1
|
Eqani SAMAS, Alamdar A, Nawaz I, Shah SSA, Khanam T, Hayder QUA, Sohail M, Katsoyiannis IA, Shen H. Human biomonitoring of trace metals from different altitudinal settings of Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:25486-25499. [PMID: 38472570 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32766-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring of toxic trace elements is of critical importance for public health protection. The current study aims to assess the levels of selected trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) into paired human nail and hair samples (n = 180 each) from different altitudinal setting along the Indus River, and which were measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The human samples (hair and nail) were collected from four different ecological zones of Pakistan which include frozen mountain zone (FMZ), wet mountain zone (WMZ), riverine delta zone (RDZ), and low-lying southern areas (LLZ). Our results showed the following occurrence trends into studied hair samples: higher values (ppm) of Zn (281), Co (0.136), and Mn (5.65) at FMZ; Cr (1.37), Mn (7.83), and Ni (1.22) at WMZ; Co (0.15), Mn (11.89), and Ni (0.99) at RDZ; and Mn (8.99) and Ni (0.90) at LLZ. While in the case of nails, the levels (ppm) of Mn (9.91) at FMZ and Mn (9.38, 24.1, and 12.5), Cr (1.84, 3.87, and 2.33), and Ni (10.69, 8.89, and 12.6) at WMZ, RDZ and LLZ, respectively, showed higher concentration. In general, among the studied trace elements, Mn and Ni in hair/nail samples were consistently higher and exceeded the WHO threshold/published reference values in most of the studied samples (> 50-60%) throughout the Indus basin. Similarly, hair/nail Pb values were also higher in few cases (2-10%) at all studied zones and exceeded the WHO threshold/published reference values. Our area-wise comparisons of studied metals exhibited altitudinal trends for Cd, Cr, Zn, and Mn (p < 0.05), and surprisingly, the values were increasing from south to north (at higher altitudes) and indicative of geogenic sources of the studied toxic elements, except Mn, which was higher at lower floodplain areas. Estimated daily intake (EDI) values showed that food and drinking water had the highest contribution towards Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni and accumulation at all studied zones. Whereas, dust also acts as the main exposure route for Mn, Co, Cr, and Cd followed by the food, and water.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ambreen Alamdar
- Environment Health Sciences and Managment, Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ismat Nawaz
- Ecohealth and Toxicology Lab, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Sayyam Abbas Shah
- Ecohealth and Toxicology Lab, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tasawar Khanam
- Ecohealth and Toxicology Lab, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Qurat Ul Ain Hayder
- Ecohealth and Toxicology Lab, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sohail
- Ecohealth and Toxicology Lab, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Zoology, University of Central Punjab, Sargodha Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ioannis A Katsoyiannis
- Department of Chemistry, Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Technology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Heqing Shen
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hoopmann M, Murawski A, Schümann M, Göen T, Apel P, Vogel N, Kolossa-Gehring M, Röhl C. A revised concept for deriving reference values for internal exposures to chemical substances and its application to population-representative biomonitoring data in German children and adolescents 2014-2017 (GerES V). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 253:114236. [PMID: 37579634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
HBM reference values, in contrast to toxicologically derived values, are statistically derived values that provide information on the exposure of the population. The exceedance frequency (if applicable for individual population groups) is often a first assessment standard for the local exposure situation for municipalities. More than 25 years have passed since the German Human Biomonitoring Commission (HBMC) formulated the first recommendations for the derivation of population-based reference values (HBM reference values, RV95) for substance concentrations based on HBM studies. A fundamental revision is timely, for several reasons. There have been considerable advances in relevant statistical methods, which meant that previously time-consuming and inaccessible procedures and calculations are now widely available. Furthermore, not all steps for the derivation of HBM reference values were clearly elaborated in the first recommendations. With this revision we intended to achieve a rigorous standardization of the entire process of deriving HBM reference values, also to realise a higher degree of transparency. In accordance with established international practice, it is recommended to use the 95th percentile of the reference distribution as the HBM reference value. To this end, the empirical 95th percentile of a suitable sample should be rounded, ensuring that the rounded value is within the two-sided 95% confidence interval of the percentile. All estimates should be based on distribution-free methods, and the confidence interval should be estimated using a bootstrap approach, if possible, according to the BCa ("bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap"). A minimum sample size of 80 observations is considered necessary. The entire procedure ensures that the derived HBM reference value is robust against at least two extreme values and can also be used for underlying mixed distributions. If it is known in advance that certain subgroups (different age groups, smokers, etc.) show differing internal exposures, it is recommended that group-specific HBM reference values should be derived. Especially when the sample sizes for individual subgroups are too small, individual datasets with potential outliers can be excluded in