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Gao C, Sanchez KM, Lovinsky-Desir S. Structural and Social Determinants of Inequitable Environmental Exposures in the United States. Clin Chest Med 2023; 44:451-467. [PMID: 37517826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
American Indian (AI)/Alaskan Natives, African Americans, and Latino Americans have disproportionally high exposure to harmful environmental conditions as a consequence of unjust laws and policies, systemic racism, residential segregation, and discrimination. In this review, we draw connections between historical policies and social movements in the United States' history that have been rooted in racism and classism, leading to social isolation and marginalization of AIs, African Americans, and Latino Americans. We then discuss the structural factors that stem from the aforementioned inequities and that contribute to the inequitable distribution of environmental hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Gao
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 3959 Broadway, CHC 7-701, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kimberly M Sanchez
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 3959 Broadway, CHC 7-701, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 3959 Broadway, CHC 7-701, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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2
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Kamai EM, Calderon A, Van Horne YO, Bastain TM, Breton CV, Johnston JE. Perceptions and experiences of environmental health and risks among Latina mothers in urban Los Angeles, California, USA. Environ Health 2023; 22:8. [PMID: 36641468 PMCID: PMC9840262 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00963-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposures during pregnancy and early childhood can have acute and chronic adverse health impacts. As minoritized populations are more likely to reside in areas with greater pollution, it is important to understand their views and lived experiences to inform action. The purpose of this community-driven qualitative research study was to understand how urban Latina mothers in Los Angeles County, California perceived environmental health and risks. METHODS We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with Latina pregnant women and mothers of young children, recruited through existing collaborations with community organizations. Interviews conducted in either English or Spanish and were coded inductively according to a modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS Thirty-six Latina mothers completed interviews between August-October 2016. Participants lived primarily in low-income communities of South-Central Los Angeles and East Los Angeles. We identified three major themes based on the participants' responses during interviews: Defining the Environment, Environment & Health Risks, and Social & Political Responsibility. Women defined their environment in terms of both "nature" and "hazards." They consistently identified foul odors, dirtiness, noise, trash, bugs, smoke, and other visible blights as indicators of household and neighborhood environmental hazards. They expressed fear and uncertainty about how their environment could affect their health and that of their children, as well as specific concerns about respiratory health, asthma, allergies, cancer, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mothers often changed individual behaviors around diet and cleaning during pregnancy but were frustrated by power imbalances that left them unable to change their home or neighborhood environments, despite their desire to do so. DISCUSSION Our study is among the first to describe how urban Latina mothers perceive and experience environmental health risks during pregnancy and early childhood. Our research suggests additional attention is needed by public health professionals and researchers to address the environmental health risks that matter most to urban Latina mothers. They also highlight the tension that many urban Latina mothers feel between wanting to protect their families' health and well-being and feeling powerless to change their environment. Broad policy changes, rather than additional individual recommendations, are needed to address the concerns of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Kamai
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Andrea Calderon
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jill E Johnston
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Nicole W. Paradox Lost? The Waning Health Advantage among the U.S. Hispanic Population. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:12001. [PMID: 36607287 PMCID: PMC9819285 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
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Fong KC, Heo S, Lim CC, Kim H, Chan A, Lee W, Stewart R, Choi HM, Son JY, Bell ML. The Intersection of Immigrant and Environmental Health: A Scoping Review of Observational Population Exposure and Epidemiologic Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:96001. [PMID: 36053724 PMCID: PMC9438924 DOI: 10.1289/ehp9855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transnational immigration has increased since the 1950s. In countries such as the United States, immigrants now account for > 15 % of the population. Although differences in health between immigrants and nonimmigrants are well documented, it is unclear how environmental exposures contribute to these disparities. OBJECTIVES We summarized current knowledge comparing immigrants' and nonimmigrants' exposure to and health effects of environmental exposures. METHODS We conducted a title and abstract review on articles identified through PubMed and selected those that assessed environmental exposures or health effects separately for immigrants and nonimmigrants. After a full text review, we extracted the main findings from eligible studies and categorized each article as exposure-focused, health-focused, or both. We also noted each study's exposure of interest, study location, exposure and statistical methods, immigrant and comparison groups, and the intersecting socioeconomic characteristics controlled for. RESULTS We conducted a title and abstract review on 3,705 articles, a full text review on 84, and extracted findings from 50 studies. There were 43 studies that investigated exposure (e.g., metals, organic compounds, fine particulate matter, hazardous air pollutants) disparities, but only 12 studies that assessed health disparities (e.g., mortality, select morbidities). Multiple studies reported higher exposures in immigrants compared with nonimmigrants. Among immigrants, studies sometimes observed exposure disparities by country of origin and time since immigration. Of the 50 studies, 43 were conducted in North America. DISCUSSION The environmental health of immigrants remains an understudied area, especially outside of North America. Although most identified studies explored potential exposure disparities, few investigated subsequent differences in health effects. Future research should investigate environmental health disparities of immigrants, especially outside North America. Additional research gaps include the role of immigrants' country of origin and time since immigration, as well as the combined effects of immigrant status with intersecting socioeconomic characteristics, such as race/ethnicity, income, and education attainment. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP9855.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin C. Fong
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Seulkee Heo
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chris C. Lim
- Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Honghyok Kim
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alisha Chan
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- School of Engineering & Applied Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Whanhee Lee
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rory Stewart
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Ji-Young Son
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michelle L. Bell
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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De Los Santos Upton S, Tarin CA, Hernández LH. Construyendo Conexiones Para Los Niños: Environmental Justice, Reproductive Feminicidio, and Coalitional Possibility in the Borderlands. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:1242-1252. [PMID: 33855923 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1911386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Familias Unidas del Chamizal is a community organization in El Paso, TX that works to increase awareness around the issues of education, environmental racism, development, and public health. In 2019, the El Paso Independent School District launched an initiative to close several schools due to low enrollment, forcing students in Barrio Chamizal to relocate to Frederick Douglass Elementary, which borders a designated industrial zone and is surrounded by two major recycling plants. In response, Familias Unidas has organized to reverse the decision and call attention to the discriminatory practices of the school district. We take the public advocacy efforts of Familias Unidas as an instrumental case study to trace the intersections of health communication, Latinx communication, and environmental racism along the U.S.-Mexico border. Utilizing an intersectional borderlands health communication approach, we draw on publicly available texts to trace the argumentative strategies employed by Familias Unidas to mobilize community members. Familias Unidas rhetorically constructs a public health crisis in the borderlands by connecting the school closures to larger coalitional struggles concerning the environment, citizenship, race/ethnicity, language, and class. We identify three rhetorical strategies - familia, comunidad, and (in)justicia - employed by Familias Unidas to shape their public argument(s).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos A Tarin
