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Notario Barandiaran L, Bauer JA, Jackson BP, Karagas MR. Fish intake and mercury exposure in young children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119277. [PMID: 38821458 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Fish consumption is one of the main sources of mercury (Hg) exposure, but few studies have examined Hg exposure from fish consumption among children. This study aimed to assess the frequency of fish intake and associations with Hg and other element concentrations among 700 three-year-old children from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. Usual fish intake was derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire (Block Questionnaire for ages 2-7) and toenail element concentrations were determined using ICP-MS. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between fish intake and toenail element concentrations. A mixture analysis, using Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, was used to estimate the relative contribution of fish consumption to element exposures. Twenty-three percent of children were reported to consume at least one fish meal/week on average during the previous 6 months. In adjusted linear regression models, children with any type of fish consumption versus no consumption had 108% (95% confidence interval (CI: 68%, 153%)) higher toenail Hg concentrations. To a lesser extent, children consuming "other fish (not fried) including tuna" and "fried fish or fish sticks" had 120% (95% CI: 82%, 164%), and 23% (95% CI: 2%, 51%) higher toenail concentrations, respectively, than those consuming no fish. Using WQS regression, Hg was the element most strongly related to fish consumption. Fish intake among young children was related to Hg exposure even at low levels of consumption. Future studies will need to determine the health consequences of this exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia A Bauer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Trace Element Analysis Laboratory, Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
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Pérez-Castro S, D’Auria G, Llambrich M, Fernández-Barrés S, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Llop S, Regueiro B, Bustamante M, Francino MP, Vrijheid M, Maitre L. Influence of perinatal and childhood exposure to tobacco and mercury in children's gut microbiota. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1258988. [PMID: 38249448 PMCID: PMC10799562 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1258988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Early life determinants of the development of gut microbiome composition in infants have been widely investigated; however, if early life pollutant exposures, such as tobacco or mercury, have a persistent influence on the gut microbial community, its stabilization at later childhood remains largely unknown. Objective In this exposome-wide study, we aimed at identifying the contribution of exposure to tobacco and mercury from the prenatal period to childhood, to individual differences in the fecal microbiome composition of 7-year-old children, considering co-exposure to a width of established lifestyle and clinical determinants. Methods Gut microbiome was studied by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing in 151 children at the genus level. Exposure to tobacco was quantified during pregnancy through questionnaire (active tobacco consumption, second-hand smoking -SHS) and biomonitoring (urinary cotinine) at 4 years (urinary cotinine, SHS) and 7 years (SHS). Exposure to mercury was quantified during pregnancy (cord blood) and at 4 years (hair). Forty nine other potential environmental determinants (12 at pregnancy/birth/infancy, 15 at 4 years and 22 at 7 years, such as diet, demographics, quality of living/social environment, and clinical records) were registered. We used multiple models to determine microbiome associations with pollutants including multi-determinant multivariate analysis of variance and linear correlations (wUnifrac, Bray-Curtis and Aitchison ß-diversity distances), single-pollutant permutational multivariate analysis of variance adjusting for co-variates (Aitchison), and multivariable association model with single taxa (MaAsLin2; genus). Sensitivity analysis was performed including genetic data in a subset of 107 children. Results Active smoking in pregnancy was systematically associated with microbiome composition and ß-diversity (R2 2-4%, p < 0.05, Aitchison), independently of other co-determinants. However, in the adjusted single pollutant models (PERMANOVA), we did not find any significant association. An increased relative abundance of Dorea and decreased relative abundance of Akkermansia were associated with smoking during pregnancy (q < 0.05). Discussion Our findings suggest a long-term sustainable effect of prenatal tobacco exposure on the children's gut microbiota. This effect was not found for mercury exposure or tobacco exposure during childhood. Assessing the role of these exposures on the children's microbiota, considering multiple environmental factors, should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Pérez-Castro
- Microbiology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), Vigo, Spain
- Microbiology and Infectology Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
| | - Giuseppe D’Auria
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Sequencing and Bioinformatics Service, Fundació per al Foment de la Investigació Sanitària i Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Llambrich
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Fernández-Barrés
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO–Universitat Jaume I–Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO–Universitat Jaume I–Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Benito Regueiro
- Microbiology and Infectology Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Àrea de Genòmica i Salut, Fundació per al Foment de la Investigació Sanitària i Biomèdica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salut Pública, Valencia, Spain
| | - M. Pilar Francino
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Àrea de Genòmica i Salut, Fundació per al Foment de la Investigació Sanitària i Biomèdica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salut Pública, Valencia, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Léa Maitre
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
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López-González U, Riutort-Mayol G, Soler-Blasco R, Lozano M, Murcia M, Vioque J, Iriarte G, Ballester F, Llop S. Exposure to mercury among Spanish adolescents: Eleven years of follow-up. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116204. [PMID: 37211180 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The toxic effects of mercury exposure on human health are a public health concern. The most important source of this exposure is the consumption of fish and marine mammals. This study aims to describe hair mercury concentrations and their evolution from birth until eleven years of age in adolescents from the INMA (Environment and Childhood) birth cohort study, and to assess the association of hair mercury concentrations at eleven years of age with sociodemographic and dietary factors. The sample comprised 338 adolescents from the sub-cohort of Valencia (in eastern Spain). Total mercury (THg) was measured in hair samples collected at 4, 9 and 11 years old and in cord blood at birth. The equivalent of hair for cord-blood THg concentrations was calculated. Fish consumption and other characteristics at 11 years old were collected through questionnaires. Multivariate linear regression models were conducted to explore the association between THg concentrations, fish consumption and covariates. The geometric mean of hair THg concentrations at 11 years of age was 0.86 μg/g (95%CI: 0.78-0.94) and 45.2% of the participants presented concentrations above the equivalent RfD proposed by the US EPA (1 μg/g). Consumption of fish such as swordfish, canned tuna and other large oily fish was associated with higher levels of hair mercury at 11 years of age. Swordfish had the highest effect with an increase of 125% in hair mercury (95%CI: 61.2-214.9%) given a 100 g/week increase in its consumption, and, taking into account the frequency of consumption, canned tuna was the main contributor to Hg exposure among our population. The hair THg concentrations at 11 years of age represented a reduction of around 69% with respect to that estimated at childbirth. Even though THg exposure shows a sustained decreasing trend, it can still be considered elevated. INMA birth cohort studies provide a longitudinal assessment of mercury exposure in a vulnerable population, its associated factors and temporal trends, and this information could be used to adjust recommendations about this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Riutort-Mayol
