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Currie SD, Doherty JP, Xue KS, Wang JS, Tang L. The stage-specific toxicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122429. [PMID: 37619695 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of industrial chemicals that have been used for decades in industrial and commercial applications. Due to their widespread usages, persistence in the environment, and bioaccumulation in animals and humans, great public health concerns have been raised on adverse health risks of PFAS. In this study, ten PFAS were selected according to their occurrence in different water bodies. The wild-type worms were exposed to individual PFAS at 0, 0.1, 1,10, 100, and 200 μM, and the toxic effects of PFAS on growth, development, fecundity, and behavior at different life stages were investigated using a high-throughput screening (HTS) platform. Our results showed that perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), 1H,1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA), perfluorobutanesulfonic (PFBS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) exhibited significant inhibitive effects on the growth in the L4 larva and later stages of worms with concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 200 μmol/L. PFOS and PFBS significantly decreased the brood size of worms across all tested concentrations (p < 0.05), and the most potent PFAS is PFOS with BMC of 0.02013 μM (BMCL, 1.6e-06 μM). During adulthood, all PFAS induced a significant reduction in motility (p < 0.01), while only PFOS can significantly induce behavior alteration at the early larvae stage. Furthermore, the adverse effects occurred in larval stages were found to be the most susceptible to the PFAS exposure. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential adverse effects associated with PFAS exposure and show the importance of considering developmental stages in toxicity assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth D Currie
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Joseph Patrick Doherty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Kathy S Xue
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Jia-Sheng Wang
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Lili Tang
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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2
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Rosi E, Crippa A, Pozzi M, De Francesco S, Fioravanti M, Mauri M, Molteni M, Morello L, Tosti L, Metruccio F, Clementi E, Nobile M. Exposure to environmental pollutants and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:111676-111692. [PMID: 37828261 PMCID: PMC10643318 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Although heritability estimates suggest a role for genetic components, environmental risk factors have been described as relevant in the etiology of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Several studies have investigated the role of toxicological pollution, i.e., air pollution, heavy metals, POPs, and phthalates. Clear evidence for association of ADHD and environmental factors has not been provided yet. To answer this, we have assessed all available systematic reviews and meta-analyses that focused on the association between pollutant exposure and either ADHD diagnosis or symptoms. More than 1800 studies were screened of which 14 found eligible. We found evidence of a significant role for some pollutants, in particular heavy metals and phthalates, in the increased risk of developing ADHD symptoms. However, at the current stage, data from existing literature also do not allow to weight the role of the different environmental pollutants. We also offer a critical examination of the reviews/meta-analyses and provide indications for future studies in this field. PROSPERO registration: CRD42022341496.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rosi
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini (LC), 23842, Lecco, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Crippa
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini (LC), 23842, Lecco, Italy
| | - Marco Pozzi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Stefano De Francesco
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini (LC), 23842, Lecco, Italy
- Sigmund Freud University, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, 20143, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Fioravanti
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini (LC), 23842, Lecco, Italy
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Mauri
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini (LC), 23842, Lecco, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini (LC), 23842, Lecco, Italy
| | - Luisa Morello
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini (LC), 23842, Lecco, Italy
- Sigmund Freud University, Sigmund Freud University of Milan, 20143, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Tosti
- Pharmacovigilance & Clinical Research Unit and International Centre for Pesticides & Health Risk Prevention, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Metruccio
- Pharmacovigilance & Clinical Research Unit and International Centre for Pesticides & Health Risk Prevention, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
- Pharmacovigilance & Clinical Research Unit and International Centre for Pesticides & Health Risk Prevention, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Nobile
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, Bosisio Parini (LC), 23842, Lecco, Italy
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3
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Reardon AJF, Hajihosseini M, Dinu I, Field CJ, Kinniburgh DW, MacDonald AM, Dewey D, England-Mason G, Martin JW. Maternal co-exposure to mercury and perfluoroalkyl acid isomers and their associations with child neurodevelopment in a Canadian birth cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108087. [PMID: 37454627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) within the broader class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are present in human serum as isomer mixtures, but epidemiological studies have yet to address isomer-specific associations with child development and behavior. OBJECTIVES To examine associations between prenatal exposure to 25 PFAAs, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) isomers, and child neurodevelopment among 490 mother-child pairs in a prospective Canadian birth cohort, the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. To consider the influence of a classic neurotoxicant, total mercury (THg), based on its likelihood of co-exposure with PFAAs from common dietary sources. METHODS Maternal blood samples were collected in the second trimester and child neurodevelopment was assessed at 2 years of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (Bayley-III). Linear or curvilinear multiple regression models were used to examine associations between exposures and neurodevelopment outcomes. RESULTS Select PFAAs were associated with lower Cognitive composite scores, including perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA) (β = -0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.7, -0.06) and perfluorododecanoate (PFDoA) (β = -2.0, 95% CI: -3.9, -0.01). Non-linear relationships revealed associations of total PFOS (β = -4.4, 95% CI: -8.3, -0.43), and linear-PFOS (β = -4.0, 95% CI: -7.5, -0.57) and 1m-PFOS (β = -1.8, 95% CI: -3.3, -0.24) isomers with lower Language composite scores. Although there was no effect modification, including THg interaction terms in PFAA models revealed negative associations between perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and Motor (β = -3.3, 95% CI: -6.2, -0.33) and Social-Emotional (β = -3.0, 95% CI: -5.6, -0.40) composite scores. DISCUSSION These findings reinforce previous reports of adverse effects of maternal PFAA exposure during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment. The unique hazards posed from isomers of PFOS justify isomer-specific analysis in future studies. To control for possible confounding, mercury co-exposure may be considered in studies of PFAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J F Reardon
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Irina Dinu
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Enright EA, Eick SM, Morello-Frosch R, Aguiar A, Woodbury ML, Sprowles JLN, Geiger SD, Trowbridge J, Andrade A, Smith S, Park JS, DeMicco E, Padula AM, Woodruff TJ, Schantz SL. Associations of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with measures of cognition in 7.5-month-old infants: An exploratory study. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 98:107182. [PMID: 37172619 PMCID: PMC10762627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been linked to a wide array of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. However, studies examining PFAS in relation to offspring cognition have been inconclusive. OBJECTIVE We examined whether prenatal exposure to a mixture of PFAS was related to cognition in 7.5-month-old infants. METHODS Our analytic sample included participants enrolled in the Chemicals in Our Bodies (CIOB) and Illinois Kids Development Study (IKIDS) cohorts (N = 163). Seven PFAS were measured in 2nd trimester maternal serum samples and were detected in >65% of participants. Infant cognition was measured with a visual recognition memory task using an infrared eye tracker when infants were 7.5 months old. This task included familiarization trials where each infant was shown two identical faces and test trials where each infant was shown the familiar face paired with a novel face. In familiarization, we assessed average run duration (time looking at familiarization stimuli before looking away) as a measure of information processing speed, in addition to time to familiarization (time to reach 20 s of looking at stimuli) and shift rate (the number of times infants looked between stimuli), both as measures of attention. In test trials, we assessed novelty preference (proportion of time looking to the novel face) to measure recognition memory. Linear regression was used to estimate associations of individual PFAS with cognitive outcomes, while Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to estimate mixture effects. RESULTS In adjusted single-PFAS linear regression models, an interquartile range increase in PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFDeA, and PFUdA was associated with an increase in shift rate, reflecting better visual attention. Using BKMR, increasing quartiles of the PFAS mixture was similarly associated with a modest increase in shift rate. There were no significant associations between PFAS exposure and time to reach familiarization (another measure of attention), average run duration (information processing speed), or novelty preference (visual recognition memory). CONCLUSION In our study population, prenatal PFAS exposure was modestly associated with an increase in shift rate and was not strongly associated with any adverse cognitive outcomes in 7.5-month-old infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Enright
- Department of Psychology, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, MD, USA.
