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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Vleminckx C, Wallace H, Barregård L, Benford D, Broberg K, Dogliotti E, Fletcher T, Rylander L, Abrahantes JC, Gómez Ruiz JÁ, Steinkellner H, Tauriainen T, Schwerdtle T. Update of the risk assessment of inorganic arsenic in food. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8488. [PMID: 38239496 PMCID: PMC10794945 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2009 risk assessment on arsenic in food carrying out a hazard assessment of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and using the revised exposure assessment issued by EFSA in 2021. Epidemiological studies show that the chronic intake of iAs via diet and/or drinking water is associated with increased risk of several adverse outcomes including cancers of the skin, bladder and lung. The CONTAM Panel used the benchmark dose lower confidence limit based on a benchmark response (BMR) of 5% (relative increase of the background incidence after adjustment for confounders, BMDL05) of 0.06 μg iAs/kg bw per day obtained from a study on skin cancer as a Reference Point (RP). Inorganic As is a genotoxic carcinogen with additional epigenetic effects and the CONTAM Panel applied a margin of exposure (MOE) approach for the risk characterisation. In adults, the MOEs are low (range between 2 and 0.4 for mean consumers and between 0.9 and 0.2 at the 95th percentile exposure, respectively) and as such raise a health concern despite the uncertainties.
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Kapwata T, Wright CY, Reddy T, Street R, Kunene Z, Mathee A. Relations between personal exposure to elevated concentrations of arsenic in water and soil and blood arsenic levels amongst people living in rural areas in Limpopo, South Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:65204-65216. [PMID: 37079235 PMCID: PMC10116462 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26813-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to arsenic even at low levels can lead to adverse health outcomes, however, there is a paucity of research from South Africa in relation to human exposure to arsenic. We investigated long-term exposure of residents in Limpopo province, South Africa, in a cross-sectional study by analysing water, soil and blood arsenic concentrations from two arsenic-exposed (high and medium-low exposure) villages and one non-exposed (control) village. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of arsenic in water, soil and blood amongst the three sites. The median drinking water arsenic concentration in the high-exposure village was 1.75 µg/L (range = 0.02 to 81.30 µg/L), 0.45 µg/L (range = 0.100 to 6.00 µg/L) in the medium- / low-exposure village and 0.15 µg/L (range = < limit of detection (LOD) to 29.30 µg/L) in the control site. The median soil arsenic concentration in the high-exposure village was 23.91 mg/kg (range = < LOD to 92.10 mg/kg) whilst arsenic concentrations were below the limit of detection in all soil samples collected from the medium-/low-exposure and control villages. In the high-exposure village, the median blood arsenic concentration was 1.6 µg/L (range = 0.7 to 4.2 µg/L); 0.90 µg/L (range = < LOD to 2.5 µg/L) in the medium-/low-exposure village and 0.6 µg/L (range = < LOD to 3.3 µg/L) in the control village. Significant percentages of drinking water, soil and blood samples from the exposed sites were above the internationally recommended guidelines (namely, 10 µg/L, 20 mg/kg and 1 µg/L, respectively). Majority of participants (86%) relied on borehole water for drinking and there was a significant positive correlation between arsenic in blood and borehole water (p-value = 0.031). There was also a statistically significant correlation between arsenic concentrations in participants' blood and soil samples collected from gardens (p-value = 0.051). Univariate quantile regression found that blood arsenic concentrations increased by 0.034 µg/L (95% CI = 0.02-0.05) for each one unit increase in water arsenic concentrations (p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, water source and homegrown vegetable consumption in multivariate quantile regression, participants from the high-exposure site had significantly higher blood concentrations than those in the control site (coefficient: 1.00; 95% CI = 0.25-1.74; p-value = 0.009) demonstrating that blood arsenic is a good biomarker of arsenic exposure. Our findings also provide new evidence for South Africa on the association between drinking water and arsenic exposure, emphasising the need for the provision of potable water for human consumption in areas with high environmental arsenic concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thandi Kapwata
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa.
- Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa.
| | - Caradee Y Wright
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, 0084, South Africa
- Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
| | - Renee Street
- Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Zamantimande Kunene
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
- Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
| | - Angela Mathee
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
- Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2028, South Africa
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Al-Saleh I, Al-Rouqi R, Alnuwaysir H, Aldhalaan H, Alismail E, Binmanee A, Hawari A, Alhazzani F, Bin Jabr M. Exposure of preterm neonates to toxic metals during their stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and its impact on neurodevelopment at 2 months of age. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 78:127173. [PMID: 37060676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature neonates might be exposed to toxic metals during their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which could adversely affect neurodevelopment; however, limited evidence is available. The present study was therefore designed to assess the exposure to mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and manganese of preterm neonates who received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and/or red blood cell (RBC) transfusions during their NICU stay and the risk of neurodevelopment delay at the age of 2 months. METHODS We recruited 33 preterm neonates who required TPN during their NICU admission. Blood samples were collected for metal analysis at two different time points (admission and before discharge). Metals in the daily TPN received by preterm neonates were analyzed. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Edition 3 (ASQ-3). RESULTS All samples of TPN had metal contamination: 96% exceeded the critical arsenic limit (0.3 μg/kg body weight/day); daily manganese intake from TPN for preterm neonates exceeded the recommended dose (1 µg/kg body weight) as it was added intentionally to TPN solutions, raising potential safety concerns. All samples of RBC transfusions exceeded the estimated intravenous reference dose for lead (0.19 µg/kg body weight). Levels of mercury, lead and manganese in preterm neonates at discharge decreased 0.867 µg/L (95% CI, 0.76, 0.988), 0.831 (95%CI, 0.779, 0.886) and 0.847 µg/L (95% CI, 0.775, 0.926), respectively. A decrease in ASQ-3-problem solving scores was associated with higher levels of blood lead in preterm neonates taken at admission (ß = -0.405, 95%CI = -0.655, -0.014), and with plasma manganese (ß = -0.562, 95%CI = -0.995, -0.172). We also observed an association between decreased personal social domain scores with higher blood lead levels of preterm neonates before discharge (ß = -0.537, 95%CI = -0.905, -0.045). CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence to suggest negative impacts on the neurodevelopment at 2 months of preterm infants exposed to certain metals, possibly related to TPN intake and/or blood transfusions received during their NICU stay. Preterm neonates may be exposed to levels of metals in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hissah Alnuwaysir
- Environmental Health Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham Aldhalaan
- Center for Autism Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eiman Alismail
- Center for Autism Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Binmanee
- Neonatal Critical Care Section, Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Hawari
- Neonatal Critical Care Section, Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alhazzani
- Neonatal Critical Care Section, Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Bin Jabr
- Neonatal Critical Care Section, Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Daniali SS, Yazdi M, Heidari-Beni M, Taheri E, Zarean E, Goli P, Kelishadi R. Birth Size Outcomes in Relation to Maternal Blood Levels of Some Essential and Toxic Elements. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:4-13. [PMID: 35298828 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03121-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposures to toxic trace elements and deficiencies of essential trace elements during pregnancy may impact fetal growth. This study was conducted to determine the association between maternal blood levels of essential elements including manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) and toxic elements including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) at the first trimester with neonatal anthropometric parameters. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019-2020 in Isfahan, Iran. Overall, 263 mother-infant pairs were recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal whole blood was collected, and essential and toxic elements were determined by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)-based method. Birth size measurements were performed according to standardized protocols. Geometric means and standard deviations of maternal blood concentrations of Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were 3.94 ± 0.82, 5.22 ± 0.57, 7.67 ± 0.58, 2.21 ± 0.77, - 0.59 ± 0.98, and 3.23 ± 0.72 µg/l, respectively. Mean age of mothers was 29.94 ± 5.22 years. Thirty-one (12.1%) neonates were preterm. Maternal blood Pb levels were negatively correlated with birth weight (β = - 0.22 (CI 95%: - 0.38, - 0.05) p = 0.010) and marginally with birth head circumference (β = - 0.14(CI 95%: - 0.29, 0.02), P = 0.094) after adjustment for potential confounder variables. There was no significant association between Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and birth size measurements. Reverse association was found between maternal blood Pb levels and birth weight and birth head circumference. There is limited evidence related to the association between essential and toxic elements during pregnancy with birth size measurements and pregnancy disorders. More studies are suggested to assess of the effect of the trace elements and birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyede Shahrbanoo Daniali
- 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
| | - Maryam Yazdi
- 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
| | - Motahar Heidari-Beni
- Department of Nutrition, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Ensiye Taheri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elaheh Zarean
- Department of Nutrition, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parvin Goli
- 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
| | - 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.
