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Hwang SH, Lee YJ, Choi YH, Huh DA, Kang MS, Moon KW. Long-term effects of the Hebei Spirit oil spill on the prevalence and incidence of allergic disorders. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168801. [PMID: 38008335 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The Hebei Spirit oil spill accident occurred in December 2007, approximately 10 km off the coast of Taean, South Korea, a location notably close to residential areas. Crude oil substances have been detected in various environmental mediums since the accident, yet previous studies have primarily focused on the acute effects of oil exposure due to the short latency period of allergic diseases. Therefore, this study evaluated the long-term effects of oil spill exposure on allergic disorders. Our study included adult residents who had participated in the Health Effects Research on Hebei Spirit Oil Spill (HEROS) study up to five years post-incident, which was a prospective cohort to monitor the health status of Taean residents. We used two indicators to assess oil spill exposure, namely the distance from the initial contaminated coastline to each participant's residence and the number of days participants had engaged in oil clean-up work. Current symptoms such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and multimorbidity were considered allergic disorders. In the baseline survey, the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic multimorbidity symptoms was associated with both exposure indicators; however, these associations were not observed in the two consecutive surveys. Significant longitudinal associations between oil spill exposure indicators and the four allergic disorders, as well as multimorbidity incidences, were observed during a five-year follow-up period. Our results suggest that oil spill exposure can affect acute and long-term allergic symptoms in residents near the accident site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Hyun Hwang
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Lee
- Regional Environmental Health Center, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea; Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Choi
- Department of Health and Safety Convergence Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; BK21 FOUR R & E Center for Learning Health System, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-An Huh
- Institute of Health Sciences, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Sung Kang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Whan Moon
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; BK21 FOUR R & E Center for Learning Health System, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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Choi YH, Kim L, Huh DA, Moon KW, Kang MS, Lee YJ. Association between oil spill clean-up work and thyroid cancer: Nine years of follow-up after the Hebei Spirit oil spill accident. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:116041. [PMID: 38237246 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116041] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
In 2007, an unprecedented oil spill occurred in Taean, Korea. Although crude oil contains chemicals that could increase thyroid cancer risk, few studies have examined the long-term effects of oil exposure during clean-up and thyroid cancer incidence. We investigated the long-term thyroid cancer incidence among participants involved in clean-up work. 1798 participants engaged in at least two surveys since the baseline was tracked from 2008 to 2018. Participants reported the days they participated in oil clean-up works and cancer diagnoses. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios between clean-up work duration and thyroid cancer. Over the 9-year follow-up, 30 thyroid cancer cases were diagnosed. A positive association was observed between clean-up duration and thyroid cancer risk. This effect was more pronounced among residents living <50 m from traffic roads. Our results indicate that crude oil clean-up work participation may increase the thyroid cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hee Choi
- Department of Health and Safety Convergence Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health System, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Lita Kim
- Department of Health and Safety Convergence Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health System, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-An Huh
- Institute of Health Sciences, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyong Whan Moon
- BK21 FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health System, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sung Kang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Lee
- Regional Environmental Health Center, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea; Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea.
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Chen D, Werder EJ, Stewart PA, Stenzel MR, Gerr FE, Lawrence KG, Groth CP, Huynh TB, Ramachandran G, Banerjee S, Jackson WB, Christenbury K, Kwok RK, Sandler DP, Engel LS. Exposure to volatile hydrocarbons and neurologic function among oil spill workers up to 6 years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116069. [PMID: 37149022 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster, oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) workers were exposed to toxic volatile components of crude oil. Few studies have examined exposure to individual volatile hydrocarbon chemicals below occupational exposure limits in relation to neurologic function among OSRC workers. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association of several spill-related chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, n-hexane, i.e., BTEX-H) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (THC) with neurologic function among DWH spill workers enrolled in the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study. METHODS Cumulative exposure to THC and BTEX-H across the oil spill cleanup period were estimated using a job-exposure matrix that linked air measurement data to detailed self-reported DWH OSRC work histories. We ascertained quantitative neurologic function data via a comprehensive test battery at a clinical examination that occurred 4-6 years after the DWH disaster. We used multivariable linear regression and modified Poisson regression to evaluate relationships of exposures (quartiles (Q)) with 4 neurologic function measures. We examined modification of the associations by age at enrollment (<50 vs. ≥50 years). RESULTS We did not find evidence of adverse neurologic effects from crude oil exposures among the overall study population. However, among workers ≥50 years of age, several individual chemical exposures were associated with poorer vibrotactile acuity of the great toe, with statistically significant effects observed in Q3 or Q4 of exposures (range of log mean difference in Q4 across exposures: 0.13-0.26 μm). We also observed suggestive adverse associations among those ≥ age 50 years for tests of postural stability and single-leg stance, although most effect estimates did not reach thresholds of statistical significance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Higher exposures to volatile components of crude oil were associated with modest deficits in neurologic function among OSRC workers who were age 50 years or older at study enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhe Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily J Werder
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Mark R Stenzel
- Exposure Assessment Applications, LLC, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Fredric E Gerr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn G Lawrence
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Caroline P Groth
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Tran B Huynh
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gurumurthy Ramachandran
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sudipto Banerjee
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - W Braxton Jackson
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc, a DLH Holdings Company, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kate Christenbury
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc, a DLH Holdings Company, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Richard K Kwok
- Population Studies and Genetics Branch, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Humphreys J, Valdés Hernández MDC. Impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure on cognitive function and neurodegeneration in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1052333. [PMID: 36703634 PMCID: PMC9871581 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1052333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This article documents an emerging body of evidence concerning the neurological effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure with regard to cognitive function and increased risk of neurodegeneration. Methods Two electronic databases, PubMed and Web of Science, were systematically searched. Results The 37/428 studies selected included outcomes measuring cognitive function, neurobehavioral symptoms of impaired cognition, and pathologies associated with neurodegeneration from pre-natal (21/37 studies), childhood (14/37 studies), and adult (8/37 studies) PAH exposure. Sufficient evidence was found surrounding pre-natal exposure negatively impacting child intelligence, mental development, average overall development, verbal IQ, and memory; externalizing, internalizing, anxious, and depressed behaviors; and behavioral development and child attentiveness. Evidence concerning exposure during childhood and as an adult was scarce and highly heterogeneous; however, the presence of neurodegenerative biomarkers and increased concentrations of cryptic "self" antigens in serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples suggest a higher risk of neurodegenerative disease. Associations with lowered cognitive ability and impaired attentiveness were found in children and memory disturbances, specifically auditory memory, verbal learning, and general memory in adults. Discussion Although evidence is not yet conclusive and further research is needed, the studies included supported the hypothesis that PAH exposure negatively impacts cognitive function and increases the risk of neurodegeneration in humans, and recommends considering the introduction of a variable "rural vs. urban" as covariate for adjusting analyses, where the neurological functions affected (as result of our review) are outcome variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Humphreys