| | - Stephanie M Eick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management and School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andréa Aguiar
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Megan L Woodbury
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA; College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jenna L N Sprowles
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA; ICF, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Dee Geiger
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA; Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Jessica Trowbridge
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aileen Andrade
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sabrina Smith
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - June-Soo Park
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Erin DeMicco
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amy M Padula
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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5
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Fernandes VC, Domingues VF, Nunes MS, Matos R, Kuźniarska-Biernacka I, Fernandes DM, Guerrero-Ruiz A, Ramos IR, Freire C, Delerue-Matos C. Graphene-Type Materials for the Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction Step in the QuEChERS Method for the Extraction of Brominated Flame Retardants from Capsicum Cultivars. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3898-3905. [PMID: 36792986 PMCID: PMC9983006 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07873] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A new application of graphene-type materials as an alternative cleanup sorbent in a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) procedure combined with GC-ECD/GC-MS/GC-MS/MS detection was successfully used for the simultaneous analysis of 12 brominated flame retardants in Capsicum cultivar samples. The chemical, structural, and morphological properties of the graphene-type materials were evaluated. The materials exhibited good adsorption capability of matrix interferents without compromising the extraction efficiency of target analytes when compared with other cleanups using commercial sorbents. Under optimal conditions, excellent recoveries were obtained, ranging from 90 to 108% with relative standard deviations of <14%. The developed method showed good linearity with a correlation coefficient above 0.9927, and the limits of quantification were in the range of 0.35-0.82 μg/kg. The developed QuEChERS procedure using reduced graphite oxide (rGO) combined with GC/MS was successfully applied in 20 samples, and the pentabromotoluene residues were quantified in two samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgínia Cruz Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV,
Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr° António Bernardino de Almeida,
431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Valentina F. Domingues
- REQUIMTE/LAQV,
Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr° António Bernardino de Almeida,
431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta S. Nunes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Renata Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Iwona Kuźniarska-Biernacka
- REQUIMTE/LAQV,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana M. Fernandes
- REQUIMTE/LAQV,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Antonio Guerrero-Ruiz
- Dpto.
Química Inorgánica y Técnica, Facultad de Ciencias UNED, Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Freire
- REQUIMTE/LAQV,
Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV,
Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr° António Bernardino de Almeida,
431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
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6
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Iglesias-González A, Schweitzer M, Palazzi P, Peng F, Haan S, Letellier E, Appenzeller BMR. Investigating children's chemical exposome - Description and possible determinants of exposure in the region of Luxembourg based on hair analysis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107342. [PMID: 35714525 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The specific physiology and behaviour of children makes them particularly vulnerable to chemical exposure. Specific studies must therefore be conducted to understand the impact of pollution on children's health. Human biomonitoring is a reliable approach for exposure assessment, and hair, allowing the detection of parent chemicals and metabolites, and covering wider time windows than urine and blood is particularly adapted to study chronic exposure. The present study aims at assessing chemical exposure and investigating possible determinants of exposure in children living in Luxembourg. Hair samples were collected from 256 children below 13 y/o and tested for 153 compounds (140 pesticides, 4 PCBs, 7 BDEs and 2 bisphenols). Moreover, anthropometric parameters, information on diet, residence, and presence of pets at home was collected through questionnaires. Correlations, regressions, t-tests, PLS-DA and MANOVAs, were used to investigate exposure patterns. Twenty-nine to 88 (median = 61) compounds were detected per sample. The highest median concentration was observed for BPA (133.6 pg/mg). Twenty-three biomarkers were detected in ≥ 95% of the samples, including 13 in all samples (11 pesticides, BPA and BPS). Exposure was higher at younger ages (R2 = 0.57), and boys were more exposed to non-persistent pesticides than girls. Presence of persistent organic pollutants in most children suggests that exposure is still ongoing. Moreover, diet (e.g. imazalil: 0.33 pg/mg in organic, 1.15 pg/mg in conventional, p-value < 0.001), residence area (e.g. imidacloprid: 0.29 pg/mg in urban, 0.47 pg/mg in countryside, p-value = 0.03), and having pets (e.g. fipronil: 0.32 pg/mg in pets, 0.09 pg/mg in no pets, p-value < 0.001) were identified as determinants of exposure. The present study demonstrates that children are simultaneously exposed to multiple pollutants from different chemical classes, and confirms the suitability of hair to investigate exposure. These results set the basis for further investigations to better understand the determinants of chemical exposure in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Iglesias-González
- Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1 A-B Rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg; University of Luxembourg, 2 Avenue de l'Universite, L- 4365 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Mylène Schweitzer
- Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1 A-B Rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Paul Palazzi
- Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1 A-B Rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Fengjiao Peng
- Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1 A-B Rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Serge Haan
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, avenue du Swing L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 6, avenue du Swing L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Brice M R Appenzeller
- Human Biomonitoring Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1 A-B Rue Thomas Edison, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
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7
