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Salles FJ, Pereira EC, de Oliveira AS, da Costa EAC, Nogueira T, De Oliveira Lima M, Góes Pereira JP, Lisboa Queiroz TK, Chagas BR, de Jesus IM, Silva AS, Cardoso MRA, Olympio KPK. Blood mercury concentrations in preschool children and potential risk factors in São Paulo, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:125112. [PMID: 39396724 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposure of preschool children to mercury can elevate blood mercury levels (BML) and negatively affect their health. This study aimed to determine BML in preschool children from Brazil's largest city and explore potential associated risk factors. Blood samples were collected in 2013 from 2,436 children (age 1-5 years) attending 50 daycare centers (DCC) located in São Paulo, Brazil. Parents or guardians answered questionnaires collecting information on sociodemographics and potential risk factors. BML was determined by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (CV-AAS) and categorized using a cutoff point of 2.77 μg L⁻1, corresponding to the 75th percentile. Multiple logistic regression was performed (p<0.05). Data were georeferenced and associations with air pollution, wind frequency and direction were evaluated. The results showed a geometric mean for BML of 1.65 μg L⁻1 (95%CI: 1.60-1.70), arithmetic mean of 2.15 μg L⁻1 (95%CI: 2.09-2.22), 75th percentile of 2.77 μg L⁻1 (95%CI: 2.67-2.91) and 95th percentile of 5.51 μg L⁻1 (95%CI: 5.18-5.92). DCCs located in the Northwest and East zones (p<0.001) and fish consumption in the past two days (p=0.04) were associated with high BML. The elevated BML observed in children living in the eastern zone might be attributed to the southeasterly winds passing through a petrochemical complex located nearby. The 95th percentile of BML in this study exceeded the U.S. 95th percentile by five times. BML in Sao Paulo preschool children was associated with individual and environmental risk factors. This finding highlights the need to identify and control hot spots in Sao Paulo, Brazil, especially in peripheral and surrounding areas, where individuals are more vulnerable. Further research is needed in Latin America to identify additional sources of urban environmental mercury exposure and guide interventions for protecting the environment and safeguarding children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Junqueira Salles
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brasil; The Human Exposome Research Group/ Expossoma e Saúde do Trabalhador - eXsat, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizeu Chiodi Pereira
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brasil; The Human Exposome Research Group/ Expossoma e Saúde do Trabalhador - eXsat, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brazil
| | - Allan Santos de Oliveira
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brasil; Municipal Secretariat for the Environment, City Hall, Suzano, SP, Brazil
| | - Eric A C da Costa
- Municipal Secretariat for the Environment, City Hall, Suzano, SP, Brazil; Postgraduate course in Territorial planning and management, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Nogueira
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Agnes Soares Silva
- Department of Environmental Health Surveillance and Worker Health, Secretariat of Health and Environmental Surveillance, Ministry of Health, Brazil
| | - Maria Regina Alves Cardoso
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kelly Polido Kaneshiro Olympio
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brasil; The Human Exposome Research Group/ Expossoma e Saúde do Trabalhador - eXsat, School of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, SP, Brazil.
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Li W, Miao C, Sun B, Wu Z, Wang X, Li H, Gao H, Zhu Y, Cao H. Association of maternal blood mercury concentration during the first trimester of pregnancy with birth outcomes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22675. [PMID: 39349681 PMCID: PMC11442998 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74373-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to mercury has been associated with adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. However, there is limited literature on mercury exposure and pregnancy outcomes in Chinese pregnant women. Our study was to investigate the possible association between maternal mercury exposure and spontaneous preterm birth and birth weight. This study was a nested case-control study. The association between blood mercury concentration and both spontaneous preterm birth and birth weight was analyzed using conditional logistic regression and linear regression adjusted for the potential confounding factors, respectively. The dose-response relationship between mercury concentration and birth outcomes was estimated using restricted cubic spline regression. The mean concentration of mercury was 2.8 ± 2.2 µg/L. A positive relationship was observed between maternal blood mercury concentration and SPB when analyzed as a continuous variable. However, it was not found to be statistically significant (adjusted OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.95-1.26, P = 0.202). Moderate mercury exposure was associated with a higher risk of SPB (Q3 vs. Q1: crude OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.16-5.41, P = 0.02; adjusted OR = 3.49, 95% CI = 1.33-9.11, P = 0.011). After considering the combined effects of chemicals other than mercury exposure (including lead, selenium, and cadmium), the results remained consistent. There was no statistically significant association between blood mercury levels and birth weight (adjusted coefficient = 18.64, P-value = 0.075). There were no statistically significant dose-response associations between mercury concentration and birth outcomes (SPB: P = 0.076; birth weight: P = 0.885). Public health policies should focus on reducing environmental releases of mercury, improving food safety standards, and providing education to pregnant women about the risks of mercury exposure and preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Chong Miao
- Department of Information Technology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Zhengqin Wu
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Haiyan Gao
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Yibing Zhu
- Division of Birth Cohort Study, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Women and Children's Critical Disease Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Hua Cao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Women and Children's Critical Disease Research, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Rumiantseva O, Komov V, Kutuzov M, Zaroual H, Mizina K, Belova M, Nikitin I, Stolyarova A, Mashin D, Vilkova D. Hair Mercury Levels in Pregnant Women: Fish Consumption as a Determinant of Exposure. TOXICS 2024; 12:366. [PMID: 38787145 PMCID: PMC11126067 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The consumption of fish in food may contain mercury, a harmful element and dangerous chemical detrimental to human health. The purpose of this study was to determine the mercury level in the hair of pregnant women with different fish intakes in their diets. The concentration of total mercury in hair was determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer. In this study, 98 pregnant women were invited to participate (aged from 18 to 48 years). The mean content of mercury in the hair of pregnant women in Northwestern Russia was 0.428 mg/kg (ranging from 0.018 to 3.1 mg/kg). As a result, 22% of women had mercury values above 0.58 mg/kg, which is considered dangerous for the fetus. The hair mercury concentration in a village area was higher than that in a city area (i.e., 0.548 mg/kg and 0.326 mg/kg). Moreover, the maximum level of mercury was noted for a group of pregnant women who consumed more than 5 kg/month of fish and fish products. Furthermore, the consumption of freshwater fish in the diet leads to a higher mercury content in the hair of pregnant women than the consumption of marine fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Rumiantseva
- Research Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Cherepovets State University, 5 Lunacharsky pr., 162602 Cherepovets, Russia; (V.K.); (M.K.); (H.Z.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Viktor Komov
- Research Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Cherepovets State University, 5 Lunacharsky pr., 162602 Cherepovets, Russia; (V.K.); (M.K.); (H.Z.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (I.N.)
- Physiology and Toxicology Laboratory, Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, 152742 Borok, Russia
| | - Mikhail Kutuzov
- Research Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Cherepovets State University, 5 Lunacharsky pr., 162602 Cherepovets, Russia; (V.K.); (M.K.); (H.Z.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Hicham Zaroual
- Research Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Cherepovets State University, 5 Lunacharsky pr., 162602 Cherepovets, Russia; (V.K.); (M.K.); (H.Z.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (I.N.)
- Sustainable AgriFoodtech Innovation & Research (SAFIR), 62000 Arras, France
- Applied Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez M-30000, Morocco
| | - Ksenia Mizina
- Research Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Cherepovets State University, 5 Lunacharsky pr., 162602 Cherepovets, Russia; (V.K.); (M.K.); (H.Z.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Maria Belova
- Research Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Cherepovets State University, 5 Lunacharsky pr., 162602 Cherepovets, Russia; (V.K.); (M.K.); (H.Z.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (I.N.)
| | - Igor Nikitin
- Research Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Cherepovets State University, 5 Lunacharsky pr., 162602 Cherepovets, Russia; (V.K.); (M.K.); (H.Z.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (I.N.)
- Research Laboratory of Nutritional Systems Biotechnology, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, 36 Stremyanny per., 117997 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Biotechnology of Food Products from Plant and Animal Raw Materials, K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management (the First Cossack University), 73 Zemlyanoy Val, 109004 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alla Stolyarova
- Research Laboratory of Nutritional Systems Biotechnology, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, 36 Stremyanny per., 117997 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Management and Economics, State University of Humanities and Social Studies, 30 Zelenaya st., 140400 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dmitry Mashin
- Department of Management and Economics, State University of Humanities and Social Studies, 30 Zelenaya st., 140400 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Daria Vilkova
- Research Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology, Cherepovets State University, 5 Lunacharsky pr., 162602 Cherepovets, Russia; (V.K.); (M.K.); (H.Z.); (K.M.); (M.B.); (I.N.)
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Oaks BM, Gyimah EA, Kleban E, Ragsdale K, Iannotti LL. Mollusc and crustacean consumption in the first 1000 days: a scoping review. Nutr Res Rev 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38343136 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422424000064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Mollusc and crustacean consumption in the first 1000 d may improve maternal and child health by providing essential nutrients. However, in some contexts, molluscs and crustaceans have been associated with allergies and environmental contamination, potentially leading to adverse health and development outcomes. It is unclear whether the health benefits of consuming molluscs and crustaceans, collectively classified as shellfish in nutrition, are outweighed by the potential risks to pregnant women and children. We conducted a scoping review (PROSPERO: CRD42022320454) in PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO Global Health of articles published between January 2000 and March 2022 that assessed shellfish consumption during pregnancy, lactation or childhood (0-2 years) in relation to maternal health, child health or child development. A total of forty-six articles were included in this review. Overall, shellfish consumption was associated with higher biomarkers of environmental contaminants, with mercury being the most studied and having the strongest evidence base. The limited research on nutritional biomarker status shows an association between shellfish consumption and iodine status. Preterm birth was not associated with shellfish consumption, but newborn anthropometry showed mixed results, with several studies reporting lower birth weight with higher shellfish consumption. The few studies that examined child development and maternal health outcomes reported no significant associations. This review revealed trade-off health risks and benefits with inclusion of molluscs and crustaceans in the dietary patterns of mothers and young children. More research is needed to understand how these aquatic animal-source foods may be safely consumed and leveraged for improving human nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brietta M Oaks
- Department of Nutrition, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Emmanuel A Gyimah
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eliza Kleban
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kathleen Ragsdale
- Social Science Research Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Lora L Iannotti
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Collado-López S, Betanzos-Robledo L, Téllez-Rojo MM, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Reyes M, Ríos C, Cantoral A. Heavy Metals in Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods Consumed by Humans Worldwide: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148651. [PMID: 35886506 PMCID: PMC9319294 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals (HM) can be accumulated along the food chain; their presence in food is a global concern for human health because some of them are toxic even at low concentrations. Unprocessed or minimally processed foods are good sources of different nutrients, so their safety and quality composition should be guaranteed in the most natural form that is obtained for human consumption. The objective of this scoping review (ScR) is to summarize the existing evidence about the presence of HM content (arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), methylmercury (MeHg), and aluminum (Al)) in unprocessed or minimally processed foods for human consumption worldwide during the period of 2011–2020. As a second objective, we identified reported HM values in food with respect to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Food Standards for Maximum Limits (MLs) for contaminants in food. This ScR was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR); advance searches were performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect and FAO AGRIS (Agricultural Science and Technology Information) databases by two reviewers who independently performed literature searches with specific eligibility criteria. We classified individual foods in food groups and subgroups according to the Global Individual Information Food Consumption Data Tool (FAO/WHO GIFT). We homologated all the reported HM units to parts per million (ppm) to determine the weighted mean HM concentration per country and food group/subgroup of the articles included. Then, we compared HM concentration findings with FAO/WHO MLs. Finally, we used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to present our findings. Using our search strategy, we included 152 articles. Asia was the continent with the highest number of publications (n = 79, 51.3%), with China being the country with the largest number of studies (n = 34). Fish and shellfish (n = 58), followed by vegetables (n = 39) and cereals (n = 38), were the food groups studied the most. Fish (n = 42), rice (n = 33), and leafy (n = 28) and fruiting vegetables (n = 29) were the most studied food subgroups. With respect to the HM of interest, Cd was the most analyzed, followed by Pb, As, Hg and Al. Finally, we found that many of the HM concentrations reported exceeded the FAO/OMS MLs established for Cd, Pb and As globally in all food groups, mainly in vegetables, followed by the roots and tubers, and cereals food groups. Our study highlights the presence of HM in the most natural forms of food around the world, in concentrations that, in fact, exceed the MLs, which affects food safety and could represent a human health risk. In countries with regulations on these topics, a monitoring system is recommended to evaluate and monitor compliance with national standards. For countries without a regulation system, it is recommended to adopt international guidelines, such as those of FAO, and implement a monitoring system that supervises national compliance. In both cases, the information must be disseminated to the population to create social awareness. This is especially important to protect the population from the consumption of internal production and for the international markets of the globalized world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Collado-López
- School of Public Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico;
| | - Larissa Betanzos-Robledo
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico; (L.B.-R.); (M.M.T.-R.)