- College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Maria del C. Valdés Hernández
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Maria del C. Valdés Hernández ✉
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Haematological, renal, and hepatic function changes among Rayong oil spill clean-up workers: a longitudinal study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1481-1489. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01834-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Denic-Roberts H, Rowley N, Haigney MC, Christenbury K, Barrett J, Thomas DL, Engel LS, Rusiecki JA. Acute and longer-term cardiovascular conditions in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106937. [PMID: 34688052 PMCID: PMC8688193 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) led a clean-up response to the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill. Human studies evaluating acute and longer-term cardiovascular conditions associated with oil spill-related exposures are sparse. Thus, we aimed to investigate prevalent and incident cardiovascular symptoms/conditions in the DHW Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort. METHODS Self-reported oil spill exposures and cardiovascular symptoms were ascertained from post-deployment surveys (n = 4,885). For all active-duty cohort members (n = 45,193), prospective cardiovascular outcomes were classified via International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition from military health encounter records up to 5.5 years post-DWH. We used log-binomial regression to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the cross-sectional analyses and Cox Proportional Hazards regression to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% CIs for incident cardiovascular diagnoses during 2010-2015 and stratifying by earlier (2010-2012) and later (2013-2015) time periods. RESULTS Prevalence of chest pain was associated with increasing levels of crude oil exposure via inhalation (aPRhigh vs. none = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.16-3.42, p-trend = 0.03) and direct skin contact (aPRhigh vs. none = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.30-5.16, p-trend = 0.03). Similar associations were observed for sudden heartbeat changes and for being in the vicinity of burning oil exposure. In prospective analyses, responders (vs. non-responders) had an elevated risk for mitral valve disorders during 2013-2015 (aHR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.15-3.90). Responders reporting ever (vs. never) crude oil inhalation exposure were at increased risk for essential hypertension, particularly benign essential hypertension during 2010-2012 (aHR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.08-3.69). Responders with crude oil inhalation exposure also had an elevated risk for palpitations during 2013-2015 (aHR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.36-4.74). Cardiovascular symptoms/conditions aPR and aHR estimates were generally stronger among responders reporting exposure to both crude oil and oil dispersants than among those reporting neither. CONCLUSIONS In this large study of the DWH oil spill USCG responders, self-reported spill clean-up exposures were associated with acute and longer-term cardiovascular symptoms/conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristina Denic-Roberts
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, MD, USA
| | - Nicole Rowley
- Department of Laboratory Animal Resources, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark C Haigney
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kate Christenbury
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., A DLH Holdings Corp Company ("DLH"), Durham, NC, USA
| | - John Barrett
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dana L Thomas
- United States Coast Guard Headquarters, Directorate of Health, Safety, and Work Life, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer A Rusiecki
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Rusiecki JA, Denic-Roberts H, Thomas DL, Collen J, Barrett J, Christenbury K, Engel LS. Incidence of chronic respiratory conditions among oil spill responders: Five years of follow-up in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111824. [PMID: 34364859 PMCID: PMC8616774 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over ten years after the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill, our understanding of long term respiratory health risks associated with oil spill response exposures is limited. We conducted a prospective analysis in a cohort of U.S. Coast Guard personnel with universal military healthcare. METHODS For all active duty cohort members (N = 45,193) in the DWH Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort Study we obtained medical encounter data from October 01, 2007 to September 30, 2015 (i.e., ~2.5 years pre-spill; ~5.5 years post-spill). We used Cox Proportional Hazards regressions to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR), comparing risks for incident respiratory conditions/symptoms (2010-2015) for: responders vs. non-responders; responders reporting crude oil exposure, any inhalation of crude oil vapors, and being in the vicinity of burning crude oil versus responders without those exposures. We also evaluated self-reported crude oil and oil dispersant exposures, combined. Within-responder comparisons were adjusted for age, sex, and smoking. RESULTS While elevated aHRs for responder/non-responder comparisons were generally weak, within-responder comparisons showed stronger risks with exposure to crude oil. Notably, for responders reporting exposure to crude oil via inhalation, there were elevated risks for allsinusitis (aHR = 1.48; 95%CI, 1.06-2.06), unspecified chronic sinusitis (aHR = 1.55; 95%CI, 1.08-2.22), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other allied conditions (aHR = 1.43; 95%CI, 1.00-2.06), and dyspnea and respiratory abnormalities (aHR = 1.29; 95%CI, 1.00-1.67); there was a suggestion of elevated risk for diseases classified as asthma and reactive airway diseases (aHR = 1.18; 95%CI, 0.98-1.41), including the specific condition, asthma (aHR = 1.35; 95%CI, 0.80-2.27), the symptom, shortness of breath (aHR = 1.50; 95%CI, 0.89-2.54), and the overall classification of chronic respiratory conditions (aHR = 1.18; 95%CI, 0.98-1.43). Exposure to both crude oil and dispersant was positively associated with elevated risk for shortness of breath (HR = 2.24; 95%CI, 1.09-4.64). CONCLUSIONS Among active duty Coast Guard personnel, oil spill clean-up exposures were associated with moderately increased risk for longer term respiratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Rusiecki
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Hristina Denic-Roberts
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, MD, USA
| | - Dana L Thomas
- United States Coast Guard Headquarters, Directorate of Health, Safety, and Work Life, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Jacob Collen
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Barrett
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kate Christenbury
- Social & Scientific Systems, a DLH Corporation Holding Company, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Choi KH, Park MS, Lim MH, Hur JI, Noh SR, Jeong WC, Cheong HK, Ha M. Who has sustained psychological symptoms nine years after the Hebei Spirit oil spill?: The Health Effect Research on Hebei Spirit oil spill (HEROS) study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 294:112936. [PMID: 34126528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112936] [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: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated risk factors for sustained psychological symptoms in affected residents, nine years after the Hebei Spirit oil spill in Korea in 2007. The participants included residents of high-exposure areas, living within 2 km from the contaminated coast (n = 2013), among the cohort of the Health Effect Research on Hebei Spirit oil spill study from 2009 to 2016. Symptoms for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, psychosocial distress, and anxiety, as well as sociodemographic information were assessed through questionnaire interviews. Trajectory analysis was conducted to identify the group with sustained symptoms over time and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for sustained symptoms adjusted for covariates. A longer duration of clean-up work, lower household income, and presence of a chronic disease in all type of symptoms, and being female, younger age, and higher educational level in all symptoms but PTSD, showed a significant association with increased risk of sustained symptoms. The highest risk was found in the subgroup with a longer clean-up together with offshore and maritime occupations or lower income in PTSD, depression, and anxiety, compared with those with a shorter clean-up and other occupation or higher income. Increased risk of sustained PTSD in relation to a longer clean-up was limited to those with a lower educational level (p-interaction = 0.009). The results suggested that participating longer in clean-up work increased sustained psychological symptoms, synergistically with socioeconomic factors such as offshore and maritime occupations, lower household income, or economic losses related to educational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.
| | - Myung-Sook Park
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.
| | - Myung Ho Lim
- Department of Psychology, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Il Hur
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.
| | - Su Ryeon Noh
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Kosin University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woo-Chul Jeong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.
