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Oleko A, Saoudi A, Zeghnoun A, Pecheux M, Cirimele V, Mihai Cirtiu C, Berail G, Szego E, Denys S, Fillol C. Exposure of the general French population to metals and metalloids in 2014-2016: Results from the Esteban study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118744. [PMID: 38579993 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118744] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the Esteban study was to describe levels of various biomarkers of exposure to several environmental pollutants, including metals and metalloids, among the French population. This paper describes the distribution of concentrations of 28 metals and metalloids in two different populations, and estimates the main determinants of exposure to total arsenic, the sum of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and its two metabolites monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury and nickel. METHODS Esteban is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2014 and 2016 on a random sample of 2503 adults (18-74 years old) and 1104 children (6-17 years old) from the general population. The data collected included biological samples (blood, hair, and urines), socio-demographic characteristics, environmental and occupational exposure, and information on dietary factors and lifestyle. The geometric mean and percentiles of the distribution were estimated for each metal. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the determinants of exposure using a generalized linear model. RESULTS Only four metals had a quantification rate below 90% in adults (beryllium, iridium, palladium, and platinum), and three metals in children (beryllium, iridium, and platinum). The concentrations of total arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury were higher than those found in most international studies. The determinants significantly associated with exposure were mainly diet and smoking. CONCLUSIONS Esteban provided a nationwide description of 28 metal and metalloid exposure levels for adults (some never measured before) and for the first time in children. The study results highlighted widespread exposure to several metals and metalloids. These results could be used to advocate public health decisions for continued efforts to reduce harmful exposure to toxic metals. The Reference values (RV95) built from Esteban could also be used to support future government strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amivi Oleko
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val D'Osne, 94415, Saint Maurice Cedex, France.
| | - Abdessattar Saoudi
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val D'Osne, 94415, Saint Maurice Cedex, France
| | - Abdelkrim Zeghnoun
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val D'Osne, 94415, Saint Maurice Cedex, France
| | - Marie Pecheux
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val D'Osne, 94415, Saint Maurice Cedex, France
| | - Vincent Cirimele
- ChemTox 3 Rue Grüninger, Parc D'Innovation F, Illkirch Graffenstaden, 67400, France
| | - Ciprian Mihai Cirtiu
- Centre de Toxicologie Du Québec (CTQ), Institut National de Santé Publique Du Québec (INSPQ), 945 Av., Wolfe, Québec, G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Géraldine Berail
- Laboratoire de l'Environnement et de l'Alimentation de la Vendée (LEA Vendée), La Roche sur Yon, France
| | - Emmanuelle Szego
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val D'Osne, 94415, Saint Maurice Cedex, France
| | - Sébastien Denys
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val D'Osne, 94415, Saint Maurice Cedex, France
| | - Clémence Fillol
- Santé Publique France, French Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val D'Osne, 94415, Saint Maurice Cedex, France
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Vejrup K, Brantsæter AL, Caspersen IH, Haug LS, Villanger GD, Aase H, Knutsen HK. Mercury exposure in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study - measured and predicted blood concentrations and associations with birth weight. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30246. [PMID: 38726118 PMCID: PMC11078626 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Blood total mercury concentration (BTHg) predominantly contains methyl Hg from seafood, and less inorganic Hg. Measured BTHg is often available only in a small proportion of large cohort study samples. Associations between estimated dietary intake of total Hg (THg) and lower birth weight within strata of maternal seafood intake was previously reported in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). However, maternal seafood consumption was associated with increased birth weight, indicating negative confounding by seafood in the association between THg intake and birth weight. Using predicted BTHg as a proxy for measured BTHg, we hypothesized that predicted BTHg would be associated with decreased birth weight. Objectives To develop and validate a prediction model for BTHg in MoBa and to examine the association between predicted BTHg and birth weight in the MoBa population. Methods Using linear regression, measured maternal BTHg (n = 1437) was used to build the best fitting model (highest R-squared value). Model validation (n = 1436) was based on correlation and weighted Kappa (Кw). Associations between predicted BTHg in the MoBa population (n = 86,775) or measured BTHg (n = 3590) and birth weight were assessed by multivariate linear regression models. Results The best fitting model had R-squared = 0.3 and showed strong correlation (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) between predicted and measured BTHg. Cross-classification (quintiles) showed 73 % correctly classified and 3.3 % grossly misclassified, with Кw of 0.37. Measured BTHg was not associated with birth weight. Predicted BTHg was significantly associated with higher birth weight. There were no trends in birth weight with increasing quintiles of measured or predicted BTHg after stratification into high or low seafood consumption. Conclusions The results indicate that prediction of BTHg did not overcome negative confounding of the association between Hg exposure and birth weight by seafood intake. Furthermore, effect on birth weight of toxicological concern is unexpected in our observed BTHg range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Vejrup
- Institute of Military Epidemiology, Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Serviced, Norway
| | - Anne Lise Brantsæter
- Department of Food Safety and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Ida H. Caspersen
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Line S. Haug
- Department of Food Safety and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Gro D. Villanger
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Heidi Aase
- Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
| | - Helle K. Knutsen
- Department of Food Safety and Centre for Sustainable Diets, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
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Kung HC, Wu CH, Huang BW, Chang-Chien GP, Mutuku JK, Lin WC. Mercury abatement in the environment: Insights from industrial emissions and fates in the environment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28253. [PMID: 38571637 PMCID: PMC10987932 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury's neurotoxic effects have prompted the development of advanced control and remediation methods to meet stringent measures for industries with high-mercury feedstocks. Industries with significant Hg emissions, including artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM)-789.2 Mg year-1, coal combustion-564.1 Mg year-1, waste combustion-316.1 Mg year-1, cement production-224.5 Mg year-1, and non-ferrous metals smelting-204.1 Mg year-1, use oxidants and adsorbents capture Hg from waste streams. Oxidizing agents such as O3, Cl2, HCl, CaBr2, CaCl2, and NH4Cl oxidize Hg0 to Hg2+ for easier adsorption. To functionalize adsorbents, carbonaceous ones use S, SO2, and Na2S, metal-based adsorbents use dimercaprol, and polymer-based adsorbents are grafted with acrylonitrile and hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Adsorption capacities span 0.2-85.6 mg g-1 for carbonaceous, 0.5-14.8 mg g-1 for metal-based, and 168.1-1216 mg g-1 for polymer-based adsorbents. Assessing Hg contamination in soils and sediments uses bioindicators and stable isotopes. Remediation approaches include heat treatment, chemical stabilization and immobilization, and phytoremediation techniques when contamination exceeds thresholds. Achieving a substantially Hg-free ecosystem remains a formidable challenge, chiefly due to the ASGM industry, policy gaps, and Hg persistence. Nevertheless, improvements in adsorbent technologies hold potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Chieh Kung
