BioNIUM), Miami, FL, USA
| | - Natasha Schaefer Solle
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Erin N Kobetz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Leonidas G Bachas
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Sapna K Deo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute of the University of Miami (BioNIUM), Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alberto J Caban-Martinez
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Sylvia Daunert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute of the University of Miami (BioNIUM), Miami, FL, USA
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Cseresznye A, Hardy EM, Ait Bamai Y, Cleys P, Poma G, Malarvannan G, Scheepers PTJ, Viegas S, Martins C, Porras SP, Santonen T, Godderis L, Verdonck J, Poels K, João Silva M, Louro H, Martinsone I, Akūlova L, van Dael M, van Nieuwenhuyse A, Mahiout S, Duca RC, Covaci A. HBM4EU E-waste study: Assessing persistent organic pollutants in blood, silicone wristbands, and settled dust among E-waste recycling workers in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 250:118537. [PMID: 38408627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
E-waste recycling is an increasingly important activity that contributes to reducing the burden of end-of-life electronic and electrical apparatus and allows for the EU's transition to a circular economy. This study investigated the exposure levels of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in workers from e-waste recycling facilities across Europe. The concentrations of seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners were measured by GC-MS. Workers were categorized into five groups based on the type of e-waste handled and two control groups. Generalized linear models were used to assess the determinants of exposure levels among workers. POPs levels were also assessed in dust and silicone wristbands (SWB) and compared with serum. Four PCB congeners (CB 118, 138, 153, and 180) were frequently detected in serum regardless of worker's category. With the exception of CB 118, all tested PCBs were significantly higher in workers compared to the control group. Controls working in the same company as occupationally exposed (Within control group), also displayed higher levels of serum CB 180 than non-industrial controls with no known exposures to these chemicals (Outwith controls) (p < 0.05). BDE 209 was the most prevalent POP in settled dust (16 μg/g) and SWB (220 ng/WB). Spearman correlation revealed moderate to strong positive correlations between SWB and dust. Increased age and the number of years smoked cigarettes were key determinants for workers exposure. Estimated daily intake through dust ingestion revealed that ΣPCB was higher for both the 50th (0.03 ng/kg bw/day) and 95th (0.09 ng/kg bw/day) percentile exposure scenarios compared to values reported for the general population. This study is one of the first to address the occupational exposure to PCBs and PBDEs in Europe among e-waste workers through biomonitoring combined with analysis of settled dust and SWB. Our findings suggest that e-waste workers may face elevated PCB exposure and that appropriate exposure assessments are needed to establish effective mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Cseresznye
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Emilie M Hardy
- Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Yu Ait Bamai
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Paulien Cleys
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul T J Scheepers
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Viegas
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Martins
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Simo P Porras
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lode Godderis
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Idewe, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Jelle Verdonck
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Poels
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria João Silva
- ToxOmics -Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Henriqueta Louro
- ToxOmics -Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inese Martinsone
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīgas Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Lāsma Akūlova
- Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīgas Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Maurice van Dael
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - An van Nieuwenhuyse
- Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Selma Mahiout
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Radu Corneliu Duca
- Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Yin S, den Ouden F, Cleys P, Klimowska A, Bombeke J, Poma G, Covaci A. Personal environmental exposure to plasticizers and organophosphate flame retardants using silicone wristbands and urine: Patterns, comparisons, and correlations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172187. [PMID: 38582107 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Plasticizers (PLs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are ubiquitous in the environment due to their widespread use and potential for leaching from consumer products. Environmental exposure is a critical aspect of the human exposome, revealing complex interactions between environmental contaminants and potential health effects. Silicone wristbands (SWBs) have emerged as a novel and non-invasive sampling device for assessing personal external exposure. In this study, SWBs were used as a proxy to estimate personal dermal adsorption (EDdermal) to PLs and OPFRs in Belgian participants for one week; four morning urine samples were also collected and analyzed for estimated daily intake (EDI). The results of the SWBs samples showed that all the participants were exposed to these chemicals, and the exposure was found to be highest for the legacy and alternative plasticizers (LP and AP), followed by the legacy and emerging OPFRs (LOPFR and EOPFR). In urine samples, the highest levels were observed for metabolites of diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) among LPs and di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) for APs. Outliers among the participants indicated that there were other sources of exposure that were not identified. Results showed a significant correlation between EDdermal and EDI for DiBP, tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPhP). These correlations indicated their suitability for predicting exposure via SWB monitoring for total chemical exposure. The results of this pilot study advance our understanding of SWB sampling and its relevance for predicting aggregate environmental chemical exposures, while highlighting the potential of SWBs as low-cost, non-invasive personal samplers for future research. This innovative approach has the potential to advance the assessment of environmental exposures and their impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yin
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China; Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Fatima den Ouden
