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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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Tabassum H, Alrashed M, Malik A, Alanazi ST, Alenzi ND, Ali MN, AlJaser FS, Altoum GH, Hijazy SM, Alfadhli RA, Alrashoudi R, Akhtar S. A unique investigation of thallium, tellurium, osmium, and other heavy metals in recurrent pregnancy loss: A novel approach. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 160:790-796. [PMID: 35929844 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of heavy metals especially tellurium, thallium, and osmium, in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and to study their association with antioxidant status and DNA damage. METHODS This case-control study included women with RPL (n = 30) and healthy pregnant women as control (n = 30). Following blood collection, serum levels of thallium, tellurium, osmium, lead, mercury, and cadmium were estimated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer. RESULTS Women with RPL exhibited significantly higher levels of heavy metals (P < 0.001) when compared with control women. Intriguingly, increased levels of serum thallium, tellurium, osmium, and lead were negatively correlated with total antioxidant status (P < 0.05). Further, the RPL group demonstrated strong positive correlation between heavy metals (thallium, tellurium, osmium, lead) and DNA damage (P < 0.05). No significant correlation between other heavy metals and markers of cellular damage was noted. CONCLUSION Enhanced levels of heavy metals in women with RPL and correlation of thallium, tellurium, osmium, and lead with markers of cellular damage reflect the role of heavy metal poisoning, especially thallium, tellurium, and osmium, as potential risk factor in the etiology underlying recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajera Tabassum
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - May Alrashed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samyah T Alanazi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif D Alenzi
- Research and Laboratories Sector, National Drug and Cosmetic Control Laboratories (NDCCL), Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mir Naiman Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Mumtaz Degree & P.G. College, Hyderabad, India.,Department of Microbiology, Green lab, Alkhuraiji Industries, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Feda S AlJaser
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadah H Altoum
- Research and Laboratories Sector, National Drug and Cosmetic Control Laboratories (NDCCL), Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sereen M Hijazy
- Research and Laboratories Sector, National Drug and Cosmetic Control Laboratories (NDCCL), Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem A Alfadhli
- Research and Laboratories Sector, National Drug and Cosmetic Control Laboratories (NDCCL), Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alrashoudi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suhail Akhtar
- A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, Missouri, USA
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Patti MA, Kelsey KT, MacFarlane AJ, Papandonatos GD, Arbuckle TE, Ashley-Martin J, Fisher M, Fraser WD, Lanphear BP, Muckle G, Braun JM. Maternal Folate Status and the Relation between Gestational Arsenic Exposure and Child Health Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11332. [PMID: 36141604 PMCID: PMC9517145 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811332] [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] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gestational arsenic exposure adversely impacts child health. Folate-mediated 1-carbon metabolism facilitates urinary excretion of arsenic and may prevent arsenic-related adverse health outcomes. We investigated the potential for maternal folate status to modify associations between gestational arsenic exposure and child health. We used data from 364 mother-child pairs in the MIREC study, a prospective pan-Canadian cohort. During pregnancy, we measured first trimester urinary arsenic concentrations, plasma folate biomarkers, and folic acid supplementation intake. At age 3 years, we evaluated twelve neurodevelopmental and anthropometric features. Using latent profile analysis and multinomial regression, we developed phenotypic profiles of child health, estimated covariate-adjusted associations between arsenic and these phenotypic profiles, and evaluated whether folate status modified these associations. We identified three phenotypic profiles of neurodevelopment and three of anthropometry, ranging from less to more optimal child health. Gestational arsenic was associated with decreased odds of optimal neurodevelopment. Maternal folate status did not modify associations of arsenic with neurodevelopmental phenotypic profiles, but gestational arsenic was associated with increased odds of excess adiposity among those who exceed recommendations for folic acid (>1000 μg/day). However, arsenic exposure was low and folate status was high. Gestational arsenic exposure may adversely impact child neurodevelopment and anthropometry, and maternal folate status may not modify these associations; however, future work should examine these associations in more arsenic-exposed or lower folate-status populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa A. Patti
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, 121 S Main St., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Karl T. Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, 121 S Main St., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Amanda J. MacFarlane
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - George D. Papandonatos
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University, 121 S Main St., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Tye E. Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - William D. Fraser
- Department D’obstétrique et Gynécologie, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Bd de L’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Bruce P. Lanphear
