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Al-Sulaiti MM, Al-Ghouti MA, Ramadan GA, Soubra L. Health risk assessment of methyl mercury from fish consumption in a sample of adult Qatari residents. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:617. [PMID: 37103641 PMCID: PMC10140118 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11194-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Fish constitutes an essential source of high-quality protein and is, at the same time, the source of exposure to many hazardous contaminants, namely mercury and methyl mercury (MeHg). This study aims at assessing the risk that MeHg poses to the health of adult Qatari residents through fish consumption. Data on fish consumption were collected using a self-administered online survey composed of three sections that collected information about the fish-eating patterns of the participants. The fish species that were reported to be consumed by ≥ 3% of the respondents were sampled and analyzed for their total mercury (T-Hg) content levels. MeHg concentrations were derived from T-Hg content levels using a scenario-based approach. Disaggregated fish consumption and contamination data were combined using the deterministic approach to estimate MeHg intakes. The average, 75th, and 95th percentiles of the MeHg intake estimates were determined and compared to the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) set by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) (1.3 μg·kg-1·w-1). All fish samples contained T-Hg at levels ˂ 0.3-0.5 µg/g with a mean value of 0.077 µg/g. The study population had an average fish consumption of 736.0 g/week. The average estimated weekly intakes of MeHg exceeded TWI for some fish consumers including females of childbearing age and those following a high-protein diet. Our study highlights the need to establish regulatory guidelines and dietary advice based on risk/benefit ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maetha M. Al-Sulaiti
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, State of Qatar
| | - Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, State of Qatar
| | - Gouda A. Ramadan
- Central Food Laboratories, Public Health Department, P.O. Box 42, Doha, Qatar
- Agricultural Research Center, Central Laboratory of Residue Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Giza, 12311 Egypt
| | - Lama Soubra
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, P.O. Box: 2713, Doha, State of Qatar
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2
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Liu BY, Chen IW, Chen PW, Chen TY, Hwang DF. Risk assessment of methylmercury and species identification in shark meats ingested by Taiwan children. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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3
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Kao CS, Wang YL, Jiang CB, Chuang YC, Chen YH, Hsi HC, Chien LC. Associations of maternal food safety-related risk perceptions and protective behaviors with daily mercury intake and internal doses of Taiwanese women and their preschool children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113344. [PMID: 35461849 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a well-known toxicant that can affect children's neurodevelopment. This study attempted to evaluate the internal dose of Hg in hair and fingernails and external Hg exposure from dietary consumption in 283 pairs of mothers and their children aged under 6 years in Taiwan. Mean Hg levels in hair and fingernail samples were 1.07 ± 0.67 and 0.42 ± 0.34 μg/g for mothers, and 1.11 ± 1.22 and 0.36 ± 0.26 μg/g for children, respectively. Our results showed that 42% of mothers and 41% of children had hair Hg levels exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency recommended value of 1 μg/g. Hg exposure in children was greater than that of their mothers. Estimated daily intake (EDI) levels of Hg among preschool children were 3.3-times higher than those of their mothers. A sensitivity analysis indicated that fish consumption was the main potential factor of Hg exposure among both mothers and their children. External Hg exposure using estimated daily dietary ingestion by mothers was a surrogate for internal hair Hg concentrations. However, poor correlations were found between EDI Hg levels and hair Hg levels among children aged 4-6 years. Exposure sources from food and other media, such as soil and dust, need to be considered to arrive at more-valid risk assessments for younger children's exposure to Hg. Children of mothers who did not have food safety-related risk perceptions or protective behaviors had significantly higher hair Hg concentrations compared to children whose mothers had risk perceptions and protective behaviors. Hg exposure of women of childbearing age and preschool children in Taiwan is still an area of great concern. Providing food safety information and risk-benefits of fish consumption for mothers may avoid harm to the developing nervous systems of their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Sian Kao
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Lin Wang
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Bin Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, SanZhi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chih Chuang
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Cheng Hsi
- Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Chu Chien
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Ullah R, Jan FA, Gulab H, Saleem S, Ullah N. Metals Contents in Honey, Beeswax and Bees and Human Health Risk Assessment Due to Consumption of Honey: A Case Study from Selected Districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 82:341-354. [PMID: 35043288 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Beeswax, honey, and live in-hive worker bees were collected in this study from eight districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The concentration of seven essential elements (copper, calcium, zinc, iron, nickel, chromium and manganese) and two non-essentials (lead and cadmium) were determined. All of the samples were found to have a random distribution of metal concentrations. The plentiful metals with high concentrations in the gathered samples were discovered to be calcium, iron, and zinc. The health concerns related with metal intake in honey were assessed using the Average Daily Dose (ADD), Hazard Quotients (HQs) and Hazard Index (HI) models. Children were found to have higher estimated health risk values for the components assessed in all samples than adults. All of the computed ADD values were lower than the matching reference (RfD) values. The matching HI values of metals in various honeys were found to be less than one, implying that honey consumption in the studied area has no non carcinogenic risk. Cancer risks (CR) was also calculated for intake of Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd in honey in the selected districts. The CR values for Cr and Cd exceeded 1E-4 in various districts such as Karak, Kohat, Nowshera, Bajur, Dir Upper, and Mohmand Agency, signifying that there was a small danger involved. In the case of Karak, the Ni CR value was greater than the allowed limits. As a result, it is important to keep an eye on the concentration of these metals in honey because anthropogenic input could raise their concentration in the future, posing a health danger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahat Ullah
- Department of Chemistry, Bacha Khan University, Chrasadda, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 24420, Pakistan
| | - F Akbar Jan
- Department of Chemistry, Bacha Khan University, Chrasadda, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 24420, Pakistan.