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paulien Cleys
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Anna Klimowska
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jasper Bombeke
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Wirth E, Shaddrix B, Pisarski E, Pennington P, DeLorenzo M, Whitall D. Comparison of chemical contaminant measurements using CLAM, POCIS, and silicone band samplers in estuarine mesocosms. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024. [PMID: 38819025 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Discrete water samples represent a snapshot of conditions at a particular moment in time and may not represent a true chemical exposure caused by changes in chemical input, tide, flow, and precipitation. Sampling technologies have been engineered to better estimate time-weighted concentrations. In this study, we consider the utility of three integrative sampling platforms: polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS), silicone bands (SBs), and continuous, low-level aquatic monitoring (CLAM). This experiment used simulated southeastern salt marsh mesocosm systems to evaluate the response of passive (POCIS, SBs) and active sampling (CLAM) devices along with discrete sampling methodologies. Three systems were assigned to each passive sampler technology. Initially, all tanks were dosed at nominal (low) bifenthrin, pyrene, and triclosan concentrations of 0.02, 2.2, and 100 µg/L, respectively. After 28 days, the same treatment systems were dosed a second time (high) with bifenthrin, pyrene, and triclosan at 0.08, 8.8, and 200 µg/L, respectively. For passive samplers, estimated water concentrations were calculated using published or laboratory-derived sampling rate constants. Chemical residues measured from SBs resulted in high/low ratios of approximately 2x, approximately 3x, and 1x for bifenthrin, pyrene, and triclosan. A similar pattern was calculated using data from POCIS samples (~4x, ~3x, ~1x). Results from this study will help users of CLAM, POCIS, and SB data to better evaluate water concentrations from sampling events that are integrated across time. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-12. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ed Wirth
- NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Brian Shaddrix
- CSS under contract to NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Emily Pisarski
- NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Paul Pennington
- NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marie DeLorenzo
- NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Sciences, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - David Whitall
- NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Sciences, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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5
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Levasseur JL, Hoffman K, Zhang S, Cooper EM, Stapleton HM. Monitoring human exposure to four parabens and triclosan: comparing silicone wristbands with spot urine samples as predictors of internal dose. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00663-0. [PMID: 38704446 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00663-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People are exposed to a variety of chemicals each day as a result of their personal care product (PCP) use. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to determine if silicone wristbands provide a quantitative estimate of internal dose for phenols commonly associated with PCPs, with a focus on triclosan and four parabens: methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben. Uptake of these compounds into wristbands and correlations with internal dose were assessed. METHODS Ten adults from central North Carolina wore five silicone wristbands, with one wristband removed each day for 5 days. Each participant provided a 24 h urine sample and a random spot urine sample each day, in which paraben and triclosan metabolites were evaluated. RESULTS All parabens and triclosan were detected frequently in wristbands and, except for butylparaben, in urine samples. Wristband and spot urine concentrations of parabens and triclosan were both compared to a measurement of internal dose (i.e., the total metabolite mass excreted over 5 days as a measurement of internal dose). IMPACT STATEMENT The two most hydrophobic compounds investigated, butylparaben and triclosan, displayed significant linear uptake in wristbands over 5 days, whereas concentrations of methyl- and ethylparaben displayed a steady state concentration. In general, wristbands and spot urine samples were similarly correlated to internal dose for frequently detected parabens and triclosan. However, wristbands have additional advantages including higher detection rates and reduced participant burden that may make them more suitable tools for assessing exposure to PCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ellen M Cooper
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Kelly JT, McNamara LE, Hoover ME, Rubenstein HM, Houthuijs K, Martens J. Development of Nontargeted Workflow of Occupational Exposure by Infrared Ion Spectroscopy and Silicone Wristbands' Passive Sampling. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2024; 35:829-833. [PMID: 38564189 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
A new approach using orthogonal analytical techniques is developed for chemical identification. High resolution mass spectrometry and infrared ion spectroscopy are applied through a 5-level confidence paradigm to demonstrate the effectiveness of nontargeted workflow for the identification of hazardous organophosphates. Triphenyl phosphate is used as a surrogate organophosphate for occupational exposure, and silicone wristbands are used to represent personal samplers. Spectral data of a target compound is combined with spectral data of the sodium adduct and quantum chemical calculations to achieve a confirmed identification. Here, we demonstrate a nontargeted workflow that identifies organophosphate exposure and provides a mechanism for selecting validated methods for quantitative analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Kelly
- Savannah River National Laboratory, 301 Gateway Drive, Aiken, South Carolina 29803, United States
| | - Louis E McNamara
- Savannah River National Laboratory, 301 Gateway Drive, Aiken, South Carolina 29803, United States
| | - Megan E Hoover
- Savannah River National Laboratory, 301 Gateway Drive, Aiken, South Carolina 29803, United States
| | - H Mitchell Rubenstein
- United States Air Force - Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing, 2510 Fifth Street, Area B, Building 840, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Kas Houthuijs
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Toernooiveld 7c, 6525ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Martens
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Toernooiveld 7c, 6525ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Hammel SC, Frederiksen M. Quantifying 209 Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners in Silicone Wristbands to Evaluate Differences in Exposure among Demolition Workers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6499-6508. [PMID: 38572580 PMCID: PMC11025118 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10304] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