advance to homogenize the reference value population. In the second part, new HBM reference values based on data of the German Environmental Survey for Children and Adolescents (GerES V, 2014-2017) were derived in accordance with the revised recommendations. The GerES V is the most recent population-representative monitoring of human exposure to pollutants in Germany on children and adolescents aged 3-17 years (N = 2294). RV95 for GerES V are reported for four subgroups (males/females and 3-11/12-17 years) for 108 different substances including phthalates and alternative plasticisers, metals, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), parabens, aprotic solvents, chlorophenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and UV filter, in total 135 biomarkers. Algorithms implemented in R were used for the statistics and the determination of the HBM reference values. To facilitate a quality control of the study data, the corresponding R source code is given, together with graphical representations of results. The HBM reference values listed in this article replace earlier RV95 values derived by the HBMC for children and adolescents from data of precedent GerES studies (e.g. published in Apel et al., 2017).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Schümann
- Formerly Hamburg Ministry of Health and Consumer Protection, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Göen
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Petra Apel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Röhl
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, Christiana Albertina University Kiel, Kiel, Germany; Environmental Medicine and Toxicology, State Agency for social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Neumünster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kusanagi E, Takamura H, Hoshi N, Chen SJ, Adachi M. Levels of Toxic and Essential Elements and Associated Factors in the Hair of Japanese Young Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1186. [PMID: 36673943 PMCID: PMC9859141 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern regarding the effects of toxic element exposure on the development of children. However, little is known about the level of toxic elements exposure in Japanese children. The purpose of this study was to assess the concentrations of multiple elements (aluminum, cadmium, lead, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc) in the hair of 118 Japanese young children and to explore the factors associated with their element levels. The element concentration was analyzed by ICP-MS, and children's food and water intake were assessed by the questionnaire. Results showed that there were no large differences between the level of elements in the hair of Japanese children and those of children in other developed countries. Girls had significantly higher levels of aluminum, copper, and iron (p = 0.000, 0.014, and 0.013, respectively), and boys had a higher level of sodium (p = 0.006). The levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and sodium in nursery school children were significantly higher than those in kindergarten children (p = 0.024, 0.001, 0.046, and 0.029, respectively). Multiple regression analyses with controlling the confounding variables showed significant negative associations of frequency of yogurt intake with aluminum and lead levels (p = 0.015 and 0.037, respectively). When the children were divided into three groups based on the frequency of yoghurt consumption, viz. L (≤once a week), M (2 or 3 times a week), and H (≥4 to 6 times a week) group, the mean aluminum concentration (µg/g) in the L, M, and H groups was 11.06, 10.13, and 6.85, while the mean lead concentration (µg/g) was 1.76, 1.70, and 0.87, respectively. Our results suggested the validity of hair element concentrations as an exposure measure of essential elements and frequent yogurt intake as a viable measure for protecting children from toxic elements. However, these findings will need to be confirmed in more detailed studies with larger sample sizes in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Kusanagi
- Department of Childhood Education, Kokugakuin University Hokkaido Junior College, Takikawa 073-0014, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Takamura
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Sciences, Nara Women’s University, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Nobuko Hoshi
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Junior College of Sapporo Otani University, Sapporo 065-8567, Japan
| | - Shing-Jen Chen
- Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care, Koen Gakuen Women’s Junior College, Sapporo 005-0012, Japan
| | - Mayumi Adachi
- Research Group of Psychology, Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Varrica D, Tamburo E, Alaimo MG. Levels of trace elements in human hair samples of adolescents living near petrochemical plants. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:3779-3797. [PMID: 34698985 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is a comparative analysis to investigate human hair metal profiles of adolescents residing near petrochemical plants (Sicily, Italy). We selected the small town of Augusta, Gela, and Pace del Mela, and a control area made up of the towns characterized by low anthropogenic activity. Twenty trace elements were measured in samples of scalp hair from adolescents (11-14 years old) of both genders. Hair samples were cleaned using a rigorous cleaning method, mineralized, and processed for analyses by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In industrial sites, zinc was always the most abundant element, ranging from186 to 217 μg g-1. Following zinc, the elements Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, and Sr were in the range 1-20 μg g-1. The remaining elements had concentrations < 1 μg g-1. The comparison with adolescents living in suburban area highlighted that As, Ba, Mn, Sr, U, and V have the highest median concentrations in an industrial location. An industrial factor (As, Mn, Sr, U, and V) and an urban factor (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, and Sb) were distinguished by the multivariate statistical analysis between a cohort residing in urban and industrial areas. Statistically significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.05) between the genders were found for Ba, Mn, Ni, Sr, and V in all industrial sites with median concentrations higher in females' hair than males'. The data confirm that the study areas are heavily affected by industrial and urban emissions of metals and metalloids, representing a potential hazard to the local population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Varrica