| | - Hussain Gulab
- Department of Chemistry, Bacha Khan University, Chrasadda, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 24420, Pakistan
| | - Sanum Saleem
- National Physical and Standard Laboratory, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Naimat Ullah
- Department of Chemistry, Qauid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
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5
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Ke T, Tinkov AA, Skalny AV, Bowman AB, Rocha JBT, Santamaria A, Aschner M. Developmental exposure to methylmercury and ADHD, a literature review of epigenetic studies. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2021; 7:dvab014. [PMID: 34881051 PMCID: PMC8648069 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the competence of academic performance and social wellness in children and adults. The causes of ADHD are unclear. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of ADHD. The behavioral impairments in ADHD are associated with epigenetic changes in genes that are important for neurodevelopment. Among environmental causes of ADHD, the neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) is associated with an increased risk for ADHD. Developing children are susceptible to neurotoxic effects of prenatal MeHg exposure. Human epidemiology studies have shown that prenatal MeHg exposure could invoke epigenetic changes in genes that are involved in ADHD. In addition, the pathogenesis of ADHD involves dopaminergic system, which is a target of developmental MeHg exposure. MeHg-induced alterations in the dopaminergic system have a profound impact on behavioral functions in adults. As a trace level of MeHg (around nM) can induce long-lasting behavioral alterations, potential mechanisms of MeHg-induced functional changes in the dopaminergic system may involve epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we review the relevant evidence on developmental MeHg exposures and the risk for ADHD. We also point out research gaps in understanding environmental causes of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ke
- **Correspondence address. Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Room 209, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. Tel: +1 718 430 4047; Fax: +1 718 430 8922; E-mail:
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
| | - Antoly V Skalny
- World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare”, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Medical Elementology, K.G. Razumovsky Moscow State University of Technologies and Management, Moscow 109004, Russia
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, USA
| | - Joao B T Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Room 209, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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6
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Lin P, Nan FH, Ling MP. Dietary Exposure of the Taiwan Population to Mercury Content in Various Seafood Assessed by a Total Diet Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12227. [PMID: 34831984 PMCID: PMC8619390 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines the health risks of exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) through the consumption of mercury-contaminated seafood in Taiwan, based on the total diet study (TDS) method. Samples of seafood (n = 140) were purchased at fishing harbors or supermarkets and classified into seven categories (pelagic fish, inshore fish, farmed fish, shellfish, cephalopods, crustaceans, and algae). For each sample, we analyzed raw and cooked versions and compared the concentration difference. Total mercury (THg) was detected at the highest rate and in the highest concentrations in pelagic fish, followed by inshore fish and other farmed fish. The average concentration of THg was higher after cooking. In a 75th percentile scenario, the hazard indices for children aged 1 to 3 years and children aged 4 to 6 years were higher than 100% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake. Taking into consideration the risk assessment results, MeHg concentrations, and the nutritional composition of fish, we have provided weekly consumption advisories for children aged 1 to 3 years, children aged 4 to 6 years, and childbearing women aged 19 to 49 years. The weekly consumption advisories for childbearing women are 35 g/week of pelagic fish and 245 g/week of inshore fish based on the risk results from MeHg and the potential benefits from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinpin Lin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan;
| | - Fan-Hua Nan
- Department of Aquaculture, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City 20224, Taiwan;
| | - Min-Pei Ling
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung City 20224, Taiwan
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7