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Sutton P, Chartres N, Rayasam SDG, Daniels N, Lam J, Maghrbi E, Woodruff TJ. Reviews in environmental health: How systematic are they? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 152:106473. [PMID: 33798823 PMCID: PMC8118386 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthesizing environmental health science is crucial to taking action to protect public health. Procedures for evidence evaluation and integration are transitioning from "expert-based narrative" to "systematic" review methods. However, little is known about the methodology being utilized for either type of review. OBJECTIVES To appraise the methodological strengths and weaknesses of a sample of "expert-based narrative" and "systematic" reviews in environmental health. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple databases and identified relevant reviews using pre-specified eligibility criteria. We applied a modified version of the Literature Review Appraisal Toolkit (LRAT) to three environmental health topics that assessed the utility, validity and transparency of reviews. RESULTS We identified 29 reviews published between 2003 and 2019, of which 13 (45%) were self-identified as systematic reviews. Across every LRAT domain, systematic reviews received a higher percentage of "satisfactory" ratings compared to non-systematic reviews. In eight of these domains, there was a statistically significant difference observed between the two types of reviews and "satisfactory" ratings. Non-systematic reviews performed poorly with the majority receiving an "unsatisfactory" or "unclear" rating in 11 of the 12 domains. Systematic reviews performed poorly in six of the 12 domains; 10 (77%) did not state the reviews objectives or develop a protocol; eight (62%) did not state the roles and contribution of the authors, or evaluate the internal validity of the included evidence consistently using a valid method; and only seven (54%) stated a pre-defined definition of the evidence bar on which their conclusions were based, or had an author disclosure of interest statement. DISCUSSION Systematic reviews produced more useful, valid, and transparent conclusions compared to non-systematic reviews, but poorly conducted systematic reviews were prevalent. Ongoing development and implementation of empirically based systematic review methods are required in environmental health to ensure transparent and timely decision making to protect the public's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Sutton
- UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Box 0132, 490 Illinois Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
| | - Nicholas Chartres
- UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Box 0132, 490 Illinois Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
| | - Swati D G Rayasam
- UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Box 0132, 490 Illinois Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
| | - Natalyn Daniels
- UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Box 0132, 490 Illinois Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Juleen Lam
- Department of Health Sciences, California State University East Bay, SF 533, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542, United States.
| | - Eman Maghrbi
- Department of Health Sciences, California State University East Bay, SF 533, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward, CA 94542, United States.
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Box 0132, 490 Illinois Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
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Steenland K, Fletcher T, Stein CR, Bartell SM, Darrow L, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Barry Ryan P, Savitz DA. Review: Evolution of evidence on PFOA and health following the assessments of the C8 Science Panel. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 145:106125. [PMID: 32950793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The C8 Science Panel was composed of three epidemiologists charged with studying the possible health effects of PFOA in a highly exposed population in the mid-Ohio Valley. The Panel determined in 2012 there was a 'probable link' (i.e., more probable than not based on the weight of the available scientific evidence) between PFOA and high cholesterol, thyroid disease, kidney and testicular cancer, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. OBJECTIVE Here, former C8 Science Panel members and collaborators comment on the PFOA literature regarding thyroid disorders, cancer, immune and auto-immune disorders, liver disease, hypercholesterolemia, reproductive outcomes, neurotoxicity, and kidney disease. We also discuss developments regarding fate and transport, and pharmacokinetic models, and discuss causality assessment in cross-sectional associations among low-exposed populations. DISCUSSION For cancer, the epidemiologic evidence remains supportive but not definitive for kidney and testicular cancers. There is consistent evidence of a positive association between PFOA and cholesterol, but no evidence of an association with heart disease. There is evidence for an association with ulcerative colitis, but not for other auto-immune diseases. There is good evidence that PFOA is associated with immune response, but uneven evidence for an association with infectious disease. The evidence for an association between PFOA and thyroid and kidney disease is suggestive but uneven. There is evidence of an association with liver enzymes, but not with liver disease. There is little evidence of an association with neurotoxicity. Suggested reductions in birthweight may be due to reverse causality and/or confounding. Fate and transport models and pharmacokinetic models remain central to estimating past exposure for new cohorts, but are difficult to develop without good historical data on emissions of PFOA into the environment. CONCLUSION Overall, the epidemiologic evidence remains limited. For a few outcomes there has been some replication of our earlier findings. More longitudinal research is needed in large populations with large exposure contrasts. Additional cross-sectional studies of low exposed populations may be less informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Steenland
- 1518 Clifton Rd, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory U., Atlanta, GA 30324, United States.
| | - Tony Fletcher
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl R Stein
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, NY, NY, United States
| | - Scott M Bartell
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, Cal, United States
| | | | - Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO, Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - P Barry Ryan
- 1518 Clifton Rd, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory U., Atlanta, GA 30324, United States
| | - David A Savitz
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
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Taylor KW, Wang Z, Walker VR, Rooney AA, Bero LA. Using interactive data visualization to facilitate user selection and comparison of risk of bias tools for observational studies of exposures. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105806. [PMID: 32505018 PMCID: PMC11362858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyla W Taylor
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, NC, USA.
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Vickie R Walker
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, NC, USA
| | - Andrew A Rooney
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, NC, USA
| | - Lisa A Bero
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Detection and Treatment Methods for Perfluorinated Compounds in Wastewater Treatment Plants. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9122500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We surveyed the variation in perfluorinated compound (PFC) concentrations entering urban wastewater treatment plants and then designed an optimal PFCs treatment method based on a pilot test. The PFCs influent concentration was found to be affected by the types of industries and operating rate. The concentration of PFCs in the wastewater treatment effluent was slightly lower than that of the influent. Thus, PFCs had not been adequately removed by the existing biological treatments. The pilot test results showed that about 10% of PFCs was removed by coagulation and precipitation, and the ozone and chlorine test showed that few, if any, PFCs were removed regardless of the oxidant dose. The activated carbon adsorption test showed that the removal significantly increased with empty bed contact time, with about a 60% removal in five minutes and over 90% removal in over 15 minutes. Therefore, a more stable and higher PFCs removal would result from continuous oxidation processes, such as ozone and adsorption processes involving activated carbon, rather than a single biological treatment.