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Röllin HB. Introduction to the Special Issue of IJERPH Entitled “Prenatal Exposure to Environmental Pollutants and Other Stressors: Impacts on Fetal Development, Birth Outcomes, Children’s Health and Beyond”. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148816. [PMID: 35886668 PMCID: PMC9323653 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Halina B Röllin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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Röllin HB, Channa K, Olutola B, Odland JØ. Selenium Status, Its Interaction with Selected Essential and Toxic Elements, and a Possible Sex-Dependent Response In Utero, in a South African Birth Cohort. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168344. [PMID: 34444090 PMCID: PMC8392010 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element and its deficiency in utero may affect fetus development and birth outcomes. The current study aimed to assess serum Se status at delivery and examine the possible association between Se levels and birth outcomes. The interaction of Se with selected essential and toxic elements as well as possible sex-dependent responses in utero were also evaluated. The negative association between Se levels and head circumference of neonates was evident in the total cohort (β = −0.164; p < 0.001) as well as in the pre-term and full-term cohorts. Significant positive correlations were found between maternal serum Se concentrations and zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the total and regional cohorts. In the total cohort, the toxic elements lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) showed a negative correlation with Se levels, while mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al) and cadmium (Cd) showed a positive correlation. The study found a sex-dependent response in utero for Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg, and Al. The findings of the current study may inform reproductive health policy on Se status in South Africa and highlight the need for sensitive methods to measure Se intake during pregnancy and its complex interactions with other micronutrients and environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina B. Röllin
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (J.Ø.O.)
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-12-356-3261
| | - Kalavati Channa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Lancet Laboratories, Johannesburg 2090, South Africa;
| | - Bukola Olutola
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (J.Ø.O.)
- School of Engineering, IT, Science and Health, Independent Institute of Education-Monash, Roodepoort 1724, South Africa
| | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (J.Ø.O.)
- Department of Community Medicine and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of General Hygiene, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119435 Moscow, Russia
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Scott-Richardson M, Ruiz MO, Smith RL. Examining the Relationship Between Low Birth Weight Occurrence and Passive Measures of Environmental Arsenic by Census Tract in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, Florida. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2020; 14:1178630220913053. [PMID: 32341650 PMCID: PMC7169366 DOI: 10.1177/1178630220913053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is a public health concern because of its widespread distribution and high toxicity, even when doses are small. Low birth weight (LBW) occurrence, birth weights less than 2500 g, may be associated with prenatal exposure of arsenic from environmental factors and consuming contaminated drinking water and food. The objective of this study was to examine whether mothers living in areas of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties with varying levels of background arsenic in surface soil and water were associated with the occurrence of LBW. Inverse distance weight in ArcGIS was used to interpolate arsenic concentrations from environmental samples and estimate arsenic concentrations by census tracts in the two counties. After excluding multiple births and displaced geocoding addresses, birth data were obtained for the years of 2005 (n = 5845), 2010 (n = 5569), and 2015 (n = 5770) from the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the Florida Department of Health to assess temporal differences. Generalized linear models were used to analyze and compare the association between child and maternal demographic information, socioeconomic characteristics, and the environmental estimates of arsenic with LBW. No significant association was found between environmental arsenic concentration and LBW, suggesting that environmental contamination of the pregnant mother's census tract may not be a useful proxy in assessing risk for LBW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Scott-Richardson
- Maya Scott-Richardson, Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
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Nyanza EC, Dewey D, Manyama M, Martin JW, Hatfield J, Bernier FP. Maternal exposure to arsenic and mercury and associated risk of adverse birth outcomes in small-scale gold mining communities in Northern Tanzania. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105450. [PMID: 32014788 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to arsenic and mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) communities is an issue that predominantly affects low and middle-income countries. Large epidemiology studies in these communities are rare, and the impact of such exposures on reproductive outcomes are not well understood. OBJECTIVE To examine associations between prenatal maternal arsenic and mercury exposure and birth outcomes in both ASGM and non-ASGM communities in Northern Tanzania. METHODS This longitudinal prospective study included 961 women (ASGM = 788, non-ASGM = 173) of the original cohort of 1056 who were followed until a pregnancy outcome was registered. Maternal spot urine samples and dried blood spots were used to measure total arsenic (T-As) and total mercury (T-Hg) in the second trimester of pregnancy. Data on adverse birth outcomes were collected in 5 categories: spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and visible congenital anomalies. Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to test for differences between median T-As and T-Hg by area of residence. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of stillbirth and visible congenital anomalies given maternal T-As and T-Hg levels. Modified Poisson regressions were used to estimate relative risk ratios between maternal T-As and T-Hg levels and composite adverse birth outcome, spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, and preterm birth. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found in median T-As (9.6 vs. 6.3 µg/L, Mann-Whitney U-tests, Z = -3.50, p < 0.001) and median T-Hg blood concentrations (1.2 vs. 0.70 µg/L, Z = -9.88, p-value < 0.001) between women living in ASGM and non-ASGM areas respectively. In ASGM areas, the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of a composite adverse birth outcome increased with increasing T-As (aRR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.14-1.33, p < 0.0001) and T-Hg (aRR 1.17, 95%CI: 1.1-1.25, p < 0.0001) exposure. Spontaneous abortion (aRR 1.53, 95%CI: 1.28-1.83), stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.97, 95%CI: 1.45-2.66) and preterm birth (1.17, 95%CI: 1.01-1.36) were significantly associated with elevated T-As, whereas elevated T-Hg was significantly associated with stillbirth (aOR 2.49, 95%CI: 1.88-3.29) and visible congenital anomalies (aOR 2.24, 95%CI: 1.3-3.87). CONCLUSION Over half (54.7%) of women in ASGM areas of Northern Tanzania had adverse birth outcomes and the risk of adverse birth outcomes was significantly associated with increased prenatal exposure to arsenic and mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias C Nyanza
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Department of Environmental, Occupational Health and GIS, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Room 294, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Room 294, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, #397 Child Development Centre, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mange Manyama
- Division of Medical Education, Weill-Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm 114 18, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Hatfield
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Francois P Bernier
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Room 294, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, #397 Child Development Centre, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Bozack AK, Cardenas A, Geldhof J, Quamruzzaman Q, Rahman M, Mostofa G, Christiani DC, Kile ML. Cord blood DNA methylation of DNMT3A mediates the association between in utero arsenic exposure and birth outcomes: Results from a prospective birth cohort in Bangladesh. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109134. [PMID: 32018205 PMCID: PMC7167334 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal epigenetic programming plays a critical role in development. DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A), which is involved in de novo DNA methylation (DNAm), is a prime candidate gene as a mediator between prenatal exposures and birth outcomes. We evaluated the relationships between in utero arsenic (As) exposure, birth outcomes, and DNMT3A DNAm. METHODS In a prospective Bangladeshi birth cohort, cord blood DNAm of three DNMT3A CpGs was measured using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Maternal toenail As concentrations at birth were measured to estimate in utero exposure. Among vaginal births (N = 413), structural equation models (SEMs) were used to evaluate relationships between DNMT3A methylation, log2 (toenail As), birth weight, and gestational age. RESULTS In an adjusted SEM including birth weight and gestational age, maternal toenail As levels were associated with DNMT3A DNAm (B = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.66) and gestational age (B = -0.19 weeks; 95% CI: 0.36, -0.03). DNMT3A DNAm was associated with gestational age (B = -0.10 weeks; 95% CI: 0.16, -0.04) and birth weight (B = -11.0 g; 95% CI: 21.5, 0.4). There was an indirect effect of As on gestational age mediated through DNMT3A DNAm (B = -0.04; 95% CI: 0.08, -0.01), and there were indirect effects of maternal toenail As levels on birth weight through pathways including gestational age (B = -14.4 g; 95% CI: 29.2, -1.9), DNMT3A DNAm and gestational age (B = -3.1 g; 95% CI: 6.6, -0.8), and maternal weight gain and gestational age (B = -5.1 g; 95% CI: 9.6, -1.5). The total effect of a doubling in maternal toenail As concentration is a decrease in gestational age of 2.1 days (95% CI: 0.9, 3.3) and a decrease in birth weight of 29 g (95% CI: 14, 46). CONCLUSIONS DNMT3A plays a critical role in fetal epigenetic programming. In utero arsenic exposure was associated with greater methylation of CpGs in DNMT3A which partially mediated associations between prenatal As exposure and birth outcomes. Additional studies are needed to verify this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Bozack
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 2121 Berkeley Way, Room 5302, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - John Geldhof
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Waldo Hall 470, 2250 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Quazi Quamruzzaman
- Dhaka Community Hospital, 190 Wireless Railgate, Baro Moghbazar, Dhaka, 1217, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmuder Rahman
- Dhaka Community Hospital, 190 Wireless Railgate, Baro Moghbazar, Dhaka, 1217, Bangladesh
| | - Golam Mostofa
- Dhaka Community Hospital, 190 Wireless Railgate, Baro Moghbazar, Dhaka, 1217, Bangladesh
| | - David C Christiani