- Department of Communication, The University of Texas at El Paso
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Hernandez I, Eckel SP, Chavez T, Johnson M, Lerner D, Grubbs B, Toledo-Corral CM, Farzan SF, Habre R, Dunton GF, Breton CV, Bastain TM. Household pesticide exposures and infant gross motor development in the MADRES cohort. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2022; 36:220-229. [PMID: 34964501 PMCID: PMC8881403 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of motor skills in infancy is a vital neurodevelopmental milestone. Although previous studies have explored the neurotoxic effects of agricultural pesticides on infants' motor development, limited research has examined early postnatal household pesticide use on infants' motor development, particularly among urban communities. OBJECTIVE This study examined the association between early postnatal household pesticide use and infants' gross and fine motor development at 6 months of age. METHODS Questionnaires were administered via telephone to 296 mother-infant dyads in the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) pregnancy cohort. Early life household pesticide use was assessed via questionnaire administered when infants turned 3 months old and gross and fine motor development was assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) at 6 months old. Infant gross motor scores were reverse coded so that higher scores indicated lower gross motor performance. Negative binomial regressions were performed to assess the relationship between household pesticide use and infant gross motor development. RESULTS Infants were predominantly Hispanic (78.7%) and full term (gestational age at birth: 39.0 ± 1.9 weeks), with 22.3% of maternal participants reporting household use of rodent and insect pesticides. Adjusting for recruitment site, maternal age, ethnicity, household income, education, infant corrected age, infant sex, and home type, infants with maternal-reported household use of rodent and insect pesticides had 1.30 times higher expected gross motor scores (95% confiidence interval 1.05, 1.61) than infants with no reported use of household pesticides, with higher scores indicating reduced gross motor performance. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest household use of rodent and insect pesticides may harm infants' gross motor development in early childhood. Future research should evaluate the impact of specific household chemicals in infant biospecimens and their associations with infant motor development to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ixel Hernandez
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandrah P. Eckel
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Chavez
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Johnson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Brendan Grubbs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Claudia M. Toledo-Corral
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Health Sciences, California State University Northridge, CA, USA
| | - Shohreh F. Farzan
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rima Habre
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Genevieve F. Dunton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carrie V. Breton
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theresa M. Bastain
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Carrión D, Belcourt A, Fuller CH. Heading Upstream: Strategies to Shift Environmental Justice Research From Disparities to Equity. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:59-62. [PMID: 34936408 PMCID: PMC8713605 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Carrión
- At the time of writing, Daniel Carrión was with the Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Annie Belcourt is with the Department of Public and Community Health Sciences, College of Health, University of Montana, Missoula. Christina H. Fuller is with the Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Annie Belcourt
- At the time of writing, Daniel Carrión was with the Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Annie Belcourt is with the Department of Public and Community Health Sciences, College of Health, University of Montana, Missoula. Christina H. Fuller is with the Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Christina H Fuller
- At the time of writing, Daniel Carrión was with the Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Annie Belcourt is with the Department of Public and Community Health Sciences, College of Health, University of Montana, Missoula. Christina H. Fuller is with the Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta
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8
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Swartz SJ, Morimoto LM, Whitehead TP, DeRouen MC, Ma X, Wang R, Wiemels JL, McGlynn KA, Gunier R, Metayer C. Proximity to endocrine-disrupting pesticides and risk of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) among adolescents: A population-based case-control study in California. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 239:113881. [PMID: 34839102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) is increasing steadily in the United States, particularly among Latinos. TGCT is thought to be initiated in utero and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, suspected contributors to TGCT pathogenesis, during this critical developmental period may contribute to the rise. OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between fetal exposure to agricultural endocrine-disrupting pesticides (EDPs) and TGCT risk among adolescents in a diverse population in California. METHODS We conducted a registry-based case-control study of TGCT. Cases, diagnosed between 1997 and 2011, were 15-19 years of age (n = 381). Controls were matched on birth year and race/ethnicity (n = 762). Quantities (kilograms) of 33 pesticides applied within 3 km and 1 km radii of each individual's address before birth were estimated using the Pesticide Use Reporting database. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and population attributable risk (PAR) were calculated for each EDP (using log-2 transformed values). Risk models considered race/ethnicity, birth year, and neighborhood socioeconomic status. RESULTS A doubling of nearby acephate applications (3 km and 1 km radii) and malathion applications (1 km radius) was associated with increased risks of TGCT among Latinos only (OR = 1.09; 95% CI:1.01-1.17; 1.30; 95% CI:1.08-1.57, and 1.19; 95% CI:1.01-1.39, respectively), whereas application of carbaryl within a 3 km radius increased TGCT risk in non-Latinos only (OR = 1.14, 95% CI:1.01-1.28). We estimate that acephate was associated with approximately 10% of the TGCT PAR, malathion with 3% and carbaryl with 1%. CONCLUSIONS TGCT among adolescents in California was associated with prenatal residential proximity to acephate and malathion among Latinos, and with carbaryl among non-Latinos. These results suggest that the rise in TGCT risk among Latinos may be associated with exposure to these pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Swartz
- Joint Medical Program, University of California, Berkeley/San Francisco, Berkeley, CA, USA; School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Libby M Morimoto
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Todd P Whitehead
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mindy C DeRouen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph L Wiemels
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert Gunier
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Metayer
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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9
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Perng W, Cantoral A, Soria-Contreras DC, Betanzos-Robledo L, Kordas K, Liu Y, Mora AM, Corvalan C, Pereira A, Cardoso MA, Chavarro JE, Breton CV, Meeker JD, Harley KG, Eskenazi B, Peterson KE, Tellez-Rojo MM. Exposure to obesogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals and obesity among youth of Latino or Hispanic origin in the United States and Latin America: A lifecourse perspective. Obes Rev 2021; 22 Suppl 3:e13245. [PMID: 33951277 PMCID: PMC8217151 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Following a 2019 workshop led by the Center for Global Health Studies at the Fogarty International Center on the topic of childhood obesity prevention and research synergies transpiring from cross-border collaborations, we convened a group of experts in the United States and Latin America to conduct a narrative review of the epidemiological literature on the role of obesogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the etiology of childhood obesity among Latino youth in the United States and Latin America. In addition to summarizing and synthesizing results from research on this topic published within the last decade, we place the findings within a lifecourse biobehavioral framework to aid in identification of unique exposure-outcome relationships driven by both biological and behavioral research, identify inconsistencies and deficiencies in current literature, and discuss the role of policy regulations, all with the goal of identifying viable avenues for prevention of early life obesity in Latino/Hispanic populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Perng
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Alejandra Cantoral
- National Council of Science and Technology, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana C Soria-Contreras
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Larissa Betanzos-Robledo
- National Council of Science and Technology, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ana M Mora