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Ingviya T, Intawong C, Abubaker S, Strickland PT. EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT OF RAYONG OIL SPILL CLEANUP WORKERS. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2020; 12:617-628. [PMID: 31768471 PMCID: PMC6876312 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-019-00320-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In July of 2013, a pipeline connecting an offshore oil platform to a tanker caused crude oil to spill into the Sea of Rayong off the coast of Thailand. The resulting oil slick, estimated to be between 50 and 190 cubic meters (336-1,200 barrels), washed ashore one day later on the island of Samet. We conducted a study to quantify internal dose of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzene in 1,262 oil spill cleanup workers, and to examine factors related to their dose. METHODS Frozen stored urine samples (n=1343) collected from the workers during the one month cleanup period were used to measure the concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene-glucuronide (1-OHPG), cotinine and creatinine. Data from questionnaires and urinary trans,trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA), a benzene metabolite, measured previously as part of a worker health surveillance plan, were linked with the laboratory data. RESULTS The internal dose of urinary 1-OHPG was highest in individuals who worked during the first 3 days of cleanup work (median: 0.97 pmol/ml) and was 66.7% lower (median: 0.32 pmol/ml) among individuals who worked in the final week of the study (days 21-28). After adjusting for age, cotinineand creatinine by regression analysis, the decline in urinary 1-OHPG concentration with days of cleanup remained significant (P-trend <0.001). A decreasing trend by days of cleanup was also observed for detectable urinary t,t-MA percentage (P-trend <0.001). CONCLUSION Rayong oil spill cleanup workers exhibited evidence of elevated levels of PAH and benzene exposure during the early weeks of cleanup, compared to near background levels 4 weeks after cleanup began. Long-term health monitoring of oil spill cleanup workers is advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thammasin Ingviya
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
- Department of Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand
- Air Pollution and Health Effect Research Center, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, 90110, Thailand
| | - Chanthip Intawong
- Occupational Medicine Department,Rayong Hospital, Rayong, 21000, Thailand
| | - Salahaddhin Abubaker
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
| | - Paul T. Strickland
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, United States
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Chatterjee N, Jeong J, Park MS, Ha M, Cheong HK, Choi J. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between global DNA (hydroxy) methylation and exposure biomarkers of the Hebei Spirit oil spill cohort in Taean, Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114607. [PMID: 33618490 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) occurred on the west coast of South Korea (Taean county) on December 7, 2007, and studies revealed that exposure to the oil spill was associated with various adverse health issues in the inhabiting population. However, no studies evaluated the association between crude-oil exposure and epigenetic changes. This study aimed to investigate the HSOS exposure-associated longitudinal and cross-sectional variations in global DNA methylation (5-mc) and/or hydroxymethylation (5-hmc) and expression profiles of related genes in Taean cohort participants from 2009 (AH-baseline) and 2014 (AH-follow-up) relative to the reference group (AL). We measured global DNA 5-mc and 5-hmc levels and related gene expression levels in whole blood. We identified significant associations between HSOS exposure and AH-baseline-5-mc, AH-baseline-5-hmc, and AH-follow-up-5-hmc. HSOS exposure was associated with lower %5-mc content and higher %5-hmc content in the same individuals from both the cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. In addition, we found a strong correlation between 5-mc and DNMT3B expression, and between 5-hmc and TET1 expression. Our findings suggested that epigenetic changes are important biomarkers for HSOS exposure and that 5-hmc is likely to be more sensitive for environmental epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita Chatterjee
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, South Korea
| | - Jaeseong Jeong
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, South Korea
| | - Myung-Sook Park
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam, 32148, South Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Chungnam, 31116, South Korea
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, South Korea
| | - Jinhee Choi
- School of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, 163 Seoulsiripdae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02504, South Korea.
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Yim UH, Hong S, Lee C, Kim M, Jung JH, Ha SY, An JG, Kwon BO, Kim T, Lee CH, Yu OH, Choi HW, Ryu J, Khim JS, Shim WJ. Rapid recovery of coastal environment and ecosystem to the Hebei Spirit oil spill's impact. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 136:105438. [PMID: 31884413 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The 2007 Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS), the largest in the national history, has negatively impacted the entire environment and ecosystem along the west coast of South Korea. Although many studies have reported the damages and impacts from the HSOS, quantitative assessment evaluating the recovery time and status have not been documented. Here, we first address the recovery timeline of the HSOS, by comprehensive analyses of 10-years accumulated data in quantitative manner. Concentrations of residual oils in seawater, sediments, and oysters rapidly dropped to backgrounds in 16, 75, and 33 months, respectively. Also, damaged benthic communities of intertidal and subtidal areas were fully recovered only after ~6 years. The present results collectively indicated unexpectedly fast recovery of the damaged environment and ecosystem from such a huge oil spill. The high tidal mixing (~9 m tidal height) and intensive human cleanup (~1.2 million volunteers) at the initial cleanup period might have contributed to rapid recovery; cf. 4-5 times faster than the Exxon Valdez oil spill. However, potential risk to human health remains unclear. Thus, it is warranted to conduct more in depth epidemiological studies to address chronic health effects associated with the cleanup volunteers as well as the local residents who have been living nearby the oil spill impacted sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Un Hyuk Yim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongjin Hong
- Department of Ocean Environmental Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Changkeun Lee
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkoo Kim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Hyun Jung
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yong Ha
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Geon An
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Oh Kwon
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Taewoo Kim
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hoon Lee
- Environmental Health & Safety Research Institute, EH R&C Co., Ltd., Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Hwan Yu
- Marine Ecosystem and Biological Research Center, KIOST, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Choi
- Oceanographic Data Information Center, KIOST, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongseong Ryu
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Anyang University, Ganghwagun, Incheon 23038, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seong Khim
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea.