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Elisa Tamburo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Alaimo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nasser Eddine N, Noisel N, Dieme D, Asmar MK, Issa ST, Bouchard M. Multi-matrix biomonitoring approach to assess exposure to metals and trace elements in the Lebanese population and associations with drinking water consumption. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113982. [PMID: 35952733 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study is the first attempt to assess exposure to metals and trace elements in subgroups of the Lebanese population using a multi-matrix biomonitoring approach. Concentrations of 11 metals and trace elements (aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), uranium (U), zinc (Zn)) were measured in urine, hair and toenails. Biological levels were compared according to age, sex, smoking status, socioeconomic status, geographical area and drinking water source. While most urinary and toenail concentrations of metals and trace elements were not different between males and females, measured concentrations of several elements in hair were higher in females compared to males. Urinary concentrations of some metals (Al, Cu, Se and Zn) were higher in children compared to teenagers and adults. Hair and toenail concentrations of several elements (As, Cd, Pb, Mn, Se in hair and toenails plus Al, Fe in toenails) were also significantly higher in children compared to teenagers and/or adults. Smoking status had no influence on metal and trace element concentrations. Levels of Cd, Pb and Mn were also higher in samples from subgroups with lower economic status (Cd and Pb in the three matrices and Mn in hair and toenails). Very few correlations were identified between sources of drinking water and urine, hair, and toenail concentrations of metals and trace elements. However, a correlation was observed between hair and toenails levels of As, Cd and Pb. Overall, results highlight that a special attention should be given to metal and trace element exposure in this population (including Pb, As, Cd, Mn, and Se). It could be relevant to scale up this kind of investigation with a large human biomonitoring initiative in the Lebanese population in order to generalize results, and assess trends over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nessrine Nasser Eddine
- Département de Santé Environnementale et Santé Au Travail, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de La Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada
| | - Nolwenn Noisel
- Département de Santé Environnementale et Santé Au Travail, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de La Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; Chaire d'analyse et de gestion des risques toxicologiques, Université de Montréal, 2900, Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Denis Dieme
- Département de Santé Environnementale et Santé Au Travail, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de La Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal, 7101, Avenue Du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada
| | - Michèle Kosremelli Asmar
- Institut Supérieur de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Lebanon
| | - Sahar T Issa
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Communications, Arts and Sciences, Canadian University Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michèle Bouchard
- Département de Santé Environnementale et Santé Au Travail, École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, 2375 Chemin de La Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1A8, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal, 7101, Avenue Du Parc, Montréal, QC H3N 1X7, Canada; Chaire d'analyse et de gestion des risques toxicologiques, Université de Montréal, 2900, Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Heavy Metal in Rice and Vegetable and Human Exposure near a Large Pb/Zn Smelter in Central China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312631. [PMID: 34886356 PMCID: PMC8657013 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Non-ferrous metal smelting is a significant source of anthropogenic heavy metal emission and has led to severe environmental pollution that ultimately threatens the health of local residents. In this study, we determined concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), as well as Pb isotopic compositions in rice, vegetables and human hair in areas surrounding the Zhuzhou Pb/Zn smelter in Hunan, China and we assessed the health risks associated with rice and vegetable consumption for local residents. Results showed that rice and vegetable samples were significantly contaminated by Cd and Pb. Age and source of rice were important factors for the enrichment of heavy metal concentrations in human hair. The ratios of Pb isotopes in human hair (1.164-1.170 for 206Pb/207Pb and 2.102-2.110 for208Pb/206Pb) were comparable to those in rice (1.162-1.172 for 206Pb/207Pb and 2.098-2.114 for208Pb/206Pb) and were slightly lower than those in vegetables (1.168-1.172 for 206Pb/207Pb and 2.109-2.111 for208Pb/206Pb), indicating that Pb in human hair mainly originated from food ingestion. A non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that Cd exposure was the dominant health risk for local residents. This study suggested that crops planted surrounding the smelter were seriously contaminated with Cd and human exposure was related to dietary intake.