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA.,Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Camila Corvalan
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anita Pereira
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marly Augusto Cardoso
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Division of Environmental Health, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kim G Harley
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Karen E Peterson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Martha Maria Tellez-Rojo
- Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Mexico City, Mexico
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Mehta S, Vashishtha D, Schwarz L, Corcos I, Gershunov A, Guirguis K, Basu R, Benmarhnia T. Racial/ethnic disparities in the association between fine particles and respiratory hospital admissions in San Diego county, CA. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2021; 56:473-480. [PMID: 33678143 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2021.1887686] [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: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ambient air pollution exposure is associated with exacerbating respiratory illnesses. Race/ethnicity (R/E) have been shown to influence an individual's vulnerability to environmental health risks such as fine particles (PM 2.5). This study aims to assess the R/E disparities in vulnerability to air pollution with regards to respiratory hospital admissions in San Diego County, California where most days fall below National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for daily PM 2.5 concentrations. Daily PM 2.5 levels were estimated at the zip code level using a spatial interpolation using inverse-distance weighting from monitor networks. The association between daily PM 2.5 levels and respiratory hospital admissions in San Diego County over a 15-year period from 1999 to 2013 was assessed with a time-series analysis using a multi-level Poisson regression model. Cochran Q tests were used to assess the effect modification of race/ethnicity on this association. Daily fine particle levels varied greatly from 1 μg/m3 to 75.86 μg/m3 (SD = 6.08 μg/m3) with the majority of days falling below 24-hour NAAQS for PM 2.5 of 35 μg/m3. For every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM 2.5 levels, Black and White individuals had higher rates (8.6% and 6.2%, respectively) of hospitalization for respiratory admissions than observed in the county as a whole (4.1%). Increases in PM 2.5 levels drive an overall increase in respiratory hospital admissions with a disparate burden of health effects by R/E group. These findings suggest an opportunity to design interventions that address the unequal burden of air pollution among vulnerable communities in San Diego County that exist even below NAAQS for daily PM 2.5 concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Mehta
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Devesh Vashishtha
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lara Schwarz
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Isabel Corcos
- County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Alexander Gershunov
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kristen Guirguis
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rupa Basu
- Cal EPA/OEHHA, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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11
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Farzan SF, Howe CG, Chavez TA, Hodes TL, Johnston JE, Habre R, Dunton G, Bastain TM, Breton CV. Demographic predictors of urinary arsenic in a low-income predominantly Hispanic pregnancy cohort in Los Angeles. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:94-107. [PMID: 32719440 PMCID: PMC7796897 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-020-0251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arsenic (As) is a contaminant of top public health concern, due to its range of detrimental health effects. Arsenic exposure has not been well-characterized among the US Hispanic populations and has been particularly understudied in this population during pregnancy. METHODS As part of the MADRES ongoing pregnancy cohort of predominantly lower-income, Hispanic women in Los Angeles, CA, we examined levels of maternal first trimester urinary As, including total As and As metabolites (inorganic (iAs), monomethylated (MMA) and dimethylated As (DMA)), in relation to participant demographics, lifestyle characteristics, and rice/seafood consumption, to identify factors that may influence As exposure and its metabolites during pregnancy (N = 241). RESULTS Total As concentrations ranged from low to high (0.8-506.2 μg/L, mean: 9.0 μg/L, SD: 32.9) in our study population. Foreign-born Hispanic women had 8.6% higher %DMA (95% CI: 3.3%, 13.9%) and -7.7% lower %iAs (95% CI: -12.6%, -2.9%) than non-Hispanic women. A similar trend was observed for US-born Hispanic women. In addition, maternal age was associated with 0.4% higher %iAs (95% CI: 0.1%, 0.6%) and 0.4% lower %DMA (95% CI: -0.7%, -0.1%) per year, which may indicate poor As methylation capacity. CONCLUSION Individual factors may predict As exposure and metabolism in pregnancy, and in turn, greater risk of adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohreh F Farzan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
| | - Caitlin G Howe
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Thomas A Chavez
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Tahlia L Hodes
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Jill E Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Rima Habre
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Genevieve Dunton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
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12
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From XS to XL Urban Nature: Examining Access to Different Types of Green Space Using a ‘Just Sustainabilities’ Framework. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12176998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Different types of urban green spaces provide diverse benefits for human health and environmental sustainability, but most studies on access to green space focus on neighborhood parks, with less work on smaller or larger green spaces. In this study, we examined sociodemographic differences in access to green spaces of different sizes for 14,385 census block groups in 12 U.S. cities using a ‘just sustainabilities’ framework. We classified green spaces into street-level greenery (XS), neighborhood parks (S–L; walking and cycling access), and large parks (XL; walking, cycling, and driving access). We ran spatial filtering models at the census block group level using different thresholds based on transportation modes. We uncovered a complex picture of inequality, with consistent injustices for XS green space, and fewer injustices for S–L and XL green space based on socioeconomic status and age, and some instances of just distributions for S–L and XL green space based on race/ethnicity. Our findings present a concerning picture for ‘just sustainabilities’: the green space type that is most often part of sustainability and climate adaptation strategies—street greenery—is unjustly distributed, likely as a result of structural racism in U.S. institutions. By examining multimodal access to green spaces of different sizes, this study helps urban greening professionals develop more just and sustainable strategies.
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13
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Chronic kidney disease in pregnant mothers affects maternal and fetal disposition of mercury. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 93:137-145. [PMID: 32084500 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 15 % of the adults in the United States. Pregnant women with CKD present an additional challenge in that they are at increased risk for adverse events such as preterm birth. Exposure to environmental toxicants, such as methylmercury, may exacerbate maternal disease and increase the risk of adverse fetal outcomes. We hypothesized that fetuses of mothers with CKD are more susceptible to accumulation of methylmercury than fetuses of healthy mothers. The current data show that when mothers are in a state of renal insufficiency, uptake of mercury in fetal kidneys is enhanced significantly. Accumulation of Hg in fetal kidneys may be related to the flow of amniotic fluid, maternal handling of Hg, and/or underdeveloped mechanisms for cellular export and urinary excretion. The results of this study indicate that renal insufficiency in mothers leads to significant alterations in the way toxicants such as mercury are handled by maternal and fetal organs.
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Blood Lead Levels and Potential Risk Factors for Lead Exposures Among South Asians in New York City. J Immigr Minor Health 2018; 19:1322-1329. [PMID: 27015835 PMCID: PMC5681974 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-016-0403-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
New York City’s South Asian children and pregnant women have a disproportionate burden of elevated blood lead levels. This study is the first to investigate blood lead levels and risk factors for lead exposures among South Asian New Yorkers. A survey and a finger-stick blood lead test using a portable analyzer were administered to 230 South Asian adults and children. Blood lead levels of 5 µg/dL or higher were found in 20 % of the adults and 15 % of the children, as compared to 5 % of adults and 2.5 % of children citywide. Factors associated with elevated blood lead levels were recent repair work at home, not speaking English, Bangladeshi or Indian ethnicity, and occupational risk factors. Public health professional should be aware that South Asians may be at an increased risk for elevated blood lead levels.
