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Dellatte E, Abate V, Abballe A, De Filippis SP, De Luca S, Ferri F, Fulgenzi AR, Iacovella N, Iamiceli AL, Ingelido AM, Marra V, Miniero R, Valentini S, Bressanelli M, Schivardi MR, De Felip E. Human biomonitoring of PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in women living in a Northern Italy industrial area. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024:10.1007/s11356-024-33942-2. [PMID: 38913259 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33942-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
In Brescia , a highly industrialized city in the Lombardy Region (Northern Italy) classified as a SIN (Contaminated Site of National Interest), a human biomonitoring study was carried out on breast milk of two groups of women residing in areas with presumably different levels of exposure to polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorodibenzofurans, and polychlorobiphenyls. This study was aimed at evaluating the possible difference between women living in Brescia and women living far from it but in the same Region. Between 2016 and 2018, 82 women were enrolled (41 "exposed" subjects and 41 "not exposed"), breast milk samples were collected, and a specific questionnaire was administered to the donors. Data obtained were processed by robust regression and Principal Component Factor Analysis. The differences in concentration between the two groups were significant for all the classes of analytes (except for PCDDs). The concentration increase rates from the not exposed to the exposed group resulted highly significant: some PCB congeners showed increase rates more than 1000 ng/g lb per one-unit change of the independent variable. Among the variables significantly associated with the observed concentrations, age showed the greatest influence, while BMI showed a counteracting effect. Consumption of vegetable oil and fruit resulted to possibly influence the chemicals body burden. For the not exposed group, the levels appear to be in line with the decreasing trend (2001-2018) observed for these contaminants in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dellatte
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Abate
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Abballe
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Paola De Filippis
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia De Luca
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Ferri
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Fulgenzi
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Iacovella
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Iamiceli
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ingelido
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Marra
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Miniero
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Valentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Bressanelli
- Department of Prevention, Public Health and Hygiene Service Environmental Medicine and I.A.N., ATS Brescia, Viale Duca degli Abruzzi, 15, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Elena De Felip
- Department of Environment and Health, Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Contaminants, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Wang M, Wang X, Huang K, Han B, Li R, Shen Y, Zhuang Z, Wang Z, Wang L, Zhou Y, Jing T. Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals among Elderly in Wuhan, China: Prioritizing Risks Using EPA's ToxCast Database. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:10001-10014. [PMID: 38788169 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
In line with the "healthy aging" principle, we aim to assess the exposure map and health risks of environmental chemicals in the elderly. Blood samples from 918 elderly individuals in Wuhan, China, were analyzed using the combined gas/liquid-mass spectrometry technology to detect levels of 118 environmental chemicals. Cluster analysis identified exposure profiles, while risk indexes and bioanalytical equivalence percentages were calculated using EPA's ToxCast database. The detection rates for 87 compounds exceeded 70%. DEHP, DiBP, naphthalene, phenanthrene, DnBP, pyrene, anthracene, permethrin, fluoranthene, and PFOS showed the highest concentrations. Fat-soluble pollutants varied across lifestyles. In cluster 2, which was characterized by higher concentrations of fat-soluble substances, the proportion of smokers or drinkers was higher than that of nonsmokers or nondrinkers. Pesticides emerged as the most active environmental chemicals in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma antagonist, thyroid hormone receptor (TR) antagonist, TR agonist, and androgen receptor (AR) agonist activity assays. Additionally, PAEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons played significant roles as active contaminants for the corresponding targets of AR antagonists and estrogen receptor alpha. We proposed a list of priority pollutants linked to endocrine-disrupting toxic effects in the elderly, which may provide the groundwork for further research into environmental etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- The State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, PR China
| | - Kai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Bin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Ruifang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zhijia Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Yikai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Tao Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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3
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Determinants of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in the Italian population in the last decades. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:47012-47024. [PMID: 36735124 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25590-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial products extensively used in the past. Because of their widespread presence and toxic effects, the international community adopted control measures to reduce their release into the environment. Currently, PCB concentrations are decreasing, but humans are still exposed. In this paper, we reported the results of a study concerning PCB concentrations in human serum samples collected in Italy over two decades. The aim of the study was to investigate the trend of major determinants of PCB human exposure, several decades after the end of their production. PCB concentrations ranged over three orders of magnitude (from 0.4 to 958 ng/g lipid), with a median value of 85 ng/g lipid. We identified age, sampling year, body mass index, sex, and living near hot spots or being occupationally exposed as relevant factors in determining body burden. Our results can give indications to refine regulatory policies on PCBs in Italy, with particular attention to the disposal of residue PCB-containing products. To improve control measures can further decrease the exposure of citizens to PCBs, limit health implications, and improve citizens' perception about chemical risk management.
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Fazzo L, Manno V, Iavarone I, Minelli G, De Santis M, Beccaloni E, Scaini F, Miotto E, Airoma D, Comba P. The health impact of hazardous waste landfills and illegal dumps contaminated sites: An epidemiological study at ecological level in Italian Region. Front Public Health 2023; 11:996960. [PMID: 36923045 PMCID: PMC10010672 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.996960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim The implementation of idoneous management of hazardous waste, in contrast to illegal practices, is one of the environment and health priorities of the WHO. The aim of the present study, based on a collaborative agreement between the Italian National Health Institute and a Prosecution Office located in Naples North, was to evaluate the health effects of illegal landfills and burning of urban and hazardous waste in the territory of the Prosecution Office. Methods The municipalities included in the study territory were investigated with respect to the regional population. Regression analyses were performed in the study area between four classes of an environmental municipal indicator of waste risk (MRI) previously defined, computing the relative risks (RRs) in 2-4 MRI classes, with respect to the first MRI class (the least impacted). The prevalence of reproductive outcomes and cause-specific mortality and hospitalization were analyzed in the general population and in the 0-19-year-old population using SAS software. Results An increase of mortality and hospitalization risk in both the genders of the whole area, with respect to regional population, were found for overall all cancer cases, cancer of the stomach, the liver, the lung and the kidney, and ischemic heart diseases. An increase of mortality for leukemias in the 0-19-year-old population and in hospitalization risk for certain conditions originating in the perinatal period were observed. Correlation between MRI and the risk of mortality from breast tumors in women (MRI class 2: RR = 1.06; MRI class 3: RR = 1.15; MRI class 4: RR = 1.11) and between MRI and the risk of hospitalization from testis tumors (MRI class 2: RR = 1.25; MRI class 3: RR = 1.31; MRI class 4: RR = 1.32) were found. The hospitalization risk from breast tumors and asthma exceeded significantly in both genders of three and four MRI classes. Among the 0-19-year-old population, correlation between MRI and hospitalization from leukemias (MRI class 2: RR = 1.48; MRI class 3: RR = 1.60; MRI class 4: RR = 1.41) and between MRI and the prevalence of preterm birth (MRI class 2: RR = 1.17; MRI class 3: RR = 1.08; MRI class 4: RR = 1.25) were found. Conclusion A correlation between health outcomes and the environmental pressure by uncontrolled waste sites was found. Notwithstanding the limitation of the study, the results promote implementing the actions of environmental remediation and the prosecution of illegal practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Fazzo
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Manno
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Iavarone
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Minelli
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Santis
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health in Contaminated Sites, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Beccaloni
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Scaini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Miotto
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Domenico Airoma
- Avellino Prosecution Office, Former North Naples Prosecution Office, Avellino, Italy
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5
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Miniero R, di Domenico A, Abate V, Abballe A, Dellatte E, De Filippis S, De Luca S, Ferri F, Fulgenzi A, Iacovella N, Iamiceli A, Ingelido A, Marra V, Valentini S, De Felip E. Time trends of PCDDs, PCDFs, DL-PCBs, and NDL-PCBs in Italian women from biomonitoring studies. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 308:136244. [PMID: 36064006 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A number of biomonitoring investigations were carried out in Italy between 2000 and 2018 by the Unit of Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals of the Italian National Institute of Health (Rome). The investigations were characterized by different features (case-control or cross-sectional studies, participants from impacted or no impacted areas, etc), but despite the differences, it was possible to study the time trends of Σ7(PCDDs), Σ10(PCDFs), Σ12(DL-PCBs), and Σ6(NDL-PCBs) (analytical and TEQ cumulative concentrations, as appropriate). All the chemicals considered showed clear rates of a time-dependent concentration decrease, data having previously been adjusted for the sampled Region and subject age. Σ7(PCDDs) exhibited the fastest decrease with an average rate of -4.44 pg/g-fat year-1 (2009-2018), whereas Σ6(NDL-PCBs) was characterized by the slowest decrease with a rate of -0.771 ng/g-fat year-1 (2000-2018). A clear distinction between the decreasing rates of Σ7(PCDDs) and Σ10(PCDFs) was observed, as the latter decreased at half the rate of the Σ7(PCDDs). The slower rate of the Σ10(PCDFs) decline may be due to an ongoing source of PCDFs in the environment beyond those traditionally considered for this group of contaminants such as the production of PCDFs due to PCBs thermal conversion from matrices contaminated with PCBs. Production of PCDFs due to thermal conversion of matrices contaminated with PCBs could be an ongoing source which may be of concern because recent data have highlighted the diffusion of PCBs in the European environment. The decreasing rates of PCDDs + PCDFs, DL-PCBs, and PCDDs + PCDFs + DL-PCBs - original analytical data converted to "dioxin equivalents" - were respectively estimated as (pgTEQ/g-fat year-1) -2.08, -2.06, and -2.10, values exhibiting good compatibility between one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Miniero
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro di Domenico
- Independent Expert on Environment and Food Safety, Formerly Director of the Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Abate
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Abballe
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Dellatte
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania De Filippis
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia De Luca
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Ferri
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Annarita Fulgenzi
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Iacovella
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalaura Iamiceli
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Ingelido
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Marra
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Valentini
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Felip
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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Alberti P. The 'land of fires': epidemiological research and public health policy during the waste crisis in Campania, Italy. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12331. [PMID: 36582724 PMCID: PMC9792804 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The region of Campania, South Italy rose to prominence in the mid-2000s due to the illegal disposal of waste by the Camorra during the local waste management crisis. Several lines of evidence have identified a link between exposure to toxic waste and adverse health outcomes in the local populations. Critically, studies since 2017 have strongly suggested that this link is causal in nature. The uncertainty of evidence polarised the Italian epidemiological community and partly undermined the precautionary principle in public health policy, leading to years of delay in the deployment of appropriate interventions. The crisis also sparked concerns about pollution of soil, water, and agricultural products. The contrast between political responses and protests from local communities shows analogies with environmental emergencies of a larger scale. Beyond law enforcement actions to prosecute illegal waste disposal activity, future mitigation of risks for affected populations will require coordinated efforts in environmental policy (land reclamation, improved waste management) and public health (i.e. extensive epidemiological surveillance, screening and prevention programs). By summarising evidence over the last two decades, this review aims to construct a cohesive interdisciplinary narrative of the events in the Campanian waste crisis.