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Raquel Soler-Blasco
- Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Lozano
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Servei de Planificació I Avaluació de Polítiques de Salut, Conselleria de Sanitat Universal I Salut Pública, Generalitat Valenciana, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Alicante Institute of Health and Biomedical Research, University Miguel Hernandez (ISABIAL-UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - Gorka Iriarte
- Public Health Laboratory in Alava, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Department of Nursing, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Sarzo B, Ballester F, Soler-Blasco R, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Lozano M, Iriarte G, Beneito A, Riutort-Mayol G, Murcia M, Llop S. Pre and postnatal exposure to mercury and sexual development in 9-year-old children in Spain: The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113620. [PMID: 35697081 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113620] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Early exposure to mercury has been related to endocrine disruption. Steroid hormones play a crucial role in neural cell migration, differentiation, etc., as well as protecting against several neurotoxic compounds. We investigate the relation between mercury exposure and children's sexual development, and we evaluate the possible influence of different brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms on this association. Our study sample comprised 412 9-year-old children participating in the INMA cohort (2004-2015). Mercury concentrations were measured at birth (cord blood) and at 4 and 9 years of age (hair). Sexual development was assessed by levels of sex steroid hormones (estradiol and testosterone) in saliva and the Tanner stages of sex development at 9 years (categorized as 1: prepuberty and >1: pubertal onset). Covariates and confounders were collected through questionnaires during pregnancy and childhood. Polymorphisms in the BDNF gene were genotyped in cord blood DNA. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed between mercury levels and children's sexual development by sex. Effect modification by genetic polymorphisms and fish intake was assessed. We found marginally significant inverse associations between postnatal exposure to mercury (at 9 years) and testosterone levels (β[95%CI] = -0.16[-0.33,0.001], and -0.20[-0.42,0.03], for boys and girls, respectively). Additionally, we found that prenatal mercury was negatively associated with Tanner stage >1 in boys. Finally, we found significant genetic interactions for some single nucleotide polymorphisms in the BDNF gene. In conclusion, pre and postnatal exposure to mercury seems to affect children's sexual development and BDNF may play a role in this association, but further research would be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Sarzo
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Department of Microbiology and Ecology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; School of Mathematics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel Soler-Blasco
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Manuel Lozano
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gorka Iriarte
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública, Vitoria Gasteiz, Alava, Spain
| | - Andrea Beneito
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gabriel Riutort-Mayol
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Health Information Systems Analysis Service, Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Kao CS, Wang YL, Jiang CB, Chuang YC, Chen YH, Hsi HC, Chien LC. Associations of maternal food safety-related risk perceptions and protective behaviors with daily mercury intake and internal doses of Taiwanese women and their preschool children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113344. [PMID: 35461849 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113344] [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: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a well-known toxicant that can affect children's neurodevelopment. This study attempted to evaluate the internal dose of Hg in hair and fingernails and external Hg exposure from dietary consumption in 283 pairs of mothers and their children aged under 6 years in Taiwan. Mean Hg levels in hair and fingernail samples were 1.07 ± 0.67 and 0.42 ± 0.34 μg/g for mothers, and 1.11 ± 1.22 and 0.36 ± 0.26 μg/g for children, respectively. Our results showed that 42% of mothers and 41% of children had hair Hg levels exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency recommended value of 1 μg/g. Hg exposure in children was greater than that of their mothers. Estimated daily intake (EDI) levels of Hg among preschool children were 3.3-times higher than those of their mothers. A sensitivity analysis indicated that fish consumption was the main potential factor of Hg exposure among both mothers and their children. External Hg exposure using estimated daily dietary ingestion by mothers was a surrogate for internal hair Hg concentrations. However, poor correlations were found between EDI Hg levels and hair Hg levels among children aged 4-6 years. Exposure sources from food and other media, such as soil and dust, need to be considered to arrive at more-valid risk assessments for younger children's exposure to Hg. Children of mothers who did not have food safety-related risk perceptions or protective behaviors had significantly higher hair Hg concentrations compared to children whose mothers had risk perceptions and protective behaviors. Hg exposure of women of childbearing age and preschool children in Taiwan is still an area of great concern. Providing food safety information and risk-benefits of fish consumption for mothers may avoid harm to the developing nervous systems of their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Sian Kao
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Lin Wang
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Bin Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, SanZhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chih Chuang
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Cheng Hsi
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Health Safety Assessment of Ready-to-Eat Products Consumed by Children Aged 0.5–3 Years on the Polish Market. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112325. [PMID: 35684125 PMCID: PMC9183086 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxic elements have a negative impact on health, especially among infants and young children. Even low levels of exposure can impair the normal growth and development of children. In young children, all organs and metabolic processes are insufficiently developed, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxic elements. The aim of this study is to estimate the concentration of toxic elements in products consumed by infants and young children. The health risk of young children due to consumption of ready-made products potentially contaminated with As (arsenic), Cd (cadmium), Hg (mercury), and Pb (lead) was also assessed. A total of 397 samples (dinners, porridges, mousses, snacks “for the handle”, baby drinks, dairy) were analyzed for the content of toxic elements. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to assess As, Cd, and Pb concentration. The determination of Hg was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). In order to estimate children’s exposure to toxic elements, the content of indicators was also assessed: estimated daily intake (EDI), estimated weekly intake (EWI), provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI), the benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR). The average content of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb for all ready-made products for children is: 1.411 ± 0.248 µg/kg, 2.077 ± 0.154 µg/kg, 3.161 ± 0.159 µg/kg, and 9.265 ± 0.443 µg/kg, respectively. The highest content As was found in wafer/crisps (84.71 µg/kg); in the case of Cd, dinners with fish (20.15 µg/kg); for Hg, dinners with poultry (37.25 µg/kg); and for Pb, fruit mousse (138.99 µg/kg). The results showed that 4.53% of the samples attempted to exceed Pb, and 1.5% exceeded levels of Hg. The highest value of THQ was made in the case of drinks, for Cd and Pb in mousses for children, and Hg for dairy products. The THQ, BMDL, and PTWI ratios were not exceeded. The analyzed ready-to-eat products for children aged 0.5–3 years may contain toxic elements, but most of them appear to be harmless to health.