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
- Center for General Education, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 833301, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Wun Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Institute of Mechatronic Engineering, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung City, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Ping Chang-Chien
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Justus Kavita Mutuku
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ching Lin
- Department of Neuroradiology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
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Jin T, Park EY, Kim B, Oh JK. Environmental exposure to lead and cadmium are associated with triglyceride glucose index. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2496. [PMID: 38291186 PMCID: PMC10827717 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52994-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index was suggested as a novel reliable surrogate marker for insulin resistance and related cardiovascular-metabolic diseases. We aimed to evaluate the association between the TyG index and environmental exposure to lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd). A total of 9645 adults who enrolled in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2005, 2008-2013, and 2016 were included. Fasting plasma glucose and triglyceride levels were used to calculate the TyG index. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We noted an increasing trend in the TyG index with increment of blood Pb and Cd concentrations. Participants in the highest quartile of blood Pb and Cd concentrations had higher TyG index values than those in the lowest quartile, with ORs (95% CIs) of 1.32 (1.07-1.63) and 1.29 (1.04-1.59) for Pb and Cd, respectively. Strong associations between blood Pb and Cd concentrations and the TyG index were found in men. Blood Hg concentrations did not show a significant association with the TyG index. Our study suggests that public health strategies for cardiovascular-metabolic disorder prevention should be directed toward individuals exposed to priority heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiyue Jin
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, 10408, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Eun Young Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
| | - Byungmi Kim
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, 10408, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Department of Cancer Control and Population Health, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, 10408, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jin-Kyoung Oh
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, 10408, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
- Department of Cancer Control and Population Health, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, 10408, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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Ubong D, Stewart L, Sepai O, Knudsen LE, Berman T, Reynders H, Van Campenhout K, Katsonouri A, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Ingelido AM, Castaño A, Pedraza-Díaz S, Eiríksdóttir ÁV, Thomsen C, Hartmann C, Gjorgjev D, De Felip E, Tolonen H, Santonen T, Klanova J, Norström K, Kononenko L, Silva MJ, Uhl M, Kolossa-Gehring M, Apel P, Jõemaa M, Jajcaj M, Estokova M, Luijten M, Lebret E, von Goetz N, Holcer NJ, Probst-Hensch N, Cavaleiro R, Barouki R, Tarroja E, Balčienė RM, Strumylaite L, Latvala S, Namorado S, Szigeti T, Ingi Halldorsson T, Olafsdottir K, Wasowicz W. Application of human biomonitoring data to support policy development, raise awareness and environmental public health protection among countries within the HBM4EU project. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 251:114170. [PMID: 37207539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Most countries have acknowledged the importance of assessing and quantifying their population's internal exposure from chemicals in air, water, soil, food and other consumer products due to the potential health and economic impact. Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a valuable tool which can be used to quantify such exposures and effects. Results from HBM studies can also contribute to improving public health by providing evidence of individuals' internal chemical exposure as well as data to understand the burden of disease and associated costs thereby stimulating the development and implementation of evidence-based policy. To have a holistic view on HBM data utilisation, a multi-case research approach was used to explore the use of HBM data to support national chemical regulations, protect public health and raise awareness among countries participating in the HBM4EU project. The Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) Initiative (https://www.hbm4eu.eu/) is a collaborative effort involving 30 countries, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission (contracting authority) to harmonise procedures across Europe and advance research into the understanding of the health impacts of environmental chemical exposure. One of the aims of the project was to use HBM data to support evidence based chemical policy and make this information timely and directly available for policy makers and all partners. The main data source for this article was the narratives collected from 27 countries within the HBM4EU project. The countries (self-selection) were grouped into 3 categories in terms of HBM data usage either for public awareness, policy support or for the establishment HBM programme. Narratives were analysed/summarised using guidelines and templates that focused on ministries involved in or advocating for HBM; steps required to engage policy makers; barriers, drivers and opportunities in developing a HBM programme. The narratives reported the use of HBM data either for raising awareness or addressing environmental/public health issues and policy development. The ministries of Health and Environment were reported to be the most prominent entities advocating for HBM, the involvement of several authorities/institutions in the national hubs was also cited to create an avenue to interact, discuss and gain the attention of policy makers. Participating in European projects and the general population interest in HBM studies were seen as drivers and opportunities in developing HBM programmes. A key barrier that was cited by countries for establishing and sustaining national HBM programmes was funding which is mainly due to the high costs associated with the collection and chemical analysis of human samples. Although challenges and barriers still exist, most countries within Europe were already conversant with the benefits and opportunities of HBM. This article offers important insights into factors associated with the utilisation of HBM data for policy support and public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dragan Gjorgjev