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Bustaffa E, Curzio O, Bianchi F, Minichilli F, Nuvolone D, Petri D, Stoppa G, Voller F, Cori L. Community Concern about the Health Effects of Pollutants: Risk Perception in an Italian Geothermal Area. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14145. [PMID: 36361039 PMCID: PMC9655741 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Geothermal fluids for electricity and heat production have long been exploited in the Mt. Amiata area (Tuscany, Italy). Public concern about the health impact of geothermal plants has been present from the outset. Several factors influence the way people perceive risk; therefore, the objective of the present research is to develop indicators of risk perception and assess indices differences in relation to some questionnaire variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Amiata area on 2029 subjects aged 18-77. From the questionnaire section about risk perception from environmental hazards, four indicators were developed and analysed. A total of 64% of the subjects considered the environmental situation to be acceptable or excellent, 32% serious but reversible, and 4% serious and irreversible; as the values of the various perception indicators increased, an upward trend was observed in the averages. Risk perception was higher among women and young people, and was associated with higher education. Those who smelled bad odours in their surroundings reported higher risk perception. Furthermore, risk perception was higher in four municipalities. The results represent the basis for further investigations to analyse the link among risk perception indicators, exposure parameters, and health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bustaffa
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Olivia Curzio
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Minichilli
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Nuvolone
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi 1, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Petri
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi 1, 50141 Florence, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Stoppa
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi 1, 50141 Florence, Italy
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Voller
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi 1, 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Liliana Cori
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56123 Pisa, Italy
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8
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Nunzio AD, Giarra A, Toscanesi M, Amoresano A, Piscopo M, Ceretti E, Zani C, Lorenzetti S, Trifuoggi M, Montano L. Comparison between Macro and Trace Element Concentrations in Human Semen and Blood Serum in Highly Polluted Areas in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11635. [PMID: 36141930 PMCID: PMC9517217 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Macro and trace elements are important regulators of biological processes, including those ones linked to reproduction. Among them, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, and Zn ensure normal spermatic functions. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of 26 macro and trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, U, V, and Zn) in blood serum and also in semen of healthy young men, homogeneous for age, anthropometric characteristics, and lifestyle, living in three highly polluted areas in Italy. Furthermore, a comparison among three geographical areas was performed to highlight any difference in the investigated parameters and, overall, to speculate any correlations between chemical elements and semen quality. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the three areas were found for each investigated element, in both semen and serum samples, where inter-area differences were more evident in semen than in blood serum, suggesting human semen as an early environmental marker. Considering the homogeneity of three cohorts, these differences could be due more to environmental conditions in the recruiting areas, suggesting that variations in those involved in reproductive-associated pathways can have an impact on male fertility. Nevertheless, more research is needed to evaluate threshold values for sperm dysfunction and male infertility. Actually, the role of different dietary intake and environmental exposure underlying the observed differences in the recruiting areas is under further investigation for the same cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Di Nunzio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Giarra
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Toscanesi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi-Consorzio Interuniversitario, Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ceretti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Lorenzetti
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project), Italy “Oliveto Citra Hospital”, Oliveto Citra, 84020 Salerno, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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9
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Paul R, Romero A, Moltó J, Ortuño N, Aizpurua J, Gómez-Torres MJ. Associations of paternal serum dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations with IVF success: A pilot study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 206:112248. [PMID: 34688647 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) are environmental pollutants that have been associated with impaired semen quality. However, research on the potential impact of paternal exposure to DL-PCBs and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes are limited. We examine the relationship between serum DL-PCB concentrations and IVF outcomes among 42 males seeking fertility treatment. Concentrations of 12 serum DL-PCBs were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Modified Poisson regressions, adjusted for confounders, were used to assess bivariate associations and to estimate risk ratios (RRs) between DL-PCBs and binary IVF outcomes. The median concentration (25th-75th percentiles) of the sum of the 12 DL-PCBs (∑DL-PCBs) obtained for the patients was 5.42 (3.78-7.78) ng/g lipid. No statistically significant association between DL-PCB levels and embryo quality was found. However, men with high serum PCB-77 concentrations present more probability of high-quality embryos (RR: 0.292; 95% CI: 0.090-0.942), whereas the opposite trend is observed for men with lower serum levels of PCB-156 (RR: 7.960; 95% CI: 1.020-62.100), who present increased odds of high-quality embryos. Serum concentrations of PCB-126 and PCB-114 were associated with decreased implantation rates (p < 0.05). Moreover, PCB-77 and ∑non-ortho PCBs were significantly associated with a lower likelihood of clinical pregnancy (p < 0.05). A lower likelihood of live birth was associated with higher levels of PCB-77, PCB-105, PCB-118, and recording significant differences for ∑non-ortho PCBs, ∑mono-ortho PCBs, and ∑DL-PCBs (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that paternal DL-PCB exposure before conception may be related to pregnancy endpoints. However, DL-PCB measurement were limited to male partners. Therefore, we propose that future studies with larger population sizes should include both maternal and paternal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raiza Paul
- Biotechnology Department, University of Alicante, Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, P.O. Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Biotechnology Department, University of Alicante, Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, P.O. Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - Julia Moltó
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, P.O. Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain; University Institute of Engineering of Chemical Processes, University of Alicante, P.O. Box 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - Nuria Ortuño
- Chemical Engineering Department, University of Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, P.O. Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain; University Institute of Engineering of Chemical Processes, University of Alicante, P.O. Box 99, E-03080, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- Catedra Human Fertility, University of Alicante, Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, P.O. Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain; IVF Spain Treatment Clinic, Avenida de Ansaldo 13, 03540, Alicante, Spain
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Biotechnology Department, University of Alicante, Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, P.O. Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain; Catedra Human Fertility, University of Alicante, Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, P.O. Box 99, 03080, Alicante, Spain.
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10
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Pierri B, Buonerba C, Pierri A, Pizzolante A, Ferro A, Crispo A, Bollati V, Sanchez TR, Grazia Andreassi M, Esposito M, Cerino P. Exposure study on susceptible people - SPES: An integrative biomonitoring approach. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106931. [PMID: 34653810 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evaluation of environmental exposure risk requires a global analysis of pollution phenomena, including biological effects and potentially correlated clinical outcomes in susceptible populations. Although human biomonitoring plays a fundamental role in assessing the degree of contamination, it is not effective alone in identifying a direct link between exposure, biomolecular effects and outcomes on target organisms. While toxicogenomics and epidemiology are mainly focused on the investigation of molecular reactions and clinical outcomes, the monitoring of environmental matrices works independently to characterize the territorial distribution of toxic compounds, without proving any correlated health risk for residents. OBJECTIVES We propose a new biomonitoring model based on a whole systemic analytical evaluation of environmental context. The paradigm of the method consists of identifying the sources of pollution, the migration pathways of those pollutants and their effects on target organisms. By means of this innovative, holistic epidemiological approach, we included healthy human subjects in a cohort to identify potential risks of exposure and predict possible correlated clinical outcomes. 4205 residents of the Campania region were enrolled in the "SPES" biomonitoring study, which especially focused on the areas dubbed "Land of Fires" in the recent decades. DISCUSSION The analysis of environmental exposure risk suffers the lack of data integration from various science fields, and this comes down to a limited point of view and a limited knowledge of phenomena. In implementing our model, we first constructed an analytical picture of the Real-world situation. We next conducted a comparative risk assessment, in order to identify possible correlations between pollution and health within a holistic view. CONCLUSION This type of research activities aims to support the implementation of public health interventions and to become a reference model in the evaluation of the risk of exposure to environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biancamaria Pierri
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'analisi e studio di correlazione tra ambiente, animale e uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, (NA), Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, (SA), Italy.