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Molly L Kile
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 15 Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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Röllin HB, Channa K, Olutola B, Nogueira C, Odland JØ. In Utero Exposure to Aluminium and Other Neurotoxic Elements in Urban Coastal South African Women at Delivery: An Emerging Concern. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17051724. [PMID: 32155754 PMCID: PMC7084550 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aluminium (Al) is a non-essential neurotoxicant and there is limited information regarding exposure to Al in utero. This study sought to evaluate the in utero exposure to Al in urban South African women, its effects on birth outcomes and possible synergistic effects between Al, essential and neurotoxic elements such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), as well as a a potential sex-dependent response to these elements in neonates. This study has found elevated levels of Al in urban women at delivery. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients (p-value) of the association between maternal serum Al and birth outcomes (gestational age and parity), and between maternal serum Al and Cu, Zn and Se, were statistically significant. However, in the general and the stratified models, no association was found between any of the birth outcomes and maternal serum Al. The association between maternal serum Al and neurotoxic elements at delivery showed a significant positive correlation for Pb only (rho = 0.361; p < 0.001) which was found to be sex-dependent in neonates (males, rho = 0.285; p < 0.004 and females, rho = 0.444, p < 0.001). Our preliminary findings indicate that in utero exposure to Al is an emerging concern requiring further research and directives from public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina B. Röllin
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (C.N.); (J.Ø.O.)
- Environment and Health Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-12-356-3261
| | - Kalavati Channa
- Lancet Laboratories, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Johannesburg 2090, South Africa;
| | - Bukola Olutola
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (C.N.); (J.Ø.O.)
| | - Claudina Nogueira
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (C.N.); (J.Ø.O.)
| | - Jon Ø. Odland
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; (B.O.); (C.N.); (J.Ø.O.)
- Department of Community Medicine and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Higher School of Economics, National Research University, 107078 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Joubert BR, Mantooth SN, McAllister KA. Environmental Health Research in Africa: Important Progress and Promising Opportunities. Front Genet 2020; 10:1166. [PMID: 32010175 PMCID: PMC6977412 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization in 2016 estimated that over 20% of the global disease burden and deaths were attributed to modifiable environmental factors. However, data clearly characterizing the impact of environmental exposures and health endpoints in African populations is limited. To describe recent progress and identify important research gaps, we reviewed literature on environmental health research in African populations over the last decade, as well as research incorporating both genomic and environmental factors. We queried PubMed for peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, or books examining environmental exposures and health outcomes in human populations in Africa. Searches utilized medical subheading (MeSH) terms for environmental exposure categories listed in the March 2018 US National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, which includes chemicals with worldwide distributions. Our search strategy retrieved 540 relevant publications, with studies evaluating health impacts of ambient air pollution (n=105), indoor air pollution (n = 166), heavy metals (n = 130), pesticides (n = 95), dietary mold (n = 61), indoor mold (n = 9), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs, n = 0), electronic waste (n = 9), environmental phenols (n = 4), flame retardants (n = 8), and phthalates (n = 3), where publications could belong to more than one exposure category. Only 23 publications characterized both environmental and genomic risk factors. Cardiovascular and respiratory health endpoints impacted by air pollution were comparable to observations in other countries. Air pollution exposures unique to Africa and some other resource limited settings were dust and specific occupational exposures. Literature describing harmful health effects of metals, pesticides, and dietary mold represented a context unique to Africa. Studies of exposures to phthalates, PFASs, phenols, and flame retardants were very limited. These results underscore the need for further focus on current and emerging environmental and chemical health risks as well as better integration of genomic and environmental factors in African research studies. Environmental exposures with distinct routes of exposure, unique co-exposures and co-morbidities, combined with the extensive genomic diversity in Africa may lead to the identification of novel mechanisms underlying complex disease and promising potential for translation to global public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie R Joubert
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Kimberly A McAllister
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