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Mellingen RM, Myrmel LS, Lie KK, Rasinger JD, Madsen L, Nøstbakken OJ. RNA sequencing and proteomic profiling reveal different alterations by dietary methylmercury in the hippocampal transcriptome and proteome in BALB/c mice. Metallomics 2021; 13:mfab022. [PMID: 33890672 PMCID: PMC8716076 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a highly neurotoxic form of mercury (Hg) present in seafood. Here, we recorded and compared proteomic and transcriptomic changes in hippocampus of male BALB/c mice exposed to two doses of MeHg. Mice were fed diets spiked with 0.28 mg MeHg kg-1, 5 mg MeHg kg-1, or an unspiked control diet for 77 days. Total mercury content was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in brain tissue of both MeHg-exposed groups (18 ± 2 mg Hg kg-1 and 0.56 ± 0.06 mg Hg kg-1). Hippocampal protein and ribonucleic acid (RNA) expression levels were significantly altered both in tissues from mice receiving a low dose MeHg (20 proteins/294 RNA transcripts) and a high dose MeHg (61 proteins/876 RNA transcripts). The majority but not all the differentially expressed features in hippocampus were dose dependent. The combined use of transcriptomic and proteomic profiling data provided insight on the influence of MeHg on neurotoxicity, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress through several regulated features and pathways, including RXR function and superoxide radical degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragnhild Marie Mellingen
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Lise Madsen
- Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
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8
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Du B, Li P, Feng X, Yin R, Zhou J, Maurice L. Monthly variations in mercury exposure of school children and adults in an industrial area of southwestern China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110362. [PMID: 33169691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110362] [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: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that rice consumption can be the major pathway for human methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in inland China. However, few studies have considered the susceptible population of school children's exposure through rice ingestion. In this study, monthly variations in total Hg (THg)/MeHg concentrations in rice, fish, hair, and urine samples were studied to evaluate the Hg (both THg and MeHg) exposure in Guiyang, a typical industrial area with high anthropogenic emission of Hg. A total of 17 primary school (school A) students, 29 middle school (school B) students, and 46 guardians participated in this study for one year. Hair THg, hair MeHg, and urine THg concentrations ranged from 355-413 ng g-1, 213-236 ng g-1, and 469-518 ng g-1 Creatinine (ng·g-1 Cr), respectively, and no significant differences were observed between different genders and age groups. Hair and urine Hg concentrations showed slightly higher values in the cold season (October to February) than the hot season (March to September), but without significant difference. High monthly variability of individual hair and urine Hg concentrations suggested that long-term study could effectively decrease the uncertainty. The school students showed significantly higher urine THg concentrations than adults due to children's unique physiological structure and behaviors. Probable daily intake (PDI) of MeHg via rice and fish ingestion averaged at 0.0091, 0.0090, and 0.0079 μg kg-1 d-1 for school A students, school B students, and their guardians, respectively, which means that 86%, 84%, and 87% of the PDI were originated from rice ingestion, respectively. Therefore, more attention should be paid to children as a susceptible population. The results indicated low risk of Hg exposure via rice and fish consumption for urban residents in a Chinese industrial city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Laboratoire Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, IRD-CNRS-Université Toulouse, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France
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9
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Probabilistic Risk Analysis to Assess Dietary Exposure to Aluminum in the Taiwanese Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031099. [PMID: 33530648 PMCID: PMC7908212 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aluminum (Al) exposure at human dietary levels raises health concerns, yet little is known about the Al exposure from the Taiwanese diet. The amount of aluminum (Al)-containing food consumption in the Taiwanese total diet is increasing, which contributes to the total diet consumption., which raises the health concerns. In this study, we aim to assess estimated weekly intake (EWI) and the percentage of provisional tolerable weekly intake (%PTWI) of the dietary exposure to Al in different age-sex groups. We also applied probabilistic risk analyses to quantify the parameters' uncertainty by focusing on the distribution function for the Al concentration in food, consumption rate, and body weight in specific age groups. Results indicated that the EWIs declined with increasing age after 6-years old (7-12 > 13-15 > 16-18 > 19-64 > 65+). Results indicated that the EWIs gradually declined after 6-year of age. The EWIs of Al-rich food in cake + waffle, kelp, snacks, and bread contributed 20%, 17%, 17%, and 11%, respectively, to the total EWIs, corresponding with the much higher consumption rates for these four foods. The 75th percentile of EWIs for the children aged 34-6 years had a %PTWI valued at over 100%, indicating a potential risk of Al intake via dietary exposure. Our findings show that there is a concern about the consumption of Al-rich foods for children in Taiwan.
