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Lewandowska AU, Bełdowska M, Witkowska A, Falkowska L, Wiśniewska K. Mercury bonds with carbon (OC and EC) in small aerosols (PM1) in the urbanized coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdansk (southern Baltic). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 157:350-357. [PMID: 29631090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.03.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PM1 aerosols were collected at the coastal station in Gdynia between 1st January and 31st December 2012. The main purpose of the study was to determine the variability in concentrations of mercury Hg(p), organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in PM1 aerosols under varying synoptic conditions in heating and non-heating periods. Additionally, sources of origin and bonds of mercury with carbon species were identified. The highest concentrations of Hg(p), OC and EC were found during the heating period. Then all analyzed PM1 components had a common, local origin related to the consumption of fossil fuels for heating purposes under conditions of lower air temperatures and poor dispersion of pollutants. Long periods without precipitation also led to the increase in concentration of all measured PM1 compounds. In heating period mercury correlated well with elemental carbon and primary and secondary organic carbon when air masses were transported from over the land. At that time, the role of transportation was of minor importance. In the non-heating period, the concentration of all analyzed compounds were lower than in the heating period, which could be associated with the reduced influence of combustion processes, higher precipitation and, in the case of mercury, also the evaporation of aerosols at higher air temperatures. However, when air masses were transported from over the sea or from the port/shipyard areas the mercury concentration increased significantly. In the first case higher air humidity, solar radiation and ozone concentration as well as the presence of marine aerosols could further facilitate the conversion of gaseous mercury into particulate mercury and its concentration increase. In the second case Hg(p) could be adsorbed on particles rich in elemental carbon and primary organic carbon emitted from ships.
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Affiliation(s)
- A U Lewandowska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - M Bełdowska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - A Witkowska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - L Falkowska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
| | - K Wiśniewska
- Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Av. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland
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Heavy Metals' Effect on Susceptibility to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Implication of Lead, Cadmium, and Antimony. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15061221. [PMID: 29890770 PMCID: PMC6025252 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Heavy metals are known to be harmful for neurodevelopment and they may correlate to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we aim to explore the relationships between multiple heavy metals (manganese, lead, cadmium, mercury, antimony, and bismuth), neurocognitive function, and ADHD symptoms. Methods: We recruited 29 patients with ADHD inattentive type (ADHD-I), 47 patients with ADHD hyperactivity/impulsivity type (ADHD-H/I), and 46 healthy control children. Urine samples were obtained to measure the levels of the aforementioned heavy metals in each child. Participants’ cognitive function and clinical symptoms were assessed, respectively. Results: We found ADHD-H/I patients demonstrated the highest antimony levels (p = 0.028), and ADHD-I patients demonstrated the highest cadmium levels (p = 0.034). Antimony levels were positively correlated with the severity of ADHD symptoms that were rated by teachers, and cadmium levels were negatively correlated with the Full Scale Intelligence Quotient. Lead levels were negatively correlated with most indices of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC-IV), but positively correlated with inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Lead, cadmium and antimony were associated with susceptibility to ADHD and symptom severity in school-age children. Eliminating exposure to heavy metals may help to prevent neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
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Contaminación por mercurio de leche materna de madres lactantes de municipios de Antioquia con explotación minera de oro. BIOMEDICA 2017; 38:19-29. [DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v38i0.3609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introducción. La leche materna es esencial para el desarrollo del ser humano, pero puede contener sustancias tóxicas provenientes de la contaminación ambiental, especialmente en las áreas mineras.Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de la contaminación con mercurio de la leche materna de mujeres lactantes residentes en los municipios con explotación minera de oro.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal de 150 madres lactantes de cuatro municipios mineros de Antioquia (El Bagre, Segovia, Remedios y Zaragoza), a quienes se les hizo una encuesta sobre factores sociodemográficos, ocupacionales y ambientales relacionados con el mercurio, y se les tomaron muestras de leche materna, de orina y de cabello. Se calculó el promedio de la concentración de mercurio y las prevalencias municipales de contaminación.Resultados. El promedio de la concentración de mercurio en la leche materna fue de 2,5 (± desviación estándar 9,2) μg/L. La prevalencia de muestras de leche materna con niveles altos de mercurio fue de 11,7 %.Conclusión. En este estudio se evidencia un grave problema en las regiones mineras auríferas de Antioquia por el efecto de la contaminación con mercurio en sectores de la población más vulnerable.