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15
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Weaver GM, Gauderman WJ. Traffic-Related Pollutants: Exposure and Health Effects Among Hispanic Children. Am J Epidemiol 2018; 187:45-52. [PMID: 28605396 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined traffic-related pollution (TRP) exposure and respiratory health effects in Hispanic white (HW) children, both compared with non-Hispanic white (NHW) children and according to genetically determined Native American (NA) ancestry. The sample included over 5,000 children from the Children's Health Study in California, followed during 1993-2014. HW children were 1.47 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24, 1.73) times more likely to live close (<500 m) to a freeway and 1.54 (95% CI: 1.26, 1.87) times more likely to live close (<75 m) to a major nonfreeway road compared with NHW children. Among HW children, those with >50% NA ancestry were >40% more likely to live close to a freeway or to a major nonfreeway road, compared with those with ≤50% NA ancestry. The association of TRP with ever having been diagnosed by a doctor as having asthma differed between HW and NHW children (P < 0.05), with the strongest association among HW children with >50% NA ancestry. Within this subgroup, those close to a major nonfreeway road were 2.16 (95% CI: 1.26, 3.69) times more likely to have ever reported asthma compared with those living further away. This paper provides evidence that HW children in southern California, especially those with greater NA ancestry, are more exposed to TRP and are potentially at greater risk for TRP-related respiratory health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett M Weaver
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - W James Gauderman
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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16
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Olympio KPK, Gonçalves CG, Salles FJ, Ferreira APSDS, Soares AS, Buzalaf MAR, Cardoso MRA, Bechara EJH. What are the blood lead levels of children living in Latin America and the Caribbean? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 101:46-58. [PMID: 28159393 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Information on the prevalence of lead exposure is essential to formulate efficient public health policies. Developed countries have implemented successful public policies for the prevention and control of lead poisoning. In the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Union, for instance, periodically repeated prevalence studies show that blood lead levels (BLLs) in children have decreased overall. Although BLL of Latino children in the U.S. have also dropped in recent years, the geometric mean remains higher than that of white children. Little is known about lead exposure in children in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). In this review, we responded to two questions: What is currently known about lead sources and levels in children in LAC? Are there public policies to prevent children's exposure to lead in LAC? METHOD We conducted a literature review covering the period from January 2000 to March 2014 in the PubMed and Lilacs databases to obtain English, Portuguese and Spanish language studies reporting the prevalence of BLLs in children aged 0-18years living in LAC countries. No specific analytical method was selected, and given the scarcity of data, the study was highly inclusive. RESULTS Fifty-six papers were selected from 16 different LAC countries. The children's BLLs found in this review are high (≥10μg/dL) compared to BLLs for the same age group in the U. S. However, most studies reported an association with some type of "lead hot spot", in which children can be exposed to lead levels similar to those of occupational settings. Only Peru and Mexico reported BLLs in children from population-based studies. CONCLUSIONS Most BLLs prevalence studies carried out in LAC were in areas with known emission sources. The percentage of children at risk of lead poisoning in LAC is unknown, and probably underestimated. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish public health policies to quantify and prevent lead poisoning, specifically by prioritizing the identification and control of "hot spots".
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cláudia Gaudência Gonçalves
- Departamento de Controle Ambiental/Grupo Técnico Permanente de Áreas Contaminadas - Secretaria do Verde e Meio Ambiente de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Junqueira Salles
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Agnes Silva Soares
- Sustainable Development and Health Equity, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Regina Alves Cardoso
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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17
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Barrington-Trimis JL, Cockburn M, Metayer C, Gauderman WJ, Wiemels J, McKean-Cowdin R. Trends in childhood leukemia incidence over two decades from 1992 to 2013. Int J Cancer 2017; 140:1000-1008. [PMID: 27778348 PMCID: PMC5550103 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Incidence rates of childhood leukemia in the United States have steadily increased over the last several decades, but only recently have disparities in the increase in incidence been recognized. In the current analysis, Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data were used to evaluate recent trends in the incidence of childhood leukemia diagnosed at age 0-19 years from 1992 to 2013, overall and by age, race/ethnicity, gender and histologic subtype. Hispanic White children were more likely than non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black or non-Hispanic Asian children to be diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) from 2009 to 2013. From 1992 to 2013, a significant increase in ALL incidence was observed for Hispanic White children [annual percent change (APC)Hispanic = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.58]; no significant increase was observed for non-Hispanic White, Black or Asian children. ALL incidence increased by about 3% per year from 1992 to 2013 for Hispanic White children diagnosed from 15 to 19 years (APC = 2.67; 95% CI: 0.88, 4.49) and by 2% for those 10-14 years (APC = 2.09; 95% CI: 0.57, 3.63), while no significant increases in incidence were observed in non-Hispanic White, Black, or Asian children of the same age. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) incidence increased among non-Hispanic White children under 1 year at diagnosis, and among Hispanic White children diagnosed at age 1-4. The increase in incidence rates of childhood ALL appears to be driven by rising rates in older Hispanic children (10-14, and 15-19 years). Future studies are needed to evaluate reasons for the increase in ALL among older Hispanic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Barrington-Trimis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Myles Cockburn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Catherine Metayer
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley (UCB), Berkeley, CA
| | - W James Gauderman
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Joseph Wiemels
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA
| | - Roberta McKean-Cowdin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
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18
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Thakur N, White MJ, Burchard EG. Race and Ethnicity. Respir Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-43447-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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19
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Perla ME, Rue T, Cheadle A, Krieger J, Karr CJ, Karr CK. Population-based comparison of biomarker concentrations for chemicals of concern among Latino-American and non-Hispanic white children. J Immigr Minor Health 2016; 17:802-19. [PMID: 24668388 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Differences in cultural and economic status may place ethnic subgroups of children at higher risk for exposure, leading to heightened health risks, and health inequities. Although Latino-Americans represent 22% of all children in the United States, few studies have explored within-group differences in their exposure to toxicants. Using socio-demographic and biomarker data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2008, we characterized determinants of health and estimated geometric means of environmental contaminant biomarkers (blood concentrations of lead and mercury, serum concentrations of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [p,p'-DDE] and cotinine, and urinary metabolites of organophosphate [OP] pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]) among 4,257 Mexican American (MA), 677 Other Latino-American (OL), and 3,370 Non-Hispanic White (NHW) children. MAs had the lowest levels of health insurance coverage and regular access to health care, and largest household size compared to NHWs and OLs. MAs had higher levels of p,p'-DDE, lead, and cadmium while OLs had higher estimates of mercury relative to other groups. MAs had higher urinary metabolite concentrations of 2-hydroxynaphthalene; otherwise MAs and OLs had lower concentrations of PAHs. NHWs had higher levels of cotinine and dimethylthiophosphate. For other OP metabolites, differences among groups were less clear. Lead and p,p'-DDE exposure differences likely reflect later and less regulatory control of these chemicals in Latin America. Additionally, poor quality housing with lead paint is more common in economically disadvantaged subpopulations. Dietary habits are possible sources of differential cadmium, mercury, and organophosphate exposure. Cotinine exposure differences by income and U.S.- vs. foreign-born may represent increased acculturation. These results, coupled with additional research on exposure sources may contribute to refinement of environmental health promotion programs for the fast-growing Latino-American population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Perla
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 357236, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA,
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20