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Chang CH, Chiang CF, Liao JW, Yen GC, Huang YC, Ni SP, Chang CC, Lin HT. Dietary exposure assessment of methylmercury and polyunsaturated fatty acids in saltwater fish and processed foods among Taiwanese women of child-bearing age and children: A novel core food-matching approach. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 262:128249. [PMID: 33182142 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Saltwater fish is rich in health-promoting polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Excessive fish intake may also cause health hazards due to methylmercury (MeHg). A novel dose estimation method was proposed in this study to improve the quality of food matching by considering the usage ratio of cooking and processing methods in sampling design. In total, 39 table-ready samples were specified according to 2-3 common cooking methods, and MeHg and total mercury (THg) were analyzed. The results showed that mercury was detected in 20 samples (LOD = 0.01 μg/g). High MeHg samples included fried-Spanish mackerel (1.23 μg/g), non-cooked shredded swordfish (0.325 μg/g), pan-fried Spanish mackerel (0.248 μg/g), and non-cooked shredded salmon (0.208 μg/g). Consumption data (n = 166,911) were obtained from 24-h recalls in the 2005-2008 Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan (NAHSIT). The average whole-group estimated daily intake (EDI_WG) was 0.018 (7.9% tolerable daily intake, TDI) for women of child-bearing age and 0.031 μg/day per kg body weight (13.6% TDI) for children. However, 95th percentile values (P95) of 90.4% TDI and 185% TDI were estimated for the two consumer-only populations, which have raised public health concerns. The ratio of % TDI to % daily reference intake (% DRI) was used as a risk-benefit (R/B) indicator. The top 4 R/B foods were: tuna sashimi (0.089 and 0.14), non-cooked shredded swordfish (0.033 and 0.052), fried-Spanish mackerel (0.027 and 0.043) and deep-fried fish balls (0.022 and 0.035) in the two perspective populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hua Chang
- Graduate Institute of Food Safety, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Chow-Feng Chiang
- Master Program for Food and Drug Safety, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Wang Liao
- Graduate Institute of Food Safety, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Veterinary Pathobiology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Gow-Chin Yen
- Graduate Institute of Food Safety, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan; Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Huang
- Master Program for Food and Drug Safety, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Pei Ni
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chin Chang
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Tang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Food Safety, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan; Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
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11
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Moriarity RJ, Liberda EN, Tsuji LJS. Using a geographic information system to assess local scale methylmercury exposure from fish in nine communities of the Eeyou Istchee territory (James Bay, Quebec, Canada). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110147. [PMID: 32877705 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to methylmercury is a concern for those who rely on fish as a traditional food in the Eeyou Istchee territory of James Bay, Quebec, Canada, because industrial land uses overlap with community water bodies where fish are harvested. Consequently, this study assessed if traditional practices, particularly fishing, increased the risk of exposure to methylmercury from the consumption of locally harvested fish. We designed a geographic information system (GIS) that included land use and fish methylmercury tissue concentrations to assess clustering of potential hot spots. We also used generalized linear models to assess the association of fish consumption to blood organic-mercury concentrations, and logistic regression models to assess the probability of fish exceeding the safety threshold for methylmercury tissue concentrations in areas of high intensity land use. The GIS demonstrated significant clustered hot spots around regions of hydroelectric and mining land use. Our results also revealed that adult consumption of pike, lake trout and/or walleye, and child consumption of pike or walleye were significantly associated with blood organic-mercury concentrations. Further, large fish harvested in a community with high intensity land use yielded a 77% probability that the fish exceeded the safety threshold. From a human exposure perspective, our study highlights the need for further research on children who consume fish from this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Moriarity