A social housing estate in Denmark was designated for demolition due to exceedance of guidance values for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in indoor air. Here, we deployed precleaned silicone wristbands (n = 46) among demolition workers of these contaminated buildings during single workdays while conducting various work tasks. We established a method to analyze all 209 PCBs in wristbands to identify prominent congeners of exposure and evaluate differences between tasks. Wristbands were extracted using microwave-assisted extraction and then concentrated for gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analysis. Twenty-nine chromatographic peaks representing 37 congeners were detected in every wristband, and tetra-CBs were the dominant homologue group. PCB-66, -44, and -70 were the most abundant congeners measured in worker wristbands, none of which are included within the typical seven indicator or WHO 12 PCBs. Workers who cut PCB-containing sealants had wristbands with the highest PCB concentrations (geometric mean ∑209PCBs = 1963 ng/g wristband), which were followed by those handling concrete elements on the building roof. Additionally, wristbands captured a broader range of PCBs than has been previously measured in air and serum samples. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of total congener analysis in assessing current PCB exposure in demolition work and the utility of wristbands for assessing these exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C. Hammel
- National Research Centre
for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Marie Frederiksen
- National Research Centre
for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Huang Z, Peng C, Rong Z, Jiang L, Li Y, Feng Y, Chen S, Xie C, Jiang C. Longitudinal Mapping of Personal Biotic and Abiotic Exposomes and Transcriptome in Underwater Confined Space Using Wearable Passive Samplers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5229-5243. [PMID: 38466915 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Silicone-based passive samplers, commonly paired with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, are increasingly utilized for personal exposure assessments. However, its compatibility with the biotic exposome remains underexplored. In this study, we introduce the wearable silicone-based AirPie passive sampler, coupled with nontargeted liquid chromatography with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS), GC-HRMS, and metagenomic shotgun sequencing methods, offering a comprehensive view of personalized airborne biotic and abiotic exposomes. We applied the AirPie samplers to 19 participants in a unique deep underwater confined environment, annotating 4,390 chemical and 2,955 microbial exposures, integrated with corresponding transcriptomic data. We observed significant shifts in environmental exposure and gene expression upon entering this unique environment. We noted increased exposure to pollutants, such as benzenoids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), opportunistic pathogens, and associated antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs). Transcriptomic analyses revealed the activation of neurodegenerative disease-related pathways, mostly related to chemical exposure, and the repression of immune-related pathways, linked to both biological and chemical exposures. In summary, we provided a comprehensive, longitudinal exposome map of the unique environment and underscored the intricate linkages between external exposures and human health. We believe that the AirPie sampler and associated analytical methods will have broad applications in exposome and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinuo Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China
| | - Chen Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Zixin Rong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Liuyiqi Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Yueer Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Yue Feng
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | | | | | - Chao Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection, and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
- Center for Life Sciences, Shaoxing Institute, Zhejiang University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 321000, China
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Mu H, Yang X, Wang K, Osman R, Xu W, Liu X, Ritsema CJ, Geissen V. Exposure risk to rural Residents: Insights into particulate and gas phase pesticides in the Indoor-Outdoor nexus. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 184:108457. [PMID: 38281448 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108457] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Rural residents are exposed to both particulate and gaseous pesticides in the indoor-outdoor nexus in their daily routine. However, previous personal exposure assessment mostly focuses on single aspects of the exposure, such as indoor or gaseous exposure, leading to severe cognition bias to evaluate the exposure risks. In this study, residential dust and silicone wristbands (including stationary and personal wearing ones) were used to screen pesticides in different phases and unfold the hidden characteristics of personal exposure via indoor-outdoor nexus in intensive agricultural area. Mento-Carlo Simulation was performed to assess the probabilistic exposure risk by transforming adsorbed pesticides from wristbands into air concentration, which explores a new approach to integrate particulate (dust) and gaseous (silicone wristbands) pesticide exposures in indoor and outdoor environment. The results showed that particulate pesticides were more concentrated in indoor, whereas significantly higher concentrations were detected in stationary outdoor wristbands (p < 0.05). Carbendazim and chlorpyrifos were the most frequently detected pesticides in dust and stationary wristbands. Higher pesticide concentration was found in personal wristbands worn by farmers, with the maximum value of 2048 ng g-1 for difenoconazole. Based on the probabilistic risk assessment, around 7.1 % of farmers and 2.6 % of bystanders in local populations were potentially suffering from chronic health issues. One third of pesticide exposures originated mainly from occupational sources while the rest derived from remoting dissipation. Unexpectedly, 43 % of bystanders suffered the same levels of exposure as farmers under the co-existence of occupational and non-occupational exposures. Differed compositions of pesticides were found between environmental samples and personal pesticide exposure patterns, highlighting the need for holistic personal exposure measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Mu
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, National Observation and Research Station of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands; College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, China.