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Marques RC, Abreu L, Bernardi JVE, Dórea JG. Traditional living in the Amazon: Extended breastfeeding, fish consumption, mercury exposure and neurodevelopment. Ann Hum Biol 2016; 43:360-70. [DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2016.1189962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Mogensen UB, Grandjean P, Nielsen F, Weihe P, Budtz-Jørgensen E. Breastfeeding as an Exposure Pathway for Perfluorinated Alkylates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:10466-73. [PMID: 26291735 PMCID: PMC6190571 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b02237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFASs) are widely used and have resulted in human exposures worldwide. PFASs occur in breast milk, and the duration of breastfeeding is associated with serum-PFAS concentrations in children. To determine the time-dependent impact of this exposure pathway, we examined the serum concentrations of five major PFASs in a Faroese birth cohort at birth, and at ages 11, 18, and 60 months. Information about the children's breastfeeding history was obtained from the mothers. The trajectory of serum-PFAS concentrations during months with and without breastfeeding was examined by linear mixed models that accounted for the correlations of the PFAS measurements for each child. The models were adjusted for confounders such as body size. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with increases of most PFAS concentrations by up to 30% per month, with lower increases during partial breast-feeding. In contrast to this main pattern, perfluorohexanesulfonate was not affected by breast-feeding. After cessation of breastfeeding, all serum concentrations decreased. This finding supports the evidence of breastfeeding being an important exposure pathway to some PFASs in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla B. Mogensen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215
- Address correspondence author. ; phone: (617) 384-8907; fax: (617) 384-8994
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Pal Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Faroese Hospital System, 100 Torshavn, Faroe Islands
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dos Santos FA, Cavecci B, Vieira JCS, Franzini VP, Santos A, de Lima Leite A, Buzalaf MAR, Zara LF, de Magalhães Padilha P. A Metalloproteomics Study on the Association of Mercury With Breast Milk in Samples From Lactating Women in the Amazon Region of Brazil. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2015; 69:223-229. [PMID: 25981408 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify metalloproteins that lose their metal ions in the presence of mercury (Hg) and bind to Hg in breast milk samples collected from the riverine population of the Madeira River, a tributary of the Amazon River. Initially, total Hg was determined from the hair of lactating women to identify individuals who were contaminated followed by a proteomic analysis of breast milk samples through two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after acetone precipitation. The presence of Hg in the obtained protein spots was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry and cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. These determinations indicated the presence of Hg in one protein spot, which was then characterized through electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Based on searches in the UniProt database, this protein spot was identified as lysozyme C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe André dos Santos
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (INQUI/UFMS), Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
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Kampalath RA, Jay JA. Sources of Mercury Exposure to Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. J Health Pollut 2015; 5:33-51. [PMID: 30524768 PMCID: PMC6221478 DOI: 10.5696/i2156-9614-5-8.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many children in low- and middle-income countries face enhanced risks of exposure to contaminants via the environment, parental occupation, and other routes. While mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant whose transport properties allow it to have an impact even in pristine areas, the presence of significant Hg sources in the developing world can cause localized effects that are more severe than those observed in other areas. OBJECTIVES This paper provides a narrative review of sources of Hg exposure to people in the developing world with a particular focus on children, and presents an overview of key aspects to this important issue. METHODS We searched Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar using keywords including combinations of "mercury" and one or more of the following: "children," "exposure," "breast milk," "artisanal mining," "prenatal," "religion," "medicine," "dental amalgam," "chlor-alkali," "VCM," "vaccine," "e-waste," "industry," "beauty," "cosmetics," "strategies," "child labor," "costs," and "developing countries" to find peer-reviewed articles pertaining to Hg exposure in the developing world. RESULTS Sources of Hg exposure include mining, consumption, industrial operations, religious practices, traditional medicines, beauty products, vaccines, dental amalgams, and waste scavenging and recycling. CONCLUSION Children in the developing world are often subject to higher levels of Hg exposure than those living in developed countries due to the higher prevalence of Hg-intensive industrial processes and consumer products, lack of environmental regulation, and limits in mobility and food choices, among other factors. This issue can be addressed through additional research to fill in data gaps on exposure sources, establish sound and enforceable policies, and increase education and participation in affected communities. Challenges to addressing this problem include limited resources for needed equipment, training, and manpower to implement solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Ayla Jay
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department, U.C.L.A., Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A