- Department of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 515 W Haastings St., Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Ville de Québec, 2325 Rue de L’Université, Québec, QC G1V 0B4, Canada
| | - Joseph M. Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, 121 S Main St., Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Heng YY, Asad I, Coleman B, Menard L, Benki-Nugent S, Hussein Were F, Karr CJ, McHenry MS. Heavy metals and neurodevelopment of children in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265536. [PMID: 35358213 PMCID: PMC8970501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of harmful environmental exposures, which disproportionately affects low-and-middle income countries (LMICs), contributes to >25% of deaths and diseases worldwide and detrimentally affects child neurodevelopment. Few resources succinctly summarize the existing literature on this topic. Our objective is to systematically review and characterize the evidence regarding the relationship between heavy metals and neurodevelopment of children in LMICs. METHODS We conducted a medical librarian-curated search on multiple online databases to identify articles that included individuals <18 years living in a LMIC, quantitatively measured exposure to a heavy metal (either prenatal or postnatal), and used a standardized measurement of neurodevelopment (i.e. cognitive, language, motor, and behavior). Reviews, editorials, or case studies were excluded. Results were analyzed qualitatively, and quality was assessed. RESULTS Of the 18,043 screened articles, 298 full-text articles were reviewed, and 100 articles met inclusion criteria. The included studies represented data from 19 LMICs, only one of which was classified as a low-income country. Ninety-four percent of postnatal lead and all postnatal manganese studies showed a negative association with metal exposure and neurodevelopment, which were the strongest relationships among the metals studied. Postnatal exposure of mercury was associated with poor neurodevelopment in only half of studies. Limited data on postnatal arsenic and cadmium suggests an association with worse neurodevelopment. Findings were mixed for prenatal arsenic and lead, although some evidence supports that the neurotoxicity of lead was amplified in the presence of manganese. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL IMPACT We found that lead and manganese appear to consistently have a detrimental effect on the neurodevelopment of children, and more evidence is needed for mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Better characterization of these effects can motivate and inform prioritization of much needed international policies and programs to reduce heavy metal exposures for young children within LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yan Heng
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Iqra Asad
- School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Bailey Coleman
- School of Health and Human Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Laura Menard
- Ruth Lilly Medical Library, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Sarah Benki-Nugent
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Faridah Hussein Were
- Department of Chemistry, College of Biological and Physical Sciences of the University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Catherine J. Karr
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Megan S McHenry
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Santiago AM, Berg KA, Leroux J. Assessing the Impact of Neighborhood Conditions on Neurodevelopmental Disorders during Childhood. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179041. [PMID: 34501630 PMCID: PMC8430861 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nearly three out of ten neurodevelopmental disabilities in the United States have been linked to environmental conditions, prompting emerging lines of research examining the role of the neighborhood on children’s developmental outcomes. Utilizing data from a natural experiment in Denver, this study quantifies the impact of exposure to varied neighborhood contexts on the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders over the course of childhood. Our analysis is based upon retrospective child, caregiver, household and neighborhood data derived from the Denver Child Study for a sample of approximately 590 Latino and African American children and youth whose families were quasi-randomly assigned to subsidized housing operated by the Denver (CO) Housing Authority during part of their childhood. We employed binary response models with endogenous explanatory variables, estimated using instrumental variables (IV) probit and average marginal effects to identify predictors of a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis during childhood. We found that multiple dimensions of neighborhood context—especially neighborhood socioeconomic status, older housing stock, residential instability and prevalence of neurological hazards in the ambient air—strongly and robustly predicted the diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Santiago
- School of Social Work, College of Social Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Kristen A. Berg
- Center for Health Care Research and Policy, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
| | - Joffré Leroux