- Institute of Public Health, Republic of North Macedonia, Macedonia
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González-Rubio JM, Domínguez-Morueco N, Pedraza-Díaz S, Cañas Portilla A, Lucena MÁ, Rodriguez A, Castaño A, Esteban-López M. A simple method for direct mercury analysis in dried blood spots (DBS) samples for human biomonitoring studies. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107958. [PMID: 37285712 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to mercury can have serious health effects, especially in vulnerable groups such as children and fetuses. The use of dried blood spot (DBS) samples to collect capillary blood greatly facilitates sample collection and fieldwork, being a less invasive alternative to blood collection by venipuncture, needing a small volume of sample, and does not require specialized medical staff. Moreover, DBS sampling reduces logistical and financial barriers related to transport and storage of blood samples. We propose here a novel method to analyze total mercury in DBS samples in a Direct Mercury Analyzer (DMA) that allow the control of the volume of the DBS samples. This method has shown good results in terms of precision (<6% error), accuracy (<10% coefficient of variation) and recovery (75-106%). The applicability of the method in human biomonitoring (HBM) was demonstrated in a pilot study involving 41 adults aged 18-65. Mercury concentrations of DBS samples from capillary blood collected by finger prick (real DBS samples) were determined in the DMA and compared with those determined in whole blood (venous blood) by ICP-MS, the method usually used in HBM. The sampling procedure was also validated by comparison of real DBS samples and DBS generated artificially in the laboratory by depositing venous samples in cellulose cards (laboratory DBS). There were no statistically significant differences in the results obtained using both methodologies (DMA: Geometric Mean (confidence interval 95%) = 3.87 (3.12-4.79) µg/L; ICP-MS: Geometric Mean (confidence interval 95%) = 3.46 (2.80-4.27) µg/L). The proposed method is an excellent alternative to be applied in clinical settings as screening methodology for assessing mercury exposure in vulnerable groups, such us pregnant woman, babies and children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susana Pedraza-Díaz
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Cañas Portilla
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Lucena
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Argelia Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Esteban-López
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Nuvolone D, Aprea MC, Stoppa G, Petri D, Barbone F, Crocetti E, Voller F. Levels and determinants of urinary and blood metals in the geothermal area of Mt. Amiata in Tuscany (Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:38319-38332. [PMID: 36577821 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24953-y] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Natural sources and anthropogenic activities are responsible for the widespread presence of heavy metals in the environment in the volcanic and geothermal area of Mt. Amiata (Tuscany, Italy). This study evaluates the extent of the population exposure to metals and describes the major individual and environmental determinants. A human biomonitoring survey was carried out to determine the concentrations of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), thallium (Tl), antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), vanadium (V), and manganese (Mn). The associations between socio-demographics, lifestyle, diet, environmental exposure, and metal concentrations were evaluated using multiple log-linear regression models, adjusted for urinary creatinine. A total of 2034 urine and blood samples were collected. Adjusted geometric averages were higher in women (except for blood Hg) and younger subjects (except for Tl and Cd). Smoking was associated with Cd, As, and V. Some dietary habits (rice, fish, and wine consumption) were associated with As, Hg, Co, and Ni. Amalgam dental fillings and contact lenses were associated with Hg levels, piercing with As, Co, and Ni. Among environmental determinants, urinary As levels were higher in subjects using the aqueduct water for drinking/cooking. The consumption of locally grown fruits and vegetables was associated with Hg, Tl, and Co. Exposure to geothermal plant emissions was associated only with Tl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Nuvolone
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi, 1, 50141, Florence, FI, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Aprea
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Prevention, Health Agency of South-East Tuscany, Strada del Ruffolo 4, 53100, Siena, SI, Italy
| | - Giorgia Stoppa
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi, 1, 50141, Florence, FI, 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, PD, Italy
| | - Davide Petri
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi, 1, 50141, Florence, FI, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, PI, Italy
| | - Fabio Barbone
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada Di Fiume, 447, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuele Crocetti
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi, 1, 50141, Florence, FI, Italy
| | - Fabio Voller
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Via Pietro Dazzi, 1, 50141, Florence, FI, Italy
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Cegolon L, Petranich E, Pavoni E, Floreani F, Barago N, Papassissa E, Larese Filon F, Covelli S. Concentration of mercury in human hair and associated factors in residents of the Gulf of Trieste (North-Eastern Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:21425-21437. [PMID: 36269483 PMCID: PMC9938062 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23384-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) is the coastal area of the Mediterranean Sea most highly contaminated by mercury (Hg) due to fluvial inputs from the Isonzo/Soča River system, draining over 500 years' worth of cinnabar extraction activity from the Idrija mining district (Western Slovenia). The aim of this research is to investigate the concentration of Hg in hair samples taken from the general population of the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Region coastal area, as a marker of chronic exposure to Hg. Three hundred and one individuals - 119 males and 182 females - were recruited by convenience sampling in Trieste in September 2021. An amount of approximately 100 mg of hair was collected from the occipital scalp of each participant to measure the respective Hg concentrations (expressed as mg/kg). Moreover, participants completed a self-report questionnaire collecting extensive socio-demographic and life-style information. A multiple linear regression analysis was employed to investigate factors associated with increased levels of Hg concentration in hair. A mean Hg concentration in hair of 1.63 mg/kg was found, slightly above the 1.0 mg/kg threshold recommended by the WHO for pregnant women and children, although still well below the no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) of 10 mg/kg. Among respondents, 55.6% showed a Hg concentration in hair > 1 mg/kg, 22.9% > 2 mg/kg, and 2 participants exhibited Hg levels > 10 mg/kg. The adjusted mean hair Hg level increased in those subjects who reported a preference for shellfish/crayfish/mollusks (RC = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.16; 0.55), whereas it decreased in those who reported a preference for frozen fish (RC = -0.23; 95%CI: - 0.39; - 0.06). Though a risk alert for Hg exposure for coastal residents from FVG is deemed unnecessary at this time, it is recommended that pregnant women limit their ingestion of locally caught fish to < 4 servings/month.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cegolon