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11
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Prenatal exposure to organohalogen compounds and children’s mental and motor development at 18 and 30 months of age. Neurotoxicology 2019; 72:6-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Cowell WJ, Sjödin A, Jones R, Wang Y, Wang S, Whyatt RM, Factor-Litvak P, Bradwin G, Hassoun A, Oberfield S, Herbstman JB. Pre- and Postnatal Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Concentrations in Relation to Thyroid Parameters Measured During Early Childhood. Thyroid 2019; 29:631-641. [PMID: 30907253 PMCID: PMC6533780 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2018.0417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Penta-brominated diphenyl ethers (PentaBDEs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that structurally resemble thyroid hormones and were widely used as flame retardants in household consumer products from 1975 to 2004. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) cross the placenta, and evidence suggests that for many children, body burdens may peak during the toddler years. This study aimed to understand the impact of exposure timing by examining both pre- and postnatal exposure to BDE-47, the predominant penta-brominated diphenyl ether congener detected in humans, in relation to thyroid hormone parameters measured during early childhood. Methods: The Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health Mothers and Newborns Study is a prospective birth cohort of African American and Dominican maternal-child pairs. Pregnant women were recruited from two prenatal clinics in Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx between 1998 and 2006. Participants included 158 children with (i) plasma PBDE concentrations measured at birth and in the toddler years (age 2-3 years), and (ii) serum thyroid parameters measured at three and/or five years of age. Outcomes included concentrations of serum thyrotropin, free thyroxine, and total thyroxine. Results: Children with high exposure to BDE-47 during the prenatal period (-17% [confidence interval -29 to -2]) or toddler age (-19% [confidence interval -31 to -5]) had significantly lower geometric mean thyrotropin levels compared to children with low BDE-47 exposure throughout early life. Associations with thyroxine were also inverse; however, they did not reach statistical significance at the p = 0.05 level. Sex-stratified models suggest associations with postnatal exposure may be stronger among boys compared to girls. Conclusions: The thyroid regulatory system may be sensitive to BDE-47 during pre- and postnatal periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney J. Cowell
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Richard Jones
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Robin M. Whyatt
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Gary Bradwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Abeer Hassoun
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Sharon Oberfield
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Julie B. Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Address correspondence to: Julie Herbstman, PhD, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, 12th Floor, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
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Berntsen HF, Bjørklund CG, Strandabø R, Haug TM, Moldes-Anaya A, Fuentes-Lazaro J, Verhaegen S, Paulsen RE, Tasker RA, Ropstad E. PFOS-induced excitotoxicity is dependent on Ca2+ influx via NMDA receptors in rat cerebellar granule neurons. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 357:19-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Čulin J. Brominated flame retardants: Recommendation for different listing under the Hong Kong Convention. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 636:919-926. [PMID: 29729509 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
When the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 enters into effect, ships to be sent for recycling will be required to carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) on board, which identifies the hazardous materials contained in the ship's structure or equipment. In its current form, IHM covers two classes of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), namely polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Emerging evidence from recent literature suggests that members of all classes of BFRs are present in all environmental compartments and that exposure to them is associated with a wide range of harmful effects in humans and animals, effects that include endocrine disruption. Despite a growing body of research, the necessary data to perform health and environmental risk assessment are still lacking. This paper reviews environmental and human health impacts and discusses some issues of BFR environmental management. It is suggested that based on a precautionary approach, the inclusion of all classes of BFRs in IHM is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Čulin
- University of Zadar, Maritime Department, M. Pavlinovića 1, 23000 Zadar, Croatia.
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15
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Cowell WJ, Margolis A, Rauh VA, Sjödin A, Jones R, Wang Y, Garcia W, Perera F, Wang S, Herbstman JB. Associations between prenatal and childhood PBDE exposure and early adolescent visual, verbal and working memory. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 118:9-16. [PMID: 29787900 PMCID: PMC6460908 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal and childhood exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants has been inversely associated with cognitive performance, however, few studies have measured PBDE concentrations in samples collected during both prenatal and postnatal periods. METHODS We examined prenatal (cord) and childhood (ages 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9 years) plasma PBDE concentrations in relation to memory outcomes assessed between the ages of 9 and 14 years. The study sample includes a subset (n = 212) of the African American and Dominican children enrolled in the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health Mothers and Newborns birth cohort. We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations between continuous log10-transformed PBDE concentrations and performance on tests of visual, verbal and working memory in age-stratified models. We additionally used latent class growth analysis to estimate trajectories of exposure across early life, which we analyzed as a categorical variable in relation to memory outcomes. We examined interactions between PBDE exposure and sex using cross-product terms. RESULTS Associations between prenatal exposure and working memory significantly varied by sex (p-interaction = 0.02), with inverse relations observed only among girls (i.e. βBDE-47 = -7.55, 95% CI: -13.84, -1.24). Children with sustained high concentrations of BDEs-47, 99 or 100 across childhood scored approximately 5-8 standard score points lower on tests of visual memory. Children with PBDE plasma concentrations that peaked during toddler years performed better on verbal domains, however, these associations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to PBDEs during both prenatal and postnatal periods may disrupt memory domains in early adolescence. These findings contribute to a substantial body of evidence supporting the developmental neurotoxicity of PBDEs and underscore the need to reduce exposure among pregnant women and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney J Cowell
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Amy Margolis
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Virginia A Rauh
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Richard Jones
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Ya Wang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Wanda Garcia
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Frederica Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Health Consequences of Environmental Exposures in Early Life: Coping with a Changing World in the Post-MDG Era. Ann Glob Health 2018; 82:20-7. [PMID: 27325065 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite overall progress toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals, large health discrepancies persist between developed and developing countries. The world is rapidly changing and the influences of societal change and climate change will disproportionately affect the world's most vulnerable populations, thus exacerbating current inequities. Current development strategies do not adequately address these disproportionate impacts of environmental exposures. The aim of this study was to propose a new framework to address the health consequences of environmental exposures beyond 2015. This framework is transdisciplinary and precautionary. It is based on identifying social and economic determinants of health, strengthening primary health systems, and improving the health of vulnerable populations. It incorporates deliberate plans for assessment and control of avoidable environmental exposures. It sets specific, measurable targets for health and environmental improvement.