Collapse
|
7
|
Zheng J, Li M, Tang B, Luo W, Ma Y, Ren M, Yu Y, Luo X, Mai B. Levels, Spatial Distribution, and Impact Factors of Heavy Metals in the Hair of Metropolitan Residents in China and Human Health Implications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:10578-10588. [PMID: 34296597 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to low levels of heavy metals threatens human health. However, few studies evaluated the health effects and spatial distributions of chronic exposure to heavy metals in metropolitan residents throughout mainland China using unified sampling methods and evaluation indicators at the national level. Here, the concentrations and spatial distributions of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Sb, Pb, and Hg) in the hair of 1202 metropolitan residents from mainland China were analyzed, and differences in age and sex were evaluated. Most target metals exhibited higher concentrations in the hair of residents from South Central China. Generally, male hair had higher As and Se concentrations, whereas female hair had higher Cd and Pb levels (p < 0.05). A significant pairwise correlation existed between most metals in hair, especially Cd-Pb (r = 0.638, p < 0.05). The Se/heavy metal molar ratio is used as an indicator to assess the detoxification ability. The results demonstrated that protecting metropolitan residents in South Central China from heavy metals in their daily life is crucial, particularly for Hg, Pb, and Cr with Se/(Hg, Pb, or Cr) molar ratios < 1. This is the first study to comprehensively consider the antagonistic effects of Se and heavy metals using the molar ratio of Se/heavy metals to evaluate health implications and propose health management policies for metropolitan residents in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Min Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Resources Utilization and Protection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Bin Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Weikeng Luo
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Yan Ma
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Mingzhong Ren
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Guangzhou 510655, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Resources Utilization and Protection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| | - Bixian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Resources Utilization and Protection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Environmental Pollution and Control, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Guangzhou 510640, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Çelik B, Nalçacıoğlu H, Karakükçü Ç, Aslaner H, Şahiner ÜM. Assessment of Hair Zinc in the School Children in Kayseri, Turkey. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 196:343-348. [PMID: 32221800 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02115-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Zinc is an essential micronutrient for the organism and is critical for the functional and structural integrity of cells. Determination of the amount of trace element concentrations in tissues such as hair samples have been used for the evaluation of the metabolic status especially in children. Unlike serum zinc, concentrations of zinc in hair are more stable and indicative of variations over time. The purpose of this study is to assess the zinc status of healthy school-age children in Kayseri (Turkey) by measuring the zinc level in hair samples and its association with BMI and the frequency of intake of zinc-rich foods. A total of 527 healthy children, including preadolescent (n = 360) aged 6-10 years and adolescent (n = 167) aged 11-15 years were included in this study. Hair samples were analyzed for zinc content by the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometry. Analysis of 527 healthy children showed that the mean hair zinc level was 186 ± 77 μg/g. Mean hair zinc level was lower in preadolescent age group than adolescents. There was no significant relationship between the monthly income of the family and the zinc-rich food intake and the zinc level of the hair. Our study shows that samples for analysis of zinc can be obtained with a noninvasive method for determining cases of deficiency during periods of rapid growth. However, further studies are needed to determine the normal tissue zinc level in healthy children, especially in our country and including different geographical regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binnaz Çelik
- Department of Pediatrics, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Hülya Nalçacıoğlu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem Karakükçü
- Department of Biochemistry, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
| | | | - Ümit Murat Şahiner
- Department of Pediatric Allergy, Hacettepe University Medicine faculty, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Noreen F, Sajjad A, Mahmood K, Anwar M, Zahra M, Waseem A. Human Biomonitoring of Trace Elements in Scalp Hair from Healthy Population of Pakistan. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 196:37-46. [PMID: 31654255 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01906-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present study deals with the assessment of essential trace and toxic elements in biological samples (scalp hair) of healthy smoker and non-smoker residents of Lahore (the second most populous city), Pakistan. Human biomonitoring of various trace elements like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) was evaluated in human hair samples of smokers and non-smokers (males and females) as per IFCC criteria. For the purpose of comparison, scalp hair samples of age- and sex-equivalent healthy persons were also analyzed. The results of this study show that the concentrations (P95 values) of As (0.17, 0.81, and 0.91 μg/g), Cd (2.80, 3.81, and 3.16 μg/g), Cr (4.1, 4.2, and 5.3 μg/g), Cu (20.0, 21.0, and 21.9 μg/g), Ni (3.9, 4.6, and 4.3 μg/g), Pb (4.0, 4.8, and 5.0 μg/g), and Fe (49.0, 49.0, and 59.3 μg/g) were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of smokers than in referents, for various age groups (16-32 years, 33-50 years, and 51-62 years), respectively. The concentrations of Zn (165, 163, and 173 μg/g various age groups, respectively) in similar age group were found lower in the scalp hair samples of smokers than referents. Exposure of high toxic metal level through smoking and deficiency of Zn could be synergistic with the risk factors associated with the use of tobacco. Correlation studies for the elements in cigarette with the elements in scalp hair of male smokers show a highly positive correlation between Cr-Cd, Cr-Ni, Cu-Fe, and Ni-Zn.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fouzia Noreen