| | - Martha María Téllez-Rojo
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico; (L.B.-R.); (M.M.T.-R.)
| | - Héctor Lamadrid-Figueroa
- Department of Perinatal Health, Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico;
| | - Moisés Reyes
- Economics Department and GEOLab-IBERO, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City 01219, Mexico;
| | - Camilo Ríos
- Neurochemistry Department, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, México City 14269, Mexico;
| | - Alejandra Cantoral
- Health Department, Universidad Iberoamericana, México City 01219, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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Betanzos‐Robledo L, Téllez‐Rojo MM, Lamadrid‐Figueroa H, Roldan‐Valadez E, Peterson KE, Jansen EC, Basu N, Cantoral A. Differential fat accumulation in early adulthood according to adolescent-BMI and heavy metal exposure. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2022; 2022:37-51. [PMID: 35583253 PMCID: PMC9790480 DOI: 10.1002/cad.20463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heavy metals such as Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) can affect adipose tissue mass and function. Considering the high prevalence of exposure to heavy metals and obesity in Mexico, we aim to examine if exposure to Pb and Hg in adolescence can modify how fat is accumulated in early adulthood. METHODS This study included 100 participants from the ELEMENT cohort in Mexico. Adolescent Pb and Hg blood levels were determined at 14-16 years. Age- and sex-specific adolescent BMI Z-scores were calculated. At early adulthood (21-22 years), fat accumulation measurements were performed (abdominal, subcutaneous, visceral, hepatic, and pancreatic fat). Linear regression models with an interaction between adolescent BMI Z-score and Pb or Hg levels were run for each adulthood fat accumulation outcome with normal BMI as reference. RESULTS In adolescents with obesity compared to normal BMI, as Pb exposure increased, subcutaneous (p-interaction = 0.088) and visceral (p-interaction < 0.0001) fat accumulation increases. Meanwhile, Hg was associated with subcutaneous (p-interaction = 0.027) and abdominal (p-interaction = 0.022) fat deposition among adolescents with obesity. CONCLUSIONS Heavy metal exposure in adolescence may alter how fat is accumulated in later periods of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Betanzos‐Robledo
- CONACYTNational Institute of Public HealthCenter for Nutrition and Health ResearchCuernavacaMexico
| | - Martha M. Téllez‐Rojo
- CONACYTNational Institute of Public HealthCenter for Nutrition and Health ResearchCuernavacaMexico
| | - Hector Lamadrid‐Figueroa
- Department of Perinatal HealthReproductive Health DirectorateNational Institute of Public HealthCenter for Population Health ResearchCuernavacaMéxico
| | - Ernesto Roldan‐Valadez
- Directorate of Clinical ResearchHospital General de Mexico “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”Mexico CityMexico
- Department of RadiologyI.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)MoscowRussia
| | - Karen E. Peterson
- Department of Nutritional SciencesUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Erica C. Jansen
- Department of Nutritional SciencesUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Nil Basu
- Department of Natural Resource SciencesMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
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Environmental health survey for children residing near mining areas in South Gobi, Mongolia. Ann Occup Environ Med 2021; 33:e10. [PMID: 34754471 PMCID: PMC8075739 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2021.33.e10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We evaluated the level and factors of heavy metal exposure to children residing in the Togttsetsii, Khanbogd, and Bayandalai soums of South Gobi province, Mongolia. Methods A total of 118 children aged 9–12 years were surveyed, and the level of heavy metal exposure in their bodies was investigated. Exposure was investigated by measuring concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury in the blood; mercury concentration in the hair; and total arsenic in the urine. Results Blood cadmium concentration had geometric averages of 0.16 µg/L in the children from Bayandalai, 0.15 µg/L Tsogttsetsii, and 0.16 µg/L Khanbogd. Blood lead concentration showed a relatively higher geometric average of 7.42 µg/dL in the children from Bayandalai compared to 4.78 µg/dL and 5.15 µg/dL in those from Tsogttsetsii and Khanbogd, respectively. While blood mercury concentration was the highest in the children from Bayandalai, with a value of 0.38 µg/L, those from Tsogttsetsii and Khanbogd had similar concentrations of 0.29 µg/L and 0.29 µg/L, respectively. Hair mercury concentration was the highest in the children from Bayandalai, with a value of 78 µg/g, a particularly significant difference, with a concentration of 0.50 µg/g in those from Khanbogd. Urine arsenic concentration was the highest in the children from Khanbogd, with a value of 36.93 µg/L; it was 26.11 µg/L in those from Bayandalai and 23.89 µg/L in those from Tsogttsetsii. Conclusions The high blood lead concentration of children in Bayandalai was judged to be due to other factors in addition to mine exposure; the reason why blood and hair mercury concentration was higher in children from Bayandalai may have been due to exposure to many small-scale gold mines in the area. In the case of Khanbogd, it was estimated that the high arsenic level in urine was caused by the effect of mines.
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Ovadje L, Calys-Tagoe BN, Clarke E, Basu N. Registration status, mercury exposure biomarkers, and neuropsychological assessment of artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM) from the Western Region of Ghana. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111639. [PMID: 34245732 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector is estimated to be the largest anthropogenic source of mercury pollution worldwide, and not surprisingly human exposures in this sector are amongst the highest of all population groups. While formalization of the sector has been proposed as a solution to help improve health and safety within ASGM sites, there are few empirical studies in support of this notion. The objective of this study was to assess if individuals working in ASGM sites that are registered have reduced mercury exposures and better neuropsychological scores than workers from unregistered sites. To achieve this objective, we studied biological samples (urine, hair) and survey data from a study of 404 ASGM workers (of which, 295 worked in registered ASGM sites) conducted in Tarkwa (Ghana) in 2014. Between miners working in registered and unregistered sites, there were few differences in socio-demographic characteristics. Median urinary mercury concentration (specific gravity-corrected) among those from unregistered mines was nearly 3-fold higher than those from the registered mines (18.5 versus 6.6 μg/L), and in the overall population the median concentration was 10.0 μg/L, and ranged from 0.3 to 2499 μg/L. Mercury biomarkers varied across ASGM work categories (e.g., those who burned or amalgamated had the highest) and users of personal protective equipment. Nearly 30% of the study population indicated having some challenges concerning, for example, reduced appetite, hair loss, or excess salivation. Ataxia and rigidity of gait were absent in most of the participants, and for those with slight, moderate, or marked responses, there were no differences between miners from registered and unregistered sites, across work groups, as well as in reference to mercury biomarker measures. For the pencil tapping, Frostig, matchbox, and Wechsler tests, no striking differences were found though a correlation was found between urinary mercury levels and matchbox scores among those who amalgamate and burn, and scores were similar to past studies using the same tests in ASGM sites. We believe this is the first study to compare mercury exposures and neuropsychological test results between miners from registered and unregistered ASGM sites. In doing so, the research findings provide the necessary evidence for stakeholders and parties of the Minamata Convention considering various response options to help fulfill their obligations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta Ovadje
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA
| | | | - Edith Clarke
- Occupational Health Unit, Ghana Health Service, Ghana
| | - Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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Stratakis N, Golden-Mason L, Margetaki K, Zhao Y, Valvi D, Garcia E, Maitre L, Andrusaityte S, Basagana X, Borràs E, Bustamante M, Casas M, Fossati S, Grazuleviciene R, Haug LS, Heude B, McEachan RR, Meltzer HM, Papadopoulou E, Roumeliotaki T, Robinson O, Sabidó E, Urquiza J, Vafeiadi M, Varo N, Wright J, Vos MB, Hu H, Vrijheid M, Berhane KT, Conti DV, McConnell R, Rosen HR, Chatzi L. In Utero Exposure to Mercury Is Associated With Increased Susceptibility to Liver Injury and Inflammation in Childhood. Hepatology 2021; 74:1546-1559. [PMID: 33730435 PMCID: PMC8446089 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent cause of liver disease in children. Mercury (Hg), a ubiquitous toxic metal, has been proposed as an environmental factor contributing to toxicant-associated fatty liver disease. APPROACH AND RESULTS We investigated the effect of prenatal exposure to Hg on childhood liver injury by combining epidemiological results from a multicenter mother-child cohort with complementary in vitro experiments on monocyte cells that are known to play a key role in liver immune homeostasis and NAFLD. We used data from 872 mothers and their children (median age, 8.1 years; interquartile range [IQR], 6.5-8.7) from the European Human Early-Life Exposome cohort. We measured Hg concentration in maternal blood during pregnancy (median, 2.0 μg/L; IQR, 1.1-3.6). We also assessed serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a common screening tool for pediatric NAFLD, and plasma concentrations of inflammation-related cytokines in children. We found that prenatal Hg exposure was associated with a phenotype in children that was characterized by elevated ALT (≥22.1 U/L for females and ≥25.8 U/L for males) and increased concentrations of circulating IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Consistently, inflammatory monocytes exposed in vitro to a physiologically relevant dose of Hg demonstrated significant up-regulation of genes encoding these four cytokines and increased concentrations of IL-8 and TNF-α in the supernatants. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that developmental exposure to Hg can contribute to inflammation and increased NAFLD risk in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Stratakis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Katerina Margetaki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Yinqi Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Erika Garcia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Léa Maitre
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Andrusaityte
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Xavier Basagana
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Borràs
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maribel Casas
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Serena Fossati
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Barbara Heude
- Université de Paris, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, INRAE, Paris, France
| | - Rosemary R.C. McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | | | | | - Theano Roumeliotaki
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Oliver Robinson
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Eduard Sabidó
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Proteomics Unit, Centre de Regulació Genòmica, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Urquiza
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nerea Varo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
| | - Miriam B. Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Nutrition Health Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA,Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Howard Hu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY,Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kiros T. Berhane
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - David V. Conti
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Rob McConnell
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hugo R. Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lida Chatzi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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10
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An H, Wang B, Li Z, Jin Y, Ren M, Yu Y, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Yan L, Li Z, Ren A, Ye R, Li K. Distribution of mercury in serum and blood cells and risk of spontaneous preterm birth: A nested case-control study in China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 217:112228. [PMID: 33892343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between maternal mercury (Hg) intake and the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) remains unclear. We conducted a nested case-control study from a prospective cohort in Shanxi Province, China, to explore their associations. In total, 126 pregnant women with SPB (cases) and 348 controls with term delivery were included. We measured the Hg concentrations in their serum (Hgs) and blood cell (Hgc) fractions and calculated the concentration ratio of Hg in serum to Hg in blood cells (Hgs/c). We found that only the Hgs/c in the case group was slightly higher than that in control group. The OR of Hgs/c associated with SPB risk was 1.57 [95%CI: 0.99-2.46] with adjusting confounders. After stratification by sampling time, the association above was only statistically significant in the first trimester. High Hgs/c may increase the risk of SPB in the first trimester among women with relatively low Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang An
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Zhiyi Li
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Yu Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Mengyuan Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Yanxin Yu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Le Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Lailai Yan
- Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Rongwei Ye
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, PR China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China.
| | - Kexin Li
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing 100101, PR China.