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Eric N Liberda
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leonard J S Tsuji
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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Moriarity RJ, Liberda EN, Tsuji LJS. Subsistence fishing in the Eeyou Istchee (James Bay, Quebec, Canada): A regional investigation of fish consumption as a route of exposure to methylmercury. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127413. [PMID: 32947681 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fishing is part of the traditional activities of Indigenous people in Canada. However, it is also a route of exposure to methylmercury, a known neurotoxicant, and this is a concern for those who rely on fish as part of their diet. The probable weekly intake (PWI) of methylmercury from six species of fish was calculated for Indigenous community members (N = 1406), grouped by age and sex, and compared to Canadian and international provisional reference doses to assess exposure. Mixed-effects regression models were also used to estimate the input of methylmercury into the blood, and Hazard Quotients (HQ) were used to assess potential effects. Of the species of fish in our study, walleye and lake trout contributed the most to methylmercury intake. There was a positive association between the consumption of walleye and the total blood mercury concentrations of mercury in women and men (R2A = 0.40 and 0.47, respectively), and to a lesser extent, children. Similar results were observed for the consumption of lake trout. The 95th-percentile HQ for girls (3.16) and boys (3.18) from the consumption of lake trout was relatively high, and to a lesser extent, so was the HQ for walleye and pike. The consumption of some species of fish increases the exposure to methylmercury, however, taking a balanced approach, there are health benefits associated with the consumption of fish that must be considered. To mitigate future exposure to methylmercury, we recommend follow-up blood monitoring and local-geospatial-based assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Moriarity
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Eric N Liberda
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leonard J S Tsuji
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Selected Marine Fish Species of Gadani Shipbreaking Area and Pakistan. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101738. [PMID: 32987899 PMCID: PMC7601778 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Protection of the coastal ecosystem from hazardous heavy metals is vital as it provides valuable habitat for numerous fish species and is a key resource for the coastal communities. Gadani shipbreaking is the third largest shipbreaking in the world, located on the coastline of Balochistan, Pakistan. The impact of this dismantling on the quality of the local fish species is still unknown. This is the first study to determine heavy metals’ content in fish and seawater of Gadani shipbreaking area. Metal accumulations in fish species both in gills and muscles ranged from 1.33 to 5.26 μg/g. Among trace metals, the level of Pb in all fish species was highest, followed by Ni, Mn, and Cd. However, all the analyzed fish species from the Gadani coast were found safe for human consumption, but there is a need for continuous monitoring of the coastal environment. Abstract Gadani shipbreaking area, located on the coastline of Pakistan, is an important fish production area. In this study, levels of four metals (Ni, Pb, Cd, and Mn) in 148 muscle and gill samples of seven fish species (Small-scale terapon, Torpedo scade, Sicklefish, Saddle grunt, Gold silk seabream, Indian mackerel, Spotted sickle fish) and seawater samples, taken from 9 sampling sites in the shipbreaking area, were determined. In addition, multiple approaches were used to assess human health risks from fish consumption. Trace metal concentration in seawater ranged from 0.05 to 1.96 mg/L in shipbreaking vicinity and 0.03 to 0.97 mg/L in the reference site (Miani Hor). However, metal accumulations in fish species ranged from 1.33 to 5.26 μg/g. Among trace metals, the level of Pb in all fish species was highest, followed by Ni, Mn, and Cd. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for both gills and muscles displayed the order: Mn > Cd > Ni > Pb. Estimated daily intake (EDI) values were below the tolerable daily intake (TDI). Based on target hazard quotient (THQ), the investigated fish species were safe regarding Pb and Mn (THQ < 1), while they may cause potential risk regarding Cd and Ni (THQ > 1). After comparison with maximum permissible limits, heavy metal concentration in the edible muscle tissues of all the analyzed fish species from the Gadani coast were found safe for human consumption.