| | - Carlo Buonerba
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'analisi e studio di correlazione tra ambiente, animale e uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, (NA), Italy
| | - Andrea Pierri
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'analisi e studio di correlazione tra ambiente, animale e uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, (NA), Italy
| | - Antonio Pizzolante
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'analisi e studio di correlazione tra ambiente, animale e uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, (NA), Italy
| | - Amedeo Ferro
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'analisi e studio di correlazione tra ambiente, animale e uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, (NA), Italy
| | - Anna Crispo
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET LAB, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Tiffany R Sanchez
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, 10032 New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Grazia Andreassi
- Clinical Physiology Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Mauro Esposito
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'analisi e studio di correlazione tra ambiente, animale e uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, (NA), Italy
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'analisi e studio di correlazione tra ambiente, animale e uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, (NA), Italy
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11
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Cavallo S, Lambiase S, Serpe FP, Pellicanò R, Di Stasio A, Maglio P, Gallo A, Pizzolante A, Mandato D, Rosato G, Baldi L, Cerino P, Gallo P, Esposito M, Brambilla G. Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in buffalo milk from the Campania region (Italy): Decreasing trend and baseline assessment over 10 years (2008-2018). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 794:148504. [PMID: 34198078 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148504] [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: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorodibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (DL-PCBs) enter the food chain from the environment. In this study, we report the 2008-2018 time-trends in the PCDD/F and DL-PCB contamination of milk from buffaloes fed on local forage in rural areas of the Campania region. Validated according to QA/QC criteria, the dataset (N = 808 on a total of 2068 samples, after excluding follow-up results and outliers) was computed on the upper-bound value pg WHO-TEQ2005 g-1fat. We assessed time-trends and assayed baseline contamination levels, which displayed log-normal distribution. A significant decreasing trend (p < 0.01) was observed from 2008 to 2009 and 2010; the P50-P95 range fell from 2.37-8.48 pg WHO-TEQ2005 g-1fat (N = 393) in 2008 to 1.73-4.61 in 2009 (N = 86) and to 0.67-1.46 in 2010 (N = 42). From 2010 to 2018 (N = 329), no significant variation was found among years and the related dataset fitted a log-normal distribution (p < 0.05). Occurrence descriptors indicated that the baseline contamination of dairy products (mean = 0.54; P50-P95 = 0.47-1.24) in the Campania Region was well below the EU regulatory limit in force (5.5 pg WHO-TEQ2005 g-1fat). Given the Tolerable Weekly Intake of 2 pg WHO-TEQ kg-1 body weight (bw) proposed by the EFSA for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs, this level of baseline contamination is discussed with regard to the orientation of food safety and food security risk connected with buffalo mozzarella cheese production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Cavallo
- Osservatorio Regionale Sicurezza Alimentare, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Sara Lambiase
- Dipartimento di Chimica, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy.
| | - Francesco Paolo Serpe
- Dipartimento di Chimica, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Roberta Pellicanò
- Osservatorio Regionale Sicurezza Alimentare, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Stasio
- Dipartimento di Chimica, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy; Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo. IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Pasquale Maglio
- Dipartimento di Chimica, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Alfonso Gallo
- Dipartimento di Chimica, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy; Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo. IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Antonio Pizzolante
- Dipartimento di Chimica, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy; Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo. IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Diletta Mandato
- Osservatorio Regionale Sicurezza Alimentare, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Guido Rosato
- Unità Operativa Dirigenziale- Prevenzione Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, Regione Campania - Centro Direzionale is, C3, Napoli, Italy
| | - Loredana Baldi
- Osservatorio Regionale Sicurezza Alimentare, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo. IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallo
- Dipartimento di Chimica, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Mauro Esposito
- Dipartimento di Chimica, IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy; Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo. IZS Mezzogiorno, Via della Salute, 2, I-80055 Portici, Italy
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12
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Cherkani-Hassani A, Slaoui M, Ghanname I, Mojemmi B, Belhaj A, Kers B, Flayou M, Mouane N. Levels of mercury in Moroccan breast milk and the affecting factors: CONTAMILK study. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 127:105065. [PMID: 34687771 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.105065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the level of mercury in the breast milk of Moroccan mothers and its association with several maternal parameters and habits, and to estimate the daily intake of the newborns. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the concentrations of mercury in 70 colostrum samples. Indeed, a structured questionnaire was administrated during milk collection to report data concerning the maternal socioeconomic and anthropometric parameters, as well as dietary habits and smoking habits in the family, etc. The median of mercury in breast milk was 3,56 μg/L (range 1.64-124 μg/L) and exceeded normal levels of 1.7 μg/l, suggested by the World health organization in 99% of milk samples. Significant associations were found between mercury levels and the occurrence of previous miscarriages, anemia before pregnancy and vitamin & mineral supplementation during pregnancy, as well the frequency of consumption of cereals and the use of lipstick. The estimated daily intake was higher than the tolerable daily intake of the World health organization and the European food safety authority in 30% of newborns. These results need to be confirmed by multicenter studies to investigate the levels of mercury in the breast milk of the Moroccan population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Cherkani-Hassani
- Unit of Training and Research in Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco; Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V Rabat, Morocco.
| | | | - Imane Ghanname
- Faculty of Health Sciences, International University of Casablanca, Morocco.
| | - Brahim Mojemmi
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Abdelilah Belhaj
- Laboratory of Quality Control of Waters, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Brahim Kers
- Laboratory of Quality Control of Waters, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Majda Flayou
- Laboratory of Quality Control of Waters, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Nezha Mouane
- Unit of Training and Research in Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco; Department of Pediatric, Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition PIII-Children's Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
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13
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Lead (Pb) and neurodevelopment: A review on exposure and biomarkers of effect (BDNF, HDL) and susceptibility. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 238:113855. [PMID: 34655857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and a potent toxic compound. Humans are exposed to Pb through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact via food, water, tobacco smoke, air, dust, and soil. Pb accumulates in bones, brain, liver and kidney. Fetal exposure occurs via transplacental transmission. The most critical health effects are developmental neurotoxicity in infants and cardiovascular effects and nephrotoxicity in adults. Pb exposure has been steadily decreasing over the past decades, but there are few recent exposure data from the general European population; moreover, no safe Pb limit has been set. Sensitive biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility, that reliably and timely indicate Pb-associated toxicity are required to assess human exposure-health relationships in a situation of low to moderate exposure. Therefore, a systematic literature review based on PubMed entries published before July 2019 that addressed Pb exposure and biomarkers of effect and susceptibility, neurodevelopmental toxicity, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptomics was conducted. Finally included were 58 original papers on Pb exposure and 17 studies on biomarkers. The biomarkers that are linked to Pb exposure and neurodevelopment were grouped into effect biomarkers (serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and serum/saliva cortisol), susceptibility markers (epigenetic markers and gene sequence variants) and other biomarkers (serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), maternal iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) status). Serum BDNF and plasma HDL are potential candidates to be further validated as effect markers for routine use in HBM studies of Pb, complemented by markers of Fe and Ca status to also address nutritional interactions related to neurodevelopmental disorders. For several markers, a causal relationship with Pb-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity is likely. Results on BDNF are discussed in relation to Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) 13 ("Chronic binding of antagonist to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) during brain development induces impairment of learning and memory abilities") of the AOP-Wiki. Further studies are needed to validate sensitive, reliable, and timely effect biomarkers, especially for low to moderate Pb exposure scenarios.
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14
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Ruggieri S, Maltese S, Drago G, Panunzi S, Cibella F, Bianchi F, Minichilli F, Cori L. Measuring Risk Perception in Pregnant Women in Heavily Polluted Areas: A New Methodological Approach from the NEHO Birth Cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10616. [PMID: 34682362 PMCID: PMC8536087 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Risk perception (RP) evaluation during pregnancy and its relationship with lifestyles are considered useful tools for understanding communities living in high-risk areas and preventing dangerous exposure. It is well known that exposure to pollutants and less-healthy lifestyles may result in increased disease occurrence during life. Our work investigated environmental RP through ad hoc questionnaires administered to 611 mothers within the NEHO birth cohort, recruited in three heavily contaminated areas of Southern Italy. Four different RP indices, an exploratory factorial analysis (EFA), and a latent class analysis were evaluated from questionnaires. The highest values of risk perception index were observed in the Milazzo site (0.64 ± 0.16) and the lowest in the Crotone site (0.5 ± 0.18). EFA revealed four latent factors, including different items describing environmental pollution, and subjects were classified into four latent classes with different RP indices. Significant RP profiles were different among the sites (p < 0.001). Our results did not demonstrate any association between RP and lifestyles during pregnancy. Improving healthy lifestyle behaviours, particularly in polluted areas, would generate co-benefits by preventing further risk factors. As remediation interventions can take a long time, it needs to improve healthy lifestyles in residents until remediation is completed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ruggieri
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (S.M.); (F.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Sabina Maltese
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (S.M.); (F.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Gaspare Drago
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (S.M.); (F.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Simona Panunzi
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for System Analysis and Computer Science—BioMatLab, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabio Cibella
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (S.M.); (F.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, 90146 Palermo, Italy; (S.R.); (S.M.); (F.C.); (F.B.)
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Minichilli
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.M.); (L.C.)
| | - Liliana Cori
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.M.); (L.C.)