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Chen MH, Ng S, Hsieh CJ, Lin CC, Hsieh WS, Chen PC. The impact of prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances exposure on neonatal and child growth. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 607-608:669-675. [PMID: 28709101 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are wildly distributed environmental pollutants. Laboratory mice exposed prenatally to PFASs develop smaller birth weight but are more likely to become obese in adulthood. The evidences in human studies are still inconclusive. METHODS The participants were 429 mother-infant pairs from Taiwan Birth Panel Study. These children were followed serially and growth data were collected through face to face interviews and records in Child Healthcare Handbooks until 108months of age. The age-specific z-scores for weight (WAZ), length/height (LAZ/HAZ) and BMI (BMIAZ) were calculated. PFASs in umbilical cord blood were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS At birth, perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS) levels were negatively associated with weight and height [per ln unit: adjusted β (95% confidence interval, CI)=-0.14 (-0.26, -0.01) for WAZ and -0.16 (-0.31, -0.02) for LAZ]. However, these adverse impacts diminished as children grow up. When stratified the analysis by gender, the effects of prenatal PFOS exposure were more obvious for girls especially during the time span of 6 to 12 and 12 to 24months of age [per ln unit: adjusted β (95% CI)=-0.25 (-0.47, -0.04) and -0.24 (-0.41, -0.04) for WAZ, respectively; per ln unit: adjusted β (95% CI)=-0.33 (-0.59, -0.08) and -0.25 (-0.45, -0.05) for BMIAZ, respectively]. Later in the period of 60 to 108months of age, positive association between prenatal PFOS exposure and girls' BMI was observed [per ln unit: adjusted β (95% CI)=0.34 (0.007, 0.68) for BMIAZ]. There was little evidence in these data for a consistent association of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) with any of the indicators. CONCLUSIONS Our study had shown that higher prenatal PFOS exposure was associated with decreased fetal growth, but the effects were diminished as children grow up. Modest effect of gender specific manner was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Huei Chen
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin County, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sharon Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chia-Jung Hsieh
- Department of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualian County, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chun Lin
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Shiun Hsieh
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, Cathy General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Pau-Chung Chen
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Time-dependent effects of perfluorinated compounds on viability in cerebellar granule neurons: Dependence on carbon chain length and functional group attached. Neurotoxicology 2017; 63:70-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Zhang R, Wei Q, Li M, Li Z, Lin W, Ma A, Zhou Z. Exposure of children aged 0-7 years to perfluorinated compounds in Foshan, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:23299-23308. [PMID: 28836141 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9922-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the exposure of children to 14 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in a typical and representative industrial city, plasma samples from 476 children aged 0-7 years in Foshan, China, were analysed. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were detected in 100% of the samples, accounting for 82.27 and 11.46% of the total PFC concentrations, respectively, while PFOS peaked at age 0-1 years, for which the mean and median concentrations were 113.71 and 83.65 ng/mL, respectively, while PFOA peaked at age 3-4 years, for which the mean and median concentrations were 10.68 and 6.58 ng/mL, respectively. The concentrations of PFOS, perfluorohexane sulfonate and perfluorohexanoic acid decreased with age among children aged 0-7 years, and no gender-related differences were found in the concentrations of PFCs. A high correlation was found among all PFCs, especially between PFCs of similar carbon chains (r = 0.161-0.695, p < 0.05). In addition, the concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in children's plasma in Foshan were up to 40-fold higher than those reported in China and other countries. In conclusion, children in Foshan have extensive exposure to PFCs, especially in infancy. Further studies are needed to explore the impact of PFCs on children who live in a typical and representative industrial city in China. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijia Zhang
- Department of Hygiene Inspection and Quarantine Science, Center for Hygiene Testing and Analysis, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, North 1838th Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Qinzhi Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Minjie Li
- Department of Hygiene Inspection and Quarantine Science, Center for Hygiene Testing and Analysis, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, North 1838th Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Zihuan Li
- Department of Hygiene Inspection and Quarantine Science, Center for Hygiene Testing and Analysis, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, North 1838th Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Wenting Lin
- Department of Hygiene Inspection and Quarantine Science, Center for Hygiene Testing and Analysis, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, North 1838th Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
| | - Ande Ma
- Department of Hygiene Inspection and Quarantine Science, Center for Hygiene Testing and Analysis, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, North 1838th Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
| | - Zhifeng Zhou
- Department of Hygiene Inspection and Quarantine Science, Center for Hygiene Testing and Analysis, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, North 1838th Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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Martin OV, Evans RM, Faust M, Kortenkamp A. A Human Mixture Risk Assessment for Neurodevelopmental Toxicity Associated with Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Used as Flame Retardants. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:087016. [PMID: 28886598 PMCID: PMC5783671 DOI: 10.1289/ehp826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European Food Safety Authority recently concluded that the exposure of small children (1-3 y old) to brominated diphenyl ether (BDE)-99 may exceed acceptable levels defined in relation to neurodevelopmental toxicity in rodents. The flame retardant BDE-209 may release BDE-99 and other lower brominated BDEs through biotic and abiotic degradation, and all age groups are exposed not only to BDE-209 and -99 but also to a cocktail of BDE congeners with evidence of neurodevelopmental toxicity. The possible risks from combined exposures to these substances have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES We performed a congener-specific mixture risk assessment (MRA) of human exposure to combinations of BDE-209 and other BDEs based on estimated exposures via diet and dust intake and on measured levels in biologic samples. METHODS We employed the Hazard Index (HI) method by using BDE congener-specific reference doses for neurodevelopmental toxicity. RESULTS Our HI analysis suggests that combined exposures to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) may exceed acceptable levels in breastfeeding infants (0-3 mo old) and in small children (1-3 y old), even for moderate (vs. high) exposure scenarios. Our estimates also suggest that acceptable levels of combined PBDEs may be exceeded in adults whose diets are high in fish. Small children had the highest combined exposures, with some estimated body burdens that were similar to body burdens associated with developmental neurotoxicity in rodents. CONCLUSIONS Our estimates corroborate reports from several recent epidemiological studies of associations between PBDE exposures and neurobehavioral outcomes, and they support the inclusion of BDE-209 in the persistent organic pollutant (POP) convention as well as the need for strategies to reduce exposures to PBDE mixtures, including maximum residue limits for PBDEs in food and measures for limiting the release of PBDEs from consumer waste. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP826.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olwenn V Martin