| | - Kai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, National Observation and Research Station of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Rima Osman
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, National Observation and Research Station of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuejun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, National Observation and Research Station of Agriculture Green Development, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Coen J Ritsema
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Violette Geissen
- Soil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
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10
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McLarnan SM, Bramer LM, Dixon HM, Scott RP, Calero L, Holmes D, Gibson EA, Cavalier HM, Rohlman D, Miller RL, Kincl L, Waters KM, Anderson KA, Herbstman JB. Predicting personal PAH exposure using high dimensional questionnaire and wristband data. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-023-00617-y. [PMID: 38177333 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of pervasive environmental pollutants with a variety of known health effects. While significant work has been completed to estimate personal exposure to PAHs, less has been done to identify sources of these exposures. Comprehensive characterization of reported sources of personal PAH exposure is a critical step to more easily identify individuals at risk of high levels of exposure and for developing targeted interventions based on source of exposure. OBJECTIVE In this study, we leverage data from a New York (NY)-based birth cohort to identify personal characteristics or behaviors associated with personal PAH exposure and develop models for the prediction of PAH exposure. METHODS We quantified 61 PAHs measured using silicone wristband samplers in association with 75 questionnaire variables from 177 pregnant individuals. We evaluated univariate associations between each compound and questionnaire variable, conducted regression tree analysis for each PAH compound and completed a principal component analysis of for each participant's entire PAH exposure profile to determine the predictors of PAH levels. RESULTS Regression tree analyses of individual compounds and exposure mixture identified income, time spent outdoors, maternal age, country of birth, transportation type, and season as the variables most frequently predictive of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M McLarnan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Lisa M Bramer
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Holly M Dixon
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Richard P Scott
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lehyla Calero
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Darrell Holmes
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Gibson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Haleigh M Cavalier
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Diana Rohlman
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Rachel L Miller
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Laurel Kincl
- Oregon State University, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Katrina M Waters
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, NY, USA
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11
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Bramer LM, Dixon HM, Degnan DJ, Rohlman D, Herbstman JB, Anderson KA, Waters KM. Expanding the access of wearable silicone wristbands in community-engaged research through best practices in data analysis and integration. PACIFIC SYMPOSIUM ON BIOCOMPUTING. PACIFIC SYMPOSIUM ON BIOCOMPUTING 2024; 29:170-186. [PMID: 38160278 PMCID: PMC10766083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Wearable silicone wristbands are a rapidly growing exposure assessment technology that offer researchers the ability to study previously inaccessible cohorts and have the potential to provide a more comprehensive picture of chemical exposure within diverse communities. However, there are no established best practices for analyzing the data within a study or across multiple studies, thereby limiting impact and access of these data for larger meta-analyses. We utilize data from three studies, from over 600 wristbands worn by participants in New York City and Eugene, Oregon, to present a first-of-its-kind manuscript detailing wristband data properties. We further discuss and provide concrete examples of key areas and considerations in common statistical modeling methods where best practices must be established to enable meta-analyses and integration of data from multiple studies. Finally, we detail important and challenging aspects of machine learning, meta-analysis, and data integration that researchers will face in order to extend beyond the limited scope of individual studies focused on specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Bramer
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd Richland, WA 99354, United States,
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12
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Bakulski KM, Blostein F, London SJ. Linking Prenatal Environmental Exposures to Lifetime Health with Epigenome-Wide Association Studies: State-of-the-Science Review and Future Recommendations. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:126001. [PMID: 38048101 PMCID: PMC10695268 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prenatal environment influences lifetime health; epigenetic mechanisms likely predominate. In 2016, the first international consortium paper on cigarette smoking during pregnancy and offspring DNA methylation identified extensive, reproducible exposure signals. This finding raised expectations for epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of other exposures. OBJECTIVE We review the current state-of-the-science for DNA methylation associations across prenatal exposures in humans and provide future recommendations. METHODS We reviewed 134 prenatal environmental EWAS of DNA methylation in newborns, focusing on 51 epidemiological studies with meta-analysis or replication testing. Exposures spanned cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, air pollution, dietary factors, psychosocial stress, metals, other chemicals, and other exogenous factors. Of the reproducible DNA methylation signatures, we examined implementation as exposure biomarkers. RESULTS Only 19 (14%) of these prenatal EWAS were conducted in cohorts of 1,000 or more individuals, reflecting the still early stage of the field. To date, the largest perinatal EWAS sample size was 6,685 participants. For comparison, the most recent genome-wide association study for birth weight included more than 300,000 individuals. Replication, at some level, was successful with exposures to cigarette smoking, folate, dietary glycemic index, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 10 μ m and < 2.5 μ m , nitrogen dioxide, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, electronic waste, PFAS, and DDT. Reproducible effects of a more limited set of prenatal exposures (smoking, folate) enabled robust methylation biomarker creation. DISCUSSION Current evidence demonstrates the scientific premise for reproducible DNA methylation exposure signatures. Better powered EWAS could identify signatures across many exposures and enable comprehensive biomarker development. Whether methylation biomarkers of exposures themselves cause health effects remains unclear. We expect that larger EWAS with enhanced coverage of epigenome and exposome, along with improved single-cell technologies and evolving methods for integrative multi-omics analyses and causal inference, will expand mechanistic understanding of causal links between environmental exposures, the epigenome, and health outcomes throughout the life course. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12956.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Freida Blostein
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Stephanie J. London
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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13
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Hammel SC, Hansen KK, Madsen AM, Kolstad HA, Schlünssen V, Frederiksen M. Organophosphate ester (OPE) exposure among waste recycling and administrative workers in Denmark using silicone wristbands. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140449. [PMID: 37839747 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140449] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
In a recent estimate, 96 million tons of hazardous waste were produced in the European Union, most of which were handled among the member states. Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are applied as flame retardants and plasticizers and are present in many products, e.g., electronics, which end up in the hazardous waste stream upon disposal. Given the growing body of information suggesting potential adverse health effects of OPEs, waste recycling workers who handle hazardous waste could potentially be at risk of elevated exposure to these chemicals. Using silicone wristbands, we evaluated OPE exposure among waste recycling workers who handled hazardous waste and compared their exposure to that of administrative workers from the same waste companies. Wristbands were extracted and analyzed for six OPEs, which were all detected in >75% of wristbands. Overall, the sum of tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (∑TCIPP) isomers was the most abundant OPE across all wristbands collected within the study. In general, the sum of tri(methyl phenyl) phosphate isomers (∑TMPP) was elevated for all waste workers (10β = 7.9), whereas tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP), tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), and ∑TMPP were 3-12 times higher among those specifically handling electronic and hazardous waste compared to the administrative workers (p < 0.05). Repeated wristband measurements from the same worker had fair to good consistency in OPE concentrations (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.54-0.77), except for the two most volatile chlorinated OPEs. Taken together, our results suggest that waste recycling workers who handle electronic and hazardous waste have significantly elevated exposure to OPEs, and efforts to reduce these exposures should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Hammel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Karoline K Hansen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Henrik A Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Marie Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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14
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Mohammed S, Koekkoek J, Hodgson IOA, de Boer J, Lamoree M. Silicone wristband as a sampling tool for insecticide exposure assessment of vegetable farmers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:117094. [PMID: 37683782 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The use of passive sampling devices (PSDs) as an appropriate alternative to conventional methods of assessing human exposure to environmental toxicants was studied. One-time purposive sampling by a silicone wristband was used to measure insecticide residues in 35 volunteer pepper farmers in the Vea irrigation scheme in the Guinea savannah and the Weija irrigation scheme in the coastal savannah ecological zones of Ghana. A GC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for quantifying 18 insecticides used by farmers in Ghana. Limits of detection (LODs) and quantitation (LOQs) ranged from 0.64 to 67 and 2.2-222 ng per wristband, respectively. The selected insecticides showed a range of concentrations in the various silicone wristbands from not detected to 27 μg/wristband. The concentrations of 13 insecticides were above their LOQs. Chlorpyrifos had the highest detection frequencies and concentrations, followed by cyhalothrin and then allethrin. This study shows that silicone wristbands can be used to detect individual insecticide exposures, providing a valuable tool for future exposure studies. Ghanaian vegetable farmers are substantially exposed to insecticides. Hence, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saada Mohammed
- Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; CSIR Water Research Institute, P.O. Box 38, Achimota, Ghana.