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15
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Runkel AA, Križanec B, Lipičar E, Baskar M, Hrženjak V, Kodba ZC, Kononenko L, Kanduč T, Mazej D, Tratnik JS, Horvat M. Organohalogens: A persisting burden in Slovenia? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:111224. [PMID: 33933496 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) represent a concern for the environment and human health due to their persistence and toxicity. Exposure in Slovenia is geographically differentiated because the country, as part of former Yugoslavia, has a history of industry and regional contamination and is - at the same time - known for its clean nature. The PCB pollution of the Krupa River drew the public's attention to the chemical burden of Slovenians, and the demand for studies has been rising since. We assessed the exposure of men (n = 548) and primiparous women (n = 536) to POPs in 12 regions of Slovenia as well as exposure pathways via questionnaires. Most PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs could be determined in pooled samples of maternal milk at low concentrations (1.57 pg/gTEQ, 1.47 pg/gTEQ, and 1076 pg/g fat, respectively), but a much lower number of compounds could be measured above the LOQ in pooled men's plasma samples (PCDD/Fs 0.08 pg/gTEQ, PCBs 0.007 pg/gTEQ, ΣPBDE 920 pg/g), and only HCB, p,p'-DDE, ΣDDT, and the non-dioxin-like PCB congeners 138, 153, and 180 could be determined in individual samples of milk (concentration range 5-60 ng/g fat). In individual samples of men's serum, only p,p'-DDE and ΣPCB were detected at concentrations of 0.25 ng/g and 0.3 ng/g, respectively. Nonetheless, we were able to differentiate between polluted and unpolluted areas on a national level, with higher exposure levels in the PCB polluted region of Bela Krajina, the industrial region Zasavje, and the capital, Ljubljana. Despite low concentrations, determinants of exposure, such as age, proximity to roads, old building materials, private water supplies, and consumption of alcohol, fish, meat, and eggs that have previously been observed only at higher levels could still be identified. Furthermore, levels of PCBs and PBDEs were highly correlated suggesting common exposure sources and pathways, whereas PCDD/Fs were correlated to a lesser extent. The calculated ratio between DDT and DDE in maternal milk samples was decreasing with the year of sampling, suggesting no ongoing exposure to DDT. The study findings suggest low exposure of men and lactating women to legacy pollutants in Slovenia, which gave rise to the hypothesis that Slovenia's geographical location might provide shelter from the long-range transport of POPs via Westerly winds. This hypothesis remains to be confirmed within future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agneta A Runkel
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boštjan Križanec
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment, and Food, Prvomajska Ulica 1, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Eva Lipičar
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment, and Food, Prvomajska Ulica 1, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Baskar
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment, and Food, Prvomajska Ulica 1, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Hrženjak
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment, and Food, Prvomajska Ulica 1, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Zdenka Cencič Kodba
- National Laboratory of Health, Environment, and Food, Prvomajska Ulica 1, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Lijana Kononenko
- Ministry of Health, Chemical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, Ajdovščina 4, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Kanduč
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darja Mazej
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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16
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Pizzolante A, Nicodemo F, Pierri A, Ferro A, Pierri B, Buonerba C, Beccaloni E, Albanese S, Basso B, Cerino P. Development of a municipality index of environmental pressure in Campania, Italy. Future Sci OA 2021; 7:FSO720. [PMID: 34258027 PMCID: PMC8256331 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy (Istitituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, IZSM) is a public health institution operating within the Italian National Health Service. Over the past 5 years [IZSM] has promoted several research studies and interventions in an effort to tackle the ‘Land of Fires’ phenomenon, caused by the continued trafficking and uncontrolled incineration of waste that has affected some areas of Campania for decades. In this article, a mathematical model that generates a municipality index of environmental pressure is presented. The model was developed by a multidisciplinary team led by an environmental engineer and included researchers in the fields of veterinary and human medicine, biology and computer science. This model may serve as a geostratification tool useful for the design of human biomonitoring studies, although it may also be employed for strategic planning of remediation programs and public health interventions. The complex environmental scenario of the ‘Land of Fires’ phenomenon is caused by the continued trafficking and uncontrolled incineration of waste, and has affected some areas of Campania in Italy for decades. In this article a mathematical model that generates a municipality index of environmental pressure is presented. This index may be used for the design of biomonitoring studies as well as for planning of remediation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pizzolante
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055, Italy
| | - Federico Nicodemo
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055, Italy
| | - Andrea Pierri
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055, Italy
| | - Amedeo Ferro
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Pierri
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055, Italy
| | - Carlo Buonerba
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055, Italy
| | - Eleonora Beccaloni
- Dipartimento di Ambiente e Connessa Prevenzione Primaria, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Stefano Albanese
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment & Resources, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80125, Italy
| | - Bruno Basso
- Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Pellegrino Cerino
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale per l'Analisi e Studio di Correlazione tra Ambiente, Animale e Uomo, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, 80055, Italy
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17
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Mosites E, Rodriguez E, Caudill SP, Hennessy TW, Berner J. A comparison of individual-level vs. hypothetically pooled mercury biomonitoring data from the Maternal Organics Monitoring Study (MOMS), Alaska, 1999-2012. Int J Circumpolar Health 2020; 79:1726256. [PMID: 32039659 PMCID: PMC7034428 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2020.1726256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomonitoring for heavy metals is important to assess health risks, especially in Arctic communities where rural residents rely on locally harvested foods. However, laboratory testing for blood contaminants is expensive and might not be sustainable for long-term monitoring. We assessed whether pooled specimen biomonitoring could be a part of a plan for blood contaminant surveillance among pregnant women in rural Alaska using existing blood mercury level data from three cross sectional studies of pregnant women. We applied a hypothetical pooled specimen template stratified into 8 demographic groups based on age, coastal or inland residence, and pre-pregnancy weight. The hypothetical geometric mean blood mercury levels were similar to the individual-level geometric means. However, the 95% confidence intervals were much wider for the hypothetical geometric means compared to the true geometric means. Although the variability that resulted from pooling specimens using a small sample made it difficult to compare demographic groups to each other, pooled specimen results could be an accurate reflection of the population burden of mercury contamination in the Arctic in the context of large numbers of biomonitoring samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Mosites
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ernesto Rodriguez
- Department of Global Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Samuel P Caudill
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas W Hennessy
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - James Berner
- Center for Climate and Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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18
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Cori L, Donzelli G, Gorini F, Bianchi F, Curzio O. Risk Perception of Air Pollution: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter Exposure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6424. [PMID: 32899325 PMCID: PMC7504632 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The adverse health effects of exposure to air pollutants, notably to particulate matter (PM), are well-known, as well as the association with measured or estimated concentration levels. The role of perception can be relevant in exploring effects and pollution control actions. The purpose of this study was to explore studies that analyse people's perception, together with the measurement of air pollution, in order to elucidate the relationship between them. We conducted a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In March 2020, PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were explored in an attempt to search for studies published from 2000 to 2020. The review included 38 studies, most of which were conducted in China (n = 13) and the United States (n = 11) and published over the last four years (n = 26). Three studies were multicenter investigations, while five articles were based on a national-level survey. The air quality (AQ) was assessed by monitoring stations (n = 24) or dispersion models (n = 7). Many studies were population questionnaire-based, air monitoring and time-series studies, and web-based investigations. A direct association between exposure and perception emerged in 20 studies. This systematic review has shown that most of the studies establish a relationship between risk perception measurement. A broad spectrum of concepts and notions related to perception also emerged, which is undoubtedly an indicator of the wealth of available knowledge and is promising for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Cori
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (F.B.); (O.C.)
| | - Gabriele Donzelli
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology, and Legal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Avenida Vicente Andres Estellés s/n, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Health Science, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Gorini
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (F.B.); (O.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (F.B.); (O.C.)
| | - Olivia Curzio
- Unit of Environmental Epidemiology and Disease Registries, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (F.G.); (F.B.); (O.C.)
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19
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Forte IM, Indovina P, Costa A, Iannuzzi CA, Costanzo L, Marfella A, Montagnaro S, Botti G, Bucci E, Giordano A. Blood screening for heavy metals and organic pollutants in cancer patients exposed to toxic waste in southern Italy: A pilot study. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:5213-5222. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Maria Forte
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori‐IRCCS‐Fondazione G. Pascale, I‐80131Napoli Italy
| | - Paola Indovina
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and TechnologyTemple UniversityPhiladelphia Pennsylvania PA 19122 USA
| | - Aurora Costa
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy UnitIstituto Nazionale Tumori‐IRCCS‐Fondazione G. Pascale, I‐80131Napoli Italy
| | | | - Luigi Costanzo
- ASL Napoli 2 Nord, Via Lupoli, FrattamaggioreNaples Italy
| | - Antonio Marfella
- SS Farmacologia clinica e Farmacoeconomia‐Istituto Nazionale Tumori‐IRCCS‐Fondazione G. Pascale, I‐80131Napoli Italy
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal ProductionsUniversity of Naples “Federico II,”Napoli Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Scientific DirectionIstituto Nazionale Tumori‐IRCCS‐Fondazione G. Pascale, I‐80131Napoli Italy
| | - Enrico Bucci
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and TechnologyTemple UniversityPhiladelphia Pennsylvania PA 19122 USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and TechnologyTemple UniversityPhiladelphia Pennsylvania PA 19122 USA
- Department of Medical BiotechnologiesUniversity of Siena Italy
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20