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London , London, UK
| | - Richard M Evans
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London , London, UK
| | - Michael Faust
- Faust & Backhaus, BITZ - Bremer Innovations- und Technologie-Zentrum , Bremen, Germany
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London , London, UK
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Lam J, Lanphear BP, Bellinger D, Axelrad DA, McPartland J, Sutton P, Davidson L, Daniels N, Sen S, Woodruff TJ. Developmental PBDE Exposure and IQ/ADHD in Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:086001. [PMID: 28799918 PMCID: PMC5783655 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, one in six children are affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in flame-retardant chemicals are measured ubiquitously in children. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic a systematic review regarding developmental exposure to PBDEs and intelligence or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and attention-related behavioral conditions in humans. METHODS We searched articles published up to 26 September 2016, and included original studies that quantified exposures to PBDEs incurred any time in proximity to conception or during in utero, perinatal, or childhood time periods. We evaluated the risk of bias of individual studies and the overall quality and strength of the evidence according to the Navigation Guide systematic review methodology. We established criteria in advance to identify studies that could be combined using random effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian-Laird method). RESULTS Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria; 10 studies met the criteria for intelligence and nine for attention-related problems. We rated studies generally with "low" to "probably low" risk of bias and rated the overall body of evidence as "moderate" quality with "sufficient" evidence for an association between Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and PBDEs. Our meta-analysis of four studies estimated a 10-fold increase (in other words, times 10) in PBDE exposure associated with a decrement of 3.70 IQ points (95% confidence interval: 0.83, 6.56). We concluded the body of evidence was of "moderate" quality for ADHD with "limited" evidence for an association with PBDEs, based on the heterogeneity of association estimates reported by a small number of studies and the fact that chance, bias, and confounding could not be ruled out with reasonable confidence. CONCLUSION We concluded there was sufficient evidence supporting an association between developmental PBDE exposure and reduced IQ. Preventing developmental exposure to PBDEs could help prevent loss of human intelligence. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1632.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juleen Lam
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - David Bellinger
- Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University , Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel A Axelrad
- Office of Policy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Patrice Sutton
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lisette Davidson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente , Oakland, California, USA
| | - Natalyn Daniels
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Saunak Sen
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California , San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Rappazzo KM, Coffman E, Hines EP. Exposure to Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances and Health Outcomes in Children: A Systematic Review of the Epidemiologic Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E691. [PMID: 28654008 PMCID: PMC5551129 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14070691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals used to make products stain and stick resistant, have been linked to health effects in adults and adverse birth outcomes. A growing body of literature also addresses health effects in children exposed to PFAS. This review summarizes the epidemiologic evidence for relationships between prenatal and/or childhood exposure to PFAS and health outcomes in children as well as to provide a risk of bias analysis of the literature. A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed for studies on PFAS and child health outcomes. We identified 64 studies for inclusion and performed risk of bias analysis on those studies. We determined that risk of bias across studies was low to moderate. Six categories of health outcomes emerged. These were: immunity/infection/asthma, cardio-metabolic, neurodevelopmental/attention, thyroid, renal, and puberty onset. While there are a limited number of studies for any one particular health outcome, there is evidence for positive associations between PFAS and dyslipidemia, immunity (including vaccine response and asthma), renal function, and age at menarche. One finding of note is that while PFASs are mixtures of multiple compounds few studies examine them as such, therefore the role of these compounds as complex mixtures remains largely unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Rappazzo
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Evan Coffman
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
- Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Erin P Hines
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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23
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The current debate on cost burden by human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Arch Toxicol 2017. [PMID: 28623480 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2014-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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24
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Jeddy Z, Hartman TJ, Taylor EV, Poteete C, Kordas K. Prenatal concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl substances and early communication development in British girls. Early Hum Dev 2017; 109:15-20. [PMID: 28411449 PMCID: PMC5507173 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), found in many household products and classed as endocrine disrupting chemicals, can be transferred through the placenta and are associated with multiple developmental deficits in offspring. Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), we investigated the association between intrauterine exposure to PFAS and early communication development in 432 mother-daughter dyads at 15 and 38months of age. Concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) were measured in maternal serum collected during pregnancy. Early communication development was measured with the ALSPAC-adapted MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories for Infants and Toddlers. The infant questionnaire measured verbal comprehension, vocabulary comprehension and production, nonverbal communication, and social development. The toddler questionnaire measured language, intelligibility, and communicative sub-scores. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine associations between each PFAS exposure and each communication sub-scale score. The association between maternal PFAS concentrations and early communication development at 15 and 38months of age varied by maternal age at delivery. In daughters of younger mothers (<25years of age), every 1ng/mL of PFOS was associated with a 3.82 point (95% confidence interval (CI): -6.18, -1.47) lower vocabulary score at 15months and a 0.80 point (95% CI: -1.74, 0.14) lower language score at 38months. Prenatal exposure to select PFAS was positively and negatively associated with communication development among girls, with inconsistent pattern of association across all measured PFAS and endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuha Jeddy
- Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA.