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Quist AJL, Rohlman DS, Kwok RK, Stewart PA, Stenzel MR, Blair A, Miller AK, Curry MD, Sandler DP, Engel LS. Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposures and neurobehavioral function in GuLF study participants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 179:108834. [PMID: 31703974 PMCID: PMC6878206 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster exposed tens of thousands of oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) workers to hydrocarbons and other hazardous chemicals. Some hydrocarbons, such as toluene and hexane, have been found to have acute adverse effects on the central nervous system in occupational settings. However, no studies have examined the association between oil spill exposures and neurobehavioral function. METHODS We used data from the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study, a cohort of adults who worked on the DWH response and cleanup. Total hydrocarbon (THC) exposure attributed to oil spill cleanup work was estimated from a job-exposure matrix linking air measurement data to detailed cleanup work histories. Participants were also categorized into 6 job categories, or OSRC classes, based on their activity with the highest exposure. Neurobehavioral performance was assessed at a clinical exam 4-6 years after the spill. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate relationships of ordinal THC levels and OSRC classes with 16 neurobehavioral outcomes. RESULTS We found limited evidence of associations between THC levels or OSRC classes and decreased neurobehavioral function, including attention, memory, and executive function. Workers exposed to ≥3 ppm THC scored significantly worse (difference1.0-2.9ppm = -0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.74, -0.04) than workers exposed to <0.30 ppm THC for the digit span forward count test. There was also a possible threshold effect above 1 ppm THC for symbol digit test total errors (difference1.0-2.9ppm = -0.56 (95% CI = -1.13, -0.003), difference≥3.0ppm = -0.55 (95% CI = -1.20, 0.10)). Associations appeared to be stronger in men than in women. A summary latency measure suggested an association between more highly exposed jobs (especially support of operations workers) and decreased neurobehavioral function. CONCLUSION OSRC-related exposures were associated with modest decreases in neurobehavioral function, especially attention, memory, and executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbor J L Quist
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Diane S Rohlman
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Richard K Kwok
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Mark R Stenzel
- Exposure Assessment Applications LLC, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Aaron Blair
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Aubrey K Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Dale P Sandler
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Kwok RK, Miller AK, Gam KB, Curry MD, Ramsey SK, Blair A, Engel LS, Sandler DP. Developing Large-Scale Research in Response to an Oil Spill Disaster: a Case Study. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 6:174-187. [PMID: 31376082 PMCID: PMC6699641 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-019-00241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Research conducted in the wake of a disaster can provide information to help mitigate health consequences, support future recovery efforts, and improve resilience. However, a number of barriers have prevented time-sensitive research responses following previous disasters. Furthermore, large-scale disasters present their own special challenges due to the number of people exposed to disaster conditions, the number of groups engaged in disaster response, and the logistical challenges of rapidly planning and implementing a large study. In this case study, we illustrate the challenges in planning and conducting a large-scale post-disaster research study by drawing on our experience in establishing the Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) Study following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. We describe considerations in identifying at-risk populations and appropriate comparison groups, garnering support for the study from different stakeholders, obtaining timely scientific and ethics review, measuring and characterizing complex exposures, and addressing evolving community health concerns and unmet medical needs. We also describe the NIH Disaster Research Response (DR2) Program, which provides a suite of resources, including data collection tools, research protocols, institutional review board guidance, and training materials to enable the development and implementation of time-critical studies following disasters and public health emergencies. In describing our experiences related to the GuLF Study and the ongoing efforts through the NIH DR2 Program, we aim to help improve the timeliness, quality, and value of future disaster-related data collection and research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
| | | | - Kaitlyn B Gam
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew D Curry
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven K Ramsey
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aaron Blair
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Park MS, Choi KH, Lee SH, Hur JI, Noh SR, Jeong WC, Cheong HK, Ha M. Health effect research on Hebei Spirit Oil Spill (HEROS) in Korea: a cohort profile. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026740. [PMID: 31420384 PMCID: PMC6701659 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Hebei Spirit Oil Spill occurred on 7 December 2007 and resulted in the spillage of 12 547 kl of crude oil on the coastline near Taean. Historically, this was the largest oil spill in Korean water. The health effect research on Hebei Spirit Oil Spill (HEROS) is a prospective cohort study that aimed to evaluate the long-term health effects of oil spill exposure on residents in the affected community. PARTICIPANTS The Taean Environmental Health Center initially enrolled adults, adolescents and children living in Taean in 2009 and 2010. Follow-up surveys of participating adults and children were conducted every other year. By 2017, a total of 9585 adults and 2216 children and adolescents were enrolled. Of these, 294 adults and 102 children and adolescents were included in all subsequent surveys. FINDINGS TO DATE Children who lived closer to the oil spill site exhibited a lower level of pulmonary function and higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis, than those who lived further away from the oil spill site. Adults who lived in a highly exposed area or participated in clean-up work had higher urine levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. Changes in haematological parameters during a 3-year period were observed in residents of both sexes in highly exposed areas, in addition to increases in respiratory diseases and mental health problems in female and male participants, respectively. FUTURE PLANS The findings of this study will better enable policy makers to develop environmental health policies intended to prevent adverse health effects in residents of communities affected by oil spills, as well as policies regarding the management of future oil accidents. The HEROS study will continue to follow participants in future and will be updated to enable an investigation of long-term health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Sook Park
- Environmental Health Research Team, Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hwa Lee
- Environmental Health Research Team, Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Il Hur
- Environmental Health Research Team, Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Ryeon Noh
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Kosin University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Chul Jeong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
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Noh SR, Kim JA, Cheong HK, Ha M, Jee YK, Park MS, Choi KH, Kim H, Cho SI, Choi K, Paek D. Hebei Spirit oil spill and its long-term effect on children's asthma symptoms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 248:286-294. [PMID: 30798030 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
On December 7th, 2007, an estimated 12,547 kL of crude oil was spilled from the collision of Hebei Spirit near residential area. Our previous study demonstrated worsening of children's asthma symptoms one year after the accident. This study investigated long-term effect of the oil spill on children's asthma symptoms up to five years after the accident. All elementary and middle school students in the exposure area were surveyed on one year (n = 655), three years (664), and five years (611) after the accident. Oil spill exposure was estimated using two estimates including distance from the oil spill (A) and modeled estimates of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds (B), and each was dichotomously categorized (A: high-exposure vs low-exposure; B: ≥20 mg/m3 vs < 20 mg/m3). Asthma symptoms were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Oil spill exposure estimates were associated with asthma symptoms on one year (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) A: 1.9 (1.1-3.1); B: 1.6 (0.9-2.7)), three years (A: 1.9 (1.1-3.2); B: 1.3 (0.8-2.2)), and five years (A: 1.2 (0.7-1.9); B: 1.8 (1.1-2.8)) after the oil spill. Significant longitudinal relationship between oil spill exposure estimates and asthma symptoms was also observed (A: 1.6 (1.2-2.2); B: 1.6 (1.1-2.1)). Overall, the effect of oil spill exposure estimates was more severe on younger children. Oil spill exposure estimates were associated with asthma symptoms in children up to five years after the oil spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Ryeon Noh
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Kosin University, Pusan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ah Kim
- Department of Environment and Ecology Research, ChungNam Institute, Gongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Koo Jee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Kim
- Department of Public Health, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Il Cho
- Department of Public Health, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- Department of Environmental Health, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Domyung Paek
- Department of Environmental Health, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Post-Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Exposure Patterns Among Children in Mobile County, Alabama. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 59:993-999. [PMID: 28857935 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to characterize environmental exposure from Deepwater Horizon oil spill among pre-K to fourth-grade children from six schools in Mobile County, Alabama. METHODS A mail-in survey administered 11 months post-oil spill to children's parents/caregivers elicited information on exposure-related activities. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS Overall, 180 children (coastal schools, 90; inland schools, 90) completed the survey. During the post-oil spill period, children in coastal schools were less likely to reduce their exposure-related activities, including fishing; eating and selling caught fish; visiting beaches; and parental participation in cleanup activities, than children in inland schools. Particularly, fishing and eating caught fish were significantly associated with the coastal group (odds ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.54 to 3.36). CONCLUSION Proximity to the shoreline may serve as an indicator for potential exposure in oil spills among vulnerable populations including children.