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Astolfi ML, Protano C, Schiavi E, Marconi E, Capobianco D, Massimi L, Ristorini M, Baldassarre ME, Laforgia N, Vitali M, Canepari S, Mastromarino P. A prophylactic multi-strain probiotic treatment to reduce the absorption of toxic elements: In-vitro study and biomonitoring of breast milk and infant stools. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104818. [PMID: 31279184 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Potential exposure to toxic elements initially occurs during gestation and after birth via breast milk, which is the principal source of nutrients for infants during the first months of life. In this study, we evaluated whether maternal oral supplementation with a multi-strain probiotic product can protect infants from exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) via breast milk. In-vitro studies of the bacterial strains present in this probiotic product showed a high bacterial tolerance for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb, and good binding capacity for Cd, Hg, and Pb (72%, 81%, and 64%, respectively) within 1 h of contact. We evaluated concentrations (5 mg L-1 for Cd and Pb, and 2 mg L-1 for Hg) that largely exceeded the provisional tolerable weekly intake of these toxic elements via food or water applicable for human consumption. Changes in the levels of these elements in breast milk and newborn stools were evaluated in the control (orally supplemented with placebo) and experimental (orally supplemented with probiotic) groups at birth (t0), 15 days (t15), and 30 days (t30) after delivery. Elemental analysis of breast milk did not show significant differences between the control and experimental groups at different stages of lactation; however, stool samples obtained from newborns of mothers supplemented with the probiotic product showed that Cd levels were significantly reduced (by 26%) at t15 compared with the levels of the controls. Our data did not show an association between concentration of toxic elements in breast milk and that in newborn stools. Indeed, the concentration of Cd, Hg, and Pb in breast milk decreased during the lactation period, whereas the levels of these elements in newborn stools were stable over time. Although our in-vitro data indicate that the consortium of these probiotic strains can absorb toxic compounds, this study was limited by its small sample size and potential uncontrolled confounding effects, such as maternal diet and lifestyle. Therefore, we could not confirm whether prophylactic use of this probiotic product can reduce the absorption of toxic elements. The risk assessment in the studied population evidenced a margin of exposure (MOE) of 1, or between 1 and 10 for Pb, and lower than 50 for As. This poses a potential risk for breastfed infants, indicating that interventions aimed to avoid breastfeeding-related health risks remain a major challenge in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Schiavi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Capobianco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Massimi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Ristorini
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elisabetta Baldassarre
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Section of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, Section of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Mastromarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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21
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Goud ESK, Pandey M, Singh C, Vedamurthy GV, Singh D, Onteru SK. Effect of Dioxins in Milk on the 3D Cultured Primary Buffalo Hepatocyte Model System. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:8007-8019. [PMID: 31268702 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b03384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cow and human milk have been reported to contain dioxins ranging from 0.023 to 26.46 and 0.88 to 19 pg/g of fat, respectively. However, the toxic effects of the dioxins in the milk in this range of concentrations were not explored. Therefore, considering the outbred livestock tissues as better models than inbred laboratory animals, the present study targeted to study the effect of dioxins present in the milk on three-dimensionally (3D) cultured buffalo primary hepatocyte spheroids. The spheroids were treated with a model dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), directly and also through milk fat at different concentrations (i.e, 0.02-20 pg/mL) for 24 h. Among the liver-cell-specific (ALB, HNF4α, and AFP) genes, a similar ALB and upregulated HNF4α expression at all treatments indicated the functional and transcriptionally active hepatocyte spheroids. Supportingly, no significant difference in the antiapoptotic gene expression between the treatments of milk fat and milk fat containing dioxins indicated the survivability of the spheroids during dioxin treatments. Among the selected TCDD responsive (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, AHR, CYP1B1, and TIPARP) genes, a nonsignificant increasing trend of the CYP1A1 expression was observed from 0.2 to 10 pg/mL of TCDD concentration through milk fat. This pattern was similar to the reported insensitive response of human primary hepatocytes toward dioxins than that of rat primary hepatocytes. This may indicate that the buffalo hepatocyte spheroids could be better models than rats for TCDD hepatotoxic studies. Further, TCDD in the milk in the range of 0.02-20 pg/mL concentration may not be very hepatotoxic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmagouni Sharath Kumar Goud
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division , ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal 132001 , India
| | - Mamta Pandey
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division , ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal 132001 , India
| | - Chhama Singh
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division , ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal 132001 , India
| | - Gowdar Veerappa Vedamurthy
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division , ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal 132001 , India
| | - Dheer Singh
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division , ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal 132001 , India
| | - Suneel Kumar Onteru
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics and Systems Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division , ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute , Karnal 132001 , India
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22
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Zani C, Magoni M, Speziani F, Leonardi L, Orizio G, Scarcella C, Gaia A, Donato F. Polychlorinated biphenyl serum levels, thyroid hormones and endocrine and metabolic diseases in people living in a highly polluted area in North Italy: A population-based study. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01870. [PMID: 31194120 PMCID: PMC6551472 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants produced until the 1980s, which they are still present worldwide. They have been associated with metabolic and endocrine diseases and hypertension in humans, but definite evidence is lacking. A chemical factory producing PCBs caused a heavy pollution in an urban area in Northern Italy. We aimed to evaluate present PCBs serum levels according to demographic and lifestyle variables and their associations with endocrine and metabolic diseases and hypertension in the resident general population. A random sample of 816 adults aged 20–79 years (mean ± SD: 49.1 ± 16.5 years) was enrolled in a cross-sectional population-based study. The participants provided a fasting blood sample for laboratory analysis and were face-to-face interviewed about the presence of chronic diseases. The serum level of total PCBs was computed as the sum of 33 PCB congeners. The median serum level of lipid-adjusted total PCBs was 435.2 and 95th centile was 2154.9 ng/g lipid. Medium and high chlorinated PCBs with immunotoxic and endocrine disrupting activity contributed most to total PCB serum levels, particularly PCBs 138, 153, 170, 180 and 194. The serum levels of total PCBs and of PCB functional groups were positively associated with age and negatively with female gender, education, smoking habit and BMI, and not associated with serum levels of thyroid hormones and TSH and glycaemia and with presence of endocrine diseases, diabetes and hypertension by multivariable analysis. Subgroup analyses according to gender, age and BMI provided similar results. In conclusion, this study shows a long-term persistence of past exposure to PCBs and does not support the hypothesis of an association between PCB exposure and prevalence of endocrine and metabolic diseases and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology, Hygiene and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Grazia Orizio
- ATS Brescia (Brescia Health Protection Agency), Italy
| | | | - Alice Gaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Institute of Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Donato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Epidemiology, Hygiene and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
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23
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Cherkani-Hassani A, Ghanname I, Mouane N. Total, organic, and inorganic mercury in human breast milk: levels and maternal factors of exposure, systematic literature review, 1976-2017. Crit Rev Toxicol 2019; 49:110-121. [PMID: 30777784 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1571010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review summarizes the finding of 58 studies from 33 countries, which assessed mercury concentrations in breast milk and the factors related to the level of contamination. We performed a literature search in Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 1976 and 2017 that are monitoring and measuring mercury in human breast milk and investigating the associated factors. Then, we extracted more information about the aim of the study, the country, samples size, time of lactation, mercury concentration, and other data. Most of the studies used mature milk or colostrum for analysis and in about 60% of them, the concentrations exceed significantly the limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 1.7 µg/l; In addition, many factors and parameters were related to the level of mercury contamination in breast milk. Periodic monitoring surveys are recommended in each country to evaluate the level of mercury in milk of lactating women and to estimate the level of exposure of newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Cherkani-Hassani
- Unit of training and research in Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco.,Center of Doctoral Studies in Life Sciences and Health CEDoc-SVS, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco
| | - Imane Ghanname
- Team Research of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacoepidemiology, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco.,Faculty of Health Sciences, International University of Casablanca , Rabat , Morocco
| | - Nezha Mouane
- Unit of training and research in Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco.,Department of Pediatric Hepatology Gastroenterology and Nutrition-P III, Rabat Children's Hospital , Rabat , Morocco
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24
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Astolfi ML, Marconi E, Protano C, Vitali M, Schiavi E, Mastromarino P, Canepari S. Optimization and validation of a fast digestion method for the determination of major and trace elements in breast milk by ICP-MS. Anal Chim Acta 2018; 1040:49-62. [PMID: 30327113 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2018.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breast milk guarantees all the nutrients required by infants during their first few months of life and remains the most important food source for their health and growth. However, the mother may transfer potentially toxic chemicals to the suckling infant through breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to optimize and validate a fast method for the determination of a total content of 34 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Te, Ti, Tl, U, V, and Zn) in liquid and lyophilized breast milk. The samples were subjected to HNO3:H2O2 (2:1) digestion in an open vessel heated in a water bath (WBD; 80 °C) and subsequently analysed by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry equipped with a collision-reaction interface. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated in terms of selectivity, detection and quantification limits, linearity, accuracy, and robustness by using standard reference materials and filed samples of breast milk. Compared to microwave-assisted acid digestion, the proposed open vessel digestion allows a significant reduction in treatment time and sample manipulation, while maintaining a similar analytical performance. Masses of 0.5 g of breast milk were efficiently digested with the WBD treatment allowing a residual carbon content lower than 60 mg L-1 and a residual acidity lower than 0.87 mol L-1 in final digested samples. Thus, it shows great potential for application to routine analysis. The method provides satisfactory detection limits and good performance (trueness and recovery percentages 80-111%; coefficient of variation <10%; and relative repeatability <15%) and allows a high sample throughput for multi-elemental determination in human biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Astolfi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Marconi
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Schiavi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Mastromarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Canepari
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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25
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Heavy Environmental Pressure in Campania and Other Italian Regions: A Short Review of Available Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15010105. [PMID: 29320415 PMCID: PMC5800204 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The area of Naples and Campania region, in Italy, are experiencing the dramatic consequences of diffuse and illegal waste dumping, resulting in possible threats to human health. This area has been referred to as the “Land of Fires” because of the common practice of waste burning. International interest in the Campania “waste emergency” has triggered several epidemiological studies. This article is aimed at highlighting the body of evidence available concerning human and environmental contamination in the Campania region, and considers the possible lack of comparable knowledge about the situation in other areas suffering from high environmental pollution. We analyzed the results of studies addressing environmental pollution and population health in the Campania region, starting from the most recent reviews on this topic, and compared their findings with those concerning other regions. We reviewed 18 studies of epidemiological/cancer surveillance and human or animal biomonitoring. These studies show worrying results, which could be considered comparable to those available for other Italian areas impacted by heavy industrial activities. The release of environmental contaminants associated with waste incineration and waste disposal in landfills poses a risk to public health, as shown by a number of studies (although not conclusively). The current knowledge available for the Campania region is better than that available for other areas which are facing similar problems due to anthropic activities, including illegal waste trafficking. Thus, Naples and Campania could represent a valuable setting to develop general models for studies of environmental and human contamination.