| | - Terryl J Hartman
- Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, USA; Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ethel V Taylor
- Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cayla Poteete
- Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, UK
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25
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Bond GG, Dietrich DR. Human cost burden of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. A critical review. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:2745-2762. [PMID: 28528477 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-1985-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Recently published papers have alleged that exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are causing substantial disease burdens in the EU and US and are consequently costing society hundreds of billions of dollars annually. To date, these cost estimates have not undergone adequate scientific scrutiny, but nevertheless are being used aggressively in advocacy campaigns in an attempt to fundamentally change how chemicals are tested, evaluated and regulated. Consequently, we critically evaluated the underlying methodology and assumptions employed by the chief architects of the disease burden cost estimates. Since the vast majority of their assigned disease burden costs are driven by the assumption that "loss of IQ" and "increased prevalence of intellectual disability" are caused by exposures to organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) and brominated flame retardants (PBDEs), we have taken special care in describing and evaluating the underlying toxicology and epidemiology evidence that was relied upon. Unfortunately, our review uncovered substantial flaws in the approach taken and the conclusions that were drawn. Indeed, the authors of these papers assumed causal relationships between putative exposures to EDCs and selected diseases, i.e., "loss of IQ" and "increased prevalence of intellectual disability", despite not having established them via a thorough evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the underlying animal toxicology and human epidemiology evidence. Consequently, the assigned disease burden costs are highly speculative and should not be considered in the weight of evidence approach underlying any serious policy discussions serving to protect the public and regulate chemicals considered as EDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel R Dietrich
- Human and Environmental Toxicology, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
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26
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LaKind JS, Anthony LG, Goodman M. Review of reviews on exposures to synthetic organic chemicals and children's neurodevelopment: Methodological and interpretation challenges. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2017; 20:390-422. [PMID: 28952888 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2017.1370847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Environmental epidemiology data are becoming increasingly important in public health decision making, which commonly incorporates a systematic review of multiple studies. This review addresses two fundamental questions: What is the quality of available reviews on associations between exposure to synthetic organic chemicals and neurodevelopmental outcomes? What is the value (e.g., quality and consistency) of the underlying literature? Published reviews on associations between synthetic organic environmental chemical exposures and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children were systematically evaluated. Seventy-four relevant reviews were identified, and these were evaluated with respect to four methodological characteristics: (1) systematic inclusion/exclusion criteria and reproducible methods for search and retrieval of studies; (2) structured evaluation of underlying data quality; (3) systematic assessment of consistency across specific exposure-outcome associations; and (4) evaluation of reporting/publication bias. None of the 74 reviews fully met the criteria for all four methodological characteristics. Only four reviews met two criteria, and six reviews fulfilled only one criterion. Perhaps more importantly, the higher quality reviews were not able to meet all of the criteria owing to the shortcomings of underlying studies, which lacked comparability in terms of specific research question of interest, overall design, exposure assessment, outcome ascertainment, and analytic methods. Thus, even the most thoughtful and rigorous review may be of limited value if the underlying literature includes investigations that address different hypotheses and are beset by methodological inconsistencies and limitations. Issues identified in this review of reviews illustrate considerable challenges that are facing assessments of epidemiological evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy S LaKind
- a LaKind Associates , LLC , Catonsville , MD 21228 , USA
- b Department of Epidemiology and Public Health , University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD 21201 , USA
| | - Laura G Anthony
- c Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children's National Health System , The George Washington University Medical Center , 15245 Shady Grove Road, Suite 350, Rockville , MD 20850 USA
| | - Michael Goodman
- d Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health , Emory University , 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta , GA 30322 USA
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27
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Bramwell L, Glinianaia SV, Rankin J, Rose M, Fernandes A, Harrad S, Pless-Mulolli T. Associations between human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants via diet and indoor dust, and internal dose: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 92-93:680-94. [PMID: 27066981 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to identify and appraise the current international evidence of associations between concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in humans and their indoor dusts and food. We systematically searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus (up to Jan 2015), using a comprehensive list of keywords, for English-language studies published in peer-reviewed journals. We extracted information on study design, quality, participants, sample collection methods, adjustments for potential confounders and correlations between PBDE concentrations in internal and external matrices. Of 131 potential articles, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the narrative synthesis. We concluded that three key factors influenced correlations between external and internal PBDE exposure; half-life of individual congeners in the human body; proximity and interaction between PBDE source and study subject; and time of study relative to phase out of PBDE technical products. Internal dose of Penta-BDE technical mix congeners generally correlated strongly with dust. The exception was BDE-153 which is known to have higher persistence in human tissues. Despite the low bioaccessibility and short half-life of BDE-209, its high loading in dusts gave strong correlations with body burden where measured. Correlations between PBDE concentrations in duplicate diet and body burden were not apparent from the included studies. Whether dust or diet is the primary exposure source for an individual is tied to the loading of PBDE in dust or food items and the amounts ingested. Simple recommendations such as more frequent hand washing may reduce PBDE body burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Bramwell
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK.
| | - Svetlana V Glinianaia
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Judith Rankin
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Martin Rose
- Fera Science Ltd. (Fera), National Agri-Food Innovation Campus, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - Alwyn Fernandes
- Fera Science Ltd. (Fera), National Agri-Food Innovation Campus, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Tanja Pless-Mulolli
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK
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28
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Environmental pollutants and child health-A review of recent concerns. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:331-42. [PMID: 27216159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many new studies have evaluated associations between environmental pollutants and child health. This review aims to provide a broad summary of this literature, comparing the state of epidemiological evidence for the effects of a wide range of environmental contaminants (air pollutants, heavy metals, organochlorine compounds, perfluoroalkyl substances, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, pesticides, phthalates and bisphenol A) on child health outcomes. The review addresses effects on foetal growth and prematurity, neurodevelopment, respiratory and immune health, and childhood growth and obesity. Findings of recent prospective studies and meta-analyses have corroborated previous good evidence, often at lower exposure levels, for effects on foetal growth of air pollution and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), for neurotoxic effects of lead, methylmercury, PCBs and organophosphate pesticides, and for respiratory health effects of air pollution. Moderate evidence has emerged for a potential role of environmental pollutants in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism (lead, PCBs, air pollution), respiratory and immune health (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene - DDE - and PCBs), and obesity (DDE). In addition, there is now moderate evidence that certain chemicals of relatively recent concern may be associated with adverse child health outcomes, specifically perfluorooctanoate and foetal growth, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers and neurodevelopment. For other chemicals of recent concern, such as phthalates and bisphenol A, the literature is characterised by large inconsistencies preventing strong conclusions. In conclusion, since most of the recent literature evaluates common exposures in the general population, and not particularly high exposure situations, this accumulating body of evidence suggests that the unborn and young child require more protection than is currently provided. Large, coordinated research efforts are needed to improve understanding of long-term effects of complex chemical mixtures.