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Public Health Department, University Health Agency Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisa Petranich
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Elena Pavoni
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federico Floreani
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicolò Barago
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisa Papassissa
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesca Larese Filon
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Covelli
- Department of Mathematics & Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Rooney JPK, Michalke B, Geoghegan G, Heverin M, Bose-O'Reilly S, Hardiman O, Rakete S. Urine concentrations of selected trace metals in a cohort of Irish adults. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:75356-75364. [PMID: 35655008 PMCID: PMC9553804 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21169-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring studies are of increasing importance in regulatory toxicology; however, there is a paucity of human biomonitoring data for the Irish population. In this study, we provide new data for urinary biomarker concentrations of aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, manganese, lead and selenium. One hundred urine samples, collected between 2011 and 2014 from healthy participants of the EuroMOTOR project, were randomly selected. Metal concentrations were measured via ICPMS. Descriptive statistics for each of the metals stratified by gender were performed. There were 58 male and 42 female participants and metals were detectable for all samples. Geometric mean urinary concentrations for each metal in males were as follows: aluminium 8.5 μg/L, arsenic 8.1 μg/L, cadmium 0.3 μg/L, chromium 0.5 μg/L, copper 5.1 μg/L, mercury 0.4 μg/L, manganese 0.3 μg/L, lead 1.3 μg/L and selenium 10.8 μg/L; and in females: aluminium 8.5 μg/L, arsenic 10.2 μg/L, cadmium 0.4 μg/L, chromium 0.6 μg/L, copper 5.6 μg/L, mercury 0.3 μg/L, manganese 0.2 μg/L, lead 1.6 μg/L and selenium 13.7 μg/L. We observed higher geometric mean concentrations in women for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and selenium, with equal geometric mean concentrations for aluminium and manganese, leaving only mercury with lower geometric mean concentrations in women. Aluminium, cadmium, chromium, lead and urinary concentrations of metals were slightly elevated compared to European data, while for arsenic, copper, manganese and selenium, Irish levels were lower. Our findings highlight that there are differences in urinary metal concentrations between European populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P K Rooney
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational-, Social- and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Bernhard Michalke
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gráinne Geoghegan
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Heverin
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational-, Social- and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Public Health, Medical Informatics and Technology, Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - Private University for Health Sciences, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stefan Rakete
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational-, Social- and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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10
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Domínguez-Morueco N, Pedraza-Díaz S, González-Caballero MDC, Esteban-López M, de Alba-González M, Katsonouri A, Santonen T, Cañas-Portilla A, Castaño A. Methylmercury Risk Assessment Based on European Human Biomonitoring Data. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10080427. [PMID: 36006106 PMCID: PMC9416112 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10080427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A risk assessment (RA) was conducted to estimate the risk associated with methylmercury (MeHg) exposure of vulnerable European populations, using Human Biomonitoring (HBM) data. This RA was performed integrating published data from European HBM surveys and earlier EFSA approaches (EFSA 2012). Children/adolescents (3 to 17 years old) and women of childbearing age (18 to 50 years old) were selected as relevant study population groups for this RA. Two types of HBM datasets were selected: HBM studies (n = 18) with mercury (Hg) levels (blood and hair, total Hg and/or MeHg) in the general population in different EU countries and the DEMOCOPHES harmonized study in child–mother pairs (hair, total Hg) in 17 EU countries as a reference. Two approaches were included in the RA strategy: the first one was based on estimations of the fraction of children/adolescents and women of childbearing age, respectively, from the EU general population exceeding the HBM-I value established by the German Human Biomonitoring Commission, measured as Hazard Quotients (HQ); and the second approach was based on estimations of the fraction of the two population groups exceeding the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) (or their equivalent to Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI)) defined by EFSA in 2012. The HQ approach showed that for both groups, the risk varies across EU countries and that some EU areas are close to or exceeding the exposure guidance values. This is the case of Spain and Portugal, which showed the highest HQ (GM and/or P95), probably due to their higher fish consumption. Results from the EFSA approach show that hair values of children/adolescents and women of childbearing age (both in selected HBM studies and in DEMOCOPHES study) are below the TDI of 1.9 µg/g; therefore, in general, the European population does not exceed the daily average/intake dose for MeHg and/or Hg. A possible risk underestimation was identified in our assessment since for many studies no data on P95 were available, causing loss of relevant information for risk characterization on the upper bound. In addition, data from other European countries also with high seafood consumption, such as France, Greece or Iceland, were not available. For this reason, further RA refinement is needed with harmonized and more widespread HBM data to account for differences in European exposure and associated risks, so that interventions to protect vulnerable citizens, can be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Domínguez-Morueco
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (N.D.-M.); (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.E.-L.); (M.d.A.-G.); (A.C.)
| | - Susana Pedraza-Díaz
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (N.D.-M.); (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.E.-L.); (M.d.A.-G.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.-D.); (A.C.-P.)
| | - María del Carmen González-Caballero
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (N.D.-M.); (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.E.-L.); (M.d.A.-G.); (A.C.)
| | - Marta Esteban-López
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (N.D.-M.); (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.E.-L.); (M.d.A.-G.); (A.C.)
| | - Mercedes de Alba-González
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (N.D.-M.); (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.E.-L.); (M.d.A.-G.); (A.C.)
| | - Andromachi Katsonouri
- Cyprus State General Laboratory, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 28648, Nicosia 2081, Cyprus;
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland;
| | - Ana Cañas-Portilla
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (N.D.-M.); (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.E.-L.); (M.d.A.-G.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.-D.); (A.C.-P.)
| | - Argelia Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (N.D.-M.); (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.E.-L.); (M.d.A.-G.); (A.C.)