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26
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Bassil M, Daou F, Hassan H, Yamani O, Kharma JA, Attieh Z, Elaridi J. Lead, cadmium and arsenic in human milk and their socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants in Lebanon. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 191:911-921. [PMID: 29145136 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.10.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure of newborns to toxic metals is of special interest due to their reported contamination in breast milk and potential harm. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and factors associated with lead, cadmium and arsenic contamination in breast milk collected from lactating mothers in Lebanon. METHODS A total of 74 breast milk samples were collected from primaparas according to guidelines set by the World Health Organization. A survey was administered to determine the demographic and anthropometric characteristics of participating lactating mothers. Dietary habits were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The milk samples were analyzed for the presence of arsenic, cadmium and lead using microwave-assisted digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS Arsenic contamination was found in 63.51% of breast milk samples (mean 2.36 ± 1.95 μg/L) whereas cadmium and lead were detected in 40.54% and 67.61% of samples respectively (means 0.87 ± 1.18 μg/L and 18.18 ± 13.31 μg/L). Regression analysis indicated that arsenic contamination was associated with cereal and fish intake (p = 0.013 and p = 0.042 respectively). Residence near cultivation activities (p = 0.008), smoking status before pregnancy (p = 0.046), potato consumption (p = 0.046) and education level (p = 0.041) were associated with lead contamination. Cadmium contamination was significantly associated with random smoke exposure (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Our study is the first in Lebanon to report toxic metal contamination in breast milk. Although estimated weekly infant intake of these metals from breast milk was found to be lower than the limit set by international guidelines, our results highlight the need for developing strategies to protect infants from exposure to these hazardous substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Bassil
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Farah Daou
- Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, American University of Science and Technology, Achrafieh, 16-6452, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Hassan
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Osama Yamani
- Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, American University of Science and Technology, Achrafieh, 16-6452, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Abi Kharma
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Zouheir Attieh
- Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, American University of Science and Technology, Achrafieh, 16-6452, Lebanon
| | - Jomana Elaridi
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon.
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Ferrante MC, Fusco G, Monnolo A, Saggiomo F, Guccione J, Mercogliano R, Clausi MT. Food contamination by PCBs and waste disposal crisis: Evidence from goat milk in Campania (Italy). CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 186:396-404. [PMID: 28802131 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.07.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM The study aims at investigating whether, and if so, to what extent the strong presence of urban and industrial waste in a territory may cause PCB contamination in goat milk produced therein. METHODS We compared PCB concentrations in goat milk from three different locations in the Campania region (Italy). One of the three locations, together with its surrounding area, has long suffered from illegal waste disposal and burning mainly by the so-called Ecomafia. The other locations, not involved in these illegal activities, allowed us to create a control group of goats with characteristics very similar to those of main interest. RESULTS In milk from the waste contaminated area we identified high PCB concentrations (six indicator PCBs amounted to 170 ng g-1 on lipid weight, on average), whereas there was an almost total absence of such pollutants in milk from the control group. Concentrations of the six indicator PCBs were above the current European maximum residue limit fixed by the EU. At the same time, we found a lower average value of lipid content and a negative relationship between lipid content and PCB concentrations. CONCLUSION Evidence indicates the potential health risk for consumers living in areas involved in illegal dumping of waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Ferrante
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
| | - G Fusco
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | - A Monnolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - F Saggiomo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - J Guccione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - R Mercogliano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - M T Clausi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
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Contaminación por mercurio de leche materna de madres lactantes de municipios de Antioquia con explotación minera de oro. BIOMEDICA 2017; 38:19-29. [DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v38i0.3609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introducción. La leche materna es esencial para el desarrollo del ser humano, pero puede contener sustancias tóxicas provenientes de la contaminación ambiental, especialmente en las áreas mineras.Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de la contaminación con mercurio de la leche materna de mujeres lactantes residentes en los municipios con explotación minera de oro.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal de 150 madres lactantes de cuatro municipios mineros de Antioquia (El Bagre, Segovia, Remedios y Zaragoza), a quienes se les hizo una encuesta sobre factores sociodemográficos, ocupacionales y ambientales relacionados con el mercurio, y se les tomaron muestras de leche materna, de orina y de cabello. Se calculó el promedio de la concentración de mercurio y las prevalencias municipales de contaminación.Resultados. El promedio de la concentración de mercurio en la leche materna fue de 2,5 (± desviación estándar 9,2) μg/L. La prevalencia de muestras de leche materna con niveles altos de mercurio fue de 11,7 %.Conclusión. En este estudio se evidencia un grave problema en las regiones mineras auríferas de Antioquia por el efecto de la contaminación con mercurio en sectores de la población más vulnerable.
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Miniero R, Ingelido AM, Abballe A, di Domenico A, Valentini S, Marra V, Barbieri PG, Garattini S, Speziani F, De Felip E. Occupational exposure to PCDDs, PCDFs, and DL-PCBs in metallurgical plants of the Brescia (Lombardy Region, northern Italy) area. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 166:418-421. [PMID: 27705828 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.09.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The concentration values of polychlorodibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (DL-PCBs) in blood serum samples (pools) of metallurgical workers in the area of the city of Brescia (northern Italy) were statistically processed. As to workers' exposure characteristics, pools were divided into 34 professionally exposed (PE) and 11 non-professionally exposed (NPE). A further subdivision of PE pools was according to workplaces in which ferrous (N = 24) and non-ferrous (N = 10) materials were handled. To evaluate the aforesaid differences we applied the age-adjusted Generalized Linear Models. We identified significant (P ≤ 0.05) exposure models of the classification groups. The first subdivision was confirmed by the concentrations of 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-H7CDF, DL-PCB 105, and DL-PCB 189; the second was confirmed by the concentrations of PCDF TEQ97, PCDD + PCDF + DL-PCB (TEQTOT) TEQ97, 2,3,4,7,8-P5CDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-H6CDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-H7CDD, and PCB 189. Based on the literature, all mentioned congeners have been found in stack gas and fly ash samples of metallurgical plants: therefore, these indicators indicate the exposure to such work environments. Specifically, the concentrations measured in the workers' blood serum appear to depend on the type of material processed during work.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Miniero
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A M Ingelido
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A Abballe
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - A di Domenico
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - S Valentini
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - V Marra
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - P G Barbieri
- Agenzia per la Tutela della Salute di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - S Garattini
- Agenzia per la Tutela della Salute di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Speziani
- Agenzia per la Tutela della Salute di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - E De Felip
- Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Identification of exposure to environmental chemicals in children and older adults using human biomonitoring data sorted by age: Results from a literature review. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 220:282-298. [PMID: 28159478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) provides the tools for exposure assessment by direct measurements of biological specimens such as blood and urine. HBM can identify new chemical exposures, trends and changes in exposure, establish distribution of exposure among the general population, and identify vulnerable groups and populations with distinct exposures such as children and older adults. The objective of this review is to demonstrate the use of HBM to identify environmental chemicals that might be of concern for children or older adults due to higher body burden. To do so, an extensive literature search was performed, and using a set of defined criteria, ten large-scale, cross-sectional national HBM programs were selected for data review and evaluation. A comparative analysis of the age-stratified data from these programs and other relevant HBM studies indicated twelve chemicals/classes of chemicals with potentially higher body burden in children or older adults. Children appear to have higher body burden of bisphenol A (BPA), some phytoestrogens, perchlorate, and some metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene. On the other hand, older adults appear to have higher body burden of heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides. For perfluoroalkyl substances, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, parabens, and phthalates, both children and older adults have higher body burden depending on the specific biomarkers analyzed, and this might be due to the exposure period and/or sources from different countries. Published data from the DEMOCOPHES project (a pilot study to harmonize HBM efforts across Europe) also showed elevated exposures to BPA and some phthalate metabolites in children across several European countries. In summary, age-stratified HBM data can provide useful knowledge of identifying environmental chemicals that might be of concern for children and older adults, which, combined with additional efforts to identify potential sources of exposure, could assist policy makers in prioritizing their actions in order to reduce chemical exposure and potential risks of adverse health effects.
