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Jiang H, Yan J, Li R, Yang S, Huang G, Wang W, Zhang Y, Li P, Feng X. Economic benefit of ecological remediation of mercury pollution in southwest China 2007-2022. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 189:108792. [PMID: 38838487 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) exposure via rice consumption poses health risk to residents in mercury contaminated areas, such as the Wanshan Hg mining area (WSMA) in southwest China. Making use of the published data for WSMA, this study developed a database of rice MeHg concentrations for different villages in this region for the years of 2007, 2012, 2017, and 2019. The temporal changes of human MeHg exposure, health effects, and economic benefits under different ecological remediation measures were then assessed. Results from this study revealed a decrease of 3.88 μg/kg in rice MeHg concentration and a corresponding reduction of 0.039 μg/kg/d in probable daily intake of MeHg in 2019 compared to 2007 on regional average in the WSMA. Ecological remediation measures in this region resulted in the accumulated economic benefits of $38.7 million during 2007-2022, of which 84 % was from pollution source treatment and 16 % from planting structure adjustment. However, a flooding event in 2016 led to an economic loss of $2.43 million (0.38 % of regional total Gross Domestic Product). Planting structure adjustment generates the greatest economic benefits in the short term, whereas pollution source treatment maximizes economic benefits in the long term and prevents the perturbations from flooding event. These findings demonstrate the importance of ecological remediation measures in Hg polluted areas and provide the foundation for risk assessment of human MeHg exposure via rice consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Jiang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Junyao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Ruolan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shaochen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Guopei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Hao Z, Zhang C, Lin B, Chen Z, Li Y, Zou X, Li H, Zheng F, Cao J. Environmental effects on trace elements in the fingernails of centenarians and their offspring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 842:156786. [PMID: 35724778 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bio-monitoring is commonly used to investigate trace elements, and the human nail provides an ideal medium for such testing. Toxic and essential trace metals (Cd, Pb, Fe, and Se) in the fingernails of participants from the Hainan Province were investigated. Samples included 136 centenarians and 197 offspring (101 older adult children and 96 middle-aged grandchildren) who were also sampled for comparison. As a hotspot for longevity, participants in the Hainan Province were found to have high essential nutrients of Fe and Se, and lacked the toxic element Pb. A similar trend was found for trace elements in soil and rice in the Hainan Province. The trace elements preserved in nails revealed dietary and environmental influences that varied among different generations. For the grandchildren's generation, the environment played an important role in elements in their nails, and a significant correlation and linear relationships were found, especially for Fe and Se. As the participants increased in age (from the grandchildren to the centenarians), the correlation between various elements decreased. For centenarians, the influence of beneficial or harmful properties of the elements became more important than their environment. The results also pointed to the important role of trace elements in human health, especially Fe and Se as essential elements. This study can provide information on the factors that influence the existence of trace elements in the human body and demonstrate the advantage of using the human fingernail in bio-monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Hao
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chuchu Zhang
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Bo Lin
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Oceanography, Second Institute of Oceanography, MNR, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou), Tsinghua, RIET, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Yonghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xinqing Zou
- School of Geographic and Oceanographic Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Hairong Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fangqin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Oceanography, Second Institute of Oceanography, MNR, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Oceanography, Second Institute of Oceanography, MNR, Hangzhou 310012, China
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Espiritu EQ, Claveria RJR, Bernadas PJC. Assessment of surface water quality and mercury levels from Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) along Acupan River, Benguet, Philippines. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:3655-3676. [PMID: 34687407 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining activities are most evident among communities surrounding the Acupan River in Itogon Benguet. The mining activities include manual extraction of gold ores, use of improvised ball/rod mills and sluice boxes, and metallurgical processing such as cyanidation, carbon-in-pulp (CIP) and amalgamation. This study evaluates the influence of small-scale mining and the geology/mineralization of the Acupan Au-Ag-Te deposit to the water quality of the Acupan River and to the possible human exposures to Hg within the small-scale mining community. Different water quality parameters were monitored along selected sites along the Acupan River for a year and the results showed that the low average values of dissolve oxygen (DO) (2.54-4.53 mg L-1) and the relatively high average values of pH (8.84-10.10), sulfate (300.00-1133.33 mg L-1), nitrate (11.33-134.67 mg L-1), arsenic (As) (0.227-0.574 mg L-1) and mercury (Hg) (0.004-0.054 mg L-1) have exceeded the acceptable criteria limit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for Class C waters. The exceeded values are noted to occur in areas where extensive small-scale mining activities are being done and have affected as well the downstream areas. To test possible human contamination in the use of Hg, hair samples from 56 volunteers were analyzed for total Hg (T-Hg) following standard protocols. The T-Hg concentrations in hair samples are mostly inorganic and are determined in various parameters such as sex, geographic location, occupation, age, fish consumption and localization in hair. Though not significantly different, higher Hg values are noted in males (1.280 ± 0.446 ng mg-1) than among females (0.651 ± 0.163 ng mg-1) as well as those with ages 41-50 years (3.130 ± 2.330 ng mg-1) as compared to other age groups. The higher amounts of inorganic Hg in human hairs could be attributed to the discrete yet prevalent use of amalgamation. The findings of this study emphasize the need for better regulations of the small-scale mining activities and for stricter implementation of the total ban on the use of Hg in ore processing to ensure better water quality of Acupan River as well as the health and safety of the communities surrounding the river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilyn Q Espiritu
- Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Rene Juna R Claveria
- Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108, Quezon City, Philippines.