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11
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Sakamoto M, Haraguchi K, Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Nakamura M, Murata K. Plasma and red blood cells distribution of total mercury, inorganic mercury, and selenium in maternal and cord blood from a group of Japanese women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110896. [PMID: 33640495 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fetuses are a high-risk group for methylmercury (MeHg) exposure. The main objective of this study was to compare the characteristic profiles of total mercury (THg), inorganic mercury (IHg), MeHg, and selenium in plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) between maternal and cord blood at parturition collected from a group of Japanese women. Furthermore, correlations of THg in RBCs, which is a biomarker of MeHg, and THg in plasma, which is an IHg exposure biomarker, were examined in maternal and cord blood. Fifty-five pairs of maternal and cord blood samples obtained at parturition were collected from pregnant women in Fukuoka, Japan. THg in RBCs and plasma were significant correlated between maternal and cord blood. THg in RBCs was 13.9 ng/mL for cord and 9.16 ng/mL for maternal blood, with a cord:maternal RBCs ratio for THg of 1.58, suggesting that MeHg is actively transferred from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. THg in plasma showed a positive correlation with THg in RBCs for maternal and cord blood. This result suggests that measuring THg in plasma can overestimate the exposure level to IHg in fish-eating populations. The percentages of IHg in cord plasma and RBCs were 31% and 1.7%, respectively, and those in maternal plasma and RBCs were 46% and 5.9%, respectively. These results suggest that cord blood is rich in MeHg and can easily transfer to the fetal brain. Selenium in cord plasma was 67 ng/mL and that in maternal plasma was 97 ng/mL, with a cord:maternal plasma ratio for Se of 0.69, suggesting that the protective effects of Se against MeHg toxicity in fetuses may be weaker than those expected in adult mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineshi Sakamoto
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan.
| | - Koichi Haraguchi
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Nozomi Tatsuta
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Nakai
- Development and Environmental Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Masaaki Nakamura
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, 4058-18 Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto, 867-0008, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Murata
- Department of Environment and Public Health, Akita University School Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Hondo, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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12
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Lukina AO, Fisher M, Khoury C, Than J, Guay M, Paradis JF, Arbuckle TE, Legrand M. Temporal variation of total mercury levels in the hair of pregnant women from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 264:128402. [PMID: 33022505 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128402] [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: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to total mercury (T-Hg) comes from both natural and anthropogenic sources. T-Hg can cross the blood-brain and placental barriers, and may be associated with future neurological and physiological dysfunctions. Scalp hair is an optimal and non-invasive indicator of chronic T-Hg exposure. As part of the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, hair samples from 350 women were collected within weeks after giving birth, to determine temporal variations in T-Hg levels from preconception to delivery, and to compare these levels to corresponding levels measured in other matrices (maternal and umbilical cord blood, and infant's meconium). A maximum of 12 one-cm hair segments were cut starting at the scalp; segments closer to the scalp reflected recent exposure (within the last month). For proper comparison, the hair segments were matched with the collection dates for other matrices. GM hair T-Hg levels greatly decreased during pregnancy, from 0.26 μg g-1 (preconception or full-length hair) to 0.18 μg g-1 (at delivery or segments closer to the scalp). A similar decreasing trend was found for T-Hg in maternal blood: 1st trimester (0.60 μg L-1) to 3rd trimester (0.47 μg L-1). The median hair-to-blood ratios of T-Hg levels varied from 364 (1st trimester), to 408 (3rd trimester), to 229 (cord blood). Very low T-Hg levels were detected in meconium. Mercury levels in blood and hair correlated with consumption of large predatory fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna O Lukina
- Environmental Health Science & Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science & Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl Khoury
- Environmental Health Science & Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - John Than
- Environmental Health Science & Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mireille Guay
- Environmental Health Science & Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-François Paradis
- Health Products and Food Laboratories, Regulatory Operations and Regions Branch, Health Canada, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science & Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa Legrand
- Family Physician, GMF Wakefield, 777 Riverside Dr., Wakefield, QC, Canada
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13
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Zhou CC, Fu H, Zhang GY, Ma JW, Ni M, Li DJ, Shen FM, Huang F. Effects of low-level mercury exposure on brain-derived neurotrophic factor in preschool children. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111642. [PMID: 33396162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mercury (Hg), a ubiquitous heavy metal, could affect the neurodevelopment of the children, however, these associations are still equivocal. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in the central nervous system development in children. This study aimed to investigate the effects of low-level mercury exposure on serum BDNF levels and the influence of sex and dietary intake on these relationships in children. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a total of 541 pre-school children were recruited, the blood mercury concentrations and serum BDNF levels were measured. The background information on demographic characteristics and dietary habits of the children was collected through questionnaires. Multivariable linear models after adjustment for potential confounders were used to evaluate the associations between mercury exposure and levels of BDNF in children. RESULTS The GMs of blood mercury concentrations and serum BDNF levels were 1.06 μg/L, 20.4 ng/mL, respectively. A significant positive association between blood mercury concentrations and serum BDNF levels was found. After stratification by sex, the blood mercury concentrations in children were positive associated with serum BDNF levels in girls but not in boys. However, these associations were attenuated when we further adjusted the children's dietary intake variables. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that low-levels of mercury exposure may have sex-specific effects on BDNF levels in young children and that dietary intake may be potential confounders in these relationships. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the role of BDNF in the effects of mercury on neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can-Can Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Wei Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Ming Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Astolfi ML, Vitali M, Marconi E, Martellucci S, Mattei V, Canepari S, Protano C. Urinary Mercury Levels and Predictors of Exposure among a Group of Italian Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249225. [PMID: 33321748 PMCID: PMC7763174 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Urinary mercury (Hg) levels are suitable to assess long-term exposure to both elemental and inorganic Hg. In this study, the urinary Hg levels of 250 children (aged 6–11 years) from three areas with different anthropogenic impacts in the Rieti province, central Italy, were assessed. The Hg concentrations were in the range of 0.04–2.18 µg L−1 with a geometric mean equal to 0.18 µg L−1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17–0.20 µg L−1] or 0.21 µg g−1 creatinine (95% CI, 0.19–0.23 µg g−1 creatinine), and a reference value calculated as 95th percentile of 0.53 µg L−1 (95% CI, 0.44–0.73 µg L−1) or 0.55 µg g−1 creatinine (95% CI, 0.50–0.83 µg g−1 creatinine). In all cases, urinary Hg data were below the HBM-I values (7 µg L−1 or 5 µg g−1 creatinine) established for urine, while the 95th percentile was above the German Human Biomonitoring Commission’s RV95 (0.4 µg L−1) set for children without amalgam fillings. A significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between creatinine-corrected results and residence area, with higher urinary Hg levels in children living in the industrial area. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that creatinine was the main predictor of urinary Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-3384
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (E.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (E.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Stefano Martellucci
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, “Sabina Universitas”, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (S.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Mattei
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, “Sabina Universitas”, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (S.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.V.); (E.M.); (C.P.)
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15
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Jansen EC, Hector EC, Goodrich JM, Cantoral A, Téllez Rojo MM, Basu N, Song PXK, Olascoaga LT, Peterson KE. Mercury exposure in relation to sleep duration, timing, and fragmentation among adolescents in Mexico City. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110216. [PMID: 32956656 PMCID: PMC7750915 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mercury intoxication is known to be associated with adverse symptoms of fatigue and sleep disturbances, but whether low-level mercury exposure could affect sleep remains unclear. In particular, children may be especially vulnerable to both mercury exposures and to poor sleep. We sought to examine associations between mercury levels and sleep disturbances in Mexican youth. METHODS The study sample comprised 372 youth from the Early Life Exposures to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohort, a birth cohort from Mexico City. Sleep (via 7-day actigraphy) and concurrent urine mercury were assessed during a 2015 follow-up visit. Mercury was also assessed in mid-childhood hair, blood, and urine during an earlier study visit, and was considered a secondary analysis. We used linear regression and varying coefficient models to examine non-linear associations between Hg exposure biomarkers and sleep duration, timing, and fragmentation. Unstratified and sex-stratified analyses were adjusted for age and maternal education. RESULTS During the 2015 visit, participants were 13.3 ± 1.9 years, and 48% were male. There was not a cross-sectional association between urine Hg and sleep characteristics. In secondary analysis using earlier biomarkers of Hg, lower and higher blood Hg exposure was associated with longer sleep duration among girls only. In both boys and girls, Hg biomarker levels in 2008 were associated with later adolescent sleep midpoint (for Hg urine in girls, and for blood Hg in boys). For girls, each unit log Hg was associated with 0.2 h later midpoint (95% CI 0 to 0.4), and for boys each unit log Hg was associated with a 0.4 h later sleep midpoint (95% CI 0.1 to 0.8). CONCLUSIONS There were mostly null associations between Hg exposure and sleep characteristics among Mexican children. Yet, in both boys and girls, higher Hg exposure in mid-childhood (measured in urine and blood, respectively) was related to later sleep timing in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Jansen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Emily C Hector
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Martha María Téllez Rojo
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter X K Song
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Libni Torres Olascoaga
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Karen E Peterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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16
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Astolfi ML, Pietris G, Mazzei C, Marconi E, Canepari S. Element Levels and Predictors of Exposure in the Hair of Ethiopian Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228652. [PMID: 33233360 PMCID: PMC7700284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Children's development and health may be affected by toxic heavy metal exposure or suboptimal essential element intake. This study aimed to provide updated information regarding the concentrations of 41 elements in children's hair (aged under 18) living in a rural area of the Benishangul-Gumuz region, Ethiopia. The highest average levels (as a geometric mean) for toxic heavy metals were obtained for Al (1 mg kg-1), Pb (3.1 mg kg-1), and Ni (1.2 mg kg-1), while the lowest concentrations among the essential elements were found for Co (0.32 mg kg-1), Mo (0.07 mg kg-1), Se (0.19 mg kg-1), and V (0.8 mg kg-1). Hair analysis was combined with a survey to evaluate relationships and variations among subgroups and potential metal exposure predictors. Females showed significantly higher concentrations for most hair elements, excluding Zn, than males, and the 6-11 years age group reported the highest levels for Be, Ce, Co, Fe, La, Li, Mo, and Na. The main predictors of exposure to toxic elements were fish consumption for Hg and drinking water for Ba, Be, Cs, Li, Ni, Tl, and U. The data from this study can be used to develop prevention strategies for children's health and protection in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-064-991-3384
| | - Georgios Pietris
- Department of General Surgery, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital Sotiria of Athens, Mesogion 152, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Corrado Mazzei
- Canon Toshiba Medical Systems s.r.l., Via Canton 115, I-00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy;
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Wang X, Sun X, Zhang Y, Chen M, Dehli Villanger G, Aase H, Xia Y. Identifying a critical window of maternal metal exposure for maternal and neonatal thyroid function in China: A cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 139:105696. [PMID: 32259758 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND China, a developing country, has a particularly serious problem with metal pollution. We evaluated the association of metal exposure during pregnancy with maternal and neonatal thyroid function, and identified the critical window for maternal metal exposure effects on maternal and neonatal thyroid functions. METHODS The maternal urinary concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and cesium (Cs) were determined in pregnant women during their first (n = 389) or third (n = 257) trimesters in a prospective cohort from 2014 to 2015 in Nanjing, China, using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument. Maternal serum-free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by electrochemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays in the second and third trimesters. Neonatal TSH levels were detected 72 h after birth. RESULTS Hg (>0.162 µg/L), Cd (>0.084 µg/L), As (>0.348 µg/L) and Cs (>0.093 µg/L) were detectable in 76.9%, 90.1%, 100% and 100% of maternal urine samples from women in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the multiple adjusted linear regression models, maternal exposures to Hg and Cd in the first trimester were positively associated with maternal TSH levels in the second trimester (P < 0.01, P = 0.02). Moreover, maternal exposures to Cd and Cs in the first trimester were positively associated with neonatal TSH levels (P = 0.04, P = 0.02). In the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model, the results were stable and consistent with the linear regression model. CONCLUSIONS Maternal exposure to Hg, Cd and Cs in the first trimester was related to TSH levels in mothers and newborns. Efforts to identify maternal and neonatal thyroid disruptors should carefully consider the effects of exposure to these metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Gro Dehli Villanger
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Child Health and Development, PO Box 222 Skøyen, N-0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi Aase
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Child Health and Development, PO Box 222 Skøyen, N-0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No. 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing 211166, China.