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Kelishadi R, Hasanghaliaei N, Poursafa P, Keikha M, Ghannadi A, Yazdi M, Rahimi E. A randomized controlled trial on the effects of jujube fruit on the concentrations of some toxic trace elements in human milk. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016; 21:108. [PMID: 28250785 PMCID: PMC5322685 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.193499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate the concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in the human milk, and to assess the effect of jujube fruit consumption by lactating mothers in reducing the concentration of these heavy metals in their milk. MATERIALS AND METHODS This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2014 among forty postpartum mothers in Isfahan, the second largest and polluted city in Iran. Mothers were randomized into two groups; the intervention group received 15 g/day of fresh jujube fruit, and the controls received routine care for 8 weeks. RESULTS In the beginning, the concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic were high, without significant difference between groups. The mean (standard deviation) concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic were 29.49 (16.6), 4.65 (3.51), and 1.23 (0.63) μg/L, respectively. The smoothed empirical distribution of environmental pollutants showed that in both groups the mean values and variance of toxic metals decreased after 8 weeks, with a sharper decline in the intervention group. Quantile regression analysis showed that in the intervention group, lead concentration decreased by 2.54 μg/L at the 90th quintile, and cadmium decreased by 0.19 μg/Lat 75th quintile; without significant change in arsenic level. The corresponding figures were not significant in the control group. CONCLUSION The concentrations of heavy metals were high in human milk, and the consumption of jujube fruit had some beneficial effects in reducing these harmful elements. Pregnant and lactating mothers should be advised to reduce their exposure to environmental pollutants, and consumption of some natural medicinal foods can be useful in reducing the concentration of pollutants in human milk. Because of numerous benefits of breast milk, in spite of the existence of some toxic trace elements, breastfeeding must be encouraged because such contaminants are also found in water and formula. The impact of the current findings on the primary prevention of chronic disease should be determined in future longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Kelishadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Najmeh Hasanghaliaei
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parinaz Poursafa
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Keikha
- Department of Epidemiology, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghannadi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Yazdi
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Rahimi
- Department of Food Hygiene, Young Researchers Club, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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Rebelo FM, Caldas ED. Arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium: Toxicity, levels in breast milk and the risks for breastfed infants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:671-688. [PMID: 27619212 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Metals are ubiquitous in nature, being found in all environmental compartments, and have a variety of applications in human activities. Metals are transferred by maternal blood to the fetus via the placenta, and exposure continues throughout life. For the general population, exposure comes mainly from water and food consumption, including breast milk. In this paper, we reviewed studies on the toxicity of arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium, the toxic metals of most concern to human health, focusing on the potential risks to newborns and infants. A total of 75 studies published since 2000 reporting the levels of these metals in breast milk were reviewed. Lead was the metal most investigated in breast milk (43 studies), and for which the highest levels were reported (up to 1515µg/L). Arsenic was the least investigated (18 studies), with higher levels reported for breast milk (up to 149µg/L) collected in regions with high arsenic concentrations in water (>10µg/L). Data from 34 studies on mercury showed that levels in breast milk were generally higher in populations with high fish consumption, where it may be present mainly as MeHg. Cadmium levels in breast milk were the lowest, with means <2µg/L in most of the 29 studies reviewed. Results of risk assessments indicated that the intake of arsenic, lead and mercury by infants through breastfeeding can be considered a health concern in most regions of the world. Although the potential risks to infants are mostly outweighed by the benefits of breast milk consumption, it is essential that contaminants be continuously monitored, especially in the most critical regions, and that measures be implemented by health authorities to reduce exposure of newborns and infants to these metals, and thus avoid unnecessary health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Maciel Rebelo
- Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency, University of Brasilia, 70910-900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Dutra Caldas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, 70910-900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Coi A, Minichilli F, Bustaffa E, Carone S, Santoro M, Bianchi F, Cori L. Risk perception and access to environmental information in four areas in Italy affected by natural or anthropogenic pollution. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 95:8-15. [PMID: 27475730 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A human biomonitoring (HBM) survey in four areas affected by natural or anthropogenic arsenic pollution was conducted in Italy within the framework of the SEpiAs project. A questionnaire, including the exploration of risk perception (RP) regarding environmental hazards and access to and trust in information, was administered to 282 subjects stratified by area, gender and age. The survey was designed to investigate how populations living in polluted areas could adopt prevention-oriented habits, fostered by the awareness of existing risks and, in addition, how increased knowledge of RP and information flows could support researchers in identifying recommendations, and presenting and disseminating HBM results. This study characterizes the four areas in terms of RP and access to and trust in environmental information, and provides insights into the influence of RP and environmental information on food consumption. For the data analysis, a combined random forest (RF) and logistic regression approach was carried out. RF was applied to the variables derived from the questionnaire in order to identify the most important in terms of the aims defined. Associations were then tested using Fisher's exact test and assessed with logistic regression in order to adjust for confounders. Results showed that the perception of and personal exposure to atmospheric and water pollution, hazardous industries and waste, hazardous material transportation and waste was higher in geographical areas characterized by anthropogenic pollution. Citizens living in industrial areas appeared to be aware of environmental risks and had more confidence in environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) than in public authorities. In addition, they reported an insufficient circulation of information. Concerning the influence of RP and environmental information on food consumption, a high perception of personal exposure to atmospheric pollution and hazardous industries was associated with a lower consumption of local fish. In conclusion, different RPs and information flow patterns were observed in areas with arsenic of natural origin or in industrial contexts. These findings may be useful for targeted risk communication plans in support of risk-management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Coi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - F Minichilli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Bustaffa
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Carone
- S.C. Epidemiologia e Statistica - Sez. Registro Tumori - ASL Taranto, Italy
| | - M Santoro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Bianchi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Cori
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
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Al-Saleh I, Elkhatib R, Al-Rouqi R, Abduljabbar M, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Nester M. Alterations in biochemical markers due to mercury (Hg) exposure and its influence on infant's neurodevelopment. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:898-914. [PMID: 27453562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the role of oxidative stress due to mercury (Hg) exposure on infant's neurodevelopmental performance. A total of 944 healthy Saudi mothers and their respective infants (aged 3-12 months) were recruited from 57 Primary Health Care Centers in Riyadh City. Total mercury (Hg) was measured in mothers and infants urine and hair samples, as well as mother's blood and breast milk. Methylmercury (MeHg) was determined in the mothers and infants' hair and mother's blood. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and porphyrins were used to assess oxidative stress. The infant's neurodevelopment was evaluated using Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-II) and Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status. The median total Hg levels in mother's urine, infant's urine, mother's hair, infant's hair, and mother's blood and breast milk were 0.995μg/l, 0.716μg/l, 0.118μg/g dw, 0.101μg/g dw, 0.635μg/l, and 0.884μg/l respectively. The median MeHg levels in mother's hair, infant's hair, and mother's blood were 0.132μg/g dw, 0.091μg/g dw, and 2.341μg/l respectively. A significant interrelationship between mothers and infants Hg measures in various matrices was noted. This suggests that mother's exposure to different forms of Hg (total and/or MeHg) from various sources contributed significantly to the metal body burden of their respective infants. Even though Hg exposure was low, it induced high oxidative stress in mothers and infants. The influence of multiplicative interaction terms between Hg measures and oxidative stress biomarkers was tested using multiple regression analysis. Significant interactions between the urinary Hg levels in mothers and infants and oxidative stress biomarkers (8-OHdG and MDA) were noted. The MeHg levels in mother-infant hair revealed similar interaction patterns. The p-values for both were below 0.001. These observations suggest that the exposure of our infants to Hg via mothers either during pregnancy and/or neonatal life, promoted oxidative stress that might have played a role in infant neurodevelopmental delays that we reported previously. The results confirmed that the interaction between infant's MeHg in hair and 8-OHdG and MDA levels was significantly associated with a delay in DDST-II performance (ß=-0.188, p=0.028). This finding provides an insight into the potential consequences of Hg-induced oxidative stress to infant's cognitive neurodevelopment for the first time. This observation still needs future studies to be validated. Given the low MeHg levels in our population, these findings are of particular importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chafica Eltabache
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Nester
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Marfe G, Di Stefano C. The evidence of toxic wastes dumping in Campania, Italy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016; 105:84-91. [PMID: 27424919 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The region of Campania (particularly Naples and Caserta) were subjected to extensive illegal dumping operations of toxic and radioactive wastes since the 1980s. The highly toxic wastes (HTW) dumping operations that have taken place both along the coast and the hinterland, have extremely adverse effects on health, livelihoods and the future prospect of sustainable development of the local population. The toxic wastes dumping in Campania is real and it has compromised (irreversibly) the human health, natural environment, food security and the long-term development prospects of the affected population. To reverse this tragic trend, it is necessery the identification, isolation and reclamation of the polluted sites and full assessment of the nature and the scale of the polluting chemicals and other hazardous wastes. The purpose of this review is to contribute significantly to the available evidence of the long-running toxic waste dumping in Campania and its negative impact on the health of population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Marfe
- Department of Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Second University of Naples, via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100, Italy.
| | - Carla Di Stefano
- Department of Hematology, "Tor Vergata" University, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Al-Saleh I, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rouqi R, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Elkhatib R, Nester M. The extent of mercury (Hg) exposure among Saudi mothers and their respective infants. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:678. [PMID: 26450688 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A total of 1016 healthy Saudi mothers and their respective infants (aged 3-12 months) were recruited from 57 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the extent of mercury (Hg) exposure and predict its sources in the healthy Saudi population. Total Hg levels were measured in maternal urine, breast milk, blood, and hair and in the infants' urine and hair. Only 1.9% of the mothers had urinary Hg (UHg)>10 μg/l, the limit for asymptomatic adults recommended by the World Health Organization, but the median (0.99 μg/l) was higher than in other countries. Also, 49.3% of the mothers had UHg>1 μg/l, the German reference value for adults. Median infant UHg was 0.729 μg/l, and 77 and 93 % of the infants had levels higher than 0.4 and 0.1 μg/l, the reference values of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and for Germany, respectively. The median Hg level in breast milk was 0.884 μg/l. Even though 43.2% of the milk samples were above the background level for Hg in human milk (1 μg/l), our results were lower than those reported from other countries. Median maternal total Hg in blood was 0.637 μg/l, and only 0.4 and 6.9% of samples were higher than the Hg reference levels of 5.8 μg/l of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and of 2 μg/l for Germany, respectively. Total Hg levels in hair (HHg) varied widely among mothers and infants, but only 3.9% of the mothers and 2.8% of the infants had HHg>1 μg/g (the EPA reference level). Median HHg values were 0.117 μg/g dry weight in mothers and 0.1 μg/g dry weight in infants; both were lower than in other countries. The Hg levels in mothers and their respective infants were relatively low, but our results were consistent with other studies indicating that dental amalgam fillings and fish consumption were the main predictors of maternal Hg exposure. Among the several biomarkers of Hg exposure, Hg levels in maternal hair and urine were the strongest predictors of infant exposure. The lack of an association between Hg in breast milk and Hg in infant urine and hair suggested that the infants were exposed to Hg predominately during pregnancy rather than during breastfeeding. We expect that our data can serve as a baseline for further biomonitoring and follow-up studies, particularly of the long-term impact of Hg on childhood neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chafica Eltabache
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Nester
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Fabbrocini G, Kaya G, Caseiro Silverio P, De Vita V, Kaya A, Fontao F, Sorg O, Saurat JH. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation in Acne Vulgaris Skin: A Case Series from the Region of Naples, Italy. Dermatology 2015; 231:334-8. [DOI: 10.1159/000439402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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38
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Monaco D, Riccio A, Chianese E, Adamo P, Di Rosa S, Fagnano M. Chemical characterization and spatial distribution of PAHs and heavy hydrocarbons in rural sites of Campania Region, South Italy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:14993-15003. [PMID: 26002373 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, the behaviour and distribution patterns of heavy hydrocarbons and several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) priority pollutants, as listed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, were evaluated in 891 soil samples. The samples were collected in three expected polluted rural sites in Campania (southern Italy) as part of the LIFE11 ECOREMED project, funded by the European Commission, to test innovative agriculture-based soil restoration techniques. These sites have been selected because they have been used for the temporary storage of urban and building waste (Teverola), subject to illicit dumping of unknown material (Trentola-Ducenta), or suspected to be polluted by metals due to agricultural practices (Giugliano). Chemical analysis of soil samples allowed the baseline pollution levels to be determined prior to any intervention. It was found that these areas can be considered contaminated for residential use, in accordance with Italian environmental law (Law Decree 152/2006). Statistical analysis applied to the data proved that average mean concentrations of heavy hydrocarbons could be as high as 140 mg/kg of dry soil with peaks of 700 mg/kg of dry soil, for the Trentola-Ducenta site; the median concentration of analytical results for hydrocarbon (HC) concentration for the Trentola-Ducenta and Giugliano sites was 63 and 73.4 mg/kg dry soil, respectively; for Teverola, the median level was 35 mg/kg dry soil. Some PAHs (usually benzo(a)pyrene) also exceeded the maximum allowed level in all sites. From the principal component analysis applied to PAH concentrations, it emerged that pollutants can be supposed to derive from a single source for the three sites. Diagnostic ratios calculated to determine possible PAH sources suggest petroleum combustion or disposal practice. Our sampling protocol also showed large dishomogeneity in soil pollutant spatial distribution, even at a scale as small as 3.3 m, indicating that variability could emerge at very short spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Monaco
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy.