- PCSIR Labs Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Ashif Sajjad
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mahmood
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Anwar
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
| | - Manzar Zahra
- Department of Chemistry, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amir Waseem
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kvestad I, Vabø S, Kjellevold M, Nøstbakken OJ, Midtbø LK, Hysing M, Markhus MW, Madsen L, Handeland K, Graff IE, Lie Ø, Frøyland L, Stormark KM, Dahl L, Øyen J. Fatty fish, hair mercury and cognitive function in Norwegian preschool children: Results from the randomized controlled trial FINS-KIDS. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:1098-1105. [PMID: 30360881 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The toxic effects of prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) include neurological abnormalities and developmental delay of which infants and children are particular susceptible. Studies on the effects of low and moderate exposure show conflicting results. Seafood is the main dietary source of MeHg, but also contributes with nutrients regarded as beneficial for development. OBJECTIVES To measure the change in total hair mercury concentration (THHg) after an intervention of lunch meals with fatty fish or meat in Norwegian preschool children, and to examine the associations between THHg and cognitive function. METHODS Children (n = 232) 4-6 years old were randomized to lunch meals with fatty fish (n = 114) or meat (n = 118) three times a week for 16 weeks. THHg was determined using a Direct Mercury Analyzer, and cognitive function was assessed by the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Intelligence Scale-III (WPPSI-III) pre- and post-intervention. Linear mixed effect models were used to analyze changes in THHg and WPPSI-III scores. RESULTS The mean (SD) THHg pre-intervention was 0.373 (0.204) mg kg-1. Children in the fish group had an increase in THHg (change 0.162, 95% CI 0.111, 0.213 mg kg-1), whereas children in the meat group had decreased THHg (-0.053, 95% CI -0.103, -0.002 mg kg-1). There were no notable associations between THHg and the WPPSI-III raw scores at baseline or after 16 weeks of the fish/meat intervention. CONCLUSIONS Lunch meals including fatty fish led to a significant increase in THHg, but the values remain below the point of departures used for risk assessment by the EFSA, WHO and US-EPA. We observed no associations between THHg and cognitive function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Kvestad
- Regional Center for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Center, Bergen, Norway
| | - Silje Vabø
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Mari Hysing
- Regional Center for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Center, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Lise Madsen
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Øyvind Lie
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Kjell Morten Stormark
- Regional Center for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Center, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Taraškevičius R, Zinkutė R, Gedminienė L, Stankevičius Ž. Hair geochemical composition of children from Vilnius kindergartens as an indicator of environmental conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:1817-1840. [PMID: 28536963 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-9977-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The research is based on analysis data of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, Zn (metals) and S in the hair of 47 girls and 63 boys from eight Vilnius kindergartens and the distribution pattern of high metal concentrations and bioavailability in snow-cover dust, also dust samples from vents of characteristic pollution sources. The kindergartens were selected according to topsoil total contamination index and dust-related indices. Significantly higher Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations in the hair of girls (means are 1.1, 1.9, 1.3, 1.2 times higher) and the differences between hair of genders according to inter-element correlation and clustering were found. Analysis of Spearman correlation coefficients between metal concentrations in hair of each gender and dust metal concentrations or metal loading rates at their residence sites revealed that for Mn, Cu and Zn, they are insignificant, while for Cr, Ni, Pb and V, they are mainly significant positive (except V in female hair). The correlation of the contents of Cr, Ni and V in dust with respective concentrations in hair was more significant for boys (p < 0.001) than for girls. Only a few cases with a significant Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn increase were revealed in hair of children attending polluted kindergartens in comparison with control. It was concluded that relationship between metal concentrations in hair and dust-related indices is more expressed for children's residence sites than for their kindergarten sites. The gender-based grouping and site-by-site study design are recommended in the studies of reflection of environmental exposure in hair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ričardas Taraškevičius
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania.