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18
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McDermott S, Hailer MK, Lead JR. Meconium identifies high levels of metals in newborns from a mining community in the U.S. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:135528. [PMID: 31780146 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This pilot study was conducted to determine if we could identify intrauterine exposure to metals in meconium, as a measure of exposure for mother-child pairs living in proximity to a mining operation. OBJECTIVES We used meconium as a means to measure metal exposure in utero. We set out to quantify the exposure to selected metals that are currently being mined and also are found in the Superfund site in Butte, Montana, and to compare it to that of Columbia, South Carolina, US, where mining is not occurring. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2018. We received Institutional Review Board approval and we consented women following the birth of their newborns, and collected meconium within 24 h of birth, without any identifiers. Each laboratory used the same protocol for collection, transport, and storage; and the same laboratory protocol was used for the analysis of all samples. Samples were digested using standard acid/peroxide digestion methods and measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. RESULTS We collected meconium specimens from 17 infants in Columbia, South Carolina and 15 infants in Butte, Montana. The concentrations found in Columbia were in the low μg kg-1 range (or less) and were similar to the low levels that have been identified in other studies of meconium. The magnitude of the differences in concentrations found in Butte compared to Columbia was 1792 times higher for Cu, 1650 times higher for Mn, and 1883 times higher for Zn. CONCLUSION Using meconium to measure exposure of newborns has implications for risk assessment in a mining-exposed population. This approach was inexpensive and thorough. The magnitude of the differences in the metal levels identified from the two study sites suggests there is an urgent need for further research to learn if there are health consequences to these highly exposed infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne McDermott
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States of America.
| | - M Katie Hailer
- Department of Chemistry, Montana Tech, Butte, United States of America
| | - Jamie R Lead
- Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, Department of Environmental Health Science, University of South Carolina Columbia, United States of America
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19
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Effects of Gintonin-Enriched Fraction on Methylmercury-Induced Neurotoxicity and Organ Methylmercury Elimination. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030838. [PMID: 32013120 PMCID: PMC7038146 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Gintonin is a newly discovered ingredient of ginseng and plays an exogenous ligand for G protein-coupled lysophosphatidic acid receptors. We previously showed that gintonin exhibits diverse effects from neurotransmitter release to improvement of Alzheimer’s disease-related cognitive dysfunctions. However, previous studies did not show whether gintonin has protective effects against environmental heavy metal. We investigated the effects of gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) on methylmercury (MeHg)-induced neurotoxicity and learning and memory dysfunction and on organ MeHg elimination. Using hippocampal neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and mice we examined the effects of GEF on MeHg-induced hippocampal NPC neurotoxicity, on formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and on in vivo learning and memory functions after acute MeHg exposure. Treatment of GEF to hNPCs attenuated MeHg-induced neurotoxicity with concentration- and time-dependent manner. GEF treatment inhibited MeHg- and ROS inducer-induced ROS formations. Long-term treatment of GEF also improved MeHg-induced learning and memory dysfunctions. Oral administration of GEF decreased the concentrations of MeHg in blood, brain, liver, and kidney. This is the first report that GEF attenuated MeHg-induced in vitro and in vivo neurotoxicities through LPA (lysophosphatidic acids) receptor-independent manner and increased organ MeHg elimination. GEF-mediated neuroprotection might achieve via inhibition of ROS formation and facilitation of MeHg elimination from body.
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Perng W, Tamayo-Ortiz M, Tang L, Sánchez BN, Cantoral A, Meeker JD, Dolinoy DC, Roberts EF, Martinez-Mier EA, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Song PXK, Ettinger AS, Wright R, Arora M, Schnaas L, Watkins DJ, Goodrich JM, Garcia RC, Solano-Gonzalez M, Bautista-Arredondo LF, Mercado-Garcia A, Hu H, Hernandez-Avila M, Tellez-Rojo MM, Peterson KE. Early Life Exposure in Mexico to ENvironmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) Project. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030427. [PMID: 31455712 PMCID: PMC6720157 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Early Life Exposure in Mexico to ENvironmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) Project is a mother-child pregnancy and birth cohort originally initiated in the mid-1990s to explore: (1) whether enhanced mobilisation of lead from maternal bone stores during pregnancy poses a risk to fetal and subsequent offspring neurodevelopment; and (2) whether maternal calcium supplementation during pregnancy and lactation can suppress bone lead mobilisation and mitigate the adverse effects of lead exposure on offspring health and development. Through utilisation of carefully archived biospecimens to measure other prenatal exposures, banking of DNA and rigorous measurement of a diverse array of outcomes, ELEMENT has since evolved into a major resource for research on early life exposures and developmental outcomes. PARTICIPANTS n=1643 mother-child pairs sequentially recruited (between 1994 and 2003) during pregnancy or at delivery from maternity hospitals in Mexico City, Mexico. FINDINGS TO DATE Maternal bone (eg, patella, tibia) is an endogenous source for fetal lead exposure due to mobilisation of stored lead into circulation during pregnancy and lactation, leading to increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and smaller head circumference, and transfer of lead into breastmilk. Daily supplementation with 1200 mg of elemental calcium during pregnancy and lactation reduces lead resorption from maternal bone and thereby, levels of circulating lead. Beyond perinatal outcomes, early life exposure to lead is associated with neurocognitive deficits, behavioural disorders, higher blood pressure and lower weight in offspring during childhood. Some of these relationships were modified by dietary factors; genetic polymorphisms specific for iron, folate and lipid metabolism; and timing of exposure. Research has also expanded to include findings published on other toxicants such as those associated with personal care products and plastics (eg, phthalates, bisphenol A), other metals (eg, mercury, manganese, cadmium), pesticides (organophosphates) and fluoride; other biomarkers (eg, toxicant levels in plasma, hair and teeth); other outcomes (eg, sexual maturation, metabolic syndrome, dental caries); and identification of novel mechanisms via epigenetic and metabolomics profiling. FUTURE PLANS As the ELEMENT mothers and children age, we plan to (1) continue studying the long-term consequences of toxicant exposure during the perinatal period on adolescent and young adult outcomes as well as outcomes related to the original ELEMENT mothers, such as their metabolic and bone health during perimenopause; and (2) follow the third generation of participants (children of the children) to study intergenerational effects of in utero exposures. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00558623.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Perng
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz
- National Council of Science and Technology, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lu Tang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brisa N Sánchez
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alejandra Cantoral
- National Council of Science and Technology, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Elizabeth F Roberts
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Esperanza Angeles Martinez-Mier
- Department of Cariology, Operative Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Peter X K Song
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Adrienne S Ettinger
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lourdes Schnaas
- Division of Research in Community Interventions, Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robin C Garcia
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maritsa Solano-Gonzalez
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Adriana Mercado-Garcia
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Howard Hu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Mauricio Hernandez-Avila
- Dirección de Prestaciones Económicas y Sociales, Mexican Institute of Social Security, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha Maria Tellez-Rojo
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Karen E Peterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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21
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Kuras R, Kozlowska L, Reszka E, Wieczorek E, Jablonska E, Gromadzinska J, Stanislawska M, Janasik B, Wasowicz W. Environmental mercury exposure and selenium-associated biomarkers of antioxidant status at molecular and biochemical level. A short-term intervention study. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 130:187-198. [PMID: 31078725 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a potent toxicant. In the field of public health a chronic-low-level environmental Hg exposure resulting from fish consumption in general population is still being discussed. The objective of the study was to assess the influence of real Hg exposure on biomarkers of selenium (Se) status and selected biomarkers of pro-oxidant/anti-oxidant effects in healthy men (n = 67) who participated in the short-term intervention study consisting in daily fish consumption for two weeks. The analysis included Se level, Se-associated antioxidants at molecular (profile of 7 genes encoding selected proteins related to antioxidant defense) and biochemical levels (Se-dependent glutathione peroxidases activities and plasma selenoprotein P concentration). A pro-oxidant/anti-oxidant balance was explored using a biomarker of plasma lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant activity. The study revealed significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the biomarkers of exposure to Hg, Se level and Se-dependent antioxidants. Even though the risk of adverse effects of Hg for volunteers was substantially low, biomarkers of Hg altered levels of circulation selenoproteins and their genes expression. Changes in genes expression during study differed between the main enzymes involved in two systems: downregulation of thioredoxin reductase1 and upregulation of glutathione peroxidases. Hg exposure caused imbalance between the biomarkers of pro-oxidant/anti-oxidant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Kuras
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, 8 Teresy St, 91-348, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Lucyna Kozlowska
- Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159c St., Building 32, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edyta Reszka
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, 8 Teresy St, 91-348, Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Wieczorek
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, 8 Teresy St, 91-348, Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Jablonska
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics, 8 Teresy St, 91-348, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jolanta Gromadzinska
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, 8 Teresy St, 91-348, Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Stanislawska
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, 8 Teresy St, 91-348, Lodz, Poland
| | - Beata Janasik
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, 8 Teresy St, 91-348, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Wasowicz
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring, 8 Teresy St, 91-348, Lodz, Poland
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22
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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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23
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Delplancke TDJ, Wu Y, Han TL, Joncer LR, Qi H, Tong C, Baker PN. Metabolomics of Pregnancy Complications: Emerging Application of Maternal Hair. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2815439. [PMID: 30662903 PMCID: PMC6312607 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2815439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the study of metabolomics has begun to receive increasing international attention, especially as it pertains to medical research. This is due in part to the potential for discovery of new biomarkers in the metabolome and to a new understanding of the "exposome", which refers to the endogenous and exogenous compounds that reflect external exposures. Consequently, metabolomics research into pregnancy-related issues has increased. Biomarkers discovered through metabolomics may shed some light on the etiology of certain pregnancy-related complications and their adverse effects on future maternal health and infant development and improve current clinical management. The discoveries and methods used in these studies will be compiled and summarized within the following paper. A further focus of this paper is the use of hair as a biological sample, which is gaining increasing attention across diverse fields due to its noninvasive sampling method and the metabolome stability. Its significance in exposome studies will be considered in this review, as well as the potential to associate exposures with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Currently, hair has been used in only two metabolomics studies relating to fetal growth restriction (FGR) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut D. J. Delplancke
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ting-Li Han
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lingga R. Joncer
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hongbo Qi
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chao Tong
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Philip N. Baker
- International Collaborative Laboratory of Reproduction and Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- College of Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
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Warin M, Hammarström A. Material Feminism and Epigenetics: A ‘Critical Window’ for Engagement? AUSTRALIAN FEMINIST STUDIES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/08164649.2018.1538695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Warin
- Department of Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies, School of Social Sciences and The Fay Gale Centre for Research on Gender, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anne Hammarström
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Maternal intake of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids during mid-pregnancy is inversely associated with linear growth. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2018; 9:432-441. [PMID: 29665872 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174418000193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates relations of maternal N-3 and N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake during pregnancy with offspring body mass index (BMI), height z-score and metabolic risk (fasting glucose, C-peptide, leptin, lipid profile) during peripuberty (8-14 years) among 236 mother-child pairs in Mexico. We used food frequency questionnaire data to quantify trimester-specific intake of N-3 alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); N-6 linoleic acid and arachidonic acid (AA); and N-6:N-3 (AA:EPA+DHA), which accounts for the fact that the two PUFA families have opposing effects on physiology. Next, we used multivariable linear regression models that accounted for maternal education and parity, and child's age, sex and pubertal status, to examine associations of PUFA intake with the offspring outcomes. In models where BMI z-score was the outcome, we also adjusted for height z-score. We found that higher second trimester intake of EPA, DHA and AA were associated with lower offspring BMI and height z-score. For example, each 1-s.d. increment in second trimester EPA intake corresponded with 0.25 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.47) z-scores lower BMI and 0.20 (0.05, 0.36) z-scores lower height. Accounting for height z-score in models where BMI z-score was the outcome attenuated estimates [e.g., EPA: -0.16 (-0.37, 0.05)], suggesting that this relationship was driven by slower linear growth rather than excess adiposity. Maternal PUFA intake was not associated with the offspring metabolic biomarkers. Our findings suggest that higher PUFA intake during mid-pregnancy is associated with lower attained height in offspring during peripuberty. Additional research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and to confirm findings in other populations.