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Choi KH, Park MS, Ha M, Hur JI, Cheong HK. Cancer Incidence Trend in the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill Area, from 1999 to 2014: An Ecological Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1006. [PMID: 29772806 PMCID: PMC5982045 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15051006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) occurred in the Republic of Korea on 7 December 2007. We aimed to describe the cancer incidence trend in Taean County before and after the oil spill. Five major cancers and leukemia were analyzed. Cancer incidence data were obtained from the Korean National Cancer Center. We compared the standardized incidence rates in Taean with those observed nationwide and selected three coastal areas. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to examine the trends in the average annual percent change and perform comparisons. The incidence rate of prostate cancer increased from 2007 to 2009 at an annual average of 39.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): -25.9, 161.8), 13.5% (95% CI: 11.7, 15.4), and 15.6% (95% CI: 11.9, 19.5), respectively, in Taean, nationwide, and in the coastal areas. The incidence of leukemia among women increased at an annual average of 9.5% (95% CI: -26.6, 63.4) in Taean and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2, 0.9) nationwide; the rate decreased by 1.9% (95% CI: -12.8, 10.4) in the coastal areas. The trends between Taean County and the coastal areas differed only for prostate cancer (p = 0.0004). The incidence of prostate cancer among Taean County residents has increased since the HSOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam 32148, Korea.
| | - Myung-Sook Park
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam 32148, Korea.
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Chungnam 31116, Korea.
| | - Jong-Il Hur
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Chungnam 32148, Korea.
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi 16419, Korea.
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D'Andrea MA, Reddy GK. The Development of Long-Term Adverse Health Effects in Oil Spill Cleanup Workers of the Deepwater Horizon Offshore Drilling Rig Disaster. Front Public Health 2018; 6:117. [PMID: 29755965 PMCID: PMC5932154 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term adverse health effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill exposure in workers who participated in its cleanup work. Methods Medical charts of both the oil spill exposed and unexposed subjects were reviewed. The changes in the white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) levels, as well as their pulmonary and cardiac functions were evaluated. Results Medical records from 88 subjects (oil spill cleanup workers, n = 44 and unexposed, n = 44) were reviewed during initial and 7 years follow up visits after the disaster occurred. Compared with the unexposed subjects, oil spill exposed subjects had significantly reduced platelet counts (×103/µL) at their initial (254.1 ± 46.7 versus 289.7 ± 63.7, P = 0.000) and follow-up (242.9 ± 55.6 versus 278.4 ± 67.6, P = 0.000) visits compared with the unexposed subjects (254.6 ± 51.9 versus 289.7 ± 63.7, P = 0.008). The hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were increased significantly both at their initial and follow-up visits in the oil spill exposed subjects compared to the unexposed subjects. Similarly, the oil spill exposed subjects had significantly increased ALP, AST, and ALT levels at their initial and follow-up visits compared with those of the unexposed subjects. Illness symptoms that were reported during their initial visit still persisted at their 7-year follow-up visit. Notably, at their 7-year follow-up visit, most of the oil spill exposed subjects had also developed chronic rhinosinusitis and reactive airway dysfunction syndrome as new symptoms that were not reported during their initial visit. Additionally, more abnormalities in pulmonary and cardiac functions were also seen in the oil spill exposed subjects. Conclusion This long-term follow-up study demonstrates that those people involved in the oil spill cleanup operations experiences persistent alterations or worsening of their hematological, hepatic, pulmonary, and cardiac functions. In addition, these subjects experienced prolonged or worsening illness symptoms even 7 years after their exposure to the oil spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A D'Andrea
- University Cancer and Diagnostic Centers, Houston, TX, United States
| | - G Kesava Reddy
- University Cancer and Diagnostic Centers, Houston, TX, United States
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Alexander M, Engel LS, Olaiya N, Wang L, Barrett J, Weems L, Schwartz EG, Rusiecki JA. The deepwater horizon oil spill coast guard cohort study: A cross-sectional study of acute respiratory health symptoms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 162:196-202. [PMID: 29331799 PMCID: PMC5811337 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over 8500 United States Coast Guard (USCG) personnel were deployed in response to the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill; however, human respiratory effects as a result of spill-related exposures are relatively unknown. METHODS USCG personnel who responded to the DWH oil spill were queried via survey on exposures to crude oil and oil dispersant, and acute respiratory symptoms experienced during deployment. Adjusted log binomial regressions were used to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), investigating the associations between oil spill exposures and respiratory symptoms. RESULTS 4855 USCG personnel completed the survey. More than half (54.6%) and almost one-fourth (22.0%) of responders were exposed to crude oil and oil dispersants, respectively. Coughing was the most prevalent symptom (19.4%), followed by shortness of breath (5.5%), and wheezing (3.6%). Adjusted analyses showed an exposure-response relationship between increasing deployment duration and likelihood of coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing in the pre-capping period. A similar pattern was observed in the post-capping period for coughing and wheezing. Adjusted analyses revealed increased PRs for coughing (PR=1.92), shortness of breath (PR=2.60), and wheezing (PR=2.68) for any oil exposure. Increasing frequency of inhalation of oil was associated with increased likelihood of all three respiratory symptoms. A similar pattern was observed for contact with oil dispersants for coughing and shortness of breath. The combination of both oil and oil dispersants presented associations that were much greater in magnitude than oil alone for coughing (PR=2.72), shortness of breath (PR=4.65), and wheezing (PR=5.06). CONCLUSIONS Results from the present study suggested strong relationships between oil and oil dispersant exposures and acute respiratory symptoms among disaster responders. Future prospective studies will be needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melannie Alexander
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Nathan Olaiya
- United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, United States
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John Barrett
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Laura Weems
- United States Army Corps of Engineers, Safety and Occupational Health Office, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Erica G Schwartz
- United States Coast Guard, Directorate of Health, Safety, and Work Life, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jennifer A Rusiecki