| | - Philip Joshua C Bernadas
- Department of Environmental Science, Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, 1108, Quezon City, Philippines
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Ruan XY, Tan SW, Zhu L, Shi YP, Yu JM, Zhang MB, Wang TS, Fu H. A multiple and comprehensive approach to assess health risk in amalgam-exposed Chinese workers. Front Public Health 2022; 10:999095. [PMID: 36203661 PMCID: PMC9530277 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.999095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent lamp manufacturing workers have been extensively exposed to mercury (Hg). Our aim was to assess their health risks using several approved occupational health risk assessment methods, and to find out which method was more suitable for identification of occupational health risks. Work locations, and air and urine samples were collected from 530 exposed workers in Zhejiang, China. Based on the calculated exposure doses, health risks and risk ratios (RRs) as health risk indices, were evaluated using: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Australian, Romanian, Singaporean, International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) methods. Among the workers, 86.0% had higher Hg levels than the Chinese occupational exposure limits of 0.02 mg/m3, and 16.7% urine samples were higher than the biological exposure limits of 35.0 μg/g·creatinine. Among workers at the injection, etc. locations, their average RRs, evaluated by the EPA, COSHH and Singaporean methods were 0.97, 0.76, and 0.60, respectively, and were significantly higher than the ICMM (0.39), Australian (0.30) and Romanian (0.29) methods. The RRs from the Singaporean method showed significant correlations with the urinary Hg levels (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the Singaporean method was more appropriate than the others for health risk evaluation because the excessive risks were significantly associated with urinary Hg levels among the workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-ying Ruan
- Department of Occupational Health, Hangzhou Hospital for Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Si-wei Tan
- Department of Occupational Health, Hangzhou Hospital for Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Occupational Health, Hangzhou Hospital for Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-peng Shi
- Department of Occupational Health, Hangzhou Hospital for Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-mian Yu
- Department of Occupational Health, Hangzhou Hospital for Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mei-bian Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Tong-shuai Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Tong-shuai Wang
| | - Hong Fu
- Department of Occupational Health, Hangzhou Hospital for Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Hangzhou, China,Hong Fu
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Zhang W, Li F, Gao L, Sun G, Cui Z, Chen F, Li P, Feng X, Shang L. Understanding the excretion rates of methylmercury and inorganic mercury from human body via hair and fingernails. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:59-67. [PMID: 35934466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.01.041] [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] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Effective biomarkers are necessary to better understand the human mercury (Hg) exposure levels. However, mismatched biomarker sampling method causes extra uncertainty in assessing the risk of Hg exposure. To compare the differences between hair and fingernail, and further understand the excretion rates of methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (IHg) via hair and fingernails, the total mercury (THg), MeHg, and IHg concentrations in paired hair and fingernail samples were investigated through paired samples collected from two typical mining areas, Wanshan mercury mine area (WMMA) and Hezhang zinc smelting area (HZSA). The positive correlation in THg, MeHg, and IHg concentrations (p <0.01) between hair and fingernail samples indicated that those two biomarkers can be corrected in application of assessing human Hg exposure. Compared to fingernails, the hair was suggested to be a more sensitive biomarker as the concentration of THg, MeHg and IHg were 2 ∼ 4 times higher than those in fingernails. Furthermore, the amounts of THg, MeHg, and IHg excreted via hair were 70 ∼ 226 times higher than that excreted via fingernails, and the hair plays a more important role than fingernails in the excretion of Hg from human bodies. Present study therefore provides some new insights to better understand the fate of human assimilated Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fen Li
- College of Tea (Pu' er), West Yunnan University of Applied Sciences, Dali 665000, China
| | - Lingjian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Zikang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fengfeng Chen
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China
| | - Lihai Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China.
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Feng X, Li P, Fu X, Wang X, Zhang H, Lin CJ. Mercury pollution in China: implications on the implementation of the Minamata Convention. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2022; 24:634-648. [PMID: 35485580 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00039c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal released into the environment through human activities and natural processes. Human activities have profoundly increased the amount of Hg in the atmosphere and altered its global cycling since the Industrial Revolution. Gaseous elemental Hg is the predominant form of Hg in the atmosphere, which can undergo long-range transport and atmospheric deposition into the aquatic systems. Hg deposition elevates the methylmercury (MeHg) level in fish through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, which poses a serious human health risk. Acute poisoning of MeHg can result in Minamata disease, while low-level long-term exposure in pregnant women can reduce the intelligence quotient of infants. After five sessions of intergovernmental negotiation, the Minamata Convention on mercury entered into force in August 2017 to protect human health and the environment from Hg pollution. Currently China contributes the largest quantity of Hg production, consumption, and emission globally. However, the status of Hg pollution in the environment in China and its associated health risk remains relatively unknown, which hinders the development of implementation plans of the Minamata Convention. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review on the atmospheric release of Hg, distribution of air Hg concentration, human exposure to MeHg and health impacts caused by Hg pollution in China. Ongoing improvement of air pollution control measures is expected to further decrease anthropogenic Hg emissions in China. Air Hg concentrations in China are higher than the background values in the Northern Hemisphere, with spatial distribution largely influenced by anthropogenic emissions. Long-term observations of GEM in China show a decline in recent years. The net Hg transport outflow from China in 2013 is estimated to be 511 t year-1, and ∼60% of such outflow is caused by natural surface Hg emissions. Hg concentrations in fish and rice in China are relatively low and therefore the associated risks of human Hg exposure are low. Future research needs and recommendations for the implementation of the Minamata Convention are also discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, USA
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Heavy Metal in Rice and Vegetable and Human Exposure near a Large Pb/Zn Smelter in Central China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312631. [PMID: 34886356 PMCID: PMC8657013 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Non-ferrous metal smelting is a significant source of anthropogenic heavy metal emission and has led to severe environmental pollution that ultimately threatens the health of local residents. In this study, we determined concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), as well as Pb isotopic compositions in rice, vegetables and human hair in areas surrounding the Zhuzhou Pb/Zn smelter in Hunan, China and we assessed the health risks associated with rice and vegetable consumption for local residents. Results showed that rice and vegetable samples were significantly contaminated by Cd and Pb. Age and source of rice were important factors for the enrichment of heavy metal concentrations in human hair. The ratios of Pb isotopes in human hair (1.164-1.170 for 206Pb/207Pb and 2.102-2.110 for208Pb/206Pb) were comparable to those in rice (1.162-1.172 for 206Pb/207Pb and 2.098-2.114 for208Pb/206Pb) and were slightly lower than those in vegetables (1.168-1.172 for 206Pb/207Pb and 2.109-2.111 for208Pb/206Pb), indicating that Pb in human hair mainly originated from food ingestion. A non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that Cd exposure was the dominant health risk for local residents. This study suggested that crops planted surrounding the smelter were seriously contaminated with Cd and human exposure was related to dietary intake.