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Morran SAM, Elliott JE, Young JML, Eng ML, Basu N, Williams TD. Ecologically-relevant exposure to methylmercury during early development does not affect adult phenotype in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 27:259-266. [PMID: 29313303 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-017-1890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury causes behavioural and reproductive effects in adult mammals via early developmental exposure. Similar studies in birds are limited and mostly focussed on aquatic systems, but recent work has reported high blood mercury concentrations in terrestrial, passerine songbirds. We used the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) as a model to explore the long-term effects of early developmental exposure to methylmercury exposure. Chicks were dosed orally with either the vehicle control, 0.0315 µg Hg/g bw/day, or 0.075 µg Hg/g bw/day throughout the nestling period (days 1-21 post-hatching). We then measured (a) short-term effects on growth, development, and behaviour (time to self-feeding, neophobia) until 30 days of age (independence), and (b) long-term effects on courtship behaviour and song (males) and reproduction (females) once methylmercury-exposed birds reached sexual maturity (90 days post-hatching). High methylmercury treated birds had mean blood mercury of 0.734 ± 0.163 µg/g at 30 days post-hatching, within the range of values reported for field-sampled songbirds at mercury contaminated sites. However, there were no short-term effects of treatment on growth, development, and behaviour of chicks, and no long-term effects on courtship behaviour and song in males or reproductive performance in females. These results suggest that the nestling period is not a critical window for sensitivity to mercury exposure in zebra finches. Growing nestlings can reduce blood mercury levels through somatic growth and depuration into newly growing feathers, and as a result they might actually be less susceptible compared to adult birds receiving the same level of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer A M Morran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Jessica M L Young
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Margaret L Eng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Tony D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
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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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Gao ZY, Li MM, Wang J, Yan J, Zhou CC, Yan CH. Blood mercury concentration, fish consumption and anthropometry in Chinese children: A national study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 110:14-21. [PMID: 29113684 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to obtain national cross-sectional data for blood mercury levels and risk factors for mercury exposure in Chinese children aged 0 to 6years to provide evidence to support preventive measures for reducing childhood blood mercury levels. METHODS A multi-stage, stratified, clustered random sampling survey was conducted May 2013-Mar 2015. Shanghai, Jilin, Shanxi, Guangdong, Qinghai, Yunnan and Hubei, which are located in seven different geographical regions in China, were selected as the study field. A total of 14,202 children aged 0-6years participated in the study. Whole-blood venous samples (3ml) were collected from the subjects for mercury exposure assessment. The DMA-80 was applied for mercury detection, and a health questionnaire gathering information on related confounders was completed by the subjects' parents of the subjects after they received guidance from the investigators. A general linear model was used for the primary descriptive statistical analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95%CIs for the risk factors were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 14,202 eligible samples were collected. The mean mercury level was 1.39μg/L. Other results were as follows: median 1.23μg/L, p25 0.86μg/L, p75 1.73μg/L, and GM 1.10μg/L. Of the seven geographical regions, Qinghai, in northwestern China, had a median mercury level of 0.37μg/L, which was significantly lower than the mercury level in Guangdong, in southeastern China (2.01μg/L). The median blood mercury level of children in suburban areas was 1.34μg/L, which was remarkably higher than that of children in rural areas (1.09μg/L). Dichotomous subgroups were generated using the median mercury concentration. Unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that fish consumption may contribute to increased blood mercury levels (p<0.05). Additionally, we observed significantly positive associations between mercury concentrations and the children's anthropometric characteristics (BMI; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Blood mercury concentrations among Chinese children aged 0-6years were considered low, and children who consumed more marine fish, freshwater fish and shellfish tended to have higher mercury concentrations. Our study suggests that children's growth is likely affected by the positive effects of mercury, which may have implications concerning the positive effects of fish consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yan Gao
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Min-Ming Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Ju Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jin Yan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Can-Can Zhou
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Chong-Huai Yan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Healthcare, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Schofield K. The Metal Neurotoxins: An Important Role in Current Human Neural Epidemics? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1511. [PMID: 29206191 PMCID: PMC5750929 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14121511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many published studies have illustrated that several of the present day neurological epidemics (autism, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer's) cannot be correlated to any single neurotoxicant. However, the present scientific examination of the numerous global blood monitoring databases for adults that include the concentrations of the neurotoxic elements, aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) clearly indicate that, when considered in combination, for some, the human body may become easily over-burdened. This can be explained by changes in modern lifestyles. Similar data, solely for pregnant women, have been examined confirming this. All these elements are seen to be present in the human body and at not insignificant magnitudes. Currently suggested minimum risk levels (MRL) for humans are discussed and listed together with averages of the reported distributions, together with their spread and maximum values. One observation is that many distributions for pregnant women are not too dissimilar from those of general populations. Women obviously have their individual baseline of neurotoxin values before pregnancy and any efforts to modify this to any significant degree is not yet clearly apparent. For any element, distribution shapes are reasonably similar showing broad distributions with extended tails with numerous outlier values. There are a certain fraction of people that lie well above the MRL values and may be at risk, especially if genetically susceptible. Additionally, synergistic effects between neurotoxins and with other trace metals are now also being reported. It appears prudent for women of child-bearing age to establish their baseline values well before pregnancy. Those at risk then can be better identified. Adequate instrumental testing now is commercially available for this. In addition, directives are necessary for vaccination programs to use only non-neurotoxic adjuvants, especially for young children and all women of child-bearing ages. Additionally, clearer directives concerning fish consumption must now be reappraised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Schofield
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5121, USA.
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Basu N, Eng JWL, Perkins M, Santa-Rios A, Martincevic G, Carlson K, Neitzel RL. Development and application of a novel method to characterize methylmercury exposure in newborns using dried blood spots. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 159:276-282. [PMID: 28825981 PMCID: PMC6309537 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylmercury (MeHg) is a pollutant of global concern. While there is a need to gauge early-life exposures, there remain outstanding ethical, financial, and practical challenges with using the preferred biomarker, whole blood, notably in pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and children. Dried bloodspots (DBS) may help overcome some of these challenges. Notably DBS are collected from newborns in many jurisdictions offering an institutionalized platform to efficiently characterize exposures. OBJECTIVE To develop, validate, and apply a new method to measure MeHg levels in DBS with a specific aim to use this method to increase understanding of newborn exposures. METHODS Method development and validation was pursued by consulting U.S. EPA Method 1630 and other resources. The method was applied to measure MeHg levels in DBS from newborns (n = 675) from the Michigan BioTrust for Health program. RESULTS The assay's detection limit (0.3μg/L), accuracy (96-115% of expected), precision, linearity, and range met performance criteria guidelines. In the newborn DBS samples, the mean (SD) and geometric mean values of MeHg were 1.46 (0.90) and 1.25μg/L respectively, and ranged from 0.09 to 9.97μg/L. The values we report here are similar to cord blood mercury values reported elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS This is the first characterization of MeHg exposure in newborns, and thus fills an important data gap as prior studies have focused on pregnant women, cord blood, or toddlers. This method helps overcome technical challenges associated with other proposed approaches, and moving ahead there is great promise for applying this DBS-based method for population-level surveillance, particularly in resource-limited settings and for children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Jenny W L Eng
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie Perkins
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Andrea Santa-Rios
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gordana Martincevic
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Krystin Carlson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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31
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Bashash M, Thomas D, Hu H, Martinez-Mier EA, Sanchez BN, Basu N, Peterson KE, Ettinger AS, Wright R, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Schnaas L, Mercado-García A, Téllez-Rojo MM, Hernández-Avila M. Prenatal Fluoride Exposure and Cognitive Outcomes in Children at 4 and 6-12 Years of Age in Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:097017. [PMID: 28937959 PMCID: PMC5915186 DOI: 10.1289/ehp655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some evidence suggests that fluoride may be neurotoxic to children. Few of the epidemiologic studies have been longitudinal, had individual measures of fluoride exposure, addressed the impact of prenatal exposures or involved more than 100 participants. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to estimate the association of prenatal exposure to fluoride with offspring neurocognitive development. METHODS We studied participants from the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) project. An ion-selective electrode technique was used to measure fluoride in archived urine samples taken from mothers during pregnancy and from their children when 6-12 y old, adjusted for urinary creatinine and specific gravity, respectively. Child intelligence was measured by the General Cognitive Index (GCI) of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities at age 4 and full scale intelligence quotient (IQ) from the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) at age 6-12. RESULTS We had complete data on 299 mother-child pairs, of whom 287 and 211 had data for the GCI and IQ analyses, respectively. Mean (SD) values for urinary fluoride in all of the mothers (n=299) and children with available urine samples (n=211) were 0.90 (0.35) mg/L and 0.82 (0.38) mg/L, respectively. In multivariate models we found that an increase in maternal urine fluoride of 0.5mg/L (approximately the IQR) predicted 3.15 (95% CI: -5.42, -0.87) and 2.50 (95% CI -4.12, -0.59) lower offspring GCI and IQ scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this study, higher prenatal fluoride exposure, in the general range of exposures reported for other general population samples of pregnant women and nonpregnant adults, was associated with lower scores on tests of cognitive function in the offspring at age 4 and 6-12 y. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP655.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Bashash
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deena Thomas
- University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Howard Hu
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - E Angeles Martinez-Mier
- Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis , Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Brisa N Sanchez
- University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Karen E Peterson
- University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Robert Wright
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York, USA
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yun Liu
- University of Michigan School of Public Health , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Al-Saleh I, Al-Rouqi R, Elkhatib R, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rajudi T. Risk assessment of environmental exposure to heavy metals in mothers and their respective infants. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:1252-1278. [PMID: 28869188 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals can cause renal injury, which has been well documented in occupational exposure. Studies of low exposure in the general population, however, are still scarce, particularly for vulnerable populations such as mothers and young children. This study evaluated exposure to heavy metals, and biomarkers of renal function and oxidative stress in 944 lactating mothers and their infants and investigated the role of the interaction between heavy metals and oxidative stress in altering renal function. Mother and infant urine samples were analyzed to measure mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) concentrations for determining body-burden exposure; N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), α1-microglobulin (α1-MG), albumin (ALB), and creatinine (Cr) concentrations for determining early renal injury; and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations for determining oxidative stress. The median concentrclearlyations in mothers presented as μg/g Cr (infants as μg/l) for Hg, Cd, and Pb were 0.695 (0.716), 0.322 (0.343), and 3.97 (5.306) respectively. The mothers and their infants had clearly been exposed to heavy metals and had levels higher than the reference values reported for the general populations of USA, Germany, and Canada. Multiple regression analyses clearly demonstrated associations between urinary heavy metals in quartiles and several renal and oxidative biomarkers in mothers and to a lesser extent their infants. ß coefficients for urinary excretions of MDA, 8-OHdG, ALB, α1-MG, NAG, and Cr in mothers were high in the highest quartile of Hg (1.183-51.29μg/g Cr or 1.732-106.95μg/l), Cd (0.565-765.776μg/g Cr or 0.785-1347.0μg/l), and Pb (6.606-83.937μg/g Cr or 9.459-80.826μg/l), except Pb was not associated with ALB. Infants in the highest Pb quartile (9.293-263.098μg/l) had the highest ß coefficients of urinary excretion of MDA, 8-OHdG, ALB, NAG, and Cr. Significant increasing trend in biomarkers across the quartiles of the three metals was seen in both mothers and infants (ptrend <0.001). A receiver operating characteristic analysis supported the predictive abilities of the four renal biomarkers in discriminating between low versus high metal quartiles. The interaction between heavy metals and oxidative stress contributed to the high excretions of renal biomarkers, but the mechanism remains unclear. These findings add to the limited evidence that low exposure to heavy metals in the general population is associated with alterations in renal function that could eventually progress to renal damage if exposure continues and that children are more susceptible due to the immaturity of their body organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Program, Research Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Alves AC, Monteiro MS, Machado AL, Oliveira M, Bóia A, Correia A, Oliveira N, Soares AMVM, Loureiro S. Mercury levels in parturient and newborns from Aveiro region, Portugal. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:697-709. [PMID: 28524771 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1286926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of methylmercury (MeHg) poisoning in Japan and Iraq, mercury (Hg) is classified as well-established teratogen. The Portuguese region of Aveiro faced some decades ago an environmental Hg contamination due to activities from a chlor-alkali plant. Until now, no apparent evaluation was conducted regarding prenatal exposure to Hg in this area. The main objectives of this study were to: i) assess maternal and fetal exposure to Hg in the Aveiro region using noninvasive biological matrices; ii) examine the influence of variables that may contribute to Hg exposure during pregnancy; and iii) improve knowledge regarding metal accumulation and distribution over the maternal-fetal-placental unit. This study was performed in 50 mother-newborn pairs from the Aveiro district. Total Hg (THg) was quantified in maternal scalp hair, placenta, amniotic membrane, and umbilical cord. Maternal hair presented THg levels with a mean value of 900 ng/g, which is lower than the USEPA and WHO acceptable threshold. Regarding THg levels in placenta and umbilical cord, mean values were similar (decidua basalis: 32.84 ng/g; chorionic plate: 30.18 ng/g; umbilical cord: 30.67 ng/g). The amniotic membrane presented the highest THg levels with a mean concentration of 42.35 ng/g, reaching a maximum of 134.1 ng/g. Further, a significant positive correlation was noted between THg levels found in hair, and all matrices analyzed reinforcing the use of hair in biomonitoring studies with respect to maternal exposure to Hg. In general, levels of THg found in our study were lower than those in previous studies performed in Europe. Consumption of fish rich in selenium and bottled water was negatively correlated with THg levels. Finally, data demonstrated that Hg is capable of crossing the placental barrier and accumulate in placental tissues. Amniotic membrane seemed to play a role in metal detoxification, but further investigations are necessary to examine whether this catabolic process affects Hg accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Alves
- a Department of Biology & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do MAR (CESAM) , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Marta S Monteiro
- a Department of Biology & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do MAR (CESAM) , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Machado
- a Department of Biology & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do MAR (CESAM) , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Mário Oliveira
- b Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Infante D.Pedro Hospital , Centro Hospitalar Baixo , Vouga , EPE, Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Ana Bóia
- b Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Infante D.Pedro Hospital , Centro Hospitalar Baixo , Vouga , EPE, Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Ana Correia
- b Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Infante D.Pedro Hospital , Centro Hospitalar Baixo , Vouga , EPE, Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Nuno Oliveira
- b Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Infante D.Pedro Hospital , Centro Hospitalar Baixo , Vouga , EPE, Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- a Department of Biology & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do MAR (CESAM) , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
| | - Susana Loureiro
- a Department of Biology & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do MAR (CESAM) , University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal
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Cantoral A, Batis C, Basu N. National estimation of seafood consumption in Mexico: Implications for exposure to methylmercury and polyunsaturated fatty acids. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 174:289-296. [PMID: 28183054 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.01.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seafood is a good source of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3-PUFA) but also contains the toxic contaminant methylmercury (MeHg). National estimates of exposure to both compounds through seafood intake in Mexico are not known. The objective of the current study was to describe national seafood consumption habits and to estimate seafood-based exposure to ω3-PUFAs and MeHg. METHODS We analyzed data from a 24-h dietary recall extracted from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey of Mexico (n = 10,096 subjects aged 1y and older). National per capita seafood intake as well as information on age, sex, socioeconomic status, and geographic region was obtained. The contribution of each seafood item to the total MeHg exposure was estimated, as was the balance between estimated exposures to ω3-PUFAs and MeHg. RESULTS A mean daily seafood intake of 10 g/day was estimated. The top species consumed in decreasing order were: canned tuna, sunfish, shrimp, mullet, carp and schoolshark (constituted 60% of seafood intake). Canned tuna and schoolshark contributed 75% of the population's estimated exposure to MeHg. The best balance of population-level exposures to ω3-PUFAs and MeHg was found in salmon, sardine, trout and anchovies. CONCLUSION Environmental dietary exposure to MeHg is a public health concern and thus a good understanding of seafood consumption is needed to create national consumption guidelines. The current study provides nationally-representative data in Mexico from which decisions can be made (e.g., UN Minamata Convention) and future studies conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Cantoral
- CONACYT, National Institute of Public Health, Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, Mexico.
| | - Carolina Batis
- CONACYT, National Institute of Public Health, Center for Research on Nutrition and Health, Mexico
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Hoang VAT, Sakamoto M, Yamamoto M. Mercury and selenium levels, and their molar ratios in several species of commercial shrimp in Japan regarding the health risk of methylmercury exposure. J Toxicol Sci 2017; 42:509-517. [DOI: 10.2131/jts.42.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Van Anh Thi Hoang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Science, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
| | - Mineshi Sakamoto
- Department of Environmental Science and Epidemiology, National Institute for Minamata Disease
| | - Megumi Yamamoto
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease
- Graduate School of Environmental and Symbiotic Science, Prefectural University of Kumamoto
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Cryderman D, Letourneau L, Miller F, Basu N. An Ecological and Human Biomonitoring Investigation of Mercury Contamination at the Aamjiwnaang First Nation. ECOHEALTH 2016; 13:784-795. [PMID: 27645755 PMCID: PMC5164849 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1162-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The Aamjiwnaang First Nations community is located in Canada's 'Chemical Valley' situated in southwest Ontario near Sarnia. Mercury pollution in the region has been known since the 1940s but little is known about levels in the environment and area residents. The current study, using ecological and human exposure assessment methods, was conducted at the community's request to help fill these gaps. First, Canada's National Pollutant Release Inventory and the U.S. Toxics Release Inventory were queried to investigate mercury releases from area facilities. In 2010, 700 pounds of mercury were emitted into the air, 25 pounds were released into water bodies, and 93 thousand pounds were disposed of on-site via underground injections or into landfills, and together these show continued releases into the region. Second, mercury levels were measured in stream sediment and nearby soil from sites at Aamjiwnaang (n = 4) and off Reserve (n = 19) in Canada and the U.S. during three seasons that spanned 2010-2011. Total mercury in sediment across all sites and sampling seasons ranged from 5.0 to 398.7 µg/kg, and in soils ranged from 1.2 to 696.2 µg/kg. Sediment and soil mercury levels at Aamjiwnaang were higher than the reference community, and Aamjiwnaang's Talfourd Creek site had the highest mercury levels. Third, a biomonitoring study was performed with 43 mother-child pairs. Hair (mean ± SD of all participants: 0.18 ± 0.16 µg/g) and blood (1.6 ± 2.0 µg/L) mercury levels did not differ between participants studied on- and off-Reserve, likely because of limited seafood intake (<1 serving/week). Urine mercury levels (0.5 ± 0.8 µg/L) were significantly higher (1.5-2.5 times) in mother-child pairs living on-Reserve versus those living off-Reserve. In general, the study links evidence of mercury sources, environmental fate, and human exposures, and in doing so it shows that mercury levels in ecological and human samples are similar to values found in other areas, though there are some trends and evidence of contamination at Aamjiwnaang that warrant attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Cryderman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Science Department, Bay Mills Community College, Brimley, MI, USA
| | - Lisa Letourneau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fiona Miller
- University Center for the Child and Family, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Ricketts P, Basu N, Fletcher H, Voutchkov M, Bassaw B. Assessment of fish consumption and mercury exposure among pregnant women in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 164:462-468. [PMID: 27612166 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.054] [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: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fish is an essential and traditional element in the diet of most Caribbean people. However it also contains methylmercury which can have severe effects on fetal neurodevelopment. The objective of this study was to assess the fish intake of a selected group of pregnant women from Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago and evaluate prenatal mercury exposure, using the placenta as a biomarker. METHOD Food frequency questionnaires and placental samples were obtained from participating parturients at the time of delivery at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica (N = 100, from November 2012 to March 2013) and the Mt Hope Women's hospital in St Joseph, Trinidad & Tobago (N = 30, in June 2015). The participants were asked to identify the species of fish and the frequency of consumption. Placental samples were analysed for mercury using cold vapour atomic absorption. RESULTS The fish consumption preferences for pregnant women, varies based on the marine fish catch production of each country. The main fish species that contributed to the highest estimated methylmercury exposure in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago were cod and shark, respectively. There was a weak association between maternal fish intake and placental mercury concentrations. The mean placental mercury concentrations in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago were 0.74 ± 0.5 μg/kg and 1.46 ± 0.6 μg/kg, wet weight respectively. CONCLUSION The results from this study showed an influence of Caribbean fish intake preferences on mercury exposure and thus a recommendation for continuous bio-monitoring for public health purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phylicia Ricketts
- Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Horace Fletcher
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Mitko Voutchkov
- Faculty of Science & Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica
| | - Bharat Bassaw
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
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Srigboh RK, Basu N, Stephens J, Asampong E, Perkins M, Neitzel RL, Fobil J. Multiple elemental exposures amongst workers at the Agbogbloshie electronic waste (e-waste) site in Ghana. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 164:68-74. [PMID: 27580259 PMCID: PMC5048578 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is growing worldwide and raising a number of environmental health concerns. One of the largest e-waste sites is Agbogbloshie (Ghana). While several toxic elements have been reported in Agbogbloshie's environment, there is limited knowledge of human exposures there. The objectives of this study were to characterize exposures to several essential (copper, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc) and toxic (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, nickel, lead) elements in the urine and blood of male workers (n = 58) at Agbogbloshie, as well as females (n = 11) working in activities that serve the site, and to relate these exposures to sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. The median number of years worked at the site was 5, and the average worker indicated being active in 6.8 tasks (of 9 key e-waste job categories). Additionally, we categorized four main e-waste activities (in brackets % of population self-reported main activity): dealing (22.4%), sorting (24.1%), dismantling (50%), and burning (3.4%) e-waste materials. Many blood and urinary elements (including essential ones) were within biomonitoring reference ranges. However, blood cadmium (1.2 μg/L median) and lead (6.4 μg/dl; 67% above U.S. CDC/NIOSH reference level), and urinary arsenic (38.3 μg/L; 39% above U.S. ATSDR value) levels were elevated compared to background populations elsewhere. Workers who burned e-waste tended to have the highest biomarker levels. The findings of this study contribute to a growing body of work at Agbogbloshie (and elsewhere) to document that individuals working within e-waste sites are exposed to a number of toxic elements, some at potentially concerning levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Kofi Srigboh
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Judith Stephens
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Asampong
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Marie Perkins
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard L Neitzel
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julius Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental, and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Arbuckle TE, Liang CL, Morisset AS, Fisher M, Weiler H, Cirtiu CM, Legrand M, Davis K, Ettinger AS, Fraser WD. Maternal and fetal exposure to cadmium, lead, manganese and mercury: The MIREC study. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 163:270-282. [PMID: 27540762 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Given the susceptibility of the fetus to toxicants, it is important to estimate their exposure. Approximately 2000 pregnant women were recruited in 2008-2011 from 10 cities across Canada. Cd, Pb, Mn and total Hg were measured in maternal blood from the 1st and 3rd trimesters, umbilical cord blood, and infant meconium. Nutrient intakes of vitamin D, iron, and calcium (Ca) were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and a dietary supplement questionnaire. Median concentrations in 1st trimester maternal blood (n = 1938) were 0.20, 8.79 and 0.70 μg/L for Cd, Mn and Hg, respectively, and 0.60 μg/dL for Pb. While the median difference between the paired 1st and 3rd trimester concentrations of Cd was 0, there was a significant decrease in Pb (0.04 μg/dL) and Hg (0.12 μg/L) and an increase in Mn (3.30 μg/L) concentrations over the course of the pregnancy. While Cd was rarely detected in cord blood (19%) or meconium (3%), median Pb (0.77 μg/dL), Mn (31.87 μg/L) and Hg (0.80 μg/L) concentrations in cord blood were significantly higher than in maternal blood. Significant negative associations were observed between estimated Ca intake and maternal Cd, Pb, Mn and Hg, as well as cord blood Pb. Vitamin D intake was associated with lower maternal Cd, Pb, and Mn as well as Pb in cord blood. Even at current metal exposure levels, increasing dietary Ca and vitamin D intake during pregnancy may be associated with lower maternal blood Pb and Cd concentrations and lower Pb in cord blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Chun Lei Liang
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Morisset