| | - Jacco Koekkoek
- Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jacob de Boer
- Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marja Lamoree
- Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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15
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Bramer LM, Dixon HM, Degnan DJ, Rohlman D, Herbstman JB, Anderson KA, Waters KM. Expanding the access of wearable silicone wristbands in community-engaged research through best practices in data analysis and integration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.29.560217. [PMID: 37873084 PMCID: PMC10592864 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Wearable silicone wristbands are a rapidly growing exposure assessment technology that offer researchers the ability to study previously inaccessible cohorts and have the potential to provide a more comprehensive picture of chemical exposure within diverse communities. However, there are no established best practices for analyzing the data within a study or across multiple studies, thereby limiting impact and access of these data for larger meta-analyses. We utilize data from three studies, from over 600 wristbands worn by participants in New York City and Eugene, Oregon, to present a first-of-its-kind manuscript detailing wristband data properties. We further discuss and provide concrete examples of key areas and considerations in common statistical modeling methods where best practices must be established to enable meta-analyses and integration of data from multiple studies. Finally, we detail important and challenging aspects of machine learning, meta-analysis, and data integration that researchers will face in order to extend beyond the limited scope of individual studies focused on specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Bramer
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd Richland, WA 99354, United States
| | - Holly M Dixon
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - David J Degnan
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd Richland, WA 99354, United States
| | - Diana Rohlman
- College of Health, Oregon State University, 103 SW Memorial Place, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, New York City, NY 10032, United States
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Katrina M Waters
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Blvd Richland, WA 99354, United States
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
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16
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Hegedus C, Andronie L, Uiuiu P, Jurco E, Lazar EA, Popescu S. Pets, Genuine Tools of Environmental Pollutant Detection. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2923. [PMID: 37760323 PMCID: PMC10525180 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In a shared environment, our companion animals became unintended sentinels for pollutant exposure consequences, developing even earlier similar conditions to humans. This review focused on the human-pet cohabitation in an environment we all share. Alongside other species, canine and feline companions are veritable models in human medical research. The latency period for showing chronic exposure effects to pollutants is just a few years in them, compared to considerably more, decades in humans. Comparing the serum values of people and their companion animals can, for example, indicate the degree of poisonous lead load we are exposed to and of other substances as well. We can find 2.4 times higher perfluorochemicals from stain- and grease-proof coatings in canine companions, 23 times higher values of flame retardants in cats, and 5 times more mercury compared to the average levels tested in humans. All these represent early warning signals. Taking these into account, together with the animal welfare orientation of today's society, finding non-invasive methods to detect the degree of environmental pollution in our animals becomes paramount, alongside the need to raise awareness of the risks carried by certain chemicals we knowingly use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Hegedus
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Luisa Andronie
- Department of Biophysics, Meteorology and Climatology, Faculty of Forestry and Cadastre, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Paul Uiuiu
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eugen Jurco
- Department of Technological Sciences, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eva Andrea Lazar
- Association for the Welfare of Horses, 725700 Vatra Dornei, Romania;
| | - Silvana Popescu
- Department of Animal Hygiene and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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17
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Samon SM, Barton M, Anderson K, Oluyomi A, Bondy M, Armstrong G, Rohlman D. Integrating participant feedback and concerns to improve community and individual level chemical exposure assessment reports. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1732. [PMID: 37674147 PMCID: PMC10481616 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16661-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As exposure assessment has shifted towards community-engaged research there has been an increasing trend towards reporting results to participants. Reports aim to increase environmental health literacy, but this can be challenging due to the many unknowns regarding chemical exposure and human health effects. This includes when reports encompass a wide-range of chemicals, limited reference or health standards exist for those chemicals, and/or incompatibility of data generated from exposure assessment tools with published reference values (e.g., comparing a wristband concentration to an oral reference dose). METHODS Houston Hurricane Harvey Health (Houston-3H) participants wore silicone wristbands that were analyzed for 1,530 organic compounds at two time-points surrounding Hurricane Harvey. Three focus groups were conducted in separate neighborhoods in the Houston metropolitan area to evaluate response to prototype community and individual level report-backs. Participants (n = 31) evaluated prototype drafts using Likert scales and discussion prompts. Focus groups were audio-recorded, and transcripts were analyzed using a qualitative data analysis program for common themes, and quantitative data (ranking, Likert scales) were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Four main themes emerged from analysis of the transcripts: (1) views on the report layout; (2) expression of concern over how chemicals might impact their individual or community health; (3) participants emotional response towards the researchers; and (4) participants ability to comprehend and evaluate environmental health information. Evaluation of the report and key concerns differed across the three focus groups. However, there was agreement amongst the focus groups about the desire to obtain personal exposure results despite the uncertainty of what the participant results meant. CONCLUSIONS The report-back of research results (RBRR) for community and individual level exposure assessment data should keep the following key principles in mind: materials should be accessible (language level, data visualization options, graph literacy), identify known information vs unknown (e.g., provide context for what exposure assessment data means, acknowledge lack of current health standards or guidelines), recognize and respect community knowledge and history, and set participant expectations for what they can expect from the report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Samon
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Michael Barton
- Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Kim Anderson
- Department of Environmental & Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Abiodun Oluyomi
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Gulf Coast Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Melissa Bondy
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Georgina Armstrong
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Diana Rohlman
- College of Health, Weniger Hall 223, 103 SW Memorial Place, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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18