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Du B, Li P, Feng X, Yin R, Zhou J, Maurice L. Monthly variations in mercury exposure of school children and adults in an industrial area of southwestern China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110362. [PMID: 33169691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that rice consumption can be the major pathway for human methylmercury (MeHg) exposure in inland China. However, few studies have considered the susceptible population of school children's exposure through rice ingestion. In this study, monthly variations in total Hg (THg)/MeHg concentrations in rice, fish, hair, and urine samples were studied to evaluate the Hg (both THg and MeHg) exposure in Guiyang, a typical industrial area with high anthropogenic emission of Hg. A total of 17 primary school (school A) students, 29 middle school (school B) students, and 46 guardians participated in this study for one year. Hair THg, hair MeHg, and urine THg concentrations ranged from 355-413 ng g-1, 213-236 ng g-1, and 469-518 ng g-1 Creatinine (ng·g-1 Cr), respectively, and no significant differences were observed between different genders and age groups. Hair and urine Hg concentrations showed slightly higher values in the cold season (October to February) than the hot season (March to September), but without significant difference. High monthly variability of individual hair and urine Hg concentrations suggested that long-term study could effectively decrease the uncertainty. The school students showed significantly higher urine THg concentrations than adults due to children's unique physiological structure and behaviors. Probable daily intake (PDI) of MeHg via rice and fish ingestion averaged at 0.0091, 0.0090, and 0.0079 μg kg-1 d-1 for school A students, school B students, and their guardians, respectively, which means that 86%, 84%, and 87% of the PDI were originated from rice ingestion, respectively. Therefore, more attention should be paid to children as a susceptible population. The results indicated low risk of Hg exposure via rice and fish consumption for urban residents in a Chinese industrial city.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Laboratoire Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, IRD-CNRS-Université Toulouse, 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France
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Hori A, Shimura M, Iida Y, Yamada K, Nohara K, Ichinose T, Yamashita A, Shirataki J, Hagiwara S. Occupational exposure of platinum-based anti-cancer drugs: five-year monitoring of hair and environmental samples in a single hospital. J Occup Med Toxicol 2020; 15:29. [PMID: 33005211 PMCID: PMC7523399 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-020-00280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational exposure to chemotherapeutic agents in hospitals is a critical issue. Here, we focused on occupational exposure to platinum-based anti-cancer drugs (PDs) by evaluating platinum concentrations in hair and environmental workplace samples to monitor the risk among workers. Methods Hospital workers who dealt with or without PDs, patients treated with PDs, and non-medical office workers outside the hospital donated hair samples and completed a questionnaire regarding their history of handling PDs, including any incidents. Hair samples were collected and surface wipe sampling was performed in July 2010 and April 2015, before and after moving to a new building and introducing a revised safety program in August 2010. Samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Results Platinum concentrations in hair from PDs-handling workers was significantly higher than in non-PDs-handling workers (P = 0.045), although 50 times lower than that from PDs-treated patients. Platinum concentrations in the hospital environment had decreased at the second survey 5 years later but had not changed significantly in the hair samples from hospital workers. Conclusion Platinum concentrations in hair are likely dependent on the frequency of handling PDs. Reduced environmental contamination from PDs did not influence platinum levels in hospital workers’ hair. Continuous monitoring by measuring platinum concentrations in the environment and in hair would provide information regarding these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Hori
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM), Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Global Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 Japan
| | - Mari Shimura
- Department of Intractable Diseases, NCGM, 1-21-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8655 Japan
| | - Yutaka Iida
- Inorganic Analysis Laboratories, Toray Research Center, Inc., Otsu, Japan
| | | | - Kyoko Nohara
- Department of Surgery, Hospital, NCGM, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ichinose
- Inorganic Analysis Laboratories, Toray Research Center, Inc., Otsu, Japan
| | - Ai Yamashita
- Inorganic Analysis Laboratories, Toray Research Center, Inc., Otsu, Japan
| | - Junko Shirataki
- Inorganic Analysis Laboratories, Toray Research Center, Inc., Otsu, Japan
| | - Shotaro Hagiwara
- Division of Hematology, Internal Medicine, Hospital, NCGM, Tokyo, Japan.,Present address: Department of Hematology, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Li P, Guo S, Zhao J, Gao Y, Li YF. Human Biological Monitoring of Mercury Through Hair Samples in China. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 102:701-707. [PMID: 30739139 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that affects environmental and human health. Considering the high toxicity of Hg, it is required to assess the exposure of Hg in human body for appropriate risk management. In this review paper, we summarized data obtained through regional and small-scaled human biomonitoring (HBM) program for Hg in hair samples in China, which can deliver scientific data to make decisions on environmental health policy. Besides, the major conclusions got from this study and perspectives for future works through these HBM program in China were presented. To better understand the current situation of hair Hg levels in China, a well-coordinated and designed national HBM program is urgently needed considering the requirements of the Minamata Convention on Mercury for effectiveness evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Shuhui Guo