- Klaipėda University, Herkaus Manto 84, LT-92294, Klaipėda, Lithuania.
| | - Rimantė Zinkutė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Laura Gedminienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Vogel N, Conrad A, Apel P, Rucic E, Kolossa-Gehring M. Human biomonitoring reference values: Differences and similarities between approaches for identifying unusually high exposure of pollutants in humans. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 222:30-33. [PMID: 30146177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In exposure and risk assessment, the indication of unusually high exposure levels in humans to chemicals has been considered as an important objective for decades. To realize this objective, reference values (RV) need to be derived. However, while there is a tendency towards using the 95th percentile as a basis for deriving these reference values there is still no consensus. Moreover, side approaches have evolved including deriving RVs based on other percentiles, reporting multiple RVs or only reporting percentiles. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of the current literature, to point out differences and similarities between existing approaches, and to highlight important criteria for the derivation of RVs. We observe the majority of studies to base RVs on the 95th percentile and its 95% confidence interval which can been justified by statistical paradigms, present arguments for a single defined reference value, and discuss characteristics which call for more consistency. To conclude, our overview provides a first step towards a more homogenous and standardized derivation procedure to identify unusually high exposures in exposure science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Vogel
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Germany.
| | - André Conrad
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Germany
| | - Petra Apel
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Germany
| | - Enrico Rucic
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Toxic elements in hair and in vitro fertilization outcomes: A prospective cohort study. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 77:43-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
16
|
Peña-Fernández A, Del Carmen Lobo-Bedmar M, González-Muñoz MJ. Effects of sex on the levels of metals and metalloids in the hair of a group of healthy Spanish adolescents (13 to 16 years old). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:23666-23678. [PMID: 28861694 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9984-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring can be a reliable tool to protect the health of the citizens of major urban environments. Human hair may be an invaluable specimen to determine chronic exposure to any environmental contaminant in an individual, especially in the young population. However, different factors including a lack of studies that have established reference values for metals and metalloids (trace elements) in human scalp hair make the use of this matrix controversial. A monitoring study was performed to establish possible normal or tentative reference values of Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sn, Ti, Tl and Zn in adolescents' (aged 13-16) hair who have lived since birth in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid region (Spain). Strict inclusion criteria were followed to study the effect of sex on the hair metal content, and the levels of the above contaminants were also studied in park topsoils from Alcalá de Henares. Scalp hair samples were collected from 96 healthy adolescents (28 boys and 68 girls), and reference values were calculated following the recommendations of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. The levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn in hair of adolescents from Alcalá de Henares show a sex dependency, being significantly higher in female participants. Sex should be a factor taken into account when developing future reference values and hair metal content. Soil metal contamination was not correlated with the levels found in hair. To conclude, the values of metals and metalloids here analysed and discussed could be considered as tentative reference values for Spanish adolescents aged 13-16 years living in the Madrid region, and may be used to identify the level of exposure of adolescents in this Spanish region to the various metals and metalloids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Peña-Fernández
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK.
- Unidad de Toxicología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Del Carmen Lobo-Bedmar
- Departamento de Investigación Agroambiental, IMIDRA, Finca el Encín, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 38.2, 28800, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria José González-Muñoz
- Unidad de Toxicología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sazakli E, Leotsinidis M. Hair biomonitoring and health status of a general population exposed to Nickel. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 43:161-168. [PMID: 28215719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted in a Greek population, being orally exposed to Ni via food consumption, in order to investigate possible health effects and to evaluate hair Ni concentration as a biomarker of exposure. The study population consisted of 139 men and 155 women, aged 25-69. Socio-demographics, lifestyle, dietary habits, occupational and medical history data were recorded through a personal interview. Hematological and biochemical examinations were conducted in blood specimens. Metals - Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu and Zn - were determined in hair samples. Women were characterized by higher Ni and Cu hair concentrations, while men by higher Cr and Hg. Factors affecting hair metal concentrations were identified to be dietary habits, consumption of local crops, occupation and smoking. Hair element content in the study population was comparable to the "reference ranges" reported in Europe, except for Ni, found higher in a fraction of our population. Men in the upper quartile of hair Ni distribution are at higher risk for abnormal high cholesterol, LDL, albumin and calcium, with odds ratios (OR) varying between 3.5 and 6.2. Accordingly, high hair Ni content in women is associated with abnormal glucose (OR=3.9), triglycerides (OR=3.1) and low abnormal sodium (OR=4.3). The study provides evidence of the suitability of hair analysis in assessing environmental exposure to Ni and supports the use of hair Ni content as a valuable and relatively inexpensive tool of biomonitoring, to identify people at risk for certain biochemical alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Sazakli
- Lab of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, University Campus, Patras, GR-26504, Greece.