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Carrasco P, Estarlich M, Iñiguez C, Ferrero A, Murcia M, Esplugues A, Vioque J, Marina LS, Zabaleta C, Iriarte G, Fernández-Somoano A, Tardon A, Vrijheid M, Sunyer J, Ballester F, Llop S. Pre and postnatal exposure to mercury and respiratory health in preschool children from the Spanish INMA Birth Cohort Study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 782:146654. [PMID: 33838378 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Effects of mercury on maturing immune system have been reported, however the association with respiratory and allergy problems during infancy remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between pre and postnatal mercury exposure and respiratory and allergy problems among preschool children and to examine the role of potential modifying factors. Study subjects were children participant in Spanish Childhood and Environment Project (INMA, 2003-2008). We measured total mercury levels in cord blood (n = 1868) and hair at 4 years of age (n = 1347). Respiratory outcomes (wheezing, severe wheezing, chestiness, persistent cough, eczema and otitis) were obtained by questionnaires administered to parents. Associations were investigated by logistic regression adjusted for socio-demographic and lifestyle-related variables in each cohort and subsequent meta-analysis. We tested effect modification by factors related to individual susceptibility, diet and co-exposure with other pollutants. The geometric mean of cord blood and hair total mercury was 8.20 μg/L and 0.97 μg/g, respectively. No statistically significant association between pre or postnatal mercury exposure and respiratory and allergy outcomes was found. Notwithstanding, lower maternal intake of fruits and vegetables increased the risk of some respiratory outcomes due to the prenatal exposure to mercury (pint < 0.05). Moreover, an inverse association between prenatal mercury exposure and some respiratory outcomes was observed among children with higher maternal exposure to organocholorine compounds or smoking (pint < 0.05). Also, sex and postnatal smoking exposure modulated mercury postnatal effects on persistent cough (pint < 0.05). In conclusion, no association between pre and postnatal mercury exposure and respiratory and allergy problems among the whole population at study was found. However, diet and other toxicants could modulate this relation, especially during prenatal period. More research on this topic is warranted due to the limited evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Carrasco
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Marisa Estarlich
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Nursing School, Universitat de València, C/Jaume Roig s/n, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Statistics and Computational Research. Universitat de València, València, Dr. Moliner, 50 46100, Spain
| | - Amparo Ferrero
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Análisis de Sistemas de Información Sanitaria, Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana. C/Micer Mascó, 31-33, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Esplugues
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Nursing School, Universitat de València, C/Jaume Roig s/n, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Avda Pinto Baeza, 12, 03010 AlicanteAlicante, Spain
| | - Loreto Santa Marina
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Health Department of Basque Government, Sub-directorate of Public Health of Gipuzkoa, Avenida de Navarra 4, 20013 San Sebastián, Spain; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Doctor Begiristain, s/n, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Carlos Zabaleta
- Biodonostia Health Research Institute, Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Doctor Begiristain, s/n, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain; Nuestra señora de la Antigua Hospital, OSI Goierri-Alto Urola, OSAKIDETZA-Basque Health Service, Barrio Argixao, s/n, 20700 Zumarraga, Spain
| | - Gorka Iriarte
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública de Alava, Santiago 11, 01002 Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Somoano
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; IUOPA-Departamento de Medicina, University of Oviedo, Av. Julián Clavería, 6, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Health Research of the Principality of Asturias - Foundation for Biosanitary Research of Asturias (ISPA-FINBA), Avenida Hospital Universitario s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardon
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; IUOPA-Departamento de Medicina, University of Oviedo, Av. Julián Clavería, 6, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; Institute of Health Research of the Principality of Asturias - Foundation for Biosanitary Research of Asturias (ISPA-FINBA), Avenida Hospital Universitario s/n, 33011, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Plaça de la Mercè 10-12, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Plaça de la Mercè 10-12, 08002 Barcelona, Spain; Municipal Institute of Medical Research, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Nursing School, Universitat de València, C/Jaume Roig s/n, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Av. Catalunya 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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8
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Mielech A, Puścion-Jakubik A, Socha K. Assessment of the Risk of Contamination of Food for Infants and Toddlers. Nutrients 2021; 13:2358. [PMID: 34371868 PMCID: PMC8308760 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infants and toddlers are highly sensitive to contaminants in food. Chronic exposure can lead to developmental delays, disorders of the nervous, urinary and immune systems, and to cardiovascular disease. A literature review was conducted mainly in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus databases, and took into consideration papers published from October 2020 to March 2021. We focused on contaminant content, intake estimates, and exposure to contaminants most commonly found in foods consumed by infants and children aged 0.5-3 years. In the review, we included 83 publications with full access. Contaminants that pose a high health risk are toxic elements, acrylamide, bisphenol, and pesticide residues. Minor pollutants include: dioxins, mycotoxins, nitrates and nitrites, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In order to reduce the negative health effects of food contamination, it seems reasonable to educate parents to limit foods that are potentially dangerous for infants and young children. An appropriate varied diet, selected cooking techniques, and proper food preparation can increase the likelihood that the foods children consume are safe for their health. It is necessary to monitor food contamination, adhere to high standards at every stage of production, and improve the quality of food for children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Puścion-Jakubik
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2D Street, 15-222 Białystok, Poland; (A.M.); (K.S.)