- Division of Mercury Convention Implementation, Foreign Economic Cooperation Office, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Jiating Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuxi Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biological Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, and HKU-IHEP Joint Laboratory on Metallomics, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Jia Q, Zhu X, Hao Y, Yang Z, Wang Q, Fu H, Yu H. Mercury in soil, vegetable and human hair in a typical mining area in China: Implication for human exposure. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 68:73-82. [PMID: 29908747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in soil, vegetables, and human hair were measured in a mercury mining area in central China. T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in soil ranged from 1.53 to 1054.97mg/kg and 0.88 to 46.52μg/kg, respectively. T-Hg concentrations was correlated with total organic carbon (TOC) content (R2=0.50, p<0.01) and pH values (R2=0.21, p<0.05). A significant linear relationship was observed between MeHg concentrations and the abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) (R2=0.39, p<0.05) in soil. Soil incubation experiments amended with specific microbial stimulants and inhibitors showed that Hg methylation was derived from SRB activity. T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in vegetables were 24.79-781.02μg/kg and 0.01-0.18μg/kg, respectively; levels in the edible parts were significantly higher than in the roots (T-Hg: p<0.05; MeHg: p<0.01). Hg species concentrations in rhizosphere soil were positively correlated to those in vegetables (p<0.01), indicating that soil was an important source of Hg in vegetables. Risk assessment indicated that the consumption of vegetables could result in higher probable daily intake (PDI) of T-Hg than the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) for both adults and children. In contrast, the PDI of MeHg was lower than the reference dose. T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in hair samples ranged from 1.57 to 12.61mg/kg and 0.04 to 0.94mg/kg, respectively, and MeHg concentration in hair positively related to PDI of MeHg via vegetable consumption (R2=0.39, p<0.05), suggesting that vegetable may pose health risk to local residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Jia
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Yaqiong Hao
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Ziliang Yang
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Haihui Fu
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Hongjin Yu
- Research Institute of Solid Waste Management, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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Du B, Feng X, Li P, Yin R, Yu B, Sonke JE, Guinot B, Anderson CWN, Maurice L. Use of Mercury Isotopes to Quantify Mercury Exposure Sources in Inland Populations, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:5407-5416. [PMID: 29649864 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) isotopic compositions in hair and dietary sources from Wanshan (WS) Hg mining area, Guiyang (GY) urban area, and Changshun (CS) rural area were determined to identify the major Hg exposure sources of local residents. Rice and vegetables displayed low δ202Hg and small negative to zero Δ199Hg, and are isotopically distinguishable from fish which showed relatively higher δ202Hg and positive Δ199Hg. Distinct isotopic signatures were also observed for human hair from the three areas. Shifts of 2 to 3‰ in δ202Hg between hair and dietary sources confirmed mass dependent fractionation of Hg isotopes occurs during metabolic processes. Near zero Δ199Hg of hair from WS and CS suggested rice is the major exposure source. Positive Δ199Hg of hair from GY was likely caused by consumption of fish. A binary mixing model based on Δ199Hg showed that rice and fish consumption accounted for 59% and 41% of dietary Hg source for GY residents, respectively, whereas rice is the major source for WS and CS residents. The model output was validated by calculation of probable daily intake of Hg. Our study suggests that Hg isotopes can be a useful tracer for quantifying exposure sources and understanding metabolic processes of Hg in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guiyang 550081 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guiyang 550081 , China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guiyang 550081 , China
| | - Runsheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guiyang 550081 , China
| | - Ben Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guiyang 550081 , China
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Géosciences Environment Toulouse (GET), CNRS, IRD , Université Paul Sabatier , 14 Avenue Edouard-Belin , 31400 Toulouse , France
| | - Benjamin Guinot
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Laboratoire d'Aérologie (LA) , Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS , 14 Avenue Edouard-Belin , 31400 Toulouse , France
| | - Christopher W N Anderson
- Soil and Earth Sciences, Institute of Natural Resources , Massey University , Palmerston North , 4442 , New Zealand
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées, Géosciences Environment Toulouse (GET), CNRS, IRD , Université Paul Sabatier , 14 Avenue Edouard-Belin , 31400 Toulouse , France
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13
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Wongsasuluk P, Chotpantarat S, Siriwong W, Robson M. Using hair and fingernails in binary logistic regression for bio-monitoring of heavy metals/metalloid in groundwater in intensively agricultural areas, Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 162:106-118. [PMID: 29289858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the hair and fingernails of the local people in an intensively cultivated agricultural area in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand, were used as biomarkers of exposure to arsenic (As) and heavy metals. The study area has shallow acidic groundwater that is contaminated with As and heavy metals. The local people often consume this shallow groundwater; thus, they are exposed to As and heavy metals. Hair and fingernail samples were collected to characterize the differences between shallow groundwater drinking (SGWD) and tap water drinking (TWD) residents. The concentrations of As and the heavy metals Cd, Pb and Hg were significantly higher in the hair samples from the SGWD group than those from the TWD group, especially for As (0.020-0.571 vs. 0.024-0.359µg/g) and Cd (0.009-0.575 vs. 0.013-0.230µg/g). Similarly, the concentrations of As and the heavy metals in the fingernail samples collected from the SGWD group were larger than those of the TWD group, especially for As (0.039-2.440µg/g vs. 0.049-0.806µg/g). The χ2 statistic and binary logistic regression were used to find the associated factors and assess the associated probabilities. The regression results show that the factors associated with the concentrations of As and the heavy metals in the hair samples were drinking water source, rate of water consumption, gender, bathing water source, education, smoking and underlying disease, whereas the factors associated with the concentrations of these species in the fingernail samples were drinking water source, gender, occupation, work hours per day, alcohol consumption, and the use of pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pokkate Wongsasuluk
- International Postgraduate Programs in Environmental Management, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Srilert Chotpantarat
- Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Research Program on Controls of Hazardous Contaminants in Raw Water Resources for Water Scarcity Resilience, Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Wattasit Siriwong
- Thai Fogarty ITREOH Center, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; College of Public Health Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | - Mark Robson
- Thai Fogarty ITREOH Center, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, NJ, USA.