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Levels of 1-hydroxypyrene in urine of people living in an oil producing region of the Andean Amazon (Ecuador and Peru). Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2017; 91:105-115. [PMID: 28939924 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-017-1258-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are contaminants with carcinogenic effects but little is known about their presence in environments surrounding oil drilling operations and spills or exposure levels in nearby communities. The objective of this study was to characterize PAH levels in people living near oil drilling operations in relation to fish consumption, occupation, source of water and other socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS This pilot study examined PAH exposure by measuring 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in urine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection from 75 women and men in the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon living near oil drilling operations and who answered a questionnaire collecting socio-demographic, occupational and dietary information. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. RESULTS The mean value of 1-OHP was 0.40 μmol/mol creatinine, 95% CI 0.32-0.46 μmol/mol creatinine. Women who used water from a surface source (for washing clothes or bathing) had almost twice the amount of 1-OHP in their urine (mean 1-OHP = 0.41 μmol/mol creatinine, 95% CI 0.28-0.54 μmol/mol creatinine, n = 23) as women who used water from either a well, a spring or rain (mean 1-OHP = 0.22 μmol/mol creatinine, 95% CI 0.11-0.34 μmol/mol creatinine, n = 6). Men who reported eating a bottom-dwelling species as their most commonly consumed fish (mean 1-OHP = 0.50 μmol/mol creatinine, 95% CI 0.36-0.64 μmol/mol creatinine, n = 31) had twice as much 1-OHP in their urine as men who reported a pelagic fish (mean 1-OHP = 0.25 μmol/mol creatinine, 95% CI 0.15-0.35 μmol/mol creatinine, n = 15), signaling either oral (fish consumption) or dermal (while standing in water fishing benthic species) exposure. CONCLUSIONS More contact with surface water and benthic fish may result in higher levels of 1-OHP in human urine among the study population. Reducing the amount of oil and wastes entering the waterways in Andean Amazonia would be one way to reduce exposure.
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Rusiecki J, Alexander M, Schwartz EG, Wang L, Weems L, Barrett J, Christenbury K, Johndrow D, Funk RH, Engel LS. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort study. Occup Environ Med 2017; 75:165-175. [PMID: 28899964 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Long-term studies of oil spill responders are urgently needed as oil spills continue to occur. To this end, we established the prospective Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort study. METHODS DWH oil spill responders (n=8696) and non-responders (n=44 823) who were members of the US Coast Guard (20 April-17 December 2010) were included. This cohort uses both prospective, objective health data from military medical encounters and cross-sectional survey data. Here, we describe the cohort, present adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) estimating cross-sectional associations between crude oil exposure (none, low/medium, high) and acute physical symptoms, and present adjusted relative risks (RRs) based on longitudinal medical encounter data (2010-2012) for responders/non-responders and responders exposed/not exposed to crude oil. RESULTS Responders and non-responders in this large cohort (n=53 519) have similar characteristics. Crude oil exposure was reported by >50% of responders. We found statistically significant associations for crude oil exposure with coughing (PRhigh=1.78), shortness of breath (PRhigh=2.30), wheezing (PRhigh=2.32), headaches (PRhigh=1.46), light-headedness/dizziness (PRhigh=1.96), skin rash/itching (PRhigh=1.87), diarrhoea (PRhigh=1.76), stomach pain (PRhigh=1.67), nausea/vomiting (PRhigh=1.48) and painful/burning urination (PRhigh=2.89) during deployment. Longitudinal analyses revealed that responders had elevated RRs for dermal conditions (RR=1.09), as did oil-exposed responders for chronic respiratory conditions (RR=1.32), asthma (RR=1.83) and dermal conditions (RR=1.21). CONCLUSIONS We found positive associations between crude oil exposure and various acute physical symptoms among responders, as well as longer term health effects. This cohort is well positioned to evaluate both short-term and long-term effects of oil spill exposures using both self-reported and clinical health data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Rusiecki
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, F Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, USA
| | - Melannie Alexander
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, F Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, USA
| | - Erica G Schwartz
- Coast Guard, Directorate of Health, Safety and Work Life, Washington, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, F Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, USA
| | - Laura Weems
- United States Army Corps of Engineers, Safety and Occupational Health Office, Little Rock, USA
| | - John Barrett
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, F Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, USA
| | | | - David Johndrow
- Social & Scientific Systems, Durham, USA.,RTI International, Research Triangle Park, Durham, USA
| | - Renée H Funk
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
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Jung D, Kim JA, Park MS, Yim UH, Choi K. Human health and ecological assessment programs for Hebei Spirit oil spill accident of 2007: Status, lessons, and future challenges. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 173:180-189. [PMID: 28110007 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) of December 2007 is one of the worst oil spill accidents that occurred in Yellow Sea. The affected coastline along the west coast of Korean Peninsula hosts one of the largest tidal flats worldwide, and is home to tens of thousands of human residents. Based on nation-wide concerns on ecosystem damages and adverse human health effects, two separate surveillance programs on ecosystem and human health were initiated: a 10-year follow-up program by Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to assess ecological impacts of the oil spill, and an exposure and health effect assessment program by Ministry of Environment for the residents of Taean and its vicinity. For the past eight years, extensive monitoring and surveillance data on ecosystem and humans have been accumulated through these programs. But these studies have been conducted mostly independently, and collaborations were seldom made between two programs. The lack of communication resulted in gaps and overlaps between the programs which led to loss of critical information and efficiency. As oil spill can affect both humans and ecosystem through various pathways, collaboration and communication between human and ecosystem health surveillance programs are necessary, and will synergize the success of both programs. Such concerted efforts will provide better platform for understanding the status of impact, and for developing approaches to address human and ecosystem health challenges that may be faced following environmental disasters like HSOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawoon Jung
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health and Environment, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Korea Environment Institute, Sejong 30147, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ah Kim
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean 32148, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Sook Park
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean 32148, Republic of Korea
| | - Un Hyuk Yim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health and Environment, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Kim JA, Noh SR, Cheong HK, Ha M, Eom SY, Kim H, Park MS, Chu Y, Lee SH, Choi K. Urinary oxidative stress biomarkers among local residents measured 6years after the Hebei Spirit oil spill. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 580:946-952. [PMID: 27993476 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In December 2007, the Hebei Spirit oil spill occurred on the west coast of South Korea. Association between crude oil exposure and the levels of urinary oxidative stress biomarkers was reported among the local residents, 1.5years after the accident. The aim of this study was to follow-up possible longer-term effects of the oil spill among the residents near the oil spill. Six years after the accident, urinary oxidative stress biomarkers of the residents were associated with surrogates of oil exposure. The target subjects were divided into two groups based on the distance of their residence to the spill site, i.e., those near the spill site ('Near' group, n=476), and those far from the spill ('Far' group, n=152). A questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers or self-reporting, and demographic information and other parameters of the participants, such as socioeconomic status, smoking and drinking behaviors, disease history, and duration of clean-up activities after the spill, were collected. The participants' levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in 12 h urine samples were measured as indicators of oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, respectively. A general linear model was used for statistical analysis. Urinary MDA and 8-OHdG levels measured from 'Near' group, i.e., geometric mean of 2.19μmol/g creatinine, and 5.41μg/g creatinine, respectively, were higher than those of 'Far' group. Especially, urinary 8-OHdG levels in the 'Near' group were significantly higher than those of 'Far' after adjusting relevant covariates. In addition, the duration of clean-up activities showed a significant association with both urinary 8-OHdG and MDA levels. Even 6years after the oil spill, positive associations between oxidative stress biomarkers and surrogates of oil exposure were evident. While the present study design lacks biomarkers of exposure, the results of this study suggest that the consequences of oil pollution may last for years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ah Kim