- Department of Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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Nielsen CC, Amrhein CG, Shah PS, Stieb DM, Osornio-Vargas AR. Space-time hot spots of critically ill small for gestational age newborns and industrial air pollutants in major metropolitan areas of Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109472. [PMID: 32298842 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the association of spatiotemporal hot spots of critically ill small for gestational age (ciSGA) newborns and industrial air emissions. Using neonatal admission data from the Canadian Neonatal Network between 2006 and 2010 (n = 32,836 infants), we aggregated maternal residential postal codes from nineteen census metropolitan areas (CMA) into space-time cubes and applied emerging hot spot analyses. Using National Pollutant Release Inventory data (n = 161 chemicals) and Environment Canada weather station data (n = 19 sites), we estimated monthly wind-dispersion of air emissions and calculated hot spots. We associated the patterns using logistic regression, with covariates for low socioeconomic status, NO2 pollution, and number of infants. A total of 5465 infants were identified as ciSGA and the larger CMAs had more and larger hot spots (i.e. accumulation of events in space and time). Seventy-eight industrial chemical hot spots were associated with ciSGA hot spots. The highest number of positive associations were for 28 different pollutants, which differed by CMA. Twenty-one were known or suspected developmental toxicants, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. Associations with hot spots of industrial chemical emissions were geographically specific and may help explain the space-time trends of ciSGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene C Nielsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carl G Amrhein
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Prakesh S Shah
- Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David M Stieb
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Government of Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Anyanwu BO, Ezejiofor AN, Igweze ZN, Orisakwe OE. Heavy Metal Mixture Exposure and Effects in Developing Nations: An Update. TOXICS 2018; 6:E65. [PMID: 30400192 PMCID: PMC6316100 DOI: 10.3390/toxics6040065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The drive for development and modernization has come at great cost. Various human activities in developed and developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have given rise to environmental safety concerns. Increased artisanal mining activities, illegal refining, use of leaded petrol, airborne dust, arbitrary discarding and burning of toxic waste, absorption of production industries in inhabited areas, inadequate environmental legislation, and weak implementation of policies, have given rise to the incomparable contamination and pollution associated with heavy metals in recent decades. This review evaluates the public health effects of heavy metals and their mixtures in SSA. This shows the extent and size of the problem posed by exposure to heavy metal mixtures in regard to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brilliance Onyinyechi Anyanwu
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Oilfield Chemicals Research, University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323 Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
| | - Anthonet Ndidiamaka Ezejiofor
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323 Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
| | - Zelinjo Nkeiruka Igweze
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University Elele, PMB, 5001 Elele, Rivers State, Nigeria.
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, PMB, 5323 Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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9
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Dani SU, Walter GF. Chronic arsenic intoxication diagnostic score (CAsIDS). J Appl Toxicol 2017; 38:122-144. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Ulhoa Dani
- Medawar Institute for Medical and Environmental Research; Acangau Foundation; Paracatu MG Brazil
- Department of General Internal Medicine; St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital; Switzerland
- PizolCare Praxis Wartau; Trübbach Switzerland
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Amadi CN, Igweze ZN, Orisakwe OE. Heavy metals in miscarriages and stillbirths in developing nations. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Henderson HC, Hong J, Friedman DB, Porter DE, Halfacre AC, Scott GI, Lead JR. A content analysis of Internet resources about the risks of seafood consumption. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2016; 26:433-447. [PMID: 26775549 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2015.1135313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Seafood consumption is a main source of human exposure to certain environmental contaminants. Therefore, it is valuable to assess the online health risk messages focused on this topic, as people in the US are increasingly accessing the Internet for health-related information. Previous research indicates that online health information tends to be written at a reading level that is more advanced than ability of the general population. The purpose of this research was to examine the content and readability of Internet resources targeted toward consumers in the US regarding the health risks from consumption of contaminated seafood. Sources for analysis were gathered through a targeted search of state and national government websites, as well as through a Google search. The overall mean readability level was Grade 9.21, which is slightly above the average reading level of US adults. Future research should evaluate the accuracy of the health risk messages, as well as consumer perceptions of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Henderson
- a Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Jie Hong
- b Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
- c Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Daniela B Friedman
- a Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Dwayne E Porter
- c Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Angela C Halfacre
- d Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Political Science and David E. Shi Center for Sustainability , Furman University , Greenville , SC , USA
| | - Geoffrey I Scott
- c Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
| | - Jamie R Lead
- b Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
- c Department of Environmental Health Sciences , Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina , Columbia , SC , USA