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14
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Wongsasuluk P, Chotpantarat S, Siriwong W, Robson M. Using urine as a biomarker in human exposure risk associated with arsenic and other heavy metals contaminating drinking groundwater in intensively agricultural areas of Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:323-348. [PMID: 28176197 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-9910-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Urine used as a biomarker was collected and compared between two groups of participants: (1) a groundwater-drinking group and (2) a non-groundwater-drinking group in intensively agricultural areas in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand. The statistical relationship with the metal concentration in shallow groundwater wells was established with urine data. According to the groundwater data, the health risk assessment results for four metals appeared to be higher for participants who drank groundwater than for the other group. The carcinogenic risk and non-carcinogenic risk of arsenic (As) were found in 25.86 and 31.03% of participants, respectively. For lead (Pb), 13.79% of the participants had a non-carcinogenic risk. Moreover, 30 of the 58 participants in the groundwater-drinking group had As urine higher than the standard, and 26, 2 and 9 of the 58 participants had above-standard levels for cadmium (Cd), Pb and mercury (Hg) in urine, respectively. Both the risk assessment and biomarker level of groundwater-drinking participants were higher than in the other group. The results showed an average drinking rate of approximately 4.21 ± 2.73 L/day, which is twice as high as the standard. Interestingly, the As levels in the groundwater correlated with those in the urine of the groundwater-drinking participants, but not in the non-groundwater-drinking participants, as well as with the As-related cancer and non-carcinogenic risks. The hazard index (HI) of the 100 participants ranged from 0.00 to 25.86, with an average of 1.51 ± 3.63 higher than the acceptable level, revealing that 28 people appeared to have non-carcinogenic risk levels (24 and 4 people for groundwater-drinking participants and non-groundwater-drinking participants, respectively). Finally, the associated factors of heavy metals in urine were the drinking water source, body weight, smoking, sex and use of personal protective equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pokkate Wongsasuluk
- International Postgraduate Programs in Environmental Management, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Srilert Chotpantarat
- Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Research Program on Toxic Substance Management in the Mining Industry, Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Research Unit on Site Remediation on Metals Management from Industry and Mining (Site Rem), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Wattasit Siriwong
- Thai Fogarty ITREOH Center, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- College of Public Health Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Mark Robson
- Thai Fogarty ITREOH Center, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Li P, Du B, Maurice L, Laffont L, Lagane C, Point D, Sonke JE, Yin R, Lin CJ, Feng X. Mercury Isotope Signatures of Methylmercury in Rice Samples from the Wanshan Mercury Mining Area, China: Environmental Implications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:12321-12328. [PMID: 28958148 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b03510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Rice consumption is the primary pathway of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure for residents in mercury-mining areas of Guizhou Province, China. In this study, compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) of MeHg was performed on rice samples collected in the Wanshan mercury mining area. An enrichment of 2.25‰ in total Hg (THg) δ202Hg was observed between rice and human hair, and THg Δ199Hg in hair was 0.12‰ higher than the value in rice. Rice and human hair samples in this study show distinct Hg isotope signatures compared to those of fish and human hair of fish consumers collected in China and other areas. Distinct Hg isotope signatures were observed between IHg and MeHg in rice samples (in mean ± standard deviation: δ202HgIHg at -2.30‰ ± 0.49‰, Δ199HgIHg at -0.08‰ ± 0.04‰, n = 7; δ202HgMeHg at -0.80‰ ± 0.25‰, Δ199HgMeHg at 0.08‰ ± 0.04‰, n = 7). Using a binary mixing model, it is estimated that the atmospheric Hg contributed 31% ± 16% of IHg and 17% ± 11% of THg in the rice samples and the IHg in soil caused by past mining activities contributed to the remaining Hg. This study demonstrated that Hg stable isotopes are good tracers of human MeHg exposure to fish and rice consumption, and the isotope data can be used for identifying the sources of IHg and MeHg in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Buyun Du
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
| | - Laurence Maurice
- Observatory Midi-Pyrénées, Geosciences Environment Toulouse Laboratory, Research Institute for the Development (IRD), University of Toulouse and CNRS , 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Laure Laffont
- Observatory Midi-Pyrénées, Geosciences Environment Toulouse Laboratory, Research Institute for the Development (IRD), University of Toulouse and CNRS , 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Christelle Lagane
- Observatory Midi-Pyrénées, Geosciences Environment Toulouse Laboratory, Research Institute for the Development (IRD), University of Toulouse and CNRS , 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - David Point
- Observatory Midi-Pyrénées, Geosciences Environment Toulouse Laboratory, Research Institute for the Development (IRD), University of Toulouse and CNRS , 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- Observatory Midi-Pyrénées, Geosciences Environment Toulouse Laboratory, Research Institute for the Development (IRD), University of Toulouse and CNRS , 31400 Toulouse, France
| | | | - Che-Jen Lin
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality, Lamar University , Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
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16