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Massetti GM, Thomas CC, Ragan KR. Disparities in the Context of Opportunities for Cancer Prevention in Early Life. Pediatrics 2016; 138:S65-S77. [PMID: 27940979 PMCID: PMC5161109 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-4268j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent health disparities are a major contributor to disproportionate burden of cancer for some populations. Health disparities in cancer incidence and mortality may reflect differences in exposures to risk factors early in life. Understanding the distribution of exposures to early life risk and protective factors for cancer across different populations can shed light on opportunities to promote health equity at earlier developmental stages. Disparities may differentially influence risk for cancer during early life and create opportunities to promote health equity. Potential risk and protective factors for cancer in early life reveal patterns of disparities in their exposure. These disparities in exposures can manifest in downstream disparities in risk for cancer. These risk and protective factors include adverse childhood experiences; maternal alcohol consumption in pregnancy; childhood obesity; high or low birth weight; benzene exposure; use of assisted reproductive technologies; pesticide and insecticide exposure; isolated cryptorchidism; early pubertal timing; exposure to radiation; exposure to tobacco in utero and in early life; allergies, asthma, and atopy; and early exposure to infection. Disparities on the basis of racial and ethnic minority status, economic disadvantage, disability status, sex, geography, and nation of origin can occur in these risk and protective factors. Vulnerable populations experience disproportionally greater exposure to risk factors in early life. Addressing disparities in risk factors in early life can advance opportunities for prevention, promote health equity, and possibly reduce risk for subsequent development of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta M. Massetti
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cheryll C. Thomas
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kathleen R. Ragan
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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21
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Blackowicz MJ, Hryhorczuk DO, Rankin KM, Lewis DA, Haider D, Lanphear BP, Evens A. The Impact of Low-Level Lead Toxicity on School Performance among Hispanic Subgroups in the Chicago Public Schools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13080774. [PMID: 27490560 PMCID: PMC4997460 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13080774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental lead exposure detrimentally affects children's educational performance, even at very low blood lead levels (BLLs). Among children in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the severity of the effects of BLL on reading and math vary by racial subgroup (White vs. Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic Black). We investigated the impact of BLL on standardized test performance by Hispanic subgroup (Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Other Hispanic). METHODS We examined 12,319 Hispanic children born in Chicago between 1994 and 1998 who were tested for BLL between birth and 2006 and enrolled in the 3rd grade at a CPS school between 2003 and 2006. We linked the Chicago birth registry, the Chicago Blood Lead Registry, and 3rd grade Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT) scores to examine associations between BLL and school performance. Primary analyses were restricted to children with BLL below 10 µg/dL (0.483 µmol/L). RESULTS BLLs below 10 µg/dL (0.483 µmol/L) were inversely associated with reading and math scores in all Hispanic subgroups. Adjusted Relative Risks (RRadj) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for reading and math failure were 1.34 (95% CI = 1.25, 1.63) and 1.53 (95% CI = 1.32, 1.78), respectively, per each additional 5 µg/dL of lead exposure for Hispanic children; RRadj did not differ across subgroups. We estimate that 7.0% (95% CI = 1.8, 11.9) of reading and 13.6% (95% CI = 7.7, 19.2) of math failure among Hispanic children can be attributed to exposure to BLLs of 5-9 µg/dL (0.242 to 0.435 µmol/L) vs. 0-4 µg/dL (0-0.193 µmol/L). The RRadj of math failure for each 5 µg/dL (0.242 µmol/L) increase in BLL was notably (p = 0.074) stronger among black Puerto Rican children (RRadj = 5.14; 95% CI = 1.65-15.94) compared to white Puerto Rican children (RRadj = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.12-2.02). CONCLUSIONS Early childhood lead exposure is associated with poorer achievement on standardized reading and math tests in the 3rd grade for Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Other Hispanic children enrolled in Chicago Public Schools. While we did not see interactions between BLL and ISAT performance by Hispanic subgroup, the stronger association between BLL and math failure for Black Puerto Rican children is intriguing and warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Blackowicz
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Daniel O Hryhorczuk
- Center for Global Health, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Kristin M Rankin
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Dan A Lewis
- School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
| | - Danish Haider
- Center for Global Health, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Child & Family Research Institute, BC Children's Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.
| | - Anne Evens
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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"Where they (live, work and) spray": pesticide exposure, childhood asthma and environmental justice among Mexican-American farmworkers. Health Place 2015; 32:83-92. [PMID: 25659530 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Asthma prevalence is reportedly low for children of Mexican descent compared with other ethnic groups and Latino subgroups. The results of our exploratory ethnographic research among children of farmworkers in California dramatically suggest otherwise. Unstructured and semi-structured open-ended interviews and photovoice methods were combined to explore the lived experiences of members of a marginalized farmworker community. This research gives voice to a population of families living in the highly toxic, yet agriculturally wealthy environment of the San Joaquin Valley. Little work has been reported employing photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, to study childhood exposure to pesticides. A rich narrative about perceptions of pesticide exposure emerged from the ethnographic interviews. Thematic analysis yielded beliefs about the relationship between air quality and childhood asthma. The findings suggest that childhood asthma should be reviewed within the context of local levels of environmental exposure and the principles of environmental justice.
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Lee K, Pond D. The Impact of Head Start Enrollment Duration on Migrant Children's Health Outcomes. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2015; 54:869-891. [PMID: 26671242 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2015.1061087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine whether family characteristics and the length of children's enrollment in Migrant Head Start affects children's health treatment. Children in the Michigan Migrant Head Start were classified depending on years of enrollments: One year (n = 638), two years (n = 293), and three or more years (n = 426). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether the probability of children receiving health treatment differed depending on years of enrollment. There is a higher health treatment rate among children who attended Head Start for multiple years than for those who attended for one year. Children's special needs status, of siblings, ethnicity, parental educational level, and marital status were related to preventative dental and physical health treatment outcomes. Although the primary goal of Head Start is school readiness rather than health improvement, migrant and seasonal farmworker children are likely to receive more health treatment if they attend more years of comprehensive intervention, such as Head Start, for positive physical and dental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghee Lee
- a School of Social Work , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan , USA
| | - Debora Pond
- a School of Social Work , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan , USA
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Trueblood AB, Rincon R, Perales R, Hollingsworth R, Miller C, McDonald TJ, Cizmas L. A Pilot Study of Changes in Environmental Knowledge and Behaviors among Head Start Employees and Parents Following Environmental Health Training in Webb County, TX. J Immigr Minor Health 2014; 18:135-42. [PMID: 25538003 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Head Start centers in Webb County, Texas primarily serve low-income Hispanic families disproportionately affected by environmental exposures. A total of 560 parents and employees attended environmental trainings. Pre- and post-assessments measured whether the trainings were effective at improving related knowledge and behaviors. A total of 152 parents and 94 employees signed consent forms. Only the 64 parents and 50 employees who completed all questionnaires were included in the data analysis. Paired t tests and McNemar tests found significant improvements in knowledge and behaviors related to multiple environmental topics (p < 0.05). Mean scores out of eleven for knowledge before and immediately after were 9.69 (95 % CI 9.44, 9.94) and 10.58 (95 % CI 10.42, 10.74), respectively. Mean scores out of ten for behavior before and 1 month after training were 8.00 (95 % CI 7.71, 8.29) and 9.29 (95 % CI 9.10, 9.48), respectively. This pilot study found improved knowledge and behaviors following environmental health training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber B Trueblood
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health, 102 SPH Administration Building, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Rudy Rincon
- South Texas Environmental Education and Research Program, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Roger Perales
- South Texas Environmental Education and Research Program, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ryan Hollingsworth
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health, 102 SPH Administration Building, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Claudia Miller
- South Texas Environmental Education and Research Program, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Thomas J McDonald
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health, 102 SPH Administration Building, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Leslie Cizmas
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health, 102 SPH Administration Building, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77840, USA.