| | - Michalis Leotsinidis
- Lab of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, University Campus, Patras, GR-26504, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Llorente Ballesteros MT, Navarro Serrano I, Izquierdo Álvarez S. Reference levels of trace elements in hair samples from children and adolescents in Madrid, Spain. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2017; 43:113-120. [PMID: 28063766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hair samples are used as a tool to evaluate environmental exposure to contaminants and metabolic status in the individual. However, the use of human hair is controversial, mainly because of the lack of well-defined reference levels. In the case of Spain, very few biomonitoring studies have investigated these issues in infants, children or adolescents. OBJECTIVE To establish reference levels for trace elements in children and teenagers in Madrid, Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure Al, As, Ag, Ba, Bi, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl and Zn levels in hair samples from 648 healthy children and adolescents (253 boys and 395 girls) between April 2008 and December 2009. RESULTS Median levels were as follows: Al 18.5μg/g, As 0.07μg/g, Ag 196ng/g, Ba 0.5μg/g, Bi 0.01μg/g, Cd 18.3ng/g, Cr 0.4μg/g, Co 14.5ng/g, Cu 25.7μg/g, Fe 15.5μg/g, Mn 328ng/g, Mo 0.04μg/g, Ni 0.5μg/g, Pb 0.70μg/g, Se 0.5μg/g, Sr 1.29μg/g, Tl 0.28ng/g and Zn 121μg/g. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The values of trace elements here described could be considered as possible reference ranges for hair samples from children and adolescents aged 0-18 years living in the Madrid region (central Spain). These values could also be selected as a preliminary screening tool to assess exposure sources and to generate information needed to develop prevention strategies and likewise could be a complement to other diagnostic procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Navarro Serrano
- Institute of Toxicology of Defence, Gómez Ulla Central Hospital of Defence, Glorieta del Ejército s/n, 28047 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Silvia Izquierdo Álvarez
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Miguel Servet University Hospital, C/Padre Arrupe, s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Praveena SM, Pradhan B, Aris AZ. Assessment of bioavailability and human health exposure risk to heavy metals in surface soils (Klang district, Malaysia). TOXIN REV 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2017.1350193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarva Mangala Praveena
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Biswajeet Pradhan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Zaharin Aris
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
E T, D V, G D. Gender as a key factor in trace metal and metalloid content of human scalp hair. A multi-site study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 573:996-1002. [PMID: 27607902 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This multi-site study discusses the content of metals and metalloids (MM) in scalp hair of children, living in different environmental contexts, with the purpose of verifying if hair level of some MM is distinctively gender-specific. A total of 943 hair samples (537 females and 406 males) from adolescents were analyzed for their content of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V and Zn. Elemental quantification was performed by ICP-MS. The obtained data identified different metal distributions in adolescent girls which exhibited significantly higher hair concentrations of some trace metals, especially Sr, Zn and Ni, than boys. On the base of the median value, hair of female donors contained 3.8 times more Sr (6.6μg/g) than males (1.7μg/g). Highest concentrations of Zn in females were observed in samples from the mining area of Sardinia (587μg/g). Nickel showed significant differences resulting 2.5-fold higher in female hair. Regardless of the residence site, these elements resulted always significantly different (at p<0.01) between female and male indicating that gender is a confounding factor that has to be more extensively considered for a correct interpretation of metal profiles in human hair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamburo E
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Varrica D
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Dongarrà G
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 22, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Peña-Fernández A, González-Muñoz MJ, Lobo-Bedmar MC. Evaluating the effect of age and area of residence in the metal and metalloid contents in human hair and urban topsoils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:21299-21312. [PMID: 27497853 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7352-3] [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: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the levels of trace elements in hair can allow estimating the effects of the geographical location and also can provide a notion of the metal body burden. However, the use of human hair is controversial due to the different confounding factors that could affect the presence of trace elements in hair. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring study was performed in Alcalá de Henares, one of the major cities in the Madrid region, Spain. Trace elements have been monitored in urban topsoils and in human hair of two well-defined and healthy groups of population: children (6-9 years) and adolescents (13-16 years). The city was divided into four areas or zones with different characteristics to assess the possible effect of area of residence and age in the presence of Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sn, Ti, Tl and Zn in soils and hair. There is no current hypothesis that explains the possible effect of the area of monitoring in the distribution of Be, Cr, Ni, Sn and Ti found in these urban soils, maybe because urban soils receive high disturbance, and there are many factors involved. The presence of most of the trace elements monitored was significantly higher in the hair of the children population, except for Sn and Zn. This could be attributed mainly to dietary habits. Other factors influencing metal content in hair such as environmental factors would have had a minimal effect in the population groups here studied. Finally, none of the levels of trace elements studied in hair were significantly correlated with levels measured in the topsoils of public parks in Alcalá de Henares, with the exception of Pb in adolescent participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Peña-Fernández
- School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK.