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Tian X, Feng J, Dong N, Lyu Y, Wei C, Li B, Ma Y, Xie J, Qiu Y, Song G, Ren X, Yan X. Subchronic exposure to arsenite and fluoride from gestation to puberty induces oxidative stress and disrupts ultrastructure in the kidneys of rat offspring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:1229-1237. [PMID: 31412519 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Underground drinking water is commonly contaminated with arsenite (As) and fluoride (F) associated with chronic kidney diseases in humans; however, the combined renal toxicity of these pollutants and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between As and F regarding toxic effects on the kidney of rat offspring exposed to pollutants during prenatal and postnatal development. Pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups that received NaAsO2 (50 mg/L), NaF (100 mg/L), NaAsO2 (50 mg/L) and NaF (100 mg/L) in drinking water, or clean water, respectively, during gestation and lactation. After weaning, six male pups were randomly selected from each group and continued on the same treatment as their mothers for up to three months. The results revealed that subchronic exposure to high-dose As and/or F decreased the organ coefficient of the kidneys and disrupted kidney ultrastructure, moreover inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes and increased the generation of malondialdehyde in the kidney. As exposure alone or combined with F led to an upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and its regulatory targets (Ho-1, Gclc, and Nqo1), whereas the effect of F alone was not significant. These results suggest that the renal toxicity of As and F is associated with the induction of mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, and alters the expression of Nrf2 and its regulatory targets. Furthermore, variance analysis results showed that an interaction between As and F in the toxicity process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Tian
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Human Disease Animal Models, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Jing Feng
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Human Disease Animal Models, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Nisha Dong
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Yi Lyu
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Cailing Wei
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Ben Li
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Yanqin Ma
- College of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Xie
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Yulan Qiu
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Guohua Song
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Human Disease Animal Models, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
| | - Xuefeng Ren
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Yan
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China.
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13
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Nyanza EC, Bernier FP, Manyama M, Hatfield J, Martin JW, Dewey D. Maternal exposure to arsenic and mercury in small-scale gold mining areas of Northern Tanzania. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:432-442. [PMID: 30974369 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Tanzania results in occupational exposures and environmental contamination to toxic chemical elements such as arsenic and mercury. Populations living in such areas may be exposed by various routes, and prenatal exposure to arsenic and mercury has been associated with adverse birth outcomes and developmental delays. The aim of this study was to determine if levels of arsenic and mercury differed among pregnant women living in areas with and without ASGM activities in Northern Tanzania. This cross-sectional study is part of the ongoing Mining and Health prospective longitudinal study. Spot urine samples and dried blood spots were collected at the antenatal health clinics from pregnant women (n = 1056) at 16-27 weeks gestation. Urine samples were analyzed for total arsenic (T-As) and dried blood spots were analyzed for total mercury (T-Hg). Women in the ASGM cohort had median T-As levels (9.4 μg/L; IQR: 4.9-15.1) and T-Hg levels (1.2 μg/L; IQR: 0.8-1.86) that were significantly higher than the median T-As levels (6.28 μg/L; IQR: 3.7-14.1) and T-Hg levels (0.66 μg/L; IQR: 0.3-1.2) of women in the non-ASGM cohort (Mann-Whitney U test, T-As: z = -9.881, p = 0.0005; T-Hg: z = -3.502, p < 0.0001). Among pregnant women from ASGM areas, 25% had urinary T-As and 75% had blood T-Hg above the established human biomonitoring reference values of 15 and 0.80 μg/L. In the ASGM cohort, lower maternal education and low socioeconomic status increased the odds of higher T-As levels by 20% (p < 0.05) and 10% (p < 0.05), respectively. Women involved in mining activities and those of low socioeconomic status had increased odds of higher T-Hg by 70% (p < 0.001) and 10% (p < 0.05), respectively. Arsenic and mercury concentrations among women in non-ASGM areas suggest exposure sources beyond ASGM activities that need to be identified. Arsenic and mercury levels in women in Tanzania are of public health concern and their association with adverse birth and child developmental outcomes will be examined in future studies on this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias C Nyanza
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada; Department of Environmental, Occupational Health and GIS, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room 294, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Francois P Bernier
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3A 6A8, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room 294, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Mange Manyama
- Division of Medical Education, Weill-Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jennifer Hatfield
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 114 18. Sweden