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11
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Jung E, Kim H, Yun D, Rahman MM, Lee JH, Kim S, Kim CK, Han S. Importance of hydraulic residence time for methylmercury accumulation in sediment and fish from artificial reservoirs. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 293:133545. [PMID: 34998844 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133545] [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: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Excessive methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in dietary fish is a global concern due to its harmful effects on human health, however, environmental factors affecting MeHg accumulation in reservoir ecosystems are not clearly known. In this study, we aim to identify the main sources of MeHg in the water column and the critical factors related to MeHg concentration and methylation rate constant (km) in sediment and total Hg concentration in fish using five-year (2016-2020) monitoring data of the five artificial reservoirs. The preliminary mass budgets constructed using the measurement and online data showed that sediment transport dominated over runoff in the long residence time reservoirs (400-475 days), while runoff dominated over sediment transport in the short residence time reservoirs (10 days). Whereas the sediment km showed a comparable variation with the algal biomass, the sediment MeHg concentration and the length-normalized Hg concentration in the barbel steed and bluegill increased in the longer residence time reservoirs with lower algal biomass. As MeHg accumulation in sediment and fish tends to increase in the slowly overturning reservoirs, the hydraulic residence time should be carefully managed to meet the best protection of human health from chronic Hg exposure by fish consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Jung
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyogyeong Kim
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Daseul Yun
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Moklesur Rahman
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Hyeon Lee
- Environmental Human Research & Consulting (EHR&C), Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhyun Kim
- Environmental Human Research & Consulting (EHR&C), Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Kook Kim
- Marine Environment Research Institute, OCEANIC C&T Co., Ltd, Kangwon, 25601, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Han
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Morton J, Sams C, Leese E, Garner F, Iqbal S, Jones K. Biological Monitoring: Evidence for Reductions in Occupational Exposure and Risk. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:836567. [PMID: 35387427 PMCID: PMC8979160 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.836567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this publication is to explore occupational exposure trends from biological monitoring data collected over a period of more than 20 years. The data is stored within the HSE database, which holds more than 950,000 results from 120,000 workers in 8,000 companies. The data were collated for all biological monitoring results for lead, mercury, benzene, and hexamethylene diisocyanate exposures where there have been some regulatory drivers within the reported time period of the data searched.Methods: Relevant results from sample analysed were extracted from the database and categorised by year from 1996 to the end of 2019 for individual blood lead results and individual urine results for mercury, benzene, and hexamethylene diisocyanate. Results were classed by broad occupational sector where possible. Data were reported graphically by analytical biomarker result (as 90th percentile (P90)) and number of samples per year as well as with overall summary statistics. To look at longer-term trends, results were also evaluated as P90 over 6-year periods.Results: In the period 1996–2019, 37,474 blood lead, 11,723 urinary mercury, 9,188 urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA, benzene metabolite) and 21,955 urinary hexamethylene diamine (HDA, metabolite of hexamethylene diisocyanate, HDI) samples were analysed and reported. Over the time period the blood lead concentrations saw the P90 reduce from 53 μg/dl 1996) to 24 μg/dl in 2019; the P90 urinary mercury levels reduced from 13.7 μmol/mol creatinine to 2.1 μmol/mol creatinine and the P90 urinary SPMA levels reduced from 133.7 μmol/mol creatinine to 1.7 μmol/mol creatinine. For HDI the P90 results reduced from 2 µmol HDA/mol creatinine in 1996–2000 to 0.7 in 2005–2010 but levels have since increased to 1.0 µmol HDA/mol creatinine (2016–2019).Conclusion: There is strong evidence of reductions in exposure of GB workers to lead, benzene and mercury from the data presented here. These reductions may reflect the impact of national, regional and global regulatory action to reduce exposures however, the loss of high exposure industries (from either GB as a whole or just this dataset i.e., samples are being sent elsewhere) and the increase in automation or substitution also need to be considered as potential factors. The results for HDI show that whilst interventions can reduce exposures significantly, such initiatives may need to be refreshed at intervals to maintain the reductions in exposure. We have observed that exposures move between sectors over time. Waste and recycling (lead, mercury) and tunnelling through contaminated land (benzene) were sectors or tasks associated with significant exposures and may be increasingly areas of concern.