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Rosas LG, Trujillo C, Camacho J, Madrigal D, Bradman A, Eskenazi B. Acceptability of health information technology aimed at environmental health education in a prenatal clinic. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2014; 97:244-247. [PMID: 25085548 PMCID: PMC4520806 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the acceptability of an interactive computer kiosk that provides environmental health education to low-income Latina prenatal patients. METHODS A mixed-methods approach was used to assess the acceptability of the Prenatal Environmental Health Kiosk pregnant Latina women in Salinas, CA (n=152). The kiosk is a low literacy, interactive touch-screen computer program with an audio component and includes graphics and an interactive game. RESULTS The majority had never used a kiosk before. Over 90% of women reported that they learned something new while using the kiosk. Prior to using the kiosk, 22% of women reported their preference of receiving health education from a kiosk over a pamphlet or video compared with 57% after using the kiosk (p<0.01). Qualitative data revealed: (1) benefit of exposure to computer use; (2) reinforcing strategy of health education; and (3) popularity of the interactive game. CONCLUSION The Prenatal Environmental Health Kiosk is an innovative patient health education modality that was shown to be acceptable among a population of low-income Latino pregnant women in a prenatal care clinic. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This pilot study demonstrated that a health education kiosk was an acceptable strategy for providing Latina prenatal patients with information on pertinent environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa G Rosas
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, 1995 University Ave. Suite 265, Berkeley 94704 7392, USA.
| | - Celina Trujillo
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, 1995 University Ave. Suite 265, Berkeley 94704 7392, USA
| | - Jose Camacho
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, 1995 University Ave. Suite 265, Berkeley 94704 7392, USA
| | - Daniel Madrigal
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, 1995 University Ave. Suite 265, Berkeley 94704 7392, USA
| | - Asa Bradman
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, 1995 University Ave. Suite 265, Berkeley 94704 7392, USA
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California Berkeley, School of Public Health, 1995 University Ave. Suite 265, Berkeley 94704 7392, USA
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Rodriguez-JenKins J. Complex Inequality: A Contextual Parenting Framework for Latino Infants. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2014; 44:317-327. [PMID: 25132697 PMCID: PMC4129391 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
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Moraes-Silva L, Siqueira LF, Oliveira VA, Oliveira CS, Ineu RP, Pedroso TF, Fonseca MM, Pereira ME. Preventive Effect of CuCl2on Behavioral Alterations and Mercury Accumulation in Central Nervous System Induced by HgCl2in Newborn Rats. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2014; 28:328-35. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Moraes-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, CCNE; Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; Santa Maria 97105-900 RS Brazil
| | - L. F. Siqueira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE; Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; Santa Maria 97105-900 RS Brazil
| | - V. A. Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, CCNE; Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; Santa Maria 97105-900 RS Brazil
| | - C. S. Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, CCNE; Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; Santa Maria 97105-900 RS Brazil
| | - R. P. Ineu
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, CCNE; Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; Santa Maria 97105-900 RS Brazil
| | - T. F. Pedroso
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE; Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; Santa Maria 97105-900 RS Brazil
| | - M. M. Fonseca
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE; Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; Santa Maria 97105-900 RS Brazil
| | - M. E. Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, CCNE; Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; Santa Maria 97105-900 RS Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE; Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; Santa Maria 97105-900 RS Brazil
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Postma J, Peterson J, Ybarra Vega MJ, Ramon C, Cortes G. Latina Youths' Perceptions of Children's Environmental Health Risks in an Agricultural Community. Public Health Nurs 2014; 31:508-16. [DOI: 10.1111/phn.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Postma
- College of Nursing; Washington State University; Spokane Washington
| | - Jeff Peterson
- E. R. Murrow College of Communications; Washington State University; Pullman Washington
| | | | - Cristian Ramon
- Promotores de Salud; Quincy Community Health Center; Quincy Washington
| | - Guadalupe Cortes
- Promotores de Salud; Quincy Community Health Center; Quincy Washington
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Thakur N, Oh SS, Nguyen EA, Martin M, Roth LA, Galanter J, Gignoux CR, Eng C, Davis A, Meade K, LeNoir MA, Avila PC, Farber HJ, Serebrisky D, Brigino-Buenaventura E, Rodriguez-Cintron W, Kumar R, Williams LK, Bibbins-Domingo K, Thyne S, Sen S, Rodriguez-Santana JR, Borrell LN, Burchard EG. Socioeconomic status and childhood asthma in urban minority youths. The GALA II and SAGE II studies. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2014; 188:1202-9. [PMID: 24050698 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201306-1016oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The burden of asthma is highest among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations; however, its impact is differentially distributed among racial and ethnic groups. OBJECTIVES To assess the collective effect of maternal educational attainment, annual household income, and insurance type on childhood asthma among minority, urban youth. METHODS We included Mexican American (n = 485), other Latino (n = 217), and African American (n = 1,141) children (aged 8-21 yr) with and without asthma from the San Francisco Bay Area. An index was derived from maternal educational attainment, annual household income, and insurance type to assess the collective effect of socioeconomic status on predicting asthma. Logistic regression stratified by racial and ethnic group was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). We further examined whether acculturation explained the socioeconomic-asthma association in our Latino population. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In the adjusted analyses, African American children had 23% greater odds of asthma with each decrease in the socioeconomic index (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09-1.38). Conversely, Mexican American children have 17% reduced odds of asthma with each decrease in the socioeconomic index (aOR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.72-0.96) and this relationship was not fully explained by acculturation. This association was not observed in the other Latino group. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic status plays an important role in predicting asthma, but has different effects depending on race and ethnicity. Further steps are necessary to better understand the risk factors through which socioeconomic status could operate in these populations to prevent asthma.
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Cohen Hubal EA, de Wet T, Du Toit L, Firestone MP, Ruchirawat M, van Engelen J, Vickers C. Identifying important life stages for monitoring and assessing risks from exposures to environmental contaminants: results of a World Health Organization review. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2013; 69:113-24. [PMID: 24099754 PMCID: PMC5355211 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
We propose a harmonized set of age bins for assessing risks from chemical exposure. The set of early life age groups will facilitate consistency with recent guidance. The age bins allow results from longitudinal birth cohort studies to be combined. Region-specific exposure factors and monitoring data are needed to apply the bins.
In this paper, we summarize exposure-related issues to consider in determining the most appropriate age ranges and life stages for risk assessment. We then propose a harmonized set of age bins for monitoring and assessing risks from exposures to chemicals for global use. The focus is on preconception through adolescence, though the approach should be applicable to additional life stages. A two-tiered set of early life age groups is recommended. The first tier involves the adoption of guidance similar to the childhood age groups recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, whereas the second tier consolidates some of those age groups to reduce the burden of developing age-specific exposure factors for different regions. While there is no single “correct” means of choosing a common set of age groups to use internationally in assessing early life exposure and risk, use of a set of defined age groups is recommended to facilitate comparisons of potential exposures and risks around the globe, the collection of data and analyses of aggregate exposure and cumulative risk. Application of these age groups for robust assessment of exposure and risk for specific populations will require region-specific exposure factors as well as local environmental monitoring data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine A Cohen Hubal
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Thea de Wet
- Centre for Anthropological Research and Department of Anthropology and Development Studies, The University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa.
| | - Lilo Du Toit
- Centre for Rural Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Michael P Firestone
- Regulatory Support & Science Policy Division, Office of Children's Health Protection (MC 1107T), Office of the Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Room 1130 EPA West Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20460, USA.
| | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Office of Research, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kamphaeng-phet 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand.
| | - Jacqueline van Engelen
- Center for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Carolyn Vickers
- International Programme on Chemical Safety, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.