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Yoshimasu K, Kiyohara C, Takemura S, Nakai K. A meta-analysis of the evidence on the impact of prenatal and early infancy exposures to mercury on autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the childhood. Neurotoxicology 2014; 44:121-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Gao YX, Zhang H, Yu X, He JL, Shang X, Li X, Zhao Y, Wu Y. Risk and benefit assessment of potential neurodevelopmental effect resulting from consumption of marine fish from a coastal archipelago in China. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2014; 62:5207-5213. [PMID: 24823317 DOI: 10.1021/jf500343w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess net neurodevelopmental effect via maternal consumption of marine fish. A total of thirty-one species were collected from Zhoushan, China. The net IQ point gain was assessed by FAO/WHO deterministic approach and probabilistic computation (if necessary). Results of the deterministic assessment of two samples belonging to Scoliodon sorrakowah showed negative IQ point gain in both common and extreme consumption scenarios (175 and 450 g/week, respectively); the net IQ gain caused by both consumption scenarios of other species were positive. Both consumption scenarios of Scoliodon sorrakowah showed beneficial neurodevelopmental effect according to probabilistic computation (95% CI for mean of net IQ gain: 0.0536-0.0554 and 0.1377-0.1425, respectively). Except for Scoliodon sorrakowah, this study indicates that both consumption scenarios of other studied species would be recommended according to the FAO/WHO approach. There would be no recommendation of consumption scenarios of Scoliodon sorrakowah for the reason for carefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xiong Gao
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Key Lab of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Ministry of Health , No. 7, Panjiayuan Nanli, Peking 100021, China
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Cunha LRD, Costa THMD, Caldas ED. Mercury concentration in breast milk and infant exposure assessment during the first 90 days of lactation in a midwestern region of Brazil. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 151:30-7. [PMID: 23152002 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Breast milk samples collected from 18 nursing mothers between the 15th and 90th day of lactation were digested in nitric acid in a microwave, and total mercury (THg) levels were quantified by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Participants responded to a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire on the 74th and 76th day of lactation and to a Food Frequency Questionnaire querying the frequency of fish intake over the last 90 days. Usual intake was estimated using the PC-SIDE software package. A meal of fish was offered on the 75th day of lactation. Mothers' individual mean THg levels ranged from <0.76 to 22.7 ng/mL during the period, and the mean level for all samples (n = 142) was 6.47 ±6.04 ng/mL. The multilevel mixed linear model used showed high heterogeneity of the mercury levels among the mothers, and THg levels did not change significantly over the period under study. However, a significant increase in THg levels was observed after the intervention with the fish meal. Exposure increased for most infants on the 90th day of lactation, with intakes exceeding the THg provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) at least once during the period for 77.8 % of samples. Mothers consumed mostly food from the fat and grain groups, and a significant correlation was detected between consumption of food of these groups and breast milk THg levels (p = 0.006 and 0.007). A significant correlation was also found between vegetable consumption and carbohydrate intake and THg levels in the samples (p = 0.015 and 0.045, respectively). No correlation was found between mothers' daily fish consumption frequency and THg levels. Although this study showed that mercury intake by infants during lactation may exceed the toxicologically safe exposure level (PTWI), we nevertheless believe that the benefits of lactation for both the mother and the infant outweigh the eventual risks that this exposure may represent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Rodrigues da Cunha
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Brasilia, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, Brazil
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Hassauer M, Kaiser E, Schneider K, Schuhmacher‐Wolz U. Collate the literature on toxicity data on mercury in experimental animals and humans (Part I – Data on organic mercury). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2012.en-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hassauer
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Eva Kaiser
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
| | - Klaus Schneider
- Forschungs‐ und Beratungsinstitut Gefahrstoffe GmbH (FoBiG) Freiburg Germany
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Rylander C, Odland JØ, Sandanger TM. Climate change and environmental impacts on maternal and newborn health with focus on Arctic populations. Glob Health Action 2011; 4:GHA-4-8452. [PMID: 22084626 PMCID: PMC3213927 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v4i0.8452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented a report on global warming and the impact of human activities on global warming. Later the Lancet commission identified six ways human health could be affected. Among these were not environmental factors which are also believed to be important for human health. In this paper we therefore focus on environmental factors, climate change and the predicted effects on maternal and newborn health. Arctic issues are discussed specifically considering their exposure and sensitivity to long range transported contaminants. METHODS Considering that the different parts of pregnancy are particularly sensitive time periods for the effects of environmental exposure, this review focuses on the impacts on maternal and newborn health. Environmental stressors known to affects human health and how these will change with the predicted climate change are addressed. Air pollution and food security are crucial issues for the pregnant population in a changing climate, especially indoor climate and food security in Arctic areas. RESULTS The total number of environmental factors is today responsible for a large number of the global deaths, especially in young children. Climate change will most likely lead to an increase in this number. Exposure to the different environmental stressors especially air pollution will in most parts of the world increase with climate change, even though some areas might face lower exposure. Populations at risk today are believed to be most heavily affected. As for the persistent organic pollutants a warming climate leads to a remobilisation and a possible increase in food chain exposure in the Arctic and thus increased risk for Arctic populations. This is especially the case for mercury. The perspective for the next generations will be closely connected to the expected temperature changes; changes in housing conditions; changes in exposure patterns; predicted increased exposure to Mercury because of increased emissions and increased biological availability. CONCLUSIONS A number of environmental stressors are predicted to increase with climate change and increasingly affecting human health. Efforts should be put on reducing risk for the next generation, thus global politics and research effort should focus on maternal and newborn health.