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Sainte Justine University Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hope Weiler
- School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ciprian Mihai Cirtiu
- Centre de toxicologie du Québec, Institut national de santé publique Québec, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Melissa Legrand
- Chemicals Surveillance Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Karelyn Davis
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Adrienne S Ettinger
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William D Fraser
- Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Sainte Justine University Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Hong C, Yu X, Liu J, Cheng Y, Rothenberg SE. Low-level methylmercury exposure through rice ingestion in a cohort of pregnant mothers in rural China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 150:519-527. [PMID: 27423706 PMCID: PMC5003649 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rice ingestion is an important dietary exposure pathway for methylmercury. There are few studies concerning prenatal methylmercury exposure through rice ingestion, yet the health risks are greatest to the developing fetus, and thus should be investigated. OBJECTIVES Our main objective was to quantify dietary methylmercury intake through rice and fish/shellfish ingestion among pregnant mothers living in southern China, where rice was a staple food and mercury contamination was considered minimal. METHODS A total of 398 mothers were recruited at parturition, who donated scalp hair and blood samples. Total mercury and/or methylmercury concentrations were measured in biomarkers, in rice samples from each participant's home, and in fish tissue purchased from local markets. Additional fish/shellfish mercury concentrations were obtained from a literature search. Dietary methylmercury intake during the third trimester was equivalent to the ingestion rate for rice (or fish/shellfish)×the respective methylmercury concentration. RESULTS Dietary methylmercury intake from both rice and fish/shellfish ingestion averaged 1.2±1.8µg/day (median=0.79µg/day, range=0-22µg/day), including on average 71% from rice ingestion (median: 87%, range: 0-100%), and 29% from fish/shellfish consumption (median 13%, range: 0-100%). Median concentrations of hair total mercury, hair methylmercury, and blood total mercury were 0.40µg/g (range: 0.08-1.7µg/g), 0.28µg/g (range: 0.01-1.4µg/g), and 1.2µg/L (range: 0.29-8.6µg/L), respectively, and all three biomarkers were positively correlated with dietary methylmercury intake through rice ingestion (Spearman's rho=0.18-0.21, p≤0.0005), although the correlations were weak. In contrast, biomarkers were not correlated with fish/shellfish methylmercury intake (Spearman's rho=0.04-0.08, p=0.11-0.46). CONCLUSIONS Among pregnant mothers living in rural inland China, rice ingestion contributed to prenatal methylmercury exposure, more so than fish/shellfish ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Hong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- MOE-Shanghai Key Lab of Children's Environmental Health, XinHua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Yue Cheng
- Department of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Sarah E Rothenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
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Wang A, Padula A, Sirota M, Woodruff TJ. Environmental influences on reproductive health: the importance of chemical exposures. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:905-29. [PMID: 27513554 PMCID: PMC5158104 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Chemical exposures during pregnancy can have a profound and life-long impact on human health. Because of the omnipresence of chemicals in our daily life, there is continuous contact with chemicals in food, water, air, and consumer products. Consequently, human biomonitoring studies show that pregnant women around the globe are exposed to a variety of chemicals. In this review we provide a summary of current data on maternal and fetal exposure, as well as health consequences from these exposures. We review several chemical classes, including polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkyl substances, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, phenols, phthalates, pesticides, and metals. Additionally, we discuss environmental disparities and vulnerable populations, and future research directions. We conclude by providing some recommendations for prevention of chemical exposure and its adverse reproductive health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aolin Wang
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Amy Padula
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Marina Sirota
- Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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Siedlikowski M, Bradley M, Kubow S, Goodrich JM, Franzblau A, Basu N. Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of methylmercury from seafood commonly consumed in North America: In vitro and epidemiological studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 149:266-273. [PMID: 26896323 PMCID: PMC4907874 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a global contaminant of concern and human exposures are largely realized via seafood consumption. While it is assumed that 95-100% of the ingested MeHg from seafood reaches systemic circulation, recent in vitro studies have yielded results to suggest otherwise. Of the published studies to have characterized the bioaccessibility or bioavailability of MeHg from seafood, only a handful of seafood species have been characterized, there exists tremendous variability in data within and across species, few species of relevance to North America have been studied, and none of the in vitro studies have adapted results to an epidemiology study. The objective of the current study was two-fold: (a) to characterize in vitro MeHg bioaccessibility and bioavailability from ten commonly consumed types of seafood in North America; and (b) to apply the bioaccessibility and bioavailability data from the in vitro study to an existing human MeHg exposure assessment study. Raw seafood samples (cod, crab, halibut, salmon, scallop, shrimp, tilapia, and three tuna types: canned light, canned white, fresh) were purchased in Montreal and their MeHg concentrations generally overlapped with values reported elsewhere. The bioaccessibility of MeHg from these samples ranged from 50.1±19.2 (canned white tuna) to 100% (shrimp and scallop) of the amount measured in the raw undigested sample. The bioavailability of MeHg from these samples ranged from 29.3±10.4 (crab) to 67.4±9.7% (salmon) of the value measured in the raw undigested sample. There were significant correlations between the initial MeHg concentration in seafood with the percent of that Hg that was bioaccessible (r=-0.476) and bioavailable (r=-0.294). When the in vitro data were applied to an existing MeHg exposure assessment study, the estimated amount of MeHg absorbed into systemic circulation decreased by 25% and 42% when considering bioaccessibility and bioavailability, respectively. When the in vitro data were integrated into a regression model relating dietary MeHg intake from seafood with hair and blood Hg biomarkers, there were no differences in key model parameters when comparing the default model (that assumes 100% bioavailability) with models adjusted for the in vitro bioaccessibility and bioavailability data. In conclusion this work adds to a growing number of studies that together suggest that MeHg bioavailability from seafood may be less than 100%, but also documents the challenges when integrating such in vitro data into human exposure and risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maia Siedlikowski
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H9X 3V9
| | - Mark Bradley
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H9X 3V9
| | - Stan Kubow
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H9X 3V9
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alfred Franzblau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H9X 3V9; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Al-Saleh I, Elkhatib R, Al-Rouqi R, Abduljabbar M, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Nester M. Alterations in biochemical markers due to mercury (Hg) exposure and its influence on infant's neurodevelopment. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:898-914. [PMID: 27453562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the role of oxidative stress due to mercury (Hg) exposure on infant's neurodevelopmental performance. A total of 944 healthy Saudi mothers and their respective infants (aged 3-12 months) were recruited from 57 Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh City. Total mercury (Hg) was measured in mothers and infants urine and hair samples, as well as mother's blood and breast milk. Methylmercury (MeHg) was determined in the mothers and infants' hair and mother's blood. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and porphyrins were used to assess oxidative stress. The infant's neurodevelopment was evaluated using Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-II) and Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status. The median total Hg levels in mother's urine, infant's urine, mother's hair, infant's hair, and mother's blood and breast milk were 0.995μg/l, 0.716μg/l, 0.118μg/g dw, 0.101μg/g dw, 0.635μg/l, and 0.884μg/l respectively. The median MeHg levels in mother's hair, infant's hair, and mother's blood were 0.132μg/g dw, 0.091μg/g dw, and 2.341μg/l respectively. A significant interrelationship between mothers and infants Hg measures in various matrices was noted. This suggests that mother's exposure to different forms of Hg (total and/or MeHg) from various sources contributed significantly to the metal body burden of their respective infants. Even though Hg exposure was low, it induced high oxidative stress in mothers and infants. The influence of multiplicative interaction terms between Hg measures and oxidative stress biomarkers was tested using multiple regression analysis. Significant interactions between the urinary Hg levels in mothers and infants and oxidative stress biomarkers (8-OHdG and MDA) were noted. The MeHg levels in mother-infant hair revealed similar interaction patterns. The p-values for both were below 0.001. These observations suggest that the exposure of our infants to Hg via mothers either during pregnancy and/or neonatal life, promoted oxidative stress that might have played a role in infant neurodevelopmental delays that we reported previously. The results confirmed that the interaction between infant's MeHg in hair and 8-OHdG and MDA levels was significantly associated with a delay in DDST-II performance (ß=-0.188, p=0.028). This finding provides an insight into the potential consequences of Hg-induced oxidative stress to infant's cognitive neurodevelopment for the first time. This observation still needs future studies to be validated. Given the low MeHg levels in our population, these findings are of particular importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chafica Eltabache
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Nester
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Yu MS, Eng ML, Williams TD, Basu N, Elliott JE. Acute embryotoxic effects but no long-term reproductive effects of in ovo methylmercury exposure in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2016; 35:1534-1540. [PMID: 26573953 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury bioaccumulates in terrestrial ecosystems as methylmercury (MeHg), yet little is known about its effects on terrestrial organisms, including songbirds. The authors used a model songbird species, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), to assess short-term embryotoxic effects of in ovo MeHg exposure on hatching success and posthatching growth and nestling survival, as well as longer-term effects on mating behavior and reproduction. Egg treatment groups included a low-MeHg dose of 0.2 μg Hg g(-1) egg (n = 36), a high-MeHg dose of 3.2 μg Hg g(-1) egg (n = 49), and a control (n = 34). Doses were dissolved in nanopure filtered water and injected into the albumen on the day eggs showed signs of viability (3 d incubation). In ovo exposure to MeHg significantly reduced hatching success (53% in the high-MeHg dose group vs 94% in vehicle controls). Among hatched chicks, however, no effects of MeHg on growth, hematological variables, or nestling survival were detected. While the in ovo injection method resulted in a dose-dependent pattern of MeHg concentrations in blood of surviving chicks at 15 d and 30 d posthatching, there was evidence of rapid excretion of MeHg with nestling age during that growth period. At reproductive maturity (90 d of age), no long-term effects of in ovo exposure to MeHg on female mating behavior, reproductive effort (egg or clutch size), or growth and survivorship of offspring were observed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1534-1540. © 2015 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria S Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margaret L Eng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Environment Canada, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tony D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Environment Canada, Science & Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
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Ochoa-Martinez AC, Orta-Garcia ST, Rico-Escobar EM, Carrizales-Yañez L, Del Campo JDM, Pruneda-Alvarez LG, Ruiz-Vera T, Gonzalez-Palomo AK, Piña-Lopez IG, Torres-Dosal A, Pérez-Maldonado IN. Exposure Assessment to Environmental Chemicals in Children from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:657-670. [PMID: 26987540 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-016-0273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that the human biomonitoring of susceptible populations is a valuable method for the identification of critical contaminants. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the exposure profile for arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), 1,1-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (DDT), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (DDE), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in children living in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico (a major manufacturing center in Mexico). In 2012, we evaluated a total of 135 healthy children living in Ciudad Juarez since birth. The total PBDEs levels ranged from nondetectable (< LOD) to 215 ng/g lipid, with a mean total PBDEs level of 29.5 ± 53.0 ng/g lipid (geometric mean ± standard deviation). The mean total PCBs level in the study participants was 29.0 ± 10.5 ng/g lipid (range 4.50-50.0 ng/g lipid). The mean concentration of total DDT (DDT + DDE) was 11.9 ± 6.70 ng/g lipid (range 3.00-26.0 ng/g lipid). The mean 1-OHP levels was 1.2 ± 1.1 µmol/mol creatinine (range <LOD to 3.90 µmol/mol creatinine). Regarding heavy metals levels, the mean urinary As levels was 19.5 ± 3.07 µg/g creatinine, for urinary mercury the levels ranged from <LOD to 11.5 µg/L, with a mean value of 2.10 µg/L, and finally, the mean blood lead level was 4.20 ± 3.80 µg/dL. In conclusion, our data indicate high exposure levels to chemicals analyzed in the children living in the study community. Therefore, a biomonitoring program for the surveillance of the child population in Ciudad Juarez is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeles C Ochoa-Martinez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Sandra T Orta-Garcia
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Edna M Rico-Escobar
- Escuela de Medicina y Nutrición, Universidad de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Leticia Carrizales-Yañez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Jorge D Martin Del Campo
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Lucia G Pruneda-Alvarez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Tania Ruiz-Vera
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Ana K Gonzalez-Palomo
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico
| | - Iris G Piña-Lopez
- Hospital General de Zona con Medicina Familiar No. 1, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Arturo Torres-Dosal
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (ECOSUR), Unidad San Cristóbal, San Cristobal De Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Ivan N Pérez-Maldonado
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT), Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avenida Sierra Leona No. 550, Colonia Lomas Segunda Sección, 78210, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico.