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Narváez DM, Groot H, Diaz SM, Palma RM, Muñoz N, Cros MP, Hernández-Vargas H. Oxidative stress and repetitive element methylation changes in artisanal gold miners occupationally exposed to mercury. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00400. [PMID: 28948237 PMCID: PMC5602780 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) exposure is a public health concern due to its persistence in the environment and its high toxicity. Such toxicity has been associated with the generation of oxidative stress in occupationally exposed subjects, such as artisanal gold miners. In this study, we characterize occupational exposure to Hg by measuring blood, urine and hair levels, and investigate oxidative stress and DNA methylation associated with gold mining. To do this, samples from 53 miners and 36 controls were assessed. We show higher levels of oxidative stress marker 8-OHdG in the miners. Differences in LINE1 and Alu(Yb8) DNA methylation between gold miners and control group are present in peripheral blood leukocytes. LINE1 methylation is positively correlated with 8-OHdG levels, while XRCC1 and LINE1 methylation are positively correlated with Hg levels. These results suggest an effect of Hg on oxidative stress and DNA methylation in gold miners that may have an impact on miners' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M. Narváez
- Human Genetics Laboratory. Universidad de los Andes. Bogotá, Colombia
- Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS). Bogotá, Colombia
- Epigenetics Group. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Lyon, France
| | - Helena Groot
- Human Genetics Laboratory. Universidad de los Andes. Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Marie-Pierre Cros
- Epigenetics Group. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Lyon, France
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17
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Hong C, Yu X, Liu J, Cheng Y, Rothenberg SE. Low-level methylmercury exposure through rice ingestion in a cohort of pregnant mothers in rural China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 150:519-527. [PMID: 27423706 PMCID: PMC5003649 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rice ingestion is an important dietary exposure pathway for methylmercury. There are few studies concerning prenatal methylmercury exposure through rice ingestion, yet the health risks are greatest to the developing fetus, and thus should be investigated. OBJECTIVES Our main objective was to quantify dietary methylmercury intake through rice and fish/shellfish ingestion among pregnant mothers living in southern China, where rice was a staple food and mercury contamination was considered minimal. METHODS A total of 398 mothers were recruited at parturition, who donated scalp hair and blood samples. Total mercury and/or methylmercury concentrations were measured in biomarkers, in rice samples from each participant's home, and in fish tissue purchased from local markets. Additional fish/shellfish mercury concentrations were obtained from a literature search. Dietary methylmercury intake during the third trimester was equivalent to the ingestion rate for rice (or fish/shellfish)×the respective methylmercury concentration. RESULTS Dietary methylmercury intake from both rice and fish/shellfish ingestion averaged 1.2±1.8µg/day (median=0.79µg/day, range=0-22µg/day), including on average 71% from rice ingestion (median: 87%, range: 0-100%), and 29% from fish/shellfish consumption (median 13%, range: 0-100%). Median concentrations of hair total mercury, hair methylmercury, and blood total mercury were 0.40µg/g (range: 0.08-1.7µg/g), 0.28µg/g (range: 0.01-1.4µg/g), and 1.2µg/L (range: 0.29-8.6µg/L), respectively, and all three biomarkers were positively correlated with dietary methylmercury intake through rice ingestion (Spearman's rho=0.18-0.21, p≤0.0005), although the correlations were weak. In contrast, biomarkers were not correlated with fish/shellfish methylmercury intake (Spearman's rho=0.04-0.08, p=0.11-0.46). CONCLUSIONS Among pregnant mothers living in rural inland China, rice ingestion contributed to prenatal methylmercury exposure, more so than fish/shellfish ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Hong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Xiaodan Yu
- MOE-Shanghai Key Lab of Children's Environmental Health, XinHua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Yue Cheng
- Department of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, China
| | - Sarah E Rothenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
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18
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Queipo Abad S, Rodríguez-González P, García Alonso JI. Evidence of the direct adsorption of mercury in human hair during occupational exposure to mercury vapour. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2016; 36:16-21. [PMID: 27259347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have found clear evidence of direct adsorption of mercury in human hair after the occupational exposure to mercury vapour. We have performed both longitudinal analysis of human hair by laser ablation ICP-MS and speciation analysis by gas chromatography ICP-MS in single hair strands of 5 individuals which were occupationally exposed to high levels of mercury vapour and showed acute mercury poisoning symptoms. Hair samples, between 3.5 and 11cm long depending on the individual, were taken ca. three months after exposure. Single point laser ablation samples of 50μm diameter were taken at 1mm intervals starting from the root of the hairs. Sulfur-34 was used as internal standard. The ratio (202)Hg/(34)S showed a distinct pattern of mercury concentration with much lower levels of mercury near the root of the hair and high levels of mercury near the end of the hair. In all cases a big jump in the concentration of mercury in hair occurred at a given distance from the root, between 32 and 42mm depending on the individual, with a high and almost constant concentration of mercury for longer distances to the root. When we took into account the rate of hair growth in humans, 9-15mm/month, the jump in mercury concentration agreed approximately with the dates when the contamination occurred with the new growing hair showing much lower mercury concentration. In some cases the concentration of mercury at the tip of the hair was ca. 1000 times higher than that near the root. Additionally, speciation studies confirmed that mercury in all hair samples was present as inorganic mercury. The only explanation for these results was the direct adsorption of mercury vapour in hair at the time of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Queipo Abad
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pablo Rodríguez-González
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | - J Ignacio García Alonso
- Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Oviedo, Spain.