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9
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Lozano M, Murcia M, Soler-Blasco R, González L, Iriarte G, Rebagliato M, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Esplugues A, Ballester F, Llop S. Exposure to mercury among 9-year-old children and neurobehavioural function. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 146:106173. [PMID: 33096466 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is an environmental neurotoxicant whose main route of exposure in humans is the consumption of seafood. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between Hg exposure at 9 years old and behaviour assessed at 9 and 11 years old. Study subjects were mother-child pairs participating in the INMA (Environment and Childhood) Project in Valencia (Spain). Total Hg (THg) was measured in hair samples from the children at 9 years old. Behaviour and emotions were assessed at 9 (n = 472) years and 11 (n = 385) years of age using the Child Behaviour Checklist test (CBCL) and the Conners Parents Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form (CPRS-R:S). Furthermore, the attention function was assessed by the Attention Network Test at 11 years old. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and dietary information was collected through questionnaires during pregnancy and childhood. Polymorphism in BDNF, APOE and GSTP1 were genotyped in cord blood DNA. Multivariable negative binomial regression models were built in order to study the association between THg concentrations and the scores obtained by the children at 9 and 11 years old. Effect modification by sex and genetic polymorphisms was assessed. The association between Hg levels and CBCL scores was positive (worse neurobehavioural development) for the CBCL internalizing and total problem scales (Incidence Rate Ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.07 [1.01, 1.13] and 1.05 [0.99, 1.11], respectively). The association between Hg and the externalizing and total problems CBCL scales and the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) index of the CPRS-R:S was different according to sex, with boys obtaining worse scores with increasing Hg, compared to girls. Statistically significant interactions were also observed for genetic polymorphisms affecting the association between early exposure to Hg and both CBCL and CPRS-R:S scores. In conclusion, postnatal Hg exposure is associated with poorer neurobehavioural development in 9- and 11-year-old children. Sex and the presence of certain genetic polymorphisms modified this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Lozano
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Análisis de Sistemas de Información Sanitaria, Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Raquel Soler-Blasco
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Llúcia González
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gorka Iriarte
- Laboratorio de Salud Pública, Alava, Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Marisa Rebagliato
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló, Spain
| | - Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Nursing School, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Esplugues
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Nursing School, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Nursing School, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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10
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Llop S, Murcia M, Amorós R, Julvez J, Santa-Marina L, Soler-Blasco R, Rebagliato M, Iñiguez C, Aguinagalde X, Iriarte G, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Andiarena A, Gonzalez L, Vioque J, Sunyer J, Ballester F. Postnatal exposure to mercury and neuropsychological development among preschooler children. Eur J Epidemiol 2020; 35:259-271. [DOI: 10.1007/s10654-020-00620-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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11
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Papadopoulou E, Haug LS, Sakhi AK, Andrusaityte S, Basagaña X, Brantsaeter AL, Casas M, Fernández-Barrés S, Grazuleviciene R, Knutsen HK, Maitre L, Meltzer HM, McEachan RRC, Roumeliotaki T, Slama R, Vafeiadi M, Wright J, Vrijheid M, Thomsen C, Chatzi L. Diet as a Source of Exposure to Environmental Contaminants for Pregnant Women and Children from Six European Countries. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:107005. [PMID: 31617753 PMCID: PMC6867312 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women and children are especially vulnerable to exposures to food contaminants, and a balanced diet during these periods is critical for optimal nutritional status. OBJECTIVES Our objective was to study the association between diet and measured blood and urinary levels of environmental contaminants in mother-child pairs from six European birth cohorts (n = 818 mothers and 1,288 children). METHODS We assessed the consumption of seven food groups and the blood levels of organochlorine pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and heavy metals and urinary levels of phthalate metabolites, phenolic compounds, and organophosphate pesticide (OP) metabolites. Organic food consumption during childhood was also studied. We applied multivariable linear regressions and targeted maximum likelihood based estimation (TMLE). RESULTS Maternal high (≥ 4 times / week ) versus low (< 2 times / week ) fish consumption was associated with 15% higher PCBs [geometric mean (GM) ratio = 1.15 ; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.29], 42% higher perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) (GM ratio = 1.42 ; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.68), 89% higher mercury (Hg) (GM ratio = 1.89 ; 95% CI: 1.47, 2.41) and a 487% increase in arsenic (As) (GM ratio = 4.87 ; 95% CI: 2.57, 9.23) levels. In children, high (≥ 3 times / week ) versus low (< 1.5 times / week ) fish consumption was associated with 23% higher perfluorononanoate (PFNA) (GM ratio = 1.23 ; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.40), 36% higher PFUnDA (GM ratio = 1.36 ; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.64), 37% higher perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) (GM ratio = 1.37 ; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.54), and > 200 % higher Hg and As [GM ratio = 3.87 (95% CI: 1.91, 4.31) and GM ratio = 2.68 (95% CI: 2.23, 3.21)] concentrations. Using TMLE analysis, we estimated that fish consumption within the recommended 2-3 times/week resulted in lower PFAS, Hg, and As compared with higher consumption. Fruit consumption was positively associated with OP metabolites. Organic food consumption was negatively associated with OP metabolites. DISCUSSION Fish consumption is related to higher PFAS, Hg, and As exposures. In addition, fruit consumption is a source of exposure to OPs. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5324.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Papadopoulou
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Småstuen Haug
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amrit Kaur Sakhi
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sandra Andrusaityte
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Xavier Basagaña
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Anne Lise Brantsaeter
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maribel Casas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Sílvia Fernández-Barrés
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | | | - Helle Katrine Knutsen
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lea Maitre
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Helle Margrete Meltzer
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rosemary R. C. McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Theano Roumeliotaki