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13
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Esteban-López M, Arrebola JP, Juliá M, Pärt P, Soto E, Cañas A, Pedraza-Díaz S, González-Rubio J, Castaño A. Selecting the best non-invasive matrix to measure mercury exposure in human biomonitoring surveys. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112394. [PMID: 34801545 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury, even at low doses, can affect human health, well-being and life quality at a broad scale. Human biomonitoring is the most straightforward approach to measure and quantify mercury exposure in humans. The objective of the present study is to compare and discuss the relationships between Hg levels in the most used matrices, hair, urine and blood, with the aim to ascertain to what extent mercury exposure and internal mercury levels could be predicted by monitoring non-invasive matrices. The study population (n = 527) is a subsample from Spanish BIOAMBIENT. ES study (18-65 y, both sexes), with data of Hg levels in blood, hair, and urine from the same individuals. We found strong inter-matrix Spearman correlations between blood and hair mercury (r2 = 0.84), while the correlations for urine and blood mercury (r2=0.64) and urine and hair mercury (r2=0.65) were weaker. The geometric mean of the ratios between matrices were (GM, 95%CI): Hair/Blood 280 (271-290), Urine/Blood 0.174 (0.163-0.186) and Hair/Urine 2070 (1953-2194) and Urine/Blood 0.135 (0.128-0.144) for urine corrected by creatinine. High individual variation was observed particularly in those ratios involving urine. Considering the wide range of values observed in the ratios, we do not recommend applying them at individual level. The predictive models indicate that hair Hg was a more accurate predictor than urine. The inclusion of urine values did not increase the predictive accuracy, so, we recommend a cautious interpretation of urine mercury levels. Our study presents clear evidence that in a population highly exposed to food-borne mercury, a large portion of urinary mercury primarily emanates from methylmercury demethylation. We conclude that urine, as a non-invasive matrix, can be used as a reliable qualitative biomarker for Hg exposure when hair measurements not are available. For quantitative individual assessments, still blood measurements are to be preferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Esteban-López
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Pedro Arrebola
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Spain
| | - Miguel Juliá
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Peter Pärt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish Agricultural University, Sweden
| | - Eva Soto
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Cañas
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Pedraza-Díaz
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana González-Rubio
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Argelia Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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14
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Sobolev N, Ellingsen DG, Belova N, Aksenov A, Sorokina T, Trofimova A, Varakina Y, Kotsur D, Grjibovski AM, Chashchin V, Bogolitsyn K, Thomassen Y. Essential and non-essential elements in biological samples of inhabitants residing in Nenets Autonomous Okrug of the Russian Arctic. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 152:106510. [PMID: 33756428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of Arctic residents to environmental pollutants is an emerging public health problem receiving little global attention. The objective of this study was to assess whole blood concentrations of nine selected essential (Co, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) elements among Nenets and non-Nenets adult residents of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO) living in seven coastal and inland settlements. Urine was collected in two settlements for assessment of iodine status. Altogether 297 whole blood and 68 urine samples were analysed by inductively coupled mass spectrometry and the accuracy of the measurements was assessed by use of human whole blood and urine quality control materials. Several essential and non-essential showed significant variations in whole blood concentrations characterized by gender, population group and locality. Cd levels among non-Nenets non-smokers (0.19 µg/L) indicated a dietary intake at a natural global background level. Hg concentrations in whole blood show that not more than 10% of women in the fertile age had a Hg intake above the EFAS's recommendation. The Pb concentrations were in the range of, or partly exceeding reference values for increased risk of nephrotoxicity, and there is a need for a continued effort to reduce Pb exposure among the population groups in NAO. With high prevalence of obesity among the Nenets and non-Nenets population, a high prevalence of Fe-deficiency among menstruating women (<50 years) (37.2%) and a lower I status than recommended by WHO, these nutritional dependent components deserve further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Sobolev
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia.
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Natalia Belova
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; Northern State Medical University, Troitskiy Ave. 51, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Andrey Aksenov
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Tatiana Sorokina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Anna Trofimova
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yulia Varakina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Kotsur
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 23, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Andrej M Grjibovski
- Northern State Medical University, Troitskiy Ave. 51, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan; West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030019, Kazakhstan
| | - Valerii Chashchin
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Kirochnaya ul. 41, 191015 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Ecology, HSE University, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Bogolitsyn
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 23, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Ecology, HSE University, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000 Moscow, Russia
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15
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Coscollà C, Sánchez A, Corpas-Burgos F, López A, Pérez R, Kuligowski J, Vento M, Yusà V. Exposure and Risk Assessment of Hg, Cd, As, Tl, Se, and Mo in Women of Reproductive Age Using Urinary Biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1477-1490. [PMID: 33492722 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present study analyzed the exposure and risk assessment of 4 toxic (Hg, Cd, As, Tl) and 2 essential (Se, Mo) elements in 119 Spanish women of reproductive age. The focus was on the elements for which risk-based benchmark, biomonitoring equivalents, or health-related human biomonitoring values have already been established. All elements presented frequencies of detection of 100% (greater than the limit of detection), except for Cd (99%). The 95th percentile concentrations were, for the toxic metals, 358.37 µg/L (total As), 1.10 µg/L (Cd), 0.41 µg/L (Tl), and 3.03 µg/L (total Hg) and, for the essential elements, 68.95 µg/L (total Se) and 154.67 (Mo). We examined sociodemographic factors and dietary habits of women as predictors of urinary metal concentrations. Arsenic was positively associated with fish, shellfish, and canned fish consumption, whereas Mo was found to be associated with the consumption of cereals and pastry products. Maternal urine levels of As were negatively correlated with gestational age. In a risk-assessment context, hazard quotients (HQs) using the 95th percentile ranged from 0.08 (Tl) to 15.1 (urinary speciated As), with Cd presenting an HQ of 1.1 (95th percentile). None of the essential metals presented concentrations higher than their upper intake level; however, 3% of the mothers showed lower levels of Se than the estimated average requirement (EAR) biomonitoring equivalent, and 20% of the mothers were found to have lower levels of Mo than the EAR biomonitoring equivalent, suggesting a nutritionally inadequate diet. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1477-1490. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Coscollà
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Francisca Corpas-Burgos
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio López
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Pérez
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julia Kuligowski
- Neonatal Research Unit, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Máximo Vento
- Neonatal Unit, University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicent Yusà
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, Valencia, Spain
- Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Analytical Chemistry Department, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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16