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean 32148, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Ryeon Noh
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yong Eom
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Sook Park
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean 32148, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonhee Chu
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean 32148, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hwa Lee
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean 32148, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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Murphy D, Gemmell B, Vaccari L, Li C, Bacosa H, Evans M, Gemmell C, Harvey T, Jalali M, Niepa THR. An in-depth survey of the oil spill literature since 1968: Long term trends and changes since Deepwater Horizon. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 113:371-379. [PMID: 27773534 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In order to characterize the state of oil spill research and describe how the field has changed since its inception in the 1960s and since the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010, we examined approximately 10% of oil spill literature (1255 of over 11,000 publications) published from 1968 to 2015. We find that, despite its episodic nature, oil spill research is a rapidly expanding field with a growth rate faster than that of science as a whole. There is a massive post-Deepwater Horizon shift of research attention to the Gulf of Mexico, from 2% of studies in 2004-2008 to 61% in 2014-2015, thus ranking Deepwater Horizon as the most studied oil spill. There is, however, a longstanding gap in research in that only 1% of studies deal with the effects of oil spills on human health. These results provide a better understanding of the current trends and gaps within the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Murphy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, United States.
| | - Brad Gemmell
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States; Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
| | - Liana Vaccari
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, United States
| | - Hernando Bacosa
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
| | - Meredith Evans
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
| | - Colbi Gemmell
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
| | - Tracy Harvey
- Department of Marine Science, University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
| | - Maryam Jalali
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Tagbo H R Niepa
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
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DiScenza DJ, Gareau L, Serio N, Roque J, Prignano L, Verderame M, Levine M. Cyclodextrin-Promoted Detection of Aromatic Toxicants and Toxicant Metabolites in Urine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/22297928.2016.1210021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dana J. DiScenza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island, 51 Lower College Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Lauren Gareau
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island, 51 Lower College Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Nicole Serio
- Department of Energy, Environmental Oversight Office, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - John Roque
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island, 51 Lower College Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Lindsey Prignano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island, 51 Lower College Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Molly Verderame
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island, 51 Lower College Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - Mindy Levine
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rhode Island, 51 Lower College Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, United States
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Laffon B, Pásaro E, Valdiglesias V. Effects of exposure to oil spills on human health: Updated review. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2016; 19:105-28. [PMID: 27221976 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2016.1168730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Oil spills may involve health risks for people participating in the cleanup operations and coastal inhabitants, given the toxicological properties of the oil components. In spite of this, only after a few major oil spills (crude oil or fuel oil no. 6) have studies on effects of exposure to diverse aspects of human health been performed. Previously, Aguilera et al. (2010) examined all documents published to that date dealing with any type of human health outcome in populations exposed to oil spills. The aim of the present review was to compile all new information available and determine whether evidence reported supports the existence of an association between exposure and adverse human health risks. Studies were classified in three groups according to type of health outcome addressed: (i) effects on mental health, (ii) physical/physiological effects, and (iii) genotoxic, immunotoxic, and endocrine toxicity. New studies published on oil-spill-exposed populations-coastal residents in the vicinity of the spills or participants in cleanup operations-provide additional support to previous evidence on adverse health effects related to exposure regarding different parameters in all three categories considered. Some of the observed effects even indicated that several symptoms may persist for some years after exposure. Hence, (1) health protection in these individuals should be a matter of concern; and (2) health risk assessment needs to be carried out not only at the time of exposure but also for prolong periods following exposure, to enable early detection of any potential exposure-related harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Laffon
- a DICOMOSA Group, Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology , Universidade da Coruña , Coruña , Spain
| | - Eduardo Pásaro
- a DICOMOSA Group, Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology , Universidade da Coruña , Coruña , Spain
| | - Vanessa Valdiglesias
- a DICOMOSA Group, Department of Psychology, Area of Psychobiology , Universidade da Coruña , Coruña , Spain
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Kamal A, Cincinelli A, Martellini T, Malik RN. Biomarkers of PAH exposure and hematologic effects in subjects exposed to combustion emission during residential (and professional) cooking practices in Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:1284-1299. [PMID: 26358213 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5297-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the exposure of household women and professional male workers to combustion emission in the indoor and semi-outdoor environments, respectively, by using biochemical parameters and the biomarkers of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). Female (WR n = 60) and male "cooks" (WC n = 60) exposed to the combustion emission of fuel wood and coal in rural/suburban areas of Pakistan were recruited in this study and compared to non-exposed female (CF) and male (CM) groups (n = 32 and 34, respectively). Urinary biomarkers of PAH exposure including 1-hyroxypyrene (1-OHPyr), α-naphthol, and β-naphthol were analyzed together with the biomarkers of effect, including the serum c-reactive proteins (CRP), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), and platelet (PLT) count. In addition, blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and urinary level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were evaluated to determine the oxidative stress and DNA damage, respectively. A questionnaire was used to document demographic-, health-, and exposure-related information. The results showed that urinary β-naphthol was almost 44% higher in WR subjects than WC (median 7.69 vs. 3.39 μmol/mol-Cr, respectively; p = 0.01) and respective controls (CF). Higher urinary 8-OHdG were observed in WR (71.1 ng/mg-Cr) than WC (56.37 ng/mg-Cr) (p < 0.001), and lower life status and higher degree of headache were observed in WR than WC. In WCs, however, a low Hb and high WBC (8.29 × 10(3) μL(-1), ranging between 6.1 and 10.6 × 10(3) μL(-1)) were observed in comparison with CM. The study shows that WC subjects used larger amount of fuel and were subjected to prolonged exposure. It was concluded that the role of ventilation is fundamental and WR were more exposed to PAHs despite the fact that WC spent more time in cooking (due to occupational requirement) than WR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Kamal