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Remy Slama
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm), Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), University Grenoble Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Joint Research Center (U1209), La Tronche, Grenoble, France
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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12
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Soler-Blasco R, Murcia M, Lozano M, Aguinagalde X, Iriarte G, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Vioque J, Iñiguez C, Ballester F, Llop S. Exposure to mercury among 9-year-old Spanish children: Associated factors and trend throughout childhood. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104835. [PMID: 31226565 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is considered a neurotoxicant and human exposure occurs mainly from the consumption of marine species. We aimed to describe total mercury concentrations (THg) and associated factors in 9-year old children, as well as to explore the trend in THg from 4 to 9 years of age. The study population consisted of 9-year-old children participating in the INMA (Environment and Childhood) birth cohort study in Valencia, Spain (n = 405, 2013-2014). THg in hair samples was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry at the age of 4 and 9 years. Sociodemographic and dietary data was obtained through questionnaires. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the association between THg and covariates. The geometric mean (95% confidence interval) of hair THg at 9 years old was 0.89 μg/g (0.81, 0.98). Thirteen percent of children had THg above the equivalent to the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake proposed by the World Health Organization. THg were higher among children whose mothers had a healthy body mass index before pregnancy. Children with non-smoker mothers and worker fathers had also higher THg. Children's fish intake at 9 years-old was positively associated with THg, being swordfish, canned tuna and lean fish (i.e. hake, sea bream and sole) the most associated categories. Levels decreased by around 22% between 4 and 9 years old. Birth cohort studies, such as the INMA Project, allow the longitudinal evaluation of Hg exposure and the possible effects on children's health. This information can be used to formulate diet recommendations in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Soler-Blasco
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Lozano
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Spain
| | - Xabier Aguinagalde
- Public Health Laboratory in Alava, Santiago 11, 01002 Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Gorka Iriarte
- Public Health Laboratory in Alava, Santiago 11, 01002 Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Universidad Miguel Hernandez, ISABIAL-FISABIO, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Carmen Iñiguez
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Statistics and Computational Research, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ferran Ballester
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Department of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Algarve TD, Assmann CE, Cadoná FC, Machado AK, Manica-Cattani MF, Sato-Miyata Y, Asano T, Duarte MMMF, Ribeiro EE, Aigaki T, da Cruz IBM. Guarana improves behavior and inflammatory alterations triggered by methylmercury exposure: an in vivo fruit fly and in vitro neural cells study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:15069-15083. [PMID: 30915696 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04881-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known environmental pollutant associated with neurological and developmental deficits in animals and humans. However, epidemiological data showed that people living in the Amazon region although exposed to MeHg do not present these effects probably due to the protective effect of certain foods. We hypothesized here if guarana, a highly caffeinated fruit and consumed on a daily basis by Amazon people, could have some protective effect against MeHg toxicity using two complementary approaches. To assess locomotor impairment and sleep disruption, we used fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) model, and to evaluate neuroinflammation, we used human SH-SY5Y neural cells by measuring inflammatory cytokines levels. Results showed that guarana had a protective effect on the locomotor activity of male fruit flies reducing the excessive sleepiness caused by MeHg and increasing daily activity. Also, guarana increased the viability of flies and attenuated neural cells mortality. In addition, guarana reduced all pro-inflammatory cytokines levels increased by MeHg, along with caspase-1, caspase -3, caspase-8, and 8-dOHG levels, whereas increased the anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels, which was decreased by MeHg. Our study provides new insights on the protective effects of guarana on the viability, locomotor activity, sleep, and activity patterns in vivo and the in vitro neuronal anti-inflammatory effect against MeHg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Doeler Algarve
- Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Av., Building 19, Room 3101, Santa Maria, RS, 97105900, Brazil
| | - Charles Elias Assmann
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Av., Building 19, Room 3101, Santa Maria, RS, 97105900, Brazil
| | - Francine Carla Cadoná
- Graduate Program in Biosciences and Health, University of the West of Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Tsunaki Asano
- Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Ivana Beatrice Mânica da Cruz
- Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 1000 Roraima Av., Building 19, Room 3101, Santa Maria, RS, 97105900, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.
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14
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Pérez R, Suelves T, Molina Y, Corpas-Burgos F, Yusà V. Biomonitoring of mercury in hair of children living in the Valencian Region (Spain). Exposure and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 217:558-566. [PMID: 30445401 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we assessed total mercury levels in hair specimens of 661 children, aged 6 to 11, participating in the BIOVAL programme, a human biomonitoring study carried out by the Health Department of the Regional Government of Valencia (Spain). The reference value (95th percentile) determined for this population, within this programme, was 3.25 μg g-1. Hg concentrations ranged between 0.03 μg g-1 and 8.71 μg g-1, with a geometric mean of 0.79 (CI 95%: 0.73-0.85) μg g-1. This mean value was five times higher than the average levels found in children of 17 other European countries (0.145 μg g-1). About 13% of children had hair mercury levels above the FAO/WHO JECFA guideline of 2.3 μg g-1 and 18% of children had levels above the EFSA health-based guidance value of 1.9 μg. Multiple regression analysis revealed that fish consumption, mother's country of birth (Spain or abroad) and the employment situation of parents were the main predictors of mercury in hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Pérez
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Trinidad Suelves
- Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yolanda Molina
- Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisca Corpas-Burgos
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicent Yusà
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain; Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain; Analytical Chemistry Department, University of Valencia, Edifici Jeroni Muñoz, 50, Dr. Moliner, 46100, Burjassot, Spain.