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico.
- Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Zona Media, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, SLP, Mexico.
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Rangel-Méndez JA, Arcega-Cabrera FE, Fargher LF, Moo-Puc RE. Mercury levels assessment and its relationship with oxidative stress biomarkers in children from three localities in Yucatan, Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 543:187-196. [PMID: 26580741 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.10.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that is released into the environment from geologic and anthropogenic sources. Once it enters an organism, it generates several toxicity mechanisms and oxidative stress has been proposed as the main one. Metal susceptibility is greater in children, which is a result of their physiology and behavior. In Yucatan, Mexico, burning of unregulated garbage dumps and household trash, ingestion of top marine predators, and pottery manufacturing are among the conditions that could promote Hg exposure. However, for Yucatan, there are no published studies that report Hg levels and associated oxidative stress status in children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess Hg levels in blood and urine and oxidative stress biomarkers levels in a sample of 107 healthy children from three localities in Yucatan, Mexico, as well as investigate the relationship between these parameters. Hg was detected in 11 (10.28%) of blood samples and 38 (35.51%) of urine samples collected from the participating children. Fourteen subjects showed Hg above recommended levels. The oxidative stress biomarkers were slightly elevated in comparison with other studies and were statistically different between the sampling sites. No linear correlation between Hg levels and oxidative stress biomarkers was found. Nevertheless, exploratory univariate and multivariate analysis showed non-linear relations among the measured variables. Globally, the study provides, for the first time, information regarding Hg levels and their relationship with oxidative stress biomarkers in a juvenile population from Mexico's southeast (Yucatan) region. In agreement with worldwide concern about Hg, this study should stimulate studies on metal monitoring in humans (especially children) among scientists working in Mexico, the establishment of polices for its regulation, and the reduction of human health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A Rangel-Méndez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Yucatán, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Ignacio García Téllez, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Calle 41 No. 439, Col. Industrial, Mérida, Yucatán 97150, Mexico; Unidad de Química Sisal, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto de Abrigo S/N, Sisal 97355, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Flor E Arcega-Cabrera
- Unidad de Química Sisal, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto de Abrigo S/N, Sisal 97355, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Lane F Fargher
- Ecología Humana, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN-Unidad Mérida, Km 6 antigua carretera a Progreso, Mérida, Yucatán 97310, Mexico
| | - Rosa E Moo-Puc
- Unidad de Investigación Médica Yucatán, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Centro Médico Ignacio García Téllez, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Calle 41 No. 439, Col. Industrial, Mérida, Yucatán 97150, Mexico.
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Al-Saleh I, Nester M, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rouqi R, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Elkhatib R. Mercury (Hg) exposure and its effects on Saudi breastfed infant's neurodevelopment. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:129-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Karita K, Sakamoto M, Yoshida M, Tatsuta N, Nakai K, Iwai-Shimada M, Iwata T, Maeda E, Yaginuma-Sakurai K, Satoh H, Murata K. [Recent Epidemiological Studies on Methylmercury, Mercury and Selenium]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2016; 71:236-251. [PMID: 27725427 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.71.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
More than sixty years has passed since the outbreak of Minamata disease, and high-level methylmercury contaminations now seem nonexistent in Japan. However, mercury has been continuously discharged from natural sources and industrial activities, and the health effects on children susceptible to methylmercury exposure at low levels, in addition to mercury contamination from mercury or gold mining areas in developing countries, become a worldwide concern. In this article, we provide a recent overview of epidemiological studies regarding methylmercury and mercury. The following findings were obtained. (1) Many papers on exposure assessment of methylmercury/mercury have been published since the Minamata Convention on Mercury was adopted in 2013. (2) The most crucial problem is child developmental neurotoxicity resulting from prenatal exposure to methylmercury, but its precise assessment seems to be difficult because most of such effects are neither severe nor specific. (3) Several problems raised in birth cohort studies (e.g., whether IQ deficits due to prenatal methylmercury exposure remain when the children become adults, or whether the postnatal exposure at low levels also causes such adverse effects in children) remain unsolved. (4) Concurrent exposure models of methylmercury, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, aresenic, and organochlorine pesticides, as well as possible antagonists such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and selenium, should be considered in the study design because the exposure levels of methylmercury are extremely low in developed countries. (5) Further animal experiments and molecular biological studies, in addition to human studies, are required to clarify the mechanism of methylmercury toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Karita
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kyorin University School of Medicine
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49
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Al-Saleh I, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rouqi R, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Elkhatib R, Nester M. The extent of mercury (Hg) exposure among Saudi mothers and their respective infants. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:678. [PMID: 26450688 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A total of 1016 healthy Saudi mothers and their respective infants (aged 3-12 months) were recruited from 57 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the extent of mercury (Hg) exposure and predict its sources in the healthy Saudi population. Total Hg levels were measured in maternal urine, breast milk, blood, and hair and in the infants' urine and hair. Only 1.9% of the mothers had urinary Hg (UHg)>10 μg/l, the limit for asymptomatic adults recommended by the World Health Organization, but the median (0.99 μg/l) was higher than in other countries. Also, 49.3% of the mothers had UHg>1 μg/l, the German reference value for adults. Median infant UHg was 0.729 μg/l, and 77 and 93 % of the infants had levels higher than 0.4 and 0.1 μg/l, the reference values of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and for Germany, respectively. The median Hg level in breast milk was 0.884 μg/l. Even though 43.2% of the milk samples were above the background level for Hg in human milk (1 μg/l), our results were lower than those reported from other countries. Median maternal total Hg in blood was 0.637 μg/l, and only 0.4 and 6.9% of samples were higher than the Hg reference levels of 5.8 μg/l of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and of 2 μg/l for Germany, respectively. Total Hg levels in hair (HHg) varied widely among mothers and infants, but only 3.9% of the mothers and 2.8% of the infants had HHg>1 μg/g (the EPA reference level). Median HHg values were 0.117 μg/g dry weight in mothers and 0.1 μg/g dry weight in infants; both were lower than in other countries. The Hg levels in mothers and their respective infants were relatively low, but our results were consistent with other studies indicating that dental amalgam fillings and fish consumption were the main predictors of maternal Hg exposure. Among the several biomarkers of Hg exposure, Hg levels in maternal hair and urine were the strongest predictors of infant exposure. The lack of an association between Hg in breast milk and Hg in infant urine and hair suggested that the infants were exposed to Hg predominately during pregnancy rather than during breastfeeding. We expect that our data can serve as a baseline for further biomonitoring and follow-up studies, particularly of the long-term impact of Hg on childhood neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chafica Eltabache
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Nester
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
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50
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Exley K, Aerts D, Biot P, Casteleyn L, Kolossa-Gehring M, Schwedler G, Castaño A, Angerer J, Koch HM, Esteban M, Schindler BK, Schoeters G, Den Hond E, Horvat M, Bloemen L, Knudsen LE, Joas R, Joas A, Sepai O. Pilot study testing a European human biomonitoring framework for biomarkers of chemical exposure in children and their mothers: experiences in the UK. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:15821-15834. [PMID: 26036586 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4772-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to a number of environmental chemicals in UK mothers and children has been assessed as part of the European biomonitoring pilot study, Demonstration of a Study to Coordinate and Perform Human Biomonitoring on a European Scale (DEMOCOPHES). For the European-funded project, 17 countries tested the biomonitoring guidelines and protocols developed by COPHES. The results from the pilot study in the UK are presented; 21 school children aged 6-11 years old and their mothers provided hair samples to measure mercury and urine samples, to measure cadmium, cotinine and several phthalate metabolites: mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate (5OH-MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxo-hexyl)phthalate (5oxo-MEHP) and mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP), mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-iso-butyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) and mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP). Questionnaire data was collected on environment, health and lifestyle. Mercury in hair was higher in children who reported frequent consumption of fish (geometric mean 0.35 μg/g) compared to those that ate fish less frequently (0.13 μg/g, p = 0.002). Cadmium accumulates with age as demonstrated by higher levels of urinary cadmium in the mothers (geometric mean 0.24 μg/L) than in the children(0.14 μg/L). None of the mothers reported being regular smokers, and this was evident with extremely low levels of cotinine measured (maximum value 3.6 μg/L in mothers, 2.4 μg/L in children). Very low levels of the phthalate metabolites were also measured in both mothers and children (geometric means in mothers: 5OH-MEHP 8.6 μg/L, 5oxo-MEHP 5.1 μg/L, MEHP 1.2 μg/L, MEP 26.8 μg/L, MiBP 17.0 μg/L, MBzP 1.6 μg/L and MnBP 13.5 μg/L; and in children: 5OH-MEHP 18.4 μg/L, 5oxo-MEHP 11.4 μg/L, MEHP 1.4 μg/L, MEP 14.3 μg/L, MiBP 25.8 μg/L, MBzP 3.5 μg/L and MnBP 22.6 μg/L). All measured biomarker levels were similar to or below population-based reference values published by the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Germany's GerES surveys. No results were above available health guidance values and were of no concern with regards to health. The framework and techniques learnt here will assist with future work on biomonitoring in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Exley
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RQ, UK.
| | - Dominique Aerts
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Biot
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Jürgen Angerer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Holger M Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Marta Esteban
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Birgit K Schindler
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Environmental Risk and Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Louis Bloemen
- Environmental Health Science International, Hulst, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Ovnair Sepai
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Chilton, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RQ, UK
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