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19
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Liang P, Feng X, You Q, Zhang J, Cao Y, Leung AOW, Wu S. Mercury speciation, distribution, and bioaccumulation in a river catchment impacted by compact fluorescent lamp manufactures. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:10903-10910. [PMID: 26898928 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The influence from the manufacturing of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) on mercury (Hg) speciation and distribution in river catchments nearby a typical CFL manufacturing area in China was investigated. Water, sediment, river snail (Procambarus clarkii), and macrophyte (Paspalum distichum L.) samples were collected. Total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in water ranged from 1.06 to 268 ng · L(-1) and N.D. -2.14 ng · L(-1), respectively. MeHg was significantly positively correlated with THg in water. THg and MeHg in sediment ranged from 15.0 to 2480 and 0.06 to 1.85 ng · g(-1), respectively. River snail samples exhibited high concentrations of THg (206-1437 ng · g(-1)) and MeHg (31.4-404 ng · g(-1)). THg and MeHg concentrations in root of P. distichum L. were significantly higher than those in shoot, indicating that THg and MeHg in the plant were mainly attributed to root assimilation. A very high bioaccumulation factor (20.9 ± 22.1) for MeHg in P. distichum L was noted, suggesting that P. distichum L. might have a potential role in phytoremediating MeHg contaminated soil due to its abnormal uptake capacity to MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province, 311300, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiongzhi You
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province, 311300, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province, 311300, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Yucheng Cao
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province, 311300, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Anna Oi Wah Leung
- Department of Biology and Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengchun Wu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province, 311300, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Soil Contamination Bioremediation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311300, China.
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20
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Buononato EV, De Luca D, Galeandro IC, Congedo ML, Cavone D, Intranuovo G, Guastadisegno CM, Corrado V, Ferri GM. Assessment of environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals in Taranto and other provinces of Southern Italy by means of scalp hair analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:337. [PMID: 27165601 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The monitoring of heavy metals in industrialized areas to study their association with different occupational and environmental factors is carried out in different ways. In this study, scalp hair analysis was used for the assessment of exposure to these metals in the industrial city of Taranto, characterized by a severe environmental pollution. The highest median values were observed for aluminum, barium, cadmium, lead, mercury, and uranium. Moreover, in the industrial area of Taranto, high levels of barium, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, and silver were observed in comparison with other Apulia areas. The risk odds ratios (ORs) for observing values above the 50th percentile were elevated for mercury and fish consumption, uranium and milk consumption, lead and female sex, and aluminum and mineral water consumption. No significant increased risk was observed for occupational activities. In a dendrogram of a cluster analysis, three clusters were observed for the different areas of Taranto (Borgo, San Vito, and Statte). A scree plot and score variables plot underline the presence of two principal components: the first regarding antimony, lead, tin, aluminum and silver; the second regarding mercury and uranium. The observed clusters (Borgo, San Vito, and Statte) showed that lead, antimony, tin, aluminum, and silver were the main component. The highest values above the 50th percentile of these minerals, especially lead, were observed in the Borgo area. The observed metal concentration in the Borgo area is compatible with the presence in Taranto of a military dockyard and a reported increase of lung cancer risk among residents of that area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Viola Buononato
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela De Luca
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Innocenzo Cataldo Galeandro
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Congedo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenica Cavone
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Graziana Intranuovo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Monica Guastadisegno
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corrado
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maria Ferri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine (DIM). Section "B. Ramazzini". Regional University Hospital "Policlinico- Giovanni XXIII" of Bari. Hospital Unit of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70125, Bari, Italy.
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21
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Li P, Yang Y, Xiong W. Impacts of Mercury Pollution Controls on Atmospheric Mercury Concentration and Occupational Mercury Exposure in a Hospital. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 168:330-4. [PMID: 26041155 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0391-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and Hg-containing products are used in a wide range of settings in hospitals. Hg pollution control measures were carried out in the pediatric ward of a hospital to decrease the possibility of Hg pollution occurring and to decrease occupational Hg exposure. Total gaseous Hg (TGM) concentrations in the pediatric ward and hair and urine Hg concentrations for the pediatric staff were determined before and after the Hg pollution control measures had been implemented. A questionnaire survey performed indicated that the pediatric staff had little understanding of Hg pollution and that appropriate disposal techniques were not always used after Hg leakage. TGM concentrations in the pediatric ward and urine Hg (UHg) concentrations for the pediatric staff were 25.7 and 22.2% lower, respectively, after the Hg pollution control measures had been implemented than before, which indicated that the control measures were effective. However, TGM concentrations in the pediatric ward remained significantly higher than background concentrations and UHg concentrations for the pediatric staff were remained significantly higher than the concentrations in control group, indicating continued existence of certain Hg pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Yan Yang
- Pediatric Comprehensive Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Wuyan Xiong
- Pediatric Comprehensive Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
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22
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Li P, Feng X, Chan HM, Zhang X, Du B. Human Body Burden and Dietary Methylmercury Intake: The Relationship in a Rice-Consuming Population. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:9682-9689. [PMID: 26189659 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Rice can be the main route of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure for rice-consuming populations living in area where mercury (Hg) is mined. However, the current risk assessment paradigm for MeHg exposure is based on epidemiological data collected from fish-consuming populations. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between dietary MeHg intake and human body burden in a rice -consuming population from the Wanshan Hg mining area in China. Hair MeHg concentrations averaged 2.07 ± 1.79 μg/g, and the average blood MeHg concentration across the study area ranged from 2.20 to 9.36 μg/L. MeHg constituted 52.8 ± 17.5% and 71.7 ± 18.2% of total Hg (THg) on average in blood and hair samples, respectively. Blood and hair MeHg concentrations, rather than THg, can be used as a proxy of human MeHg exposure. Hair MeHg levels showed no significant monthly variation; however, hair THg can be impacted by inorganic Hg exposure. The toxicokinetic model of MeHg exposure based on fish consumption underestimated the human hair MeHg levels, and this may be a consequence of the high hair-to-blood MeHg ratio (361 ± 105) in the studied rice-consuming population. The use of risk assessment models based on fish consumption may not be appropriate for inland mining areas where rice is the staple food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Hing-Man Chan
- ‡Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- §Department of Toxicology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Buyun Du
- †State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
- !!University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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23
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Li P, Du B, Chan HM, Feng X. Human inorganic mercury exposure, renal effects and possible pathways in Wanshan mercury mining area, China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 140:198-204. [PMID: 25863593 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Rice can accumulate methylmercury (MeHg) and rice consumption is the main route of MeHg exposure for the local population in Guizhou, China. However, inorganic Hg (IHg) load in human body is not comprehensively studied in highly Hg polluted areas such as Hg mining areas. This study is designed to evaluate human IHg exposure, related renal effects and possible pathways in Wanshan Hg mining area, Guizhou, Southwest China. Residents lived within 3 km to the mine waste heaps showed high Urine Hg (UHg) concentrations and the geometrical means (Geomean) of UHg were 8.29, 5.13, and 10.3 μg/g Creatinine (Cr) at site A, D, and E, respectively. It demonstrated a gradient of UHg concentrations with the distance from the pollution sources. A significantly positive correlation between paired results for UHg concentrations and serum creatinine (SCr) was observed in this study, but not for UHg and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). There are significant increases of SCr in two quartiles with high UHg concentrations. The results indicated that human IHg exposure may cause impairment of renal function. By calculation of Probable Daily Intake from different routes, we found that dietary intake is the main pathway of IHg exposure for the local population, rather than inhalation of Hg vapor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Buyun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China.