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Tryner J, Quinn C, Molina Rueda E, Andales MJ, L'Orange C, Mehaffy J, Carter E, Volckens J. AirPen: A Wearable Monitor for Characterizing Exposures to Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37450410 PMCID: PMC10373498 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution is a leading risk factor for disease and premature death, but technologies for assessing personal exposure to particulate and gaseous air pollutants, including the timing and location of such exposures, are limited. We developed a small, quiet, wearable monitor, called the AirPen, to quantify personal exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The AirPen combines physical sample collection (PM onto a filter and VOCs onto a sorbent tube) with a suite of low-cost sensors (for PM, VOCs, temperature, pressure, humidity, light intensity, location, and motion). We validated the AirPen against conventional personal sampling equipment in the laboratory and then conducted a field study to measure at-work and away-from-work exposures to PM2.5 and VOCs among employees at an agricultural facility in Colorado, USA. The resultant sampling and sensor data indicated that personal exposures to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes were dominated by a specific workplace location. These results illustrate how the AirPen can be used to advance our understanding of personal exposure to air pollution as a function of time, location, source, and activity, even in the absence of detailed activity diary data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Tryner
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Casey Quinn
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Emilio Molina Rueda
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Marie J Andales
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Christian L'Orange
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - John Mehaffy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - Ellison Carter
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 1372 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - John Volckens
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, 1374 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
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Yin S, McGrath TJ, Cseresznye A, Bombeke J, Poma G, Covaci A. Assessment of silicone wristbands for monitoring personal exposure to chlorinated paraffins (C 8-36): A pilot study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115526. [PMID: 36813067 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are a major environmental concern due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment. Since human exposure to CPs can significantly differ among individuals, it is essential to have an effective tool for monitoring personal exposure to CPs. In this pilot study, silicone wristbands (SWBs) were employed as a personal passive sampler to measure time-weighted average exposure to CPs. Twelve participants were asked to wear a pre-cleaned wristband for a week during the summer of 2022, and three field samplers (FSs) in different micro-environments were also deployed. The samples were then analyzed for CP homologs by LC-Q-TOFMS. In worn SWBs, the median concentrations of quantifiable CP classes were 19 ng/g wb, 110 ng/g wb, and 13 ng/g wb for ∑SCCPs, ∑MCCPs, and ∑LCCPs (C18-20), respectively. For the first time, lipid content is reported in worn SWBs, which could be a potential impact factor in the kinetics of the accumulation process for CPs. Results showed that micro-environments were key contributors to dermal exposure to CPs, while a few outliers suggested other sources of exposure. CP exposure via dermal contact showed an increased contribution and thus poses a nonnegligible potential risk to humans in daily life. Results presented here provide proof of concept of the use of SWBs as a cheap and non-invasive personal sampler in exposure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yin
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Thomas J McGrath
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adam Cseresznye
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jasper Bombeke
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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20
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Dufour P, Pirard C, Lebrethon MC, Charlier C. Associations between endocrine disruptor contamination and thyroid hormone homeostasis in Belgian type 1 diabetic children. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023:10.1007/s00420-023-01974-9. [PMID: 37071173 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01974-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Humans are daily exposed to many environmental pollutants, some of which being suspected to be thyroid disruptors. Some populations could be particularly susceptible to thyroid disruption, such like diabetics due to the well-known relation between the thyroid function and the control of carbohydrate homeostasis by pancreas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the exposure to several persistent and non-persistent chemicals and thyroid hormones levels in children with type 1 diabetes. METHODS Blood and urine sample were collected from 54 children diagnosed for type 1 diabetes mellitus. The concentrations of 7 phthalate metabolites, 4 parabens, 7 bisphenols, benzophenone 3 and triclosan were measured in urine, while 15 organochlorine pesticides, 4 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 7 perfluoroalkyl substances were analyzed in serum samples. In the same time, the blood levels of free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac) were determined. RESULTS We highlighted positive associations between serum perfluorohexane sulfonate and urinary monoethylphthalate levels, and TSH level in blood. We also found that PCB 138 was positively associated to fT4 while urinary levels of bisphenol F were negatively correlated to this hormone. Finally, we observed positive associations between Hb1Ac levels and the contamination by PCB 153 and two urinary phthalate metabolites: mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate and mono-2-ethyl-5-oxoxyhexyl phthalate. CONCLUSION Our results showed that our small cohort of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus is potentially susceptible to thyroid disruptions by some pollutants. Moreover, for these children, both di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites would potentially hamper the glucose homeostasis. Nevertheless, additional studies are mandatory to further explore these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Dufour
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULiège), CHU (B35), 1, Avenue de L'Hôpital, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (C.I.R.M.), University of Liege (ULiège), CHU (B35), 4000, Liege, Belgium.
| | - Catherine Pirard
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULiège), CHU (B35), 1, Avenue de L'Hôpital, 4000, Liege, Belgium
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (C.I.R.M.), University of Liege (ULiège), CHU (B35), 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Corinne Charlier
- Laboratory of Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology, University of Liege (ULiège), CHU (B35), 1, Avenue de L'Hôpital, 4000, Liege, Belgium
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On Medicines (C.I.R.M.), University of Liege (ULiège), CHU (B35), 4000, Liege, Belgium
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21
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Brouwer D, Keretetse G, Nelson G. Quantitative Self-Assessment of Exposure to Solvents among Formal and Informal Nail Technicians in Johannesburg, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085459. [PMID: 37107741 PMCID: PMC10139043 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Participatory research, including self-assessment of exposure (SAE), can engage study participants and reduce costs. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and reliability of a SAE regime among nail technicians. The study was nested in a larger study, which included exposure assessment supervised by experts, i.e., controlled assessment of exposure (CAE). In the SAE approach, ten formal and ten informal nail technicians were verbally instructed to use a passive sampler and complete an activity sheet. Each participant conducted measurements on three consecutive days, whereafter the expert collected the passive samplers. Sixty samples were, thus, analyzed for twenty-one volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The reported concentrations of 11 VOCs were converted into total VOC (TVOC) concentrations, adjusted for their respective emission rates (adj TVOC) to allow comparison within and between nail technician categories (formal vs informal), as well as assessment regimes (SAE versus CAE), using the data from the main study. In total, 57 SAE and 58 CAE results were compared, using a linear mixed-effects model. There were variations in individual VOC concentrations, especially for the informal sector participants. The major contributors to the adj TVOC concentrations were acetone and 2-propanol for the formal category, whereas ethyl- and methyl methacrylate contributed most to the informal nail technicians' total exposures. No significant differences in adj TVOC-concentrations were observed between the assessment regimes, but significantly higher exposures were recorded in the formal technicians. The results show that the SAE approach is feasible in the informal service sector and can extend an exposure dataset to enable reliable estimates for scenarios with substantial exposure variations.