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Abbasi G, Saini A, Goosey E, Diamond ML. Product screening for sources of halogenated flame retardants in Canadian house and office dust. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 545-546:299-307. [PMID: 26747994 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their replacements, can be related to exposure to indoor dust and direct contact with HFR-containing products. This study aimed to identify electronic products that contributed to HFRs measured in indoor dust and to develop a screening method for identifying HFRs in hard polymer products. Concentrations of 10 PBDEs and 12 halogenated replacements in dust and surface wipe samples of hard polymer casings of electronic products plus Br in the surfaces of those casing measured using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were analyzed from 35 homes and 10 offices in Toronto (ON, Canada). HFR concentrations in dust and product wipes were positively correlated. Thus, we hypothesize that electronic products with the highest HFR concentrations contribute the most to concentrations in dust, regardless of the volatility of the HFR. Abundant HFRs in dust and product wipes were PBDEs (BDE-47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183, 209), TDCPP, DBDPE, EH-TBB and BEHTBP. Older CRT TVs had the highest concentration of BDE-209 of all products tested. This was followed by higher concentrations of HFRs in PCs, Audio/Video (A/V) devices, small household appliances (HHAs) and flat screen TVs. The removal of HFRs from polymer surfaces using wipes supports concerns that HFRs could be transferred from these surfaces to hands as a result of direct contact with HFR-containing products. Surface wipe testing shows promise for screening additive HFRs. In comparison, the Br-content obtained using a handheld XRF analyzer did not correspond to concentrations obtained from surface wipe testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnoush Abbasi
- Department of Geography, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - Amandeep Saini
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Emma Goosey
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Russell Street, Toronto M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Russell Street, Toronto M5S 3B1, Canada; Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto M1C 1A4, Canada.
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Cowell WJ, Lederman SA, Sjödin A, Jones R, Wang S, Perera FP, Wang R, Rauh VA, Herbstman JB. Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and child attention problems at 3-7 years. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015; 52:143-50. [PMID: 26344673 PMCID: PMC4785171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) comprise a class of halogenated compounds used extensively as flame retardant chemicals in consumer products resulting in nearly ubiquitous human exposure. Mounting evidence suggests that PBDEs are developmental neurotoxicants; however, associations between early life exposure and child behavior have been largely limited to a single developmental time point. METHODS The study population consists primarily of white, black and Chinese women who were pregnant on 11 September 2001 and delivered at 1 of 3 downtown New York City hospitals. Maternal-child pairs were followed through age 7 years. Cord blood was collected at delivery and PBDE plasma levels for 210 samples were analyzed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Child Behavior Checklist, a validated maternal-report instrument used for assessing child behavior, was administered annually between the ages of 3 and 7 years. We analyzed the association between natural log-transformed and dichotomized (low vs. high) PBDEs and attention problems using multivariable adjusted negative binomial regression. RESULTS We detected 4 PBDE congeners in more than 50% of samples, with concentrations highest for BDE-47 (median±IQR: 11.2±19.6 ng/g). In adjusted analyses, we detected associations between BDE-47 (1.21, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.47), and BDE-153 (1.18, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.39) in cord plasma and increased attention problems among children at age 4 (n=109) but not 6 (n=107) years. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate a positive trend between prenatal PBDE exposure and early childhood attention problems, and are consistent with previous research reporting associations between prenatal PBDE exposure and disrupted child behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney J Cowell
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sally A Lederman
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Richard Jones
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Frederica P Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Richard Wang
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Virginia A Rauh
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Wilks M. Neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioural effects of polybrominated and perfluorinated chemicals. Toxicol Lett 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Manzano-Salgado CB, Casas M, Lopez-Espinosa MJ, Ballester F, Basterrechea M, Grimalt JO, Jiménez AM, Kraus T, Schettgen T, Sunyer J, Vrijheid M. Transfer of perfluoroalkyl substances from mother to fetus in a Spanish birth cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 142:471-8. [PMID: 26257032 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) might affect child health; thus estimating PFAS fetal burden is relevant. PFAS fetal burden is best estimated in cord samples; previous studies have used either maternal plasma or serum during pregnancy as proxy, but their validity is not clear. We aimed to evaluate PFAS transfer between mother and fetus and determine its predictors in a Spanish birth cohort. METHODS We measured perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) in maternal blood and cord serum from 66 mother-child pairs. We used Spearman's rank coefficients to correlate PFAS concentrations in first trimester maternal plasma and serum, with cord serum samples. We assessed PFAS placental transfer by calculating maternal to cord ratios and examined their association with maternal socio-demographic characteristics and child sex using linear regression models. RESULTS Median concentrations of PFAS (ng/mL) of PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA in maternal plasma (0.79, 6.18, 2.85 and 0.84, respectively) and serum (0.84, 6.99, 2.97 and 0.85) were higher than in cord serum (0.40, 1.86, 1.90 and 0.32). PFBS was not detected. Positive Spearman's correlations (p-values<0.001) were found between maternal plasma and serum (⍴≥0.80), maternal plasma and cord (⍴≥0.66), and maternal serum and cord samples (⍴≥0.67). Maternal plasma to cord ratios were above 1 (PFHxS: 2.35 [95%CI: 2.05, 2.70], PFOS: 3.33 [3.05, 3.62], PFOA: 1.37 [1.27, 1.48], PFNA: 2.39 [2.18, 2.63]); maternal serum to cord ratios were similar. Maternal to cord ratios decreased with maternal age, but not with other socio-demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PFAS fetal body burden can be assessed using as proxy maternal plasma or serum collected early in pregnancy. Maternal age might influence PFAS placental transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyntia B Manzano-Salgado
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | - Maribel Casas
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Maria-Jose Lopez-Espinosa
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; FISABIO- Universitat Jaume - Universitat de València Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ferran Ballester
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; FISABIO- Universitat Jaume - Universitat de València Joint Research Unit of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mikel Basterrechea
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Public Health Department of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian, Spain; Health Research Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana-María Jiménez
- Public Health Department of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian, Spain; Health Research Institute Biodonostia, San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute for Occupational Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Doctor Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
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Wilks MF, Tsatsakis AM. Environmental contaminants and target organ toxicities – new insights into old problems. Toxicol Lett 2014; 230:81-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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