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15
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Junqué E, Garí M, Llull RM, Grimalt JO. Drivers of the accumulation of mercury and organochlorine pollutants in Mediterranean lean fish and dietary significance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 634:170-180. [PMID: 29627539 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An integrated assessment of lean fish of commercial value as Hg and organochlorine compound source into the population of the Balearic Islands were reported. Dependences between pollutant concentrations, trophic level, fish species, specimen weight and physical-chemical properties were evaluated. Hg and total DDTs showed highest variability between fish species whereas PCBs and HCB displayed more constant median values. The organochlorine compounds found in highest concentrations were those with highest hydrophobicity, consistently with their higher bioaccumulation potential. These pollutant concentrations were higher in Mediterranean than Atlantic fish. Higher median total DDT and PCBs concentrations were also observed in the third than the second trophic level species. The observed concentrations were below the threshold recommended by the EU for human consumption (75ng/g wet weight). The Hg concentrations were higher in Mediterranean than Atlantic fish, with average values of 1.5μg/g ww and 0.43μg/g ww, respectively. Forty-one percent of the specimens from the Mediterranean and 25% of dusky grouper specimens from the Atlantic Ocean showed Hg concentrations above the EU recommended limits for human consumption, either 0.5μg/g ww or 1μg/g ww. In the third trophic level, a significant dependence between median Hg concentrations and weight of each studied species was observed, which remained significant in specimen weight correlations. Independent species correlations of Hg concentrations vs individual weight generally showed higher concentrations at higher weight. Weight/size of the individuals was therefore an important factor for Hg accumulation but the trend was modulated by a species effect. Extrapolation of the observed Hg concentrations in Mediterranean fish to Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWIs) showed higher intakes than the thresholds recommended by EFSA for adults and children, 110% and 140%, respectively. The estimated PTWIs for MeHg corresponded to 310% and 400% of the recommended threshold values. The PTWI values for organochlorine compounds were lower than those recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Junqué
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mercè Garí
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Rosa Maria Llull
- General Direction of Public Health and Consumption, Ministry of Health, Family and Social Welfare, Government of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Freire C, Amaya E, Gil F, Fernández MF, Murcia M, Llop S, Andiarena A, Aurrekoetxea J, Bustamante M, Guxens M, Ezama E, Fernández-Tardón G, Olea N. Prenatal co-exposure to neurotoxic metals and neurodevelopment in preschool children: The Environment and Childhood (INMA) Project. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 621:340-351. [PMID: 29190557 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
We sought to determine whether prenatal co-exposure to As, Cd, Hg, Mn, and Pb was associated with impaired neurodevelopment in preschool children from the Spanish Environment and Childhood (INMA) Project, using the placenta as exposure matrix. We measured metal levels in placenta tissue samples randomly selected from five of the seven population-based birth cohorts participating in the INMA Project, collected between 2000 and 2008. Neuropsychological assessment of cognitive and motor function was carried through the use of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) at the age of 4-5years. Data on placental metal levels, MSCA scores, and relevant covariates was available for 302 children. Mn was detected in all placental samples, Cd in nearly all placentas (99%) and As, Hg, and Pb in 22%, 58%, and 17% of the placentas, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, detectable As levels were associated with decrements in global and verbal executive functions and quantitative abilities; detectable Hg was associated with lower scores on the verbal function of posterior cortex in a dose-response manner, and non-linearly related to poorer motor function and gross motor skills; and Mn levels were associated with decrement in perceptual-performance skills in a dose-response manner but with better memory span and quantitative skills. A synergistic interactive effect was found between As and Pb with respect to the general cognitive score, whereas an antagonistic interaction was found between Mn and Hg. Prenatal exposure to As and Hg may be a risk factor for cognitive and motor impairment in children, while the effects of Cd and Mn on neurodevelopment are less clear. Future studies should examine combined and interactive effects of exposure to multiple metals during vulnerable periods of brain development prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Freire
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Esperanza Amaya
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Fernando Gil
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology, and Physical Anthropology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Mariana F Fernández
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, and Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Mario Murcia
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Jaume I University-University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sabrina Llop
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Jaume I University-University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ainara Andiarena
- BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Juanjo Aurrekoetxea
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; BIODONOSTIA Health Research Institute, 20014 San Sebastián, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Subdirección de Salud Pública de Gipuzkoa, Department of Health of the Basque Government, 20013 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra Universtiy (UPF), 08002 Barcelona, Spain; Genomics and Disease Group, Bioinformatics and Genomics Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Guxens
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra Universtiy (UPF), 08002 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Centre-Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 CN Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esteban Ezama
- Cicom, Alternativa en Salud Mental, 33001 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Guillermo Fernández-Tardón
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nicolás Olea
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, and Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Portuguese preschool children: Benefit (EPA+DHA and Se) and risk (MeHg) assessment through the consumption of selected fish species. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 115:306-314. [PMID: 29567409 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the risk-benefit balance associated to fish consumption by Portuguese preschool children. For this purpose, databases (from IPMA and literature) were mined and mathematically processed by a model based on the Extreme Value Theory assuming consumption scenarios. Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and selenium (Se) and methylmercury (MeHg) were selected as critical components of fish, given their health impact and significant contents in some fish species. Assessment also took into account that Se may protect against MeHg toxicity. With exception of blue shark, Se Health Benefit Value (Se-HBV), was always positive (ranging between 3.3 and 14.9) and Se:MeHg ratio was always higher than one (3.8 to 32.3). It was also estimated that the deleterious effects of MeHg on children IQ were offset by the beneficial impact of EPA+DHA in fish except for grilled black scabbardfish consumed every day. Blue shark, regardless of the culinary treatment, yielded very high probabilities of exceeding MeHg TWI (higher than 84 % with a single weekly meal), thus raising serious concerns. EPA+DHA benefits were high in salmon regardless of culinary treatment (> 84 %). Fish consumption by children is advisable with exception of blue shark and boiled and grilled tuna.