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Alessandra Cincinelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- CNR, Istituto per la Dinamica dei Processi Ambientali, Via Dorsoduro 2137, 30123, Venezia, Italy
| | - Tania Martellini
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Riffat Naseem Malik
- Environmental Biology and Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
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Psychological Vulnerability of Residents of Communities Affected by the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2015; 10:51-8. [PMID: 26046599 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2015.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychological health is an important issue after disasters. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychological symptoms among 993 residents of Taean District in South Korea after the Hebei Spirit oil spill and to examine determinants of vulnerability in residents' psychological symptoms. METHODS Symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS), depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety were assessed by questionnaires, and the responses were analyzed by using the survey analysis considering the sampling frame. RESULTS Among the study subjects, the symptom prevalences of PTS, depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety were 19.5%, 22.0%, 2.3%, and 4.2%, respectively, and symptoms were higher in people who were female, were older, were less educated, and had lower family income. People with fishery or related occupations compared to those with unrelated livelihoods and people residing in the vicinity of the oil band in the contaminated coastline showed additively increased symptom risks of PTS. Risk of suicidal ideation was predominantly increased in people with fishery or related occupations compared with those with unrelated livelihoods. CONCLUSIONS Social supports, including compensation for income loss and community mental health programs, and longer follow-up studies are needed for residents in the communities affected by the Hebei Spirit oil spill.
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Sammarco PW, Kolian SR, Warby RAF, Bouldin JL, Subra WA, Porter SA. Concentrations in human blood of petroleum hydrocarbons associated with the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Gulf of Mexico. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:829-37. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1526-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Noh SR, Cheong HK, Ha M, Eom SY, Kim H, Choi YH, Paek D. Oxidative stress biomarkers in long-term participants in clean-up work after the Hebei Spirit oil spill. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 515-516:207-214. [PMID: 25727518 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oil tanker Hebei Spirit spilled 12,547kL of oil near the western coastline of Korea on December 7, 2007. We aimed to investigate the relationship between oil spill exposure and oxidative stress in residents living near the affected area. METHODS Study subjects were 671 residents who participated in a health examination between February and September 2009. As surrogates for oil spill exposure, we used the total duration of clean-up work and levels of urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 2-naphthol (2-NAPH). Oxidative stress was measured using urinary levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), indicators of lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage, respectively. RESULTS Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly increased with longer involvement in clean-up work over one year after the Hebei Spirit oil spill (MDA, p-trend<0.0001; 8-OHdG, p-trend<0.0001). As more time elapsed since the last involvement in clean-up, the total duration of clean-up work participation and levels of PAH metabolites (1-OHP and 2-NAPH), as well as levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA and 8-OHdG) decreased further. The level of 1-OHP had a significant positive correlation with the total duration of clean-up work involvement, with a higher level found in those who participated in clean-up for >100 days. Increasing levels of 1-OHP were significantly associated with increased MDA and 8-OHdG after adjusting for covariates, while the strength of association weakened as time passed since the last participation in clean-up work. The significance of the association was maintained for up to 12 months after the last clean-up work. CONCLUSIONS The results suggested that oil exposure from prolonged clean-up activity likely induced oxidative stress in clean-up participants up to at least one year after the last exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Ryeon Noh
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Yong Eom
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Domyung Paek
- Department of Environmental Health, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Roberts JR, Anderson SE, Kan H, Krajnak K, Thompson JA, Kenyon A, Goldsmith WT, McKinney W, Frazer DG, Jackson M, Fedan JS. Evaluation of Pulmonary and Systemic Toxicity of Oil Dispersant (COREXIT EC9500A(®)) Following Acute Repeated Inhalation Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2015; 8:63-74. [PMID: 25861220 PMCID: PMC4325826 DOI: 10.4137/ehi.s15262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oil spill cleanup workers come into contact with numerous potentially hazardous chemicals derived from the oil spills, as well as chemicals applied for mitigation of the spill, including oil dispersants. In response to the Deepwater Horizon Macondo well oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, a record volume of the oil dispersant, COREXIT EC9500A, was delivered via aerial applications, raising concern regarding potential health effects that may result from pulmonary exposure to the dispersant. METHODS The current study examined the effects on pulmonary functions, cardiovascular functions, and systemic immune responses in rats to acute repeated inhalation exposure of COREXIT EC9500A at 25 mg/m(3), five hours per day, over nine work days, or filtered air (control). At one and seven days following the last exposure, a battery of parameters was measured to evaluate lung function, injury, and inflammation; cardiovascular function; peripheral vascular responses; and systemic immune responses. RESULTS No significant alterations in airway reactivity were observed at one or seven days after exposure either in baseline values or following methacholine (MCh) inhalation challenge. Although there was a trend for an increase in lung neutrophils and phagocyte oxidant production at one-day post exposure, there were no significant differences in parameters of lung inflammation. In addition, increased blood monocytes and neutrophils, and decreased lymphocyte numbers at one-day post exposure also did not differ significantly from air controls, and no alterations in splenocyte populations, or serum or spleen immunoglobulin M (IgM) to antigen were observed. There were no significant differences in peripheral vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agonists or in blood pressure (BP) responses to these agents; however, the baseline heart rate (HR) and HR responses to isoproterenol (ISO) were significantly elevated at one-day post exposure, with resolution by day 7. CONCLUSIONS In summary, acute repeated exposure to COREXIT EC9500A did not alter pulmonary function, lung injury/inflammation, systemic immune responses, or vascular tone, but did cause transient chronotropic effects on cardiac function.
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