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Chang LS, Yan JH, Li JY, Yeter DD, Huang YH, Guo MMH, Lo MH, Kuo HC. Blood Mercury Levels in Children with Kawasaki Disease and Disease Outcome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103726. [PMID: 32466179 PMCID: PMC7277186 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The risk of ethnic Kawasaki disease (KD) has been proposed to be associated with blood mercury levels in American children. We investigated the blood levels of mercury in children with KD and their association with disease outcome. The mercury levels demonstrated a significantly negative correlation with sodium levels (p = 0.007). However, data failed to reach a significant difference after excluding the child with blood mercury exceeding the toxic value. The findings indicate that KD patients with lower sodium concentrations had a remarkably higher proportion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance (p = 0.022). Our patients who had lower mercury levels (<0.5 μg/L) had more changes in bacille Calmette-Guerin. Mercury levels in 14/14 patients with coronary artery lesions and 4/4 patients with IVIG resistance were all measured to have values greater than 1 μg/L (while average values showed 0.92 μg/L in Asian American children). Mercury levels had no correlations with IVIG resistance or coronary artery lesion (CAL) formation (p > 0.05). CAL development was more common in the incomplete group than in the complete KD group (p = 0.019). In this first report about mercury levels in KD patients, we observed that the juvenile Taiwanese had higher mercury concentration in blood compared to other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Sai Chang
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Jia-Huei Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 613016, Taiwan;
| | - Jin-Yu Li
- Beijing Institute of Technology, School of Life Science, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Deniz Des Yeter
- KU School of Nursing, Nursing Associate Tech Adult Inpatient Psych KU Strawberry Hill Campus, Kansas City, KS 66101, USA;
| | - Ying-Hsien Huang
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Mindy Ming-Huey Guo
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Hung Lo
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Ho-Chang Kuo
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City 83301, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Pizarro J, Segura R, Tapia D, Bollo S, Sierra‐Rosales P. Electroanalytical Determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in Bivalve Mollusks using Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide‐based Electrode. ELECTROANAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.201900061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Pizarro
- Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y BiologíaUniversidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH) Santiago 3363 Chile
| | - Rodrigo Segura
- Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y BiologíaUniversidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH) Santiago 3363 Chile
| | - Diego Tapia
- Departamento de Química de los Materiales, Facultad de Química y BiologíaUniversidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH) Santiago 3363 Chile
| | - Soledad Bollo
- Centro de Investigación de los Procesos Redox (CiPRex), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y FarmacéuticasUniversidad de Chile, Sergio Livingstone Polhammer 1007 Independencia, Santiago Chile
| | - Paulina Sierra‐Rosales
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e InnovaciónUniversidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Ignacio Valdivieso 2409 P.O Box 8940577 San Joaquín, Santiago Chile
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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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Ratelle M, Li X, Laird BD. Cadmium exposure in First Nations communities of the Northwest Territories, Canada: smoking is a greater contributor than consumption of cadmium-accumulating organ meats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2018; 20:1441-1453. [PMID: 30221302 DOI: 10.1039/c8em00232k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Traditional food consumption among northern populations is associated with improved nutrition but occasionally can also increase contaminant exposure. High levels of cadmium in the organs of moose from certain regions of the Northwest Territories, Canada, led to the release of consumption notices. These notices recommended that individuals limit their consumption of kidney and liver from moose harvested from the Southern Mackenzie Mountain. A human biomonitoring project was designed to better characterize exposure and risks from contaminants, including cadmium, among Dene/Métis communities of the Northwest Territories Mackenzie Valley, Canada. The project included a dietary assessment (food frequency questionnaire) to estimate moose and caribou organ (kidney and liver) consumption, as well as urine and blood sampling for the measurement of cadmium concentration using mass spectrometry. For a subset of the samples, urine cotinine was also quantified. The results from this biomonitoring research show that cadmium levels in urine (GM = 0.32 μg L-1) and blood (GM = 0.58 μg L-1) are similar to those observed in other populations in Canada. For the 38% of participants reporting eating game organs, current traditional food consumption patterns were not associated with cadmium biomarker levels. Instead, smoking appeared to be the main determinant of cadmium exposure. These results are supporting ongoing efforts at the community and territorial level to identify health priorities and design follow up plans in response to environmental monitoring data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylene Ratelle
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo. 200 University Avenue West, Lyle Hallman North, Room LHN-1727, Waterloo, Ontario, CanadaN2L 3G1.
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Zhang W, Zhang X, Tian Y, Zhu Y, Tong Y, Li Y, Wang X. Risk assessment of total mercury and methylmercury in aquatic products from offshore farms in China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2018; 354:198-205. [PMID: 29753188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic products has been a wide spread health concern. The objective of this study is to determine total mercury (THg) and MeHg concentrations in different species of aquatic products from major offshore farms in China, and to assess health impacts from consumption. Results showed that the concentrations of THg and MeHg ranged 5.6-328.4 ng/g (wet weight) and 4.3-303.6 ng/g (wet weight) in aquatic products, respectively, and were very variable among species and origin sources. Target hazard quotient (THQ) suggested that MeHg exposure via consumption posed high health risks to children aged 2-7 and higher income families. Residents above the age of 13 and with low income have relatively lower health risk of MeHg exposure. Health impacts on heart attacks and newborns' IQ from MeHg exposure were evaluated using dose-response relationships. Results showed that mother's consumption of aquatic products (at 6 ounce per day) may cause a loss of 0.38 IQ points for newborns. For non-pregnant, consumption of aquatic products may cause an increase rate of mortality and morbidity of heart attacks at 10.59 and 78.45 per 100,000 persons, respectively. The negative health impact of consuming seawater fish was higher than freshwater fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Yuling Tian
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA.
| | - Xuejun Wang
- MOE Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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