| | - A Riccio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - E Chianese
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - P Adamo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - S Di Rosa
- ARPAC-Campania Region Environmental Protection Agency, Naples, Italy
| | - M Fagnano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, NA, Italy
- CIRAM-University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Joas A, Knudsen LE, Kolossa-Gehring M, Sepai O, Casteleyn L, Schoeters G, Angerer J, Castaño A, Aerts D, Biot P, Horvat M, Bloemen L, Reis MF, Lupsa IR, Katsonouri A, Cerna M, Berglund M, Crettaz P, Rudnai P, Halzlova K, Mulcahy M, Gutleb AC, Fischer ME, Becher G, Fréry N, Jensen G, Van Vliet L, Koch HM, Den Hond E, Fiddicke U, Esteban M, Exley K, Schwedler G, Seiwert M, Ligocka D, Hohenblum P, Kyrtopoulos S, Botsivali M, DeFelip E, Guillou C, Reniero F, Grazuleviciene R, Veidebaum T, Mørck TA, Nielsen JKS, Jensen JF, Rivas TC, Sanchez J, Koppen G, Smolders R, Kozepesy S, Hadjipanayis A, Krskova A, Mannion R, Jakubowski M, Fucic JA, Pereira-Miguel J, Gurzau AE, Jajcaj M, Mazej D, Tratnik JS, Lehmann A, Larsson K, Dumez B, Joas R. Policy recommendations and cost implications for a more sustainable framework for European human biomonitoring surveys. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 141:42-57. [PMID: 25526891 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The potential of Human Biomonitoring (HBM) in exposure characterisation and risk assessment is well established in the scientific HBM community and regulatory arena by many publications. The European Environment and Health Strategy as well as the Environment and Health Action Plan 2004-2010 of the European Commission recognised the value of HBM and the relevance and importance of coordination of HBM programmes in Europe. Based on existing and planned HBM projects and programmes of work and capabilities in Europe the Seventh Framework Programme (FP 7) funded COPHES (COnsortium to Perform Human Biomonitoring on a European Scale) to advance and improve comparability of HBM data across Europe. The pilot study protocol was tested in 17 European countries in the DEMOCOPHES feasibility study (DEMOnstration of a study to COordinate and Perform Human biomonitoring on a European Scale) cofunded (50%) under the LIFE+ programme of the European Commission. The potential of HBM in supporting and evaluating policy making (including e.g. REACH) and in awareness raising on environmental health, should significantly advance the process towards a fully operational, continuous, sustainable and scientifically based EU HBM programme. From a number of stakeholder activities during the past 10 years and the national engagement, a framework for sustainable HBM structure in Europe is recommended involving national institutions within environment, health and food as well as European institutions such as ECHA, EEA, and EFSA. An economic frame with shared cost implications for national and European institutions is suggested benefitting from the capacity building set up by COPHES/DEMOCOPHES.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO, Environmental Risks and Health Unit, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Belgium, Southern Denmark University, Denmark
| | - Jürgen Angerer
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance-Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Germany
| | - Argelia Castaño
- Environmental Toxicology, CNSA-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Dominique Aerts
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Belgium
| | - Pierre Biot
- Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Belgium
| | | | - Louis Bloemen
- Environmental Health Sciences International, The Netherlands
| | - M Fátima Reis
- Medical Faculty of the University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Milena Cerna
- National Institute of Public Health, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Peter Rudnai
- National Institute of Environmental Health, Hungary
| | | | | | - Arno C Gutleb
- Centre de Recherche Public - Gabriel Lippmann, Luxembourg
| | | | | | - Nadine Fréry
- French Institute for Public Health Surveillance, France
| | | | | | - Holger M Koch
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance-Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Germany
| | | | | | - Marta Esteban
- Environmental Toxicology, CNSA-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Claude Guillou
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP), Italy
| | - Fabiano Reniero
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP), Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Teresa C Rivas
- Environmental Toxicology, CNSA-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Jinny Sanchez
- Environmental Toxicology, CNSA-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Adamos Hadjipanayis
- Larnaca General Hospital, Ministry of Health, School of Medicine, European University of Cyprus, Cyprus
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michal Jajcaj
- Urad Verejneho Zdravotnictva Slovenskej Republiky, Slovakia
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40
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Increased risk of bladder cancer in critical areas at high pressure of pollution of the Campania region in Italy: A systematic review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 96:534-41. [PMID: 26520458 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past three decades, large areas of the Naples and the Caserta provinces of the Campania region in Italy have been extensively contaminated by the widespread burial and open-air dumping and incineration of industrial toxic waste. On the basis of the finding that the incidence of bladder cancer appears remarkably high in the Naples province with respect to the rest of Europe and of a potential causative role of environmental contaminants, we sought associations between exposure to toxic agents and increased mortality/incidence of bladder cancer by performing a systematic search of epidemiology and human biomonitoring studies conducted in the provinces of Naples and Caserta. The data show that the incidence of bladder cancer is higher than expected on the basis of regional data in the province of Naples and in certain areas of the province of Caserta, even after accounting for social deprivation, with two clusters of increased mortality rate located in the north-western part of Naples province and in the south-eastern part of the Caserta province. The biomonitoring studies conducted focused on the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are generated by the uncontrolled combustion of refuse abandoned in the territory and have been shown to enter the food chain. While the average values of PCDD/F and PCBs reported in blood serum and human milk of the area population are in accordance with those expected on the basis of studies conducted at a national and international level, five municipalities assessed in the province of Naples, that is Brusciano, Caivano, Giugliano, Mugnano, and Qualiano-Villaricca were clearly characterized by the presence of arsenic, with 62% samples showing serum arsenic levels higher than the 95th percentile of the national distribution. The potential negative synergism of social deprivation, environmental pressure and arsenic contamination may account for the higher than expected bladder cancer incidence and mortality in certain areas of the Campania region and remains to be elucidated via the conduction of ad hoc population-based studies.
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Choi J, Aarøe Mørck T, Polcher A, Knudsen LE, Joas A. Review of the state of the art of human biomonitoring for chemical substances and its application to human exposure assessment for food safety. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2015.en-724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judy Choi
- Judy Choi Alexandra Polcher Anke Joas
| | | | | | | | - Anke Joas
- Judy Choi Alexandra Polcher Anke Joas
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42
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Triassi M, Alfano R, Illario M, Nardone A, Caporale O, Montuori P. Environmental pollution from illegal waste disposal and health effects: a review on the "triangle of death". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:1216-36. [PMID: 25622140 PMCID: PMC4344663 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120201216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The term “triangle of death” was used for the first time by Senior and Mazza in the journal The Lancet Oncology referring to the eastern area of the Campania Region (Southern Italy) which has one of the worst records of illegal waste dumping practices. In the past decades, many studies have focused on the potential of illegal waste disposal to cause adverse effects on human health in this area. The great heterogeneity in the findings, and the bias in media communication has generated great healthcare doubts, anxieties and alarm. This paper addresses a review of the up-to-date literature on the “triangle of death”, bringing together the available information on the occurrence and severity of health effects related to illegal waste disposal. The Scopus database was searched using the search terms “waste”, “Campania”, “Naples”, “triangle of death” and “human biomonitoring”. Despite the methodological and sampling heterogeneity between the studies, this review examines the evidence from published data concerning cancer incidence, childhood mortality and birth defects, so that the current situation, knowledge gaps and research priorities can be established. The review aims to provide a contribution to the scientific community, and to respond to the concerns of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Rossella Alfano
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Maddalena Illario
- Department of Traslational Medical Science, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Antonio Nardone
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Oreste Caporale
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
| | - Paolo Montuori
- Department of Public Health, "Federico II" University, Naples 80131, Italy.
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