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24
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Liang P, Feng X, Zhang C, Zhang J, Cao Y, You Q, Leung AOW, Wong MH, Wu SC. Human exposure to mercury in a compact fluorescent lamp manufacturing area: By food (rice and fish) consumption and occupational exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 198:126-32. [PMID: 25590130 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
To investigate human Hg exposure by food consumption and occupation exposure in a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) manufacturing area, human hair and rice samples were collected from Gaohong town, Zhejiang Province, China. The mean values of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in local cultivated rice samples were significantly higher than in commercial rice samples which indicated that CFL manufacturing activities resulted in Hg accumulation in local rice samples. For all of the study participants, significantly higher THg concentrations in human hair were observed in CFL workers compared with other residents. In comparison, MeHg concentrations in human hair of residents whose diet consisted of local cultivated rice were significantly higher than those who consumed commercial rice. These results demonstrated that CFL manufacturing activities resulted in THg accumulation in the hair of CFL workers. However, MeHg in hair were mainly affected by the sources of rice of the residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, PR China.
| | - Chan Zhang
- College of Law and Political Science, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Yucheng Cao
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Qiongzhi You
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Anna Oi Wah Leung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Ming-Hung Wong
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China
| | - Sheng-Chun Wu
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forest University, Lin'an, Zhejiang Province 311300, PR China.
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25
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Wang W, Wu F, Zheng J, Wong MH. Risk assessments of PAHs and Hg exposure via settled house dust and street dust, linking with their correlations in human hair. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 263 Pt 2:627-637. [PMID: 24231327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Domestic energy, chemicals bioaccessibility and particle size were found as three critical factors for risk assessment of PAHs exposure via settled house dust (SHD) and street dust. ∑PAHs and Hg contained in SHD were significantly (p<0.01) higher in coal-burning households of Qingyang (8.45-121; 0.48-16.4 μg g(-1)) than households in Guangzhou (1.23-22.2; 0.004-10.6 μg g(-1)) and 90% coal-burning houses were estimated with unacceptable cancer risks (>10(-4)) via SHD exposure. The highest accumulation trend of PAHs and Hg were found in <63 μm particles, and different particle sizes resulted in large variations of the obtained risks (up to 10 fold). Bioaccessibility corrected PAHs led to a significant decrease on related cancer risks and decreased in the order of 1.9, 1.1, 0.6 and 0.4 μg g(-1) with the increase of particle sizes (<63, 63-100, 100-280, 280-2000 μm). Scalp hair was tested as an indicator of body burdens of PAHs (0.05-0.9 μg g(-1)) and Hg (0.04-1.6 μg g(-1)). Different PAHs profiles were found between PAHs in SHD and those of hair, indicating that exogenous exposure to PAHs adsorbed on dust was not the major source of hair PAHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, PR China
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26
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Rothenberg SE, Yu X, Zhang Y. Prenatal methylmercury exposure through maternal rice ingestion: insights from a feasibility pilot in Guizhou Province, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2013; 180:291-8. [PMID: 23800416 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2012] [Revised: 05/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Maternal hair and blood were investigated as biomarkers for prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure among seventeen mothers recruited at parturition in Wanshan, Guizhou Province, China, where rice ingestion was the primary MeHg exposure pathway and atmospheric mercury (Hg) levels were elevated. For all three trimesters (n = 51), hair total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.27 to 4.9 μg/g (median: 0.96 μg/g) and 0.077 to 2.3 μg/g (median: 0.43 μg/g), respectively, while blood THg levels ranged from 1.7 to 11 μg/L (median: 3.0 μg/L, n = 17). Despite adequate hair washing procedures, median %MeHg (of THg) was 37% (range: 14-89%, n = 51), indicating exogenous inorganic Hg(II) contamination or incorporation of elemental Hg (Hg(o)) into the hair shaft were important. Rice MeHg levels (n = 17) were highly correlated with blood THg (r(2) = 0.66) compared to hair MeHg (r(2) = 0.31) (when variables were log10-transformed), suggesting blood THg was a more preferable biomarker for prenatal MeHg exposure within this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Rothenberg
- University of South Carolina, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, The Arnold School of Public Health, 921 Assembly Street, Room 401, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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