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Low-level arsenic exposure and developmental neurotoxicity in children: A systematic review and risk assessment. Toxicology 2015; 337:91-107. [PMID: 26388044 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Risk assessments of arsenic have focused on skin, bladder, and lung cancers and skin lesions as the sensitive cancer and non-cancer health endpoints, respectively; however, an increasing number of epidemiologic studies that can inform risk assessment have examined neurodevelopmental effects in children. We conducted a systematic review and risk assessment based on the epidemiologic literature on possible neurodevelopmental effects at lower arsenic exposures. Twenty-four cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies were identified that report on the association between low-level arsenic exposure (i.e., largely <100 μg/L of arsenic in drinking water) and neurological outcomes in children. Although the overall evidence does not consistently show a causal dose-response relationship at low doses, the most rigorously conducted studies from Bangladesh indicate possible inverse associations with cognitive function, predominantly involving concurrent arsenic exposure as measured by biomarkers (i.e., arsenic in urine or blood) and raw verbal test scores at ages 5-11 years. Issues such as non-comparability of outcome measures across studies; inaccuracies of biomarkers and other measures of inorganic arsenic exposure; potential effect modification by cultural practices; insufficient adjustment for nutritional deficiencies, maternal IQ, and other important confounders; and presence of other neurotoxicants in foreign populations limit generalizability to U.S. POPULATIONS Of the few U.S. studies available, the most rigorously conducted study did not find a consistent dose-response relationship between arsenic concentrations in tap water or toenails and decrements in IQ scores. Assuming that the strongest dose-response relationship from the most rigorous evidence from Bangladesh is generalizable to U.S. populations, possible reference doses were estimated in the range of 0.0004-0.001 mg/kg-day. These doses are higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reference dose for chronic lifetime exposure, thus indicating protectiveness of the existing value for potential neurotoxicity in children. This reference dose is undergoing revision as EPA considers various health endpoints in the reassessment of inorganic arsenic health risks.
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Friedman DB, Toumey C, Porter DE, Hong J, Scott GI, Lead JR. Communicating with the public about environmental health risks: a community-engaged approach to dialogue about metal speciation and toxicity. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 74:9-12. [PMID: 25305416 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela B Friedman
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Christopher Toumey
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Dwayne E Porter
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Jie Hong
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Geoffrey I Scott
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Jamie R Lead
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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Tolins M, Ruchirawat M, Landrigan P. The developmental neurotoxicity of arsenic: cognitive and behavioral consequences of early life exposure. Ann Glob Health 2014; 80:303-14. [PMID: 25459332 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 200 million people worldwide are chronically exposed to arsenic. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen, and its carcinogenic and systemic toxicity have been extensively studied. By contrast, the developmental neurotoxicity of arsenic has been less well described. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive review of the developmental neurotoxicity of arsenic. METHODS We reviewed the published epidemiological and toxicological literature on the developmental neurotoxicity of arsenic. RESULTS Arsenic is able to gain access to the developing brain and cause neurotoxic effects. Animal models link prenatal and early postnatal exposure to reduction in brain weight, reductions in numbers of glia and neurons, and alterations in neurotransmitter systems. Animal and in vitro studies both suggest that oxidative stress may be a mechanism of arsenic neurotoxicity. Fifteen epidemiological studies indicate that early life exposure is associated with deficits in intelligence and memory. These effects may occur at levels of exposure below current safety guidelines, and some neurocognitive consequences may become manifest only later in life. Sex, concomitant exposures, and timing of exposure appear to modify the developmental neurotoxicity of arsenic. Four epidemiological studies failed to show behavioral outcomes of arsenic exposure. CONCLUSIONS The published literature indicates that arsenic is a human developmental neurotoxicant. Ongoing and future prospective birth cohort studies will allow more precise definition of the developmental consequences of arsenic exposure in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Tolins
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Laksi, Bangkok, Thailand; Departments of Preventive Medicine and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Laksi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Philip Landrigan