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Benefice E, Luna-Monrroy S, Lopez-Rodriguez R. Fishing activity, health characteristics and mercury exposure of Amerindian women living alongside the Beni River (Amazonian Bolivia). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2010; 213:458-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Leiss JK, Kotch JB. The importance of children's environmental health for the field of maternal and child health: a wake-up call. Matern Child Health J 2010; 14:307-17. [PMID: 20091109 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-009-0560-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jack K Leiss
- Epidemiology Research Program, Cedar Grove Institute for Sustainable Communities, 6919 Lee Street, Mebane, NC 27302, USA.
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Esteban M, Castaño A. Non-invasive matrices in human biomonitoring: a review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2009; 35:438-49. [PMID: 18951632 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2008.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2008] [Revised: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/11/2008] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Humans and other living organisms are exposed to a variety of chemical pollutants that are released into the environment as a consequence of anthropogenic activities. Environmental pollutants are incorporated into the organism by different routes and can then be stored and distributed in different tissues, which leads to an internal concentration that can induce different alterations, adverse effects and/or diseases. Control measures should be taken to avoid these effects and human biomonitoring is a very useful tool that can contribute to this aim. Human biomonitoring uses different matrices to measure the target chemicals depending on the chemical, the amount of matrix necessary for the analysis and the detection limit (LOD) of the analytical technique. Blood is the ideal matrix for most chemicals due to its contact with the whole organism and its equilibrium with organs and tissues where chemicals are stored. However, it has an important disadvantage of being an invasive matrix. The development of new methodology and modern analytical techniques has allowed the use of other matrices that are less or non-invasive, such as saliva, urine, meconium, nails, hair, and semen or breast milk. The presence of a chemical in these matrices reflects an exposure, but correlations between levels in non-invasive matrices and blood must be established to ensure that these levels are related to the total body burden. The development of new biomarkers that are measurable in these matrices will improve non-invasive biomonitoring. This paper reviews studies that measure Cd, Pb, Hg, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides and phthalates in non-invasive matrices, the most used techniques for measurements and what alternative techniques are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Esteban
- Environmental Toxicology, National Centre of Environmental Health (CNSA), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Dórea JG. Cord blood mercury and early child development: effects of the World Trade Center. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:A14-A15. [PMID: 19165367 PMCID: PMC2627876 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0800155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
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Castoldi AF, Johansson C, Onishchenko N, Coccini T, Roda E, Vahter M, Ceccatelli S, Manzo L. Human developmental neurotoxicity of methylmercury and variables. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2008.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Dórea JG. Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances in fish: human health considerations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 400:93-114. [PMID: 18653214 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2008] [Revised: 06/09/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Fish are important dietary items that provide essential nutrients. Fish however, bioaccumulate monomethyl mercury (MMHg) and organo-halogenated pollutants (OHP) that are persistent bioaccumulative and toxic substances (PBTS). Unlike man-made OHP, MMHg is mainly of natural origin but background concentrations of aquatic systems are determined by the environmental Hg-methylating potential. Industrial activities can modulate environmental discharges and fish bioaccumulation of PBTS. Fish and seafood consumption are associated with human body load of PBTS, but farming practices that utilize fishmeal increase the terrestrial food chain resulting in farm-animal accumulation of PBTS. These substances are neurotoxic and endocrine active that can impact humans and wild life, but chemical characteristics of MMHg and OHP modulate interactions with animal tissues. MMHg is protein reactive with a faster metabolism (months) than OHP that are stored and slowly (years) metabolized in fat tissues. Except for brain-Hg, neither Hg nor OHP in tissues are markers of toxic effects; however, deficits in neurobehavioral test-scores of children have been shown in some fish-eating populations. These deficits are transient and within normal range, and are not prodromes of neurological diseases. Although population studies show that consumption of fish at current levels of contamination do not explain neurological disorders, endocrine activity remains controversial. Understanding risk of hazard caused by fish-PBTS consumption requires a wide range of expertise. We discuss chemical, toxic, metabolic, and ecological characteristics associated with PBTS in fish. There are proven health outcome derived from fish consumption, while risk of exposure to avoidable PBTS is a chance that can be minimized by societal actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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Principal component analysis and discrimination of variables associated with pre- and post-natal exposure to mercury. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2007; 211:606-14. [PMID: 18160342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2007.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2006] [Revised: 04/25/2007] [Accepted: 09/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The variance of variables associated with neurodevelopment at 180 days, pre-natal variables (Hg in placenta, blood and hair) and post-natal Hg exposure (including Thimerosal-containing vaccines, TCV) were examined in 82 exclusively breastfed infants using principal component analysis (PCA). This multivariate method was applied to identify hierarchy and sets of interrelated variables. The PCA yielded a two-factor solution, explaining 92% of variance and summarizing most of the relevant information in the dataset matrix: the first component represented birth weight and vaccine (first doses of Hepatitis B and DTP) variability and explained 57% of variance; the second component represented a gradient of neurodevelopment (Gesell scores) and explained 35% of variance. The third component explained only 3% of the remaining 8% variance. Beside CNS priming by breastfeeding, infant development (birth weight) and time of immunization with TCV should be considered in epidemiological studies. PCA can classify sets of variables related to vaccination and neuromotor development schedules, clearly discriminating between earlier and later TCV exposures of exclusively breastfed infants. In conclusion, the incommensurable concept of the chance of toxic risk caused by TCV-EtHg exposure against the proven benefit of immunization is in no way disputed here. However, infant neurodevelopmental (ND) disorders linked to Thimerosal-Hg stands in need of proof, but PCA points to the possibility of identifying exposure risk variables associated with ND schedules.
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Marques RC, Garrofe Dórea J, Rodrigues Bastos W, de Freitas Rebelo M, de Freitas Fonseca M, Malm O. Maternal mercury exposure and neuro-motor development in breastfed infants from Porto Velho (Amazon), Brazil. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2007; 210:51-60. [PMID: 17011234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2006.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2006] [Revised: 08/14/2006] [Accepted: 08/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fish is an important item in the diet of Amazonians, and per se is their best single source of essential nutrients. Rapid urbanization and migration are bringing changes in dietary habits of Amazonians. Exposure to fish-Hg during pregnancy and lactation were studied in 100 women and newborns from Porto Velho. Tissue-Hg concentrations and neurodevelopment (Gesell Developmental Schedules) were assessed at birth and at 6 months in exclusively breastfed infants. Maternal mean frequency of fish consumption was low (<2 meals/week; range 0->7 meals/week) compared to Amazonian standards. Women consuming <2 fish meals/week showed less median hair-Hg (3.5 microgg-1) than women that consumed 2 fish meals/week (5.7 microgg). Median total Hg in maternal hair (5.4 microgg-1) was higher than in newborns (1.6 microgg-1). Significant correlation was observed between maternal hair-Hg and infant hair-Hg at birth (r=0.353; p<0.01) and at six months (r=0.510; p<0.01). Placenta-Hg was also significantly correlated to maternal hair-Hg (r=0.321; p<0.01), newborn hair-Hg (r=0.219; p<0.05), maternal blood-Hg (r=0.250; p<0.01) and to umbilical cord-Hg (r=0.857; p<0.01). Most infants (74%) had normal Gesell Schedules but among the 26% showing neuro-motor development delays only six (7%) had multiple (motor, language, and adaptative) delays. The infants with multiple delays were born from mothers with range of hair-Hg comparable to mothers of normally developed infants. Coincidentally, mothers of infants with multiple delays also showed the lowest range of income and level of education. Fish consumption, income, and level of education varied greatly among these breastfeeding urban mothers. It seems that development delays of exclusively breastfed infants are a component of the health inequalities that accompanies socioeconomic disadvantages.
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Abstract
Environmental health history taking is often not part of standard medical history taking for clinical physicians. During recent years attention has been placed on home environments and asthma and allergies, high caloric intake and obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, yet environmental health history taking still remains relatively uncharted terrain for the clinical physicians of today. While the reasons for this are certainly varied, ignorance of environmental influences, ignorance of environmental pollutants, politics and prejudices will certainly play a role. We suggest a simple manner of environmental health history taking, and discuss the importance of the subject in our modern-day clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin W ten Tusscher
- Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Westfries Gasthuis, Hoorn, The Netherlands.
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