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Bjornard K, Riehle-Colarusso T, Gilboa SM, Correa A. Patterns in the prevalence of congenital heart defects, metropolitan Atlanta, 1978 to 2005. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART A, CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY 2013; 97:87-94. [PMID: 23404870 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of patterns in prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) is important for clinical care, etiologic research, and prevention. We evaluated temporal and racial/ethnic trends in the birth prevalence of CHDs in metropolitan Atlanta from 1978 to 2005. METHODS Cases of CHDs were obtained from the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program among live born infants, stillborn infants, and pregnancy terminations of at least 20 weeks gestation. We calculated birth prevalence per 10,000 live births and used joinpoint regression analysis to calculate the average annual percent change for total CHDs and for 23 specific subtypes in the total population and among whites and blacks. To evaluate racial/ethnic variations, we calculated prevalence ratios among blacks and Hispanics compared with whites. RESULTS Between 1978 and 2005, 7301 infants and fetuses with major structural CHDs were ascertained among 1,079,062 live births (67.7 per 10,000). The prevalence of all CHDs in aggregate increased from 50.3 per 10,000 in 1978-1983 to 86.4 per 10,000 in 2000-2005. The prevalence of septal defects and vascular rings increased and the prevalence of tricuspid atresia decreased, while other CHD prevalences were stable. Racial/ethnic prevalence differences were found for all CHDs combined and muscular ventricular septal defects, aortic stenosis, and atrioventricular septal defects. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of total CHDs, primarily common, less severe types, are increasing, with some racial/ethnic differences. Further studies could clarify the possible reasons for such variations including differences in ascertainment, risk factors, or susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Bjornard
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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Gibson PR. Integrating Ecological Issues into Psychology: A Senior Seminar in Environment, Health, and Behavior. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2012.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Hartman RJ, Riehle-Colarusso T, Lin A, Frías JL, Patel SS, Duwe K, Correa A, Rasmussen SA. Descriptive study of nonsyndromic atrioventricular septal defects in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2005. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:555-64. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
Building-level characteristics are structural factors largely beyond the control of those who live in them. We explored whether building-level characteristics and indoor allergens in the household are related. We examined the relationship between building-level characteristics and indoor allergens: dust mite, cat, cockroach, and mouse. Building-level characteristics measured were presence of pests (seeing cockroaches and rodents), building type (public housing, buildings zoned commercially and residentially, and building size), and building condition (building age and violations). Allergen cutpoints were used for categorical analyses and defined as follows: dust mite: >0.25 μg/g; cat: >1 μg/g; cockroach: >1 U/g; mouse: >1.6 μg/g. In fully adjusted linear analyses, neither dust mite nor cat allergen were statistically significantly associated with any building-level characteristics. Cockroach allergen was associated with the presence of cockroaches (2.07; 95% CI, 1.23, 3.49) and living in public housing (2.14; 95% CI, 1.07, 4.31). Mouse allergen was associated with the presence of rodents (1.70; 95% CI, 1.29, 2.23), and building size: living in a low-rise (<8 floors; 0.60; 95% CI, 0.42, 0.87) or high-rise (8 + floors; 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29, 0.88; compared with house/duplex). In fully adjusted logistic analyses, cat allergen was statistically significantly associated with living in a high-rise (6.29; 95% CI, 1.51, 26.21; compared with a house/duplex). Mouse allergen was associated with living in public housing (6.20; 95% CI, 1.01, 37.95) and building size: living in a low-rise (0.16; 95% CI, 0.05, 0.52) or high-rise (0.06; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.50; compared with a house/duplex). Issues concerning building size and public housing may be particularly critical factors in reducing asthma morbidity. We suggest that future research explore the possible improvement of these factors through changes to building code and violations adherence, design standards, and incentives for landlords.
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Litt JS, Goss C, Diao L, Allshouse A, Diaz-Castillo S, Bardwell RA, Hendrikson E, Miller SL, DiGuiseppi C. Housing environments and child health conditions among recent Mexican immigrant families: a population-based study. J Immigr Minor Health 2010; 12:617-25. [PMID: 19449207 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-009-9261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The influx of immigrants to urban areas throughout the United States has raised concerns about accessibility of safe, affordable housing and the health consequences of poor-quality housing, particularly among immigrant children. We conducted a population-based study of home environmental conditions among recently immigrated Mexican families (weighted n = 473), generally of low socioeconomic status, and the health conditions of their children, in an urban industrial area north of Denver, Colorado. The majority of recent immigrants had low socioeconomic status; virtually all had household incomes below the Colorado median ($50,841). Approximately one quarter of homes were overcrowded. Adverse environmental conditions were present across recent immigrant homes. These conditions include dampness or mold (44%), pests (28%), and minimal to no ventilation potential (26%), all of which are associated with asthma and atopic diseases. At least one of these three environmental hazards was found in 67% of homes; multiple hazards were present in 27% of homes. Children of recent immigrant families had active symptoms within the past 12 months suggestive of asthma (4%) and atopic disorders (10%); however, fewer than 2% had been diagnosed with these conditions. The prevalence of asthma and atopic symptoms among Mexican immigrant children, albeit lower than in other low income and minority communities, is partially explained by housing conditions. Many of the conditions identified (e.g., pest infestation, mold resulting from plumbing leaks, and lack of exhaust fans) are amenable to low cost interventions. Solutions to address unhealthy housing conditions among recent immigrants must be multi-faceted and include strategies that target household-level improvements and access to health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill S Litt
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80045, USA.
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Postma JM, Smalley K, Ybarra V, Kieckhefer G. The feasibility and acceptability of a home-visitation, asthma education program in a rural, Latino/a population. J Asthma 2010; 48:139-46. [PMID: 21043988 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2010.529221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The effectiveness of community health worker-delivered interventions to decrease environmental triggers for asthma in the home has been well documented in urban populations, but has had little evaluation in rural, Latino/a families. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a home-visitation intervention designed to decrease environmental triggers for pediatric asthma in rural, Latino/a families. METHODS Data from a large community health clinic's pediatric asthma program (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) were used to retrospectively explore associations between program participation and asthma-related health outcomes. Demographic data were collected on 866 patients. Behavioral outcomes were evaluated in 374 participants. A medical record abstraction was conducted in a subsample of 400 patients to evaluate asthma-related urgent care use. Nonparametric tests were used to compare outcomes before and after the intervention. Demographic attributes associated with program participation were examined using logistic regression. RESULTS Most (91%) participants were Hispanic, and 61% of participants' caregivers were either seasonal or migrant farmworkers. Over half (61%) of the participants did not complete the full intervention. A statistically significant improvement was found in caregivers' abilities to manage asthma medications and adopt behaviors to decrease triggers inside the home. Behaviors related to decreasing outside triggers did not significantly change. Asthma-related urgent care use significantly decreased; however, there was no association between intervention dose and a decrease in urgent care use. Demographic attributes were generally not associated with program completion, having baseline and exit data on intermediate outcomes, and/or inclusion in the chart review. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the asthma intervention helped caregivers improve the air quality in their homes and reduce urgent care admissions among pediatric participants. The intervention dose may be less important than taking part in an intervention to the extent feasible or desired by the family. Findings suggest that policy-level interventions need to address reimbursement for home visitation and environmental exposures that are beyond caregiver control, such as support for healthy and affordable housing in farmworker communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Postma
- Washington State University College of Nursing, Spokane, WA, USA.