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Hu Q, Han X, Dong G, Yan W, Wang X, Bigambo FM, Fang K, Xia Y, Chen T, Wang X. Association between mercury exposure and thyroid hormones levels: A meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110928. [PMID: 33640496 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between mercury (Hg) exposure and thyroid hormones (THs) levels in the general population has been inconclusive. We conducted a random effects model meta-analysis to identify the association between Hg exposure and THs levels in the general population. METHODS This meta-analysis were performed based on the PECO questions (P = general population; E =1ug/L Hg in blood and urine; C =1ug/L incremental increase on; and O = variation of THs levels). We searched four electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies published on or before 20th July 2020. Prospective and cross-sectional studies that evaluated the association between Hg exposure and the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) were included. We also assessed aggregate risks for the reliability of the included studies. RESULTS Initially, we retrieved 4889 articles. 18 studies met our inclusion criteria after screening and 13 articles were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis results suggest that blood Hg may be significantly associated with THs levels. The presence of Hg in blood may significantly increase the levels of TSH (β=0.55; 95%CI: 0.20,0.90; p < 0.001) and FT4 (β=0.47; 95%CI: 0.11,0.82; p < 0.001), with the opposite association in T4 (β=-0.02; 95%CI: 0.02, -0.01; p < 0.001). For the subgroup analysis, blood Hg was positively correlated with TSH levels in children and adolescents (β=0.62; 95%CI: 0.09, 1.15; p < 0.001) and FT4 levels in pregnant women (β=1.00; 95%CI: 0.99, 1.00; p < 0.001) respectively. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis indicates that exposure to Hg in blood could significantly corrrelate with the levels of TSH, T4, and FT4 in the general population. Therefore, it is crucial to control the use of Hg and strengthen protection of the thyroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiumei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Guangzhu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Wu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Children's hospital of Nanjing medical university, Nanjing, China
| | - Francis Manyori Bigambo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Kacey Fang
- Department of Cognitive Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Xinru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Hoet P, Jacquerye C, Deumer G, Lison D, Haufroid V. Reference values of trace elements in blood and/or plasma in adults living in Belgium. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 59:729-742. [PMID: 33085632 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-1019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Trace elements (TEs) from natural and anthropogenic sources are ubiquitous. Essential or not, their relevance for human health and disease is constantly expanding. Biological monitoring is a widely integrated tool in risk assessment both in occupational and environmental settings. However, the determination of appropriate and accurate reference values in the (specific) population is a prerequisite for a correct interpretation of biomonitoring data. This study aimed at determining the reference distribution for TEs (Al, As, Sb, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, Sn, V, Zn) in the blood and/or plasma of the adult population in Belgium. METHODS Blood and plasma samples were analyzed for 178 males and 202 females, recruited according to an a priori selection procedure, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS Reference values were established with high confidence for AsT, Cd, Cu, HgT, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sn, Se, Tl and Zn. Compared to previously published data in the Belgian population, a decreasing time trend is observed for Zn, Cd and Pb. Globally, the results also indicate that the current exposure levels to TEs in the Belgian population are similar to those from other recent national surveys. CONCLUSIONS These reference values and limits obtained through validated analytical and statistical methods will be useful for future occupational and/or environmental surveys. They will contribute to decision-making concerning both public health policies but also exposure assessments on an individual scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Hoet
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Gladys Deumer
- and Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Laboratory of Analytical Biochemistry, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique Lison
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Haufroid
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP), Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Brussels, Belgium.,and Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Laboratory of Analytical Biochemistry, Brussels, Belgium
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Esplugas R, Serra N, Marquès M, Schuhmacher M, Nadal M, Domingo JL. Trace Elements in Blood of the Population Living near a Hazardous Waste Incinerator in Catalonia, Spain. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:37-45. [PMID: 32002791 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In 2012, the concentrations of trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, and V) were measured in blood samples of the population living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) located in Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain). This study is part of a wide surveillance program aimed at assessing the impact of the facility on the public health conducted since 1998, before the HWI started operating. Lead was the metal occurring with the highest concentration (21.7 μg kg-1), followed by Mn (19.7 μg kg-1) and Hg (4.62 μg kg-1). Arsenic (6.99 μg kg-1) showed a low detection rate (49%), while the rest of the analyzed trace elements were not detected. In 2017, a new sampling campaign was conducted, and three new trace elements (Co, Cu, and Sb) were added. In the most recent survey, Cu reached a mean concentration of 931 μg kg-1, up to 60-fold higher than that corresponding to the remaining trace elements. Relatively high levels were also found for Sb (16.0 μg kg-1), Mn (13.9 μg kg-1), and Pb (13.0 μg kg-1). In comparison with the baseline study (1998), Hg, Mn, and Pb significantly decreased over time. Some trace elements showed significant differences according to sex, age, and area of residence. In general, the concentrations of trace elements in blood were similar to, or even lower than, those reported in the scientific literature. Hence, the exposure to trace elements does not mean any additional health risk for the population living near the HWI. This conclusion is in agreement with other studies carried out in the framework of this surveillance program, in which trace elements have been measured in different biological matrices, such as hair and autopsy tissues (brain, bone, kidney, liver, and lungs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Esplugas
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Noemí Serra
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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19
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Reference values for heavy metals in the urine and blood of Saudi women derived from two human biomonitoring studies. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 225:113473. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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20
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Llorente Ballesteros MT, García Barrado B, Navarro Serrano I, Izquierdo Álvarez S, Del Pueyo García Anaya M, González Muñoz MJ. Evaluation of blood mercury and serum selenium levels in the pregnant population of the Community of Madrid, Spain. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 57:60-67. [PMID: 31563817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main exposure route to methylmercury (MeHg) is from eating fish and shellfish containing this compound. Since 2004, women of childbearing age in Spain have been urged not to eat some species (eg, tuna, shark, and swordfish), instead choosing low-MeHg seafood as part of a healthy diet. OBJECTIVE To describe maternal total blood mercury (THg) and serum selenium (Se) in a cohort of pregnant women living in Spain as it relates to fish intake during the three trimesters and to assess whether or not Spanish women of childbearing age follow the recommendations listed in fish advisories and choose fish species with lower mercury levels. METHODS We studied 141 female volunteers of childbearing age (16-45 years), interviewing all participants about their overall eating habits and seafood intake. Hg and Se levels were tested using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), respectively. RESULTS Average THg levels in pregnant women were 2.89 μg/L (standard deviation [SD], 2.75 μg/L, geometric mean [GM], 2.19 μg/L), and THg GM was positively associated with fish intake. Mean Se levels in pregnant women were 73.06 μg/L (SD, 13.38 μg/L), and Se levels were found to increase with tuna intake. In 16 (12%) pregnant women, THg was higher than the level recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (6.4 μg/L). A positive association was also found between THg and serum Se. CONCLUSION Women of childbearing age in Spain had higher THg levels than women in other Western studies. Our study observed that 12% of women had THg levels above the safety limit set by the EPA (6.4 μg/L), and 31% had levels above the relevant benchmark level of 3.5 μg/L suggested by various researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Begoña García Barrado
- Instituto de Toxicología de la Defensa, Hospital Central de la Defensa Gómez Ulla, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Irene Navarro Serrano
- Instituto de Toxicología de la Defensa, Hospital Central de la Defensa Gómez Ulla, Madrid, Spain.