- Unidad de Toxicología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M J González-Muñoz
- Unidad de Toxicología, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - M C Lobo-Bedmar
- Departamento de Investigación Agroambiental, IMIDRA, Finca el Encín, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 38.2, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Waseem A, Arshad J. A review of Human Biomonitoring studies of trace elements in Pakistan. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 163:153-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
|
23
|
Pan Y, Li H. Trace elements in scalp hair from potentially exposed individuals in the vicinity of the Bayan Obo mine in Baotou, China. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2015; 40:678-685. [PMID: 26407230 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2015.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mining activities including mineral excavation and ore transportation produce and release large amounts of pollutants to the surrounding environment, raising concerns regarding the effects of environmental exposure to pollutants on human health. The concentration of elements in hair can be used as a biomarker of exposure to chemical elements. In the present study, hair samples from 89 relatively healthy volunteers aged 11-77 years old (57 living near Bayan Obo giant REE-Nb-Fe ore deposit and 32 in non-mining areas) from Baotou (Inner Mongolia, China) were analyzed to determine the contents of 25 chemical elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Tl, U, V and Zn) with the aim of gaining insights about the potential exposure to chemical elements of the population living within the Bayan Obo opencast mining area. The effects of gender and living area on element concentrations in hair were also investigated. The results showed that the mean concentrations of the target elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl, V, Cs, Ga, Rb, U, Bi, Mo, As, Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn) in human hair from the mining area (MA) were primarily higher than that in non-mining areas (NMA). The area of residence had an influence on the presence of select trace elements (As, Cd, Mg, Pb, Tl, U and Zn) in human hair. In addition, the hair samples from MA showed statistically significant differences between males and females for a larger number of elements than those in NMA in which only Ag, Bi and Se were significantly different. This result implies a potential influence of mining activities on residents living in the vicinity. These findings confirm the need for competent authorities to act as early as possible and to implement strategies aimed to protect exposed populations and the entire ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxue Pan
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haitao Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tamburo E, Varrica D, Dongarrà G. Coverage intervals for trace elements in human scalp hair are site specific. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2015; 39:70-76. [PMID: 25434763 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Coverage intervals for trace elements in human scalp hair commonly provide the basis for interpreting laboratory results and also in comparative decision-making processes regarding exposure risk assessment. This short communication documents, by some examples, that those computed for human hair are to be considered site specific, as they reflect local environmental conditions; also each geographic area has a typical profile of hair elemental composition of its inhabitants. Therefore, the levels of trace elements in hair are not strictly comparable between different areas of the world. This issue is particularly relevant when identification of anomalous environmental exposures are requested or even in detecting physiological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Tamburo
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy.
| | - D Varrica
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - G Dongarrà
- Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare (DiSTeM), via Archirafi 36, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Evaluation of toxic metals and essential elements in children with learning disabilities from a rural area of southern Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:10806-23. [PMID: 25329533 PMCID: PMC4211007 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph111010806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Children’s exposure to metals can result in adverse effects such as cognitive function impairments. This study aimed to evaluate some toxic metals and levels of essential trace elements in blood, hair, and drinking water in children from a rural area of Southern Brazil. Cognitive ability and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D) activity were evaluated. Oxidative stress was evaluated as a main mechanism of metal toxicity, through the quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. This study included 20 children from a rural area and 20 children from an urban area. Our findings demonstrated increase in blood lead (Pb) levels (BLLs). Also, increased levels of nickel (Ni) in blood and increase of aluminum (Al) levels in hair and drinking water in rural children were found. Deficiency in selenium (Se) levels was observed in rural children as well. Rural children with visual-motor immaturity presented Pb levels in hair significantly increased in relation to rural children without visual-motor immaturity (p < 0.05). Negative correlations between BLLs and ALA-D activity and positive correlations between BLLs and ALA-RE activity were observed. MDA was significantly higher in rural compared to urban children (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that rural children were co-exposed to toxic metals, especially Al, Pb and Ni. Moreover, a slight deficiency of Se was observed. Low performance on cognitive ability tests and ALA-D inhibition can be related to metal exposure in rural children. Oxidative stress was suggested as a main toxicological mechanism involved in metal exposure.
Collapse
|