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Rosenfeld L, Rudd R, Chew GL, Emmons K, Acevedo-García D. Are neighborhood-level characteristics associated with indoor allergens in the household? J Asthma 2010; 47:66-75. [PMID: 20100024 PMCID: PMC2920139 DOI: 10.3109/02770900903362676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual home characteristics have been associated with indoor allergen exposure; however, the influence of neighborhood-level characteristics has not been well studied. We defined neighborhoods as community districts determined by the New York City Department of City Planning. OBJECTIVE We examined the relationship between neighborhood-level characteristics and the presence of dust mite (Der f 1), cat (Fel d 1), cockroach (Bla g 2), and mouse (MUP) allergens in the household. METHODS Using data from the Puerto Rican Asthma Project, a birth cohort of Puerto Rican children at risk of allergic sensitization (n = 261), we examined associations between neighborhood characteristics (percent tree canopy, asthma hospitalizations per 1,000 children, roadway length within 100 meters of buildings, serious housing code violations per 1000 rental units, poverty rates, and felony crime rates), and the presence of indoor allergens. Allergen cutpoints were used for categorical analyses and defined as follows: dust mite: >0.25 microg/g; cat: >1 microg/g; cockroach: >1 U/g; mouse: >1.6 microg/g. RESULTS Serious housing code violations were statistically significantly positively associated with dust mite, cat, and mouse allergens (continuous variables), adjusting for mother's income and education, and all neighborhood-level characteristics. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, medium levels of housing code violations were associated with higher dust mite and cat allergens (1.81, 95%CI: 1.08, 3.03 and 3.10, 95%CI: 1.22, 7.92, respectively). A high level of serious housing code violations was associated with higher mouse allergen (2.04, 95%CI: 1.15, 3.62). A medium level of housing code violations was associated with higher cockroach allergen (3.30, 95%CI: 1.11, 9.78). CONCLUSIONS Neighborhood-level characteristics, specifically housing code violations, appear to be related to indoor allergens, which may have implications for future research explorations and policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Rosenfeld
- Institute on Urban Health Research, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02130, USA.
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Svendsen ER, Gonzales M, Ross M, Neas LM. Variability in childhood allergy and asthma across ethnicity, language, and residency duration in El Paso, Texas: a cross-sectional study. Environ Health 2009; 8:55. [PMID: 19995440 PMCID: PMC2797777 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-8-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the impact of migration to the USA-Mexico border city of El Paso, Texas (USA), parental language preference, and Hispanic ethnicity on childhood asthma to differentiate between its social and environmental determinants. METHODS Allergy and asthma prevalence was surveyed among 9797 fourth and fifth grade children enrolled in the El Paso Independent School District. Parents completed a respiratory health questionnaire, in either English or Spanish, and a sub-sample of children received spirometry testing at their school. Here we report asthma and allergy outcomes across ethnicity and El Paso residency duration. RESULTS Asthma and allergy prevalence increased with longer duration of El Paso residency independent of ethnicity and preferred language. Compared with immigrants who arrived in El Paso after entering first grade (18%), lifelong El Paso residents (68%) had more prevalent allergy (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.32 - 2.24), prevalent asthma (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.24 - 2.46), and current asthma (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.37 - 2.95). Spirometric measurements (FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75) also declined with increasing duration of El Paso residency (0.16% and 0.35% annual reduction, respectively). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that a community-wide environmental exposure in El Paso, delayed pulmonary development, or increased health of immigrants may be associated with allergy and asthma development in children raised there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik R Svendsen
- University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Melissa Gonzales
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Mary Ross
- US Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lucas M Neas
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Human Studies Division, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Al-Saleh I, Shinwari N, Al-Amodi M. Accumulation of mercury in ovaries of mice after the application of skin-lightening creams. Biol Trace Elem Res 2009; 131:43-54. [PMID: 19224137 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-009-8341-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Skin-lightening creams are being increasingly used by women in particular, worldwide in an attempt to whiten their skin. Men and older people use these creams to remove age spots or other pigmentation disorders. Several studies have reported the presence of high mercury levels in skin-lightening cream. Women, especially pregnant and nursing mothers, who use these creams are at risk of mercury toxicity because long-term exposure can cause permanent neurological damage, nephrological disorders, fertility problems, and birth defects. Early exposure usually has no clinical symptoms. Mercury levels were measured in a total of 49 ovary tissue samples. The mean mercury contents in the ovaries of non-treated mice (11.70 +/- 13.38 ng/g) were compared to mice treated with Rose skin-lightening cream samples (2,471.92 +/- 1,336.31 ng/g) and those treated with Fair & Lovely skin-lightening creams (58.47 +/- 39.51 ng/g). The mercury content in the ovary tissues increased with number of cream applications and were highest in the ovaries of mice treated twice a day with Fair & Lovely (87.79 +/- 26.20 ng/g) and once a day with Rose (3,515.61 +/- 1,099.78 ng/g). Our data indicate that dermal exposure to mercury can result in a significant accumulation in the ovaries of mice following the application of skin-lightening cream. This may cause alterations in reproductive behavior and contribute to infertility or ovarian failure. Of course, these results need to be confirmed by further research. Imported or locally made skin-lightening creams are widely available in Saudi market. It would be ideal to ban the sale of these creams but unfortunately, advertisements in the mass media presenting celebrities and beauty specialists make these products more popular. Alternatively, public health authorities should encourage more reliance on prescribed creams for the treatment of skin pigmentation problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Biological and Medical Research Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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40
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Franciscato C, Goulart F, Lovatto N, Duarte F, Flores E, Dressler V, Peixoto N, Pereira M. ZnCl
2
exposure protects against behavioral and acetylcholinesterase changes induced by HgCl
2. Int J Dev Neurosci 2009; 27:459-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2009.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2009] [Revised: 04/09/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C. Franciscato
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
| | - F.R. Goulart
- Departamento de QuímicaCentro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
| | - N.M. Lovatto
- Departamento de QuímicaCentro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
| | - F.A. Duarte
- Departamento de QuímicaCentro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
| | - E.M.M. Flores
- Departamento de QuímicaCentro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
| | - V.L. Dressler
- Departamento de QuímicaCentro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
| | - N.C. Peixoto
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
- Departamento de QuímicaCentro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
| | - M.E. Pereira
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Bioquímica Toxicológica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
- Departamento de QuímicaCentro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria97.105‐900Santa MariaRSBrazil
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Barry RC, Lin Y, Wang J, Liu G, Timchalk CA. Nanotechnology-based electrochemical sensors for biomonitoring chemical exposures. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2009; 19:1-18. [PMID: 19018275 PMCID: PMC2909474 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2008.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Revised: 07/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The coupling of dosimetry measurements and modeling represents a promising strategy for deciphering the relationship between chemical exposure and disease outcome. To support the development and implementation of biological monitoring programs, quantitative technologies for measuring xenobiotic exposure are needed. The development of portable nanotechnology-based electrochemical (EC) sensors has the potential to meet the needs for low cost, rapid, high-throughput, and ultrasensitive detectors for biomonitoring an array of chemical markers. Highly selective EC sensors capable of pM sensitivity, high-throughput and low sample requirements (<50 microl) are discussed. These portable analytical systems have many advantages over currently available technologies, thus potentially representing the next generation of biomonitoring analyzers. This paper highlights research focused on the development of field-deployable analytical instruments based on EC detection. Background information and a general overview of EC detection methods and integrated use of nanomaterials in the development of these sensors are provided. New developments in EC sensors using various types of screen-printed electrodes, integrated nanomaterials, and immunoassays are presented. Recent applications of EC sensors for assessing exposure to pesticides or detecting biomarkers of disease are highlighted to demonstrate the ability to monitor chemical metabolites, enzyme activity, or protein biomarkers of disease. In addition, future considerations and opportunities for advancing the use of EC platforms for dosimetric studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Barry
- aBiological Monitoring and Modeling Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352, USA.
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