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Mojica-Vázquez LH, Madrigal-Zarraga D, García-Martínez R, Boube M, Calderón-Segura ME, Oyallon J. Mercury chloride exposure induces DNA damage, reduces fertility, and alters somatic and germline cells in Drosophila melanogaster ovaries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:32322-32332. [PMID: 31598926 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06449-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury exposure has been shown to affect the reproductive system in many organisms, although the molecular mechanisms are still elusive. In the present study, we exposed Drosophila melanogaster Canton-S adult females to concentrations of 0 mM, 0.1 mM, 0.3 mM, 3 mM, and 30 mM of mercury chloride (HgCl2) for 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h to determine how mercury could affect fertility. Alkaline assays performed on dissected ovaries showed that mercury induced DNA damage that is not only dose-dependent but also time-dependent. All ovaries treated for 72 h have incorporated mercury and exhibit size reduction. Females treated with 30 mM HgCl2, the highest dose, had atrophied ovaries and exhibited a drastic 7-fold reduction in egg laying. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed that exposure to HgCl2 disrupts germinal and somatic cell organization in the germarium and leads to the aberrant expression of a germline-specific gene in somatic follicle cells in developing egg chambers. Together, these results highlight the potential long-term impact of mercury on germline and ovarian cells that might involve gene deregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Humberto Mojica-Vázquez
- Genotoxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico, Mexico.
| | - Diana Madrigal-Zarraga
- Genotoxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Rocío García-Martínez
- Genotoxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Muriel Boube
- Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI)-CBD, UMR5547 CNRS/Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - María Elena Calderón-Segura
- Genotoxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico, Mexico
| | - Justine Oyallon
- Genotoxicología Ambiental, Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico, Mexico.
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Esplugas R, Mari M, Marquès M, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL, Nadal M. Biomonitoring of Trace Elements in Hair of Schoolchildren Living Near a Hazardous Waste Incinerator-A 20 Years Follow-Up. TOXICS 2019; 7:toxics7040052. [PMID: 31581567 PMCID: PMC6958433 DOI: 10.3390/toxics7040052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Since 1998, a monitoring program is periodically performed to assess the environmental and human health impact of air chemicals potentially emitted by a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) located in Constantí (Catalonia, Spain). In 2017, samples of hair were collected from 94 schoolchildren (aged 10-13 years) living nearby and the levels of 11 trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were determined. The concentrations showed the following descending order: Pb > Hg > Ni > Sn > Mn > Cr. In turn, As, Be and Tl were not detected, while Cd and V were found only in a few samples. Some metal levels were significantly, positively correlated. Some significant differences were also noticed according to the gender and the specific zone of residence. Finally, the levels of trace elements showed fluctuations through time. Cr and Pb showed a significant decrease in comparison to the concentrations obtained in the baseline study (1998). According to the current results, metal emissions from the HWI are not relevant in terms of human health impact since their levels were similar and even lower than those reported in other contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Esplugas
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; (R.E.); (M.M.); (J.L.D.)
| | - Montse Mari
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d’Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; (M.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Montse Marquès
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; (R.E.); (M.M.); (J.L.D.)
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d’Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; (M.M.); (M.S.)
| | - José L. Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; (R.E.); (M.M.); (J.L.D.)
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain; (R.E.); (M.M.); (J.L.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-977-758-930
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23
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Nadal M, García F, Schuhmacher M, Domingo JL. Metals in biological tissues of the population living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain: Two decades of follow-up. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108578. [PMID: 31299619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
During the period 1996-1998, a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) was built in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain). Because of the potential adverse effects of toxic emissions, mainly metals and dioxins and furans, waste incinerators in general have been an important cause of concern for the public opinion. For that reason, to assess its environmental impact on the surroundings, as well as the potential human health risks of the HWI, environmental and biological monitoring studies have been carried out since 1996-1998, when the baseline concentrations were established. This article summarizes all the results corresponding to metals in biological tissues of the population living near the HWI, two decades after the construction of the facility. In 1996-1998, the baseline concentrations of a number of elements (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were determined in samples of hair, blood and autopsy tissues (bone, brain, liver, lung and kidney) of subjects living in the area. In successive 5-year periods, new surveys were conducted to periodically measure the levels of metals in the same biological tissues. The daily dietary intake of these metals was also estimated for the population of the area. The results of this surveillance program do no suggest additional adverse health risks of metals for the population living near the HWI. However, special attention should be paid to Cr, due not only to the increases of this element observed in most analyzed biological tissues, but also in its dietary intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Francisco García
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain; Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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