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3A 6A8, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Room 294, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Bank-Nielsen PI, Long M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Pregnant Inuit Women's Exposure to Metals and Association with Fetal Growth Outcomes: ACCEPT 2010⁻2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1171. [PMID: 30939809 PMCID: PMC6479494 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants such as heavy metals are transported to the Arctic regions via atmospheric and ocean currents and enter the Arctic food web. Exposure is an important risk factor for health and can lead to increased risk of a variety of diseases. This study investigated the association between pregnant women's levels of heavy and essential metals and the birth outcomes of the newborn child. This cross-sectional study is part of the ACCEPT birth cohort (Adaption to Climate Change, Environmental Pollution, and dietary Transition) and included 509 pregnant Inuit women ≥18 years of age. Data were collected in five Greenlandic regions during 2010⁻2015. Population characteristics and birth outcomes were obtained from medical records and midwives, respectively, and blood samples were analyzed for 13 metals. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, Spearman's rho, and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. The proportion of current smokers was 35.8%. The levels of cadmium, chromium, and nickel were higher compared to reported normal ranges. Significant regional differences were observed for several metals, smoking, and parity. Cadmium and copper were significantly inversely related to birth outcomes. Heavy metals in maternal blood can adversely influence fetal development and growth in a dose⁻response relationship. Diet and lifestyle factors are important sources of toxic heavy metals and deviant levels of essential metals. The high frequency of smokers in early pregnancy is of concern, and prenatal exposure to heavy metals and other environmental contaminants in the Greenlandic Inuit needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per I. Bank-Nielsen
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (P.I.B.-N.); (M.L.)
| | - Manhai Long
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (P.I.B.-N.); (M.L.)
| | - Eva C. Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (P.I.B.-N.); (M.L.)
- Greenland Center for Health Research, University of Greenland, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
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15
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A Review of the Effects of Chronic Arsenic Exposure on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14060556. [PMID: 28545256 PMCID: PMC5486242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14060556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to arsenic has a number of known detrimental health effects but impact on pregnancy outcomes is not as widely recognized. This narrative review examines existing epidemiological evidence investigating the association between arsenic exposure via drinking water and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We reviewed published epidemiological studies from around the world on impact of chronic arsenic exposure on spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, neonatal death, post neonatal death, low birth weight and preterm baby. Plausible mechanisms of arsenic toxicity causing adverse pregnancy outcomes were also determined through literature review. There is convincing evidence to support the association between high inorganic arsenic exposure (>50 ppb) and spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and low birth weight. Limitations of certain studies include study design, small sample size, recall constraints and exposure assessment. There needs to be further research investigating the dose metered impact of arsenic exposure on pregnancy outcomes. Further research on impact of low-moderate arsenic concentration exposure on pregnancy outcomes will allow for appropriate public health policy recommendations.
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Choi J, Chang JY, Hong J, Shin S, Park JS, Oh S. Low-Level Toxic Metal Exposure in Healthy Weaning-Age Infants: Association with Growth, Dietary Intake, and Iron Deficiency. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E388. [PMID: 28383506 PMCID: PMC5409589 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14040388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Even low levels of toxic metal exposure (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in infancy might be harmful to children's development. This study investigated toxic metal exposure on healthy weaning-age infants and its relationship with growth, diet, and iron/anemia status. The weight, height, head circumference, whole blood levels of four toxic metals, hemoglobin, and serum ferritin of healthy infants was measured. Among 210 infants with a median age of 11.4 months (interquartile range: 10.5-12.0), the median levels of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were 1.2 μg/L, 0.05 μg/L, 0.8 μg/L, and 0.83 μg/dL, respectively. In adjusted linear regression models, post-birth weight gain (Pb) and current head circumference (As, Pb) were negatively associated with toxic metal levels. In multiple linear regression or logistic regression analysis, the duration of breastfeeding (all four metals), perceived adequacy of rice-based food intake (As), regular fish intake (As, Hg), and iron deficiency with/without anemia (Cd, Pb) were associated with increased toxic metal levels. Although levels of toxic metals may not usually be high in this population, individual exposure risk may need to be assessed after considering the type of feeding or intake of complementary foods and the iron/anemia status while evaluating growth status during late infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungil Choi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
| | - Ju Young Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea.
| | - Jeana Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24289, Korea.
| | - Sue Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea.
| | - Jeong Su Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Sohee Oh
- Department of Medical Statistics, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea.
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