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Pérez R, Doménech E, Conchado A, Sanchez A, Coscollà C, Yusà V. Influence of diet in urinary levels of metals in a biomonitoring study of a child population of the Valencian region (Spain). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 618:1647-1657. [PMID: 29054627 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by trace elements and its possible effect on organisms has become a worldwide concern due to the increasing presence of trace elements in the environment and especially in the food chain. Exposure to chemicals has traditionally been measured using environmental samples, however, human biomonitoring brings a different perspective, in which all sources and exposure pathways are integrated. The objective of this paper is to discern the possible relationship between children's diet and the metals found in children urine. With this aim in mind, a total of 120 voluntaries participated in a diet survey carried out in a school-aged population (age 6-11) from the Valencian region. In addition, twenty trace elements were analysed in children urine (arsenic, antimony, barium, beryllium, caesium, cadmium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, selenium, thallium, thorium, uranium, vanadium and zinc). Results permitted to compare metal levels in urine with metal levels of other biomonitoring studies to conclude that values, including ours, were similar in most studies. On the other hand, children who ate more vegetables had the highest values in cadmium, copper, molybdenum, antimony, thallium, vanadium, and zinc, while those who ate more fish reached higher values in mercury. Finally, children who ate more cereals and baked products had higher values in total arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Pérez
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21 Avenida Catalunya, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, 21 Avenida Catalunya, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva Doménech
- Institute of Food Engineering for Development (IUIAD), Department of Food Technology (DTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera, 16, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Conchado
- Department of Applied Statistics and Operational Research and Quality, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain; EDEM - Business School Marina Real Juan Carlos I, Spain
| | - Alfredo Sanchez
- Public Health Laboratory of Alicante, 6 Plaza de España, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Clara Coscollà
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21 Avenida Catalunya, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, 21 Avenida Catalunya, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicent Yusà
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21 Avenida Catalunya, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, 21 Avenida Catalunya, 46020 Valencia, Spain; Analytical Chemistry Department, University of Valencia, 50 Doctor Moliner, 46100 Burjassot, Spain.
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Kusanagi E, Takamura H, Chen SJ, Adachi M, Hoshi N. Children's Hair Mercury Concentrations and Seafood Consumption in Five Regions of Japan. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 74:259-272. [PMID: 29313075 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0502-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) during the foetal and postnatal periods is known to have adverse effects on children's development. However, little attention has been paid to MeHg exposure during early childhood in Japan. To examine the regional differences in MeHg exposure and seafood consumption and the association between MeHg exposure and seafood consumption and dental metal restorations, we measured the total mercury (T-Hg) concentration in hair as an MeHg exposure index, and using questionnaires, we measured the frequency and amount of seafood consumption and the presence of dental metal restorations in 118 children aged 3-6 years in five regions of Japan. The arithmetic and geometric means of the T-Hg concentrations in hair were 1.03 and 0.87 ppm, respectively, and approximately 40% of the children exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency recommendation of 1.0 ppm. Significant regional differences in the hair T-Hg concentrations were found among the five regions, and the regional differences were consistent with the traditional regional patterns of eating fatty fish. According to the regression analysis, the consumption of fatty fish, particularly tuna/swordfish, had a significant effect on hair T-Hg concentrations, whereas age, sex, the materials used for dental metal restorations, and other types of seafood or fish/shellfish had no significant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Kusanagi
- Kokugakuin University Hokkaido Junior College, Takikawa, 073-0014, Japan.
| | | | - Shing-Jen Chen
- Koen Gakuen Women's Junior College, Sapporo, 005-0012, Japan
| | | | - Nobuko Hoshi
- Junior College of Sapporo Otani University, Sapporo, 065-8567, Japan
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Ryu J, Ha EH, Kim BN, Ha M, Kim Y, Park H, Hong YC, Kim KN. Associations of prenatal and early childhood mercury exposure with autistic behaviors at 5years of age: The Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:251-257. [PMID: 28667852 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.227] [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: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although mercury is an established neurotoxin, only few longitudinal studies have investigated the association between prenatal and early childhood mercury exposure and autistic behaviors. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal cohort study using an ongoing prospective birth cohort initiated in 2006, wherein blood mercury levels were measured at early and late pregnancy; in cord blood; and at 2 and 3years of age. We analyzed 458 mother-child pairs. Autistic behaviors were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) at 5years of age. Both continuous SRS T-scores and T-scores dichotomized by a score of ≥60 or <60 were used as outcomes. RESULTS The geometric mean of mercury concentrations in cord blood was 5.52μg/L. In adjusted models, a doubling of blood mercury levels at late pregnancy (β=1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39, 3.29), in cord blood (β=2.24, 95% CI: 0.22, 4.27), and at 2years (β=2.12, 95% CI: 0.54, 3.70) and 3years (β=2.80, 95% CI: 0.89, 4.72) of age was positively associated with the SRS T-scores. When the SRS T-scores were dichotomized, we observed positive associations with mercury levels at late pregnancy (relative risk [RR]=1.31, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.60) and in cord blood (RR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.63). CONCLUSION We found that blood mercury levels at late pregnancy and early childhood were associated with more autistic behaviors in children at 5years of age. Further study on the long-term effects of mercury exposure is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ryu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Ha
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boong-Nyun Kim
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangho Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesook Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Nam Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Public Health and Medical Service, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Llull RM, Garí M, Canals M, Rey-Maquieira T, Grimalt JO. Mercury concentrations in lean fish from the Western Mediterranean Sea: Dietary exposure and risk assessment in the population of the Balearic Islands. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 158:16-23. [PMID: 28595041 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in 32 different lean fish species from the Western Mediterranean Sea, with a special focus on the Balearic Islands. The concentrations of THg ranged between 0.05mg/kg ww and 3.1mg/kg ww (mean 0.41mg/kg ww). A considerable number of the most frequently fish species consumed by the Spanish population exceed the maximum levels proposed by the European legislation when they originate from the Mediterranean Sea, such as dusky grouper (100% of the examined specimens), common dentex (65%), conger (45%), common sole (38%), hake (26%) and angler (15%), among others. The estimated weekly intakes (EWI) in children (7-12 years of age) and adults from the Spanish population (2.7µg/kg bw and 2.1µg/kg bw, respectively) for population only consuming Mediterranean fish were below the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of THg established by EFSA in 2012, 4µg/kg bw. However, the equivalent estimations for methylmercury, involving PTWI of 1.3µg/kg bw, were two times higher in children and above 50% in adults. For hake, sole, angler and dusky grouper, the most frequently consumed fish, the estimated weekly intakes in both children and adults were below the maximum levels accepted. These intakes correspond to maximum potential estimations because fish from non-Mediterranean origin is often consumed by the Spanish population including the one from the Balearic Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Maria Llull