- Departments of Preventive Medicine and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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Onicescu G, Lawson AB, McDermott S, Aelion CM, Cai B. Bayesian importance parameter modeling of misaligned predictors: soil metal measures related to residential history and intellectual disability in children. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:10775-86. [PMID: 24888618 PMCID: PMC4163093 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3072-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a novel spatial importance parameter hierarchical logistic regression modeling approach that includes measurement error from misalignment. We apply this model to study the relationship between the estimated concentration of soil metals at the residence of mothers and the development of intellectual disability (ID) in their children. The data consist of monthly computerized claims data about the prenatal experience of pregnant women living in nine areas within South Carolina and insured by Medicaid during January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2001 and the outcome of ID in their children during early childhood. We excluded mother-child pairs if the mother moved to an unknown location during pregnancy. We identified an association of the ID outcome with arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) concentration in soil during pregnancy, controlling for infant sex, maternal race, mother's age, and gestational weeks at delivery. There is some indication that Hg has a slightly higher importance in the third and fourth months of pregnancy, while As has a more uniform effect over all the months with a suggestion of a slight increase in risk in later months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Onicescu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Carolina, SC, 29425, USA,
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16
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Rana SVS. Perspectives in endocrine toxicity of heavy metals--a review. Biol Trace Elem Res 2014; 160:1-14. [PMID: 24898714 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0023-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
An attempt has been made to review the endocrine/hormonal implications of a few environmentally significant metals, viz, lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, arsenic and nickel, in man and animals. Special emphasis has been given to the adrenals, thyroid, testis, ovary and pancreas. Toxic metals can cause structural and functional changes in the adrenal glands. Their effects on steroidogenesis have been reviewed. It has been reported that thyroid hormone kinetics are affected by a number of metallic compounds. Occupational exposure to a few of these metals can cause testicular injury and sex hormone disturbances. Protective effects of a few antioxidants on their reproductive toxicity have also been discussed. Information gathered on female reproductive toxicity of heavy metals shows that exposure to these metals can lead to disturbances in reproductive performance in exposed subjects. Certain metals can cause injury to the endocrine pancreas. Exposure to them can cause diabetes mellitus and disturb insulin homeostasis. The need to develop molecular markers of endocrine toxicity of heavy metals has been suggested. Overall information described in this review is expected to be helpful in planning future studies on endocrine toxicity of heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V S Rana
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, C. C. S. University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, 250 004, India,
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Remy S, Govarts E, Bruckers L, Paulussen M, Wens B, Hond ED, Nelen V, Baeyens W, van Larebeke N, Loots I, Sioen I, Schoeters G. Expression of the sFLT1 gene in cord blood cells is associated to maternal arsenic exposure and decreased birth weight. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92677. [PMID: 24664213 PMCID: PMC3963915 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing epidemiologic evidence that arsenic exposure in utero is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and may contribute to long-term health effects. These effects may occur at low environmental exposures but the underlying molecular mechanism is not clear. We collected cord blood samples of 183 newborns to identify associations between arsenic levels and birth anthropometric parameters in an area with very low arsenic exposure. Our core research aim was to screen for transcriptional marks that mechanistically explain these associations. Multiple regression analyses showed that birth weight decreased with 47 g (95% CI: 16–78 g) for an interquartile range increase of 0.99 μg/L arsenic. The model was adjusted for child’s sex, maternal smoking during pregnancy, gestational age, and parity. Higher arsenic concentrations and reduced birth weight were positively associated with changes in expression of the sFLT1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) gene in cord blood cells in girls. The protein product of sFLT1 is a scavenger of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the extracellular environment and plays a key role in the inhibition of placental angiogenesis. In terms of fetal development, inhibition of placental angiogenesis leads to impaired nutrition and hence to growth retardation. Various genes related to DNA methylation and oxidative stress showed also changed expression in relation to arsenic exposure but were not related to birth outcome parameters. In conclusion, this study suggests that increased expression of sFLT1 is an intermediate marker that points to placental angiogenesis as a pathway linking prenatal arsenic exposure to reduced birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Remy
- Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Eva Govarts
- Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Melissa Paulussen
- Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Britt Wens
- Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Department of Health, Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry (AEGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas van Larebeke
- Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry (AEGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental cancer research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilse Loots
- Department Sociology, Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Sioen
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- FWO Research Foundation, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Inorganic Arsenic Exposure and Children’s Neurodevelopment: A Review of the Evidence. TOXICS 2013. [DOI: 10.3390/toxics1010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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