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Mofidfar M, Song X, Kelly JT, Rubenstein MH, Zare RN. Silicone Wristband Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Combined Exposome and Metabolome Profiling. Isr J Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.202200116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaowei Song
- Department of Chemistry Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
| | - John T. Kelly
- Air Force Research Laboratory Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433 USA
| | | | - Richard N. Zare
- Department of Chemistry Stanford University Stanford CA 94305 USA
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23
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Zhu K, Kawyn MN, Kordas K, Mu L, Yoo EH, Seibert R, Smith LE. Assessing exposure to household air pollution in children under five: A scoping review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119917. [PMID: 35963391 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the differences in the approaches used to assess household air pollution (HAP) is crucial for evaluating HAP-related health effects and interpreting the effectiveness of stove-fuel interventions. Our review aims to understand how exposure to HAP from solid fuels was measured in epidemiological studies in children under five. We conducted a search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Global Health Library, Web of Science, and CINAHL to identify English-language research articles published between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2022. Two researchers applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria independently. Study region, type of measurement, study design, health outcomes, and other key characteristics were extracted from each article and analyzed descriptively. Our search strategy yielded 2229 records, of which 185 articles were included. A large proportion was published between 2018 and 2022 (42.1%), applied a cross-sectional study design (47.6%), and took place in low- or lower middle-income countries. Most studies (130/185, 70.3%) assessed HAP using questionnaires/interviews, most frequently posing questions on cooking fuel type, followed by household ventilation and cooking location. Cooking frequency/duration and children's location while cooking was less commonly considered. About 28.6% (53/185) used monitors, but the application of personal portable samplers was limited (particulate matter [PM]: 12/40, 30.0%; carbon monoxide [CO]: 13/34, 38.2%). Few studies used biomarkers or modeling approaches to estimate HAP exposure among children under five. More studies that report household and behavioral characteristics and children's location while cooking, apply personal exposure samplers, and perform biomarker analysis are needed to advance our understandings of HAP exposure among infants and young children, who are particularly susceptible to HAP-related health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Marissa N Kawyn
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lina Mu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Eun-Hye Yoo
- Department of Geography, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Seibert
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Laura E Smith
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Frederiksen M, Andersen HV, Ovesen SL, Vorkamp K, Hammel SC, Knudsen LE. Silicone wristbands as personal passive samplers of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in contaminated buildings. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 167:107397. [PMID: 35933843 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were used in a number of industrial products from 1950 to 80s, including building materials. As a result, some buildings exhibit high levels of PCBs in the indoor environment. The aim of this study was to test silicone wristbands as a method for estimating personal exposure to PCBs in buildings both in controlled experiments and field settings. In the controlled study, the sampling kinetics of silicone wristbands were investigated in a 31-day uptake study. The field study focused on the application of wristbands as a personal exposure measure. It included 71 persons in a contaminated housing estate and 23 persons in a reference group. The linear uptake of PCBs ranged from 2 to 24 days for PCB-8, 18, 28, 31, 40, 44, 49, 52, 66, 99, and 101 under controlled conditions. A generic sampling rate (Rk) of 2.3 m3 d-1 corresponding to a mass transfer coefficient of 17 m h-1 was found in the controlled kinetic study. Partitioning coefficients were also determined for the nine congeners. In the field study, an apparent generic field sampling rate (Rf) of 2.6 m3 d-1 was found; when adjusted to reported hours exposed, it increased to 3.5 m3 d-1. The wristbands were shown to be a good tool for predicting airborne exposure, as there was a highly significant difference between the exposed and reference group as well as a clear trend when used for ranking of exposure. In correlation analyses, highly significant correlations were observed between air and wristband levels, though adjusting by self-reported exposure time only increased the correlation marginally in the field study. The obtained kinetic data can be used for estimating the magnitude of external exposure. The advantages provided by the wristbands in the form of easy use and handling are significant, though the limitations should also be acknowledged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Helle Vibeke Andersen
- Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A.C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2400 Copenhagen SV, Denmark
| | - Sofie Lillelund Ovesen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Stephanie C Hammel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth E Knudsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, 1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
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