- General Direction of Public Health and Consumption. Ministry of Health, Family and Social Welfare, Government of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Mercè Garí
- Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics. University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miquel Canals
- Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics. University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Teresa Rey-Maquieira
- General Direction of Public Health and Consumption. Ministry of Health, Family and Social Welfare, Government of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Jeevanaraj P, Hashim Z, Elias SM, Aris AZ. Mercury accumulation in marine fish most favoured by Malaysian women, the predictors and the potential health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:23714-23729. [PMID: 27619374 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7402-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We identified marine fish species most preferred by women at reproductive age in Selangor, Malaysia, mercury concentrations in the fish muscles, factors predicting mercury accumulation and the potential health risk. Nineteen most preferred marine fish species were purchased (n = 175) from selected fisherman's and wholesale market. Length, weight, habitat, feeding habit and trophic level were recognised. Edible muscles were filleted, dried at 80 °C, ground on an agate mortar and digested in Multiwave 3000 using HNO3 and H2O2. Total mercury was quantified using VP90 cold vapour system with N2 carrier gas. Certified reference material DORM-4 was used to validate the results. Fish species were classified as demersal (7) and pelagic (12) or predators (11), zoo benthos (6) and planktivorous (2). Length, weight and trophic level ranged from 10.5 to 75.0 cm, 0.01 to 2.50 kg and 2.5 to 4.5, respectively. Geometric mean of total mercury ranged from 0.21 to 0.50 mg/kg; maximum in golden snapper (0.90 mg/kg). Only 9 % of the samples exceeded the JECFA recommendation. Multiple linear regression found demersal, high trophic (≥4.0) and heavier fishes to accumulate more mercury in muscles (R 2 = 27.3 %), controlling for all other factors. About 47 % of the fish samples contributed to mercury intake above the provisional tolerable level (45 μg/day). While only a small portion exceeded the JECFA fish Hg guideline, the concentration reported may be alarming for heavy consumers. Attention should be given in risk management to avoid demersal and high trophic fish, predominantly heavier ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravina Jeevanaraj
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.
| | - Zailina Hashim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.
| | - Saliza Mohd Elias
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Zaharin Aris
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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La biomonitorización de sustancias tóxicas en muestras biológicas de población general. GACETA SANITARIA 2016; 30 Suppl 1:45-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Mercury Exposure in Healthy Korean Weaning-Age Infants: Association with Growth, Feeding and Fish Intake. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:14669-89. [PMID: 26593931 PMCID: PMC4661673 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph121114669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Low-level mercury (Hg) exposure in infancy might be harmful to the physical growth as well as neurodevelopment of children. The aim of this study was to investigate postnatal Hg exposure and its relationship with anthropometry and dietary factors in late infancy. We recruited 252 healthy Korean infants between six and 24 months of age from an outpatient clinic during the 2009/2010 and 2013/2014 seasons. We measured the weight and height of the infants and collected dietary information using questionnaires. The Hg content of the hair and blood was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The geometric mean Hg concentration in the hair and blood was 0.22 (95% confidence interval: 0.20–0.24) µg/g and 0.94 (n = 109, 95% confidence interval: 0.89–0.99) µg/L, respectively. The hair Hg concentration showed a good correlation with the blood Hg concentration (median hair-to-blood Hg ratio: 202.7, r = 0.462, p < 0.001) and was >1 µg/g in five infants. The hair Hg concentration showed significant correlations with weight gain after birth (Z-score of the weight for age—Z-score of the birthweight; r = −0.156, p = 0.015), the duration (months) of breastfeeding as the dominant method of feeding (r = 0.274, p < 0.001), and the duration of fish intake more than once per week (r = 0.138, p = 0.033). In an ordinal logistic regression analysis with categorical hair Hg content (quartiles), dietary factors, including breastfeeding as the dominant method of feeding in late infancy (cumulative odds ratio: 6.235, 95% confidence interval: 3.086–12.597, p < 0.001) and the monthly duration of fish intake more than once per week (cumulative odds ratio: 1.203, 95% confidence interval: 1.034–1.401; p = 0.017), were significantly associated with higher hair Hg content. Weight gain after birth was not, however, significantly associated with hair Hg content after adjustment for the duration of breastfeeding as the dominant method of feeding. Low-level Hg exposure through breastfeeding and fish intake as a complementary food did not directly affect anthropometry in this population. If prolonged breastfeeding is expected, however, the Hg exposure through fish intake may need to be monitored for both mothers and infants.
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Frenţiu T, Ponta M, Sârbu C. Prediction of the fate of Hg and other contaminants in soil around a former chlor-alkali plant using Fuzzy Hierarchical Cross-Clustering approach. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 138:96-103. [PMID: 26057390 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.05.070] [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: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
An associative simultaneous fuzzy divisive hierarchical algorithm was used to predict the fate of Hg and other contaminants in soil around a former chlor-alkali plant. The algorithm was applied on several natural and anthropogenic characteristics of soil including water leachable, mobile, semi-mobile, non-mobile fractions and total Hg, Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Sr, Zn, water leachable fraction of Cl(-), NO3(-) and SO4(2)(-), pH and total organic carbon. The cross-classification algorithm provided a divisive fuzzy partition of the soil samples and associated characteristics. Soils outside the perimeter of the former chlor-alkali plant were clustered based on the natural characteristics and total Hg. In contaminated zones Hg speciation becomes relevant and the assessment of species distribution is necessary. The descending order of concentration of Hg species in the test site was semi-mobile>mobile>non-mobile>water-leachable. Physico-chemical features responsible for similarities or differences between uncontaminated soil samples or contaminated with Hg, Cu, Zn, Ba and NO3(-) were also highlighted. Other characteristics of the contaminated soil were found to be Ca, sulfate, Na and chloride, some of which with influence on Hg fate. The presence of Ca and sulfate in soil induced a higher water leachability of Hg, while Cu had an opposite effect by forming amalgam. The used algorithm provided an in-deep understanding of processes involving Hg species and allowed to make prediction of the fate of Hg and contaminants linked to chlor-alkali-industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiberiu Frenţiu
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Michaela Ponta
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Costel Sârbu
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Arany Janos 11, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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