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Shallis RM, Gore SD. Agent Orange and dioxin-induced myeloid leukemia: a weaponized vehicle of leukemogenesis. Leuk Lymphoma 2022; 63:1534-1543. [PMID: 35105250 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2034156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Agent Orange (AO) was the dominant weaponized herbicide employed by the United States (US) military during the Vietnam war. AO, however, was found to be regularly contaminated by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the most toxic dioxin known; furthermore, AO was commonly diluted in the field with other aromatic hydrocarbons to assist with delivery mechanisms. Unbeknownst to the US military and the millions exposed, these events have likely contributed to the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) that has affected many veterans. Null studies regarding an association between AO exposure and AML/MDS are limited in their methodology and application. The acknowledgement that the known carcinogen TCDD was a contaminant in AO when paired with a strong biological plausibility for its leukemogenicity and an observed increased risk of AML/MDS in TCDD-exposed individuals should suffice to establish causal association and that veterans to whom this might apply should be awarded appropriate indemnity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory M Shallis
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Steven D Gore
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
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Deshmukh H, Aylward LL, Rose M, Fernandes A, Sedman P, Thatcher NJ, Atkin SL, Sathyapalan T. Association of endocrine active environmental compounds with body mass index and weight loss following bariatric surgery. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2020; 93:280-287. [PMID: 32436601 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to study associations of a wide range of halogenated biphenyls, dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and diphenylethers with body mass index (BMI) and evaluate changes in their concentration following bariatric surgery. METHODS Subcutaneous fat, visceral fat and liver tissue samples were collected from 106 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for weight loss or patients who were undergoing abdominal surgery for nonbariatric reasons. We measured concentrations of an extensive panel of chlorinated and brominated biphenyls, dioxins, and furans, and brominated diphenylethers in the samples. We conducted linear regression to examine associations with BMI, adjusting for age and gender. Changes in concentration for indicator chemicals were evaluated in samples collected following bariatric surgery in a small subpopulation. RESULTS After adjustments for age and gender and correction for multiple testing, seven ortho-chlorinated biphenyls, one nonortho-chlorinated biphenyl, four PCDD/Fs and one ortho-brominated biphenyl were associated with BMI. The strongest associations between BMI and lipid-adjusted concentrations were seen with PCB-105 in subcutaneous fat (beta = 16.838 P-val = 1.45E-06) PCB-126 in visceral fat (beta = 15.067 P-val = 7.72E-06) and PCB-118 (beta = 14.101 P-val = 2.66E-05) in liver. The concentrations of sum PCBs, chlorinated toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ's) and brominated compounds increased significantly with weight loss in subcutaneous fat in a group of ten individuals resampled up to five years after bariatric surgery and substantial weight loss. CONCLUSION We show that selected polychlorinated biphenyls PCBs and structurally related polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were associated with BMI. Concentrations of these lipophilic compounds in subcutaneous fat increased following bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alwyn Fernandes
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Peter Sedman
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Lan L, Liu Y, Liu S, Ma X, Li X, Dong Z, Xia C. Effect of the supports on catalytic activity of Pd catalysts for liquid-phase hydrodechlorination/hydrogenation reaction. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2019; 40:1615-1623. [PMID: 29319422 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2018.1426645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), activated carbon (AC), graphene, and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) supported 5% Pd catalysts were prepared by the conventional impregnation method, and catalytic activity was tested in the hydrogenation of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and nitrobenzene (NB) under ambient conditions (313 K and atmospheric pressure). It was found that catalytic activity was greatly affected by the supports. Moreover, Pd/CNTs catalyst exhibited much higher catalytic activity than the other three supported Pd catalysts. The mechanism of this phenomenon was studied through catalyst characterization (ICP-MS, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller [BET], TEM, and SEM). It was found that the mean particle size of Pd nanoparticles for Pd/CNTs (4.3 nm) was smaller than that for Pd/AC (6.9 nm), Pd/Al2O3 (5.0 nm), and Pd/graphene (5.2 nm). Moreover, the actual loading amounts of Pd and BET surface areas were not the main reasons for the different catalytic activity of the four supported Pd catalysts. Above all, the smaller Pd particles of Pd/CNTs enabled the Pd/CNTs catalyst to exhibit much higher catalytic activity for the hydrogenation reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Lan
- a School of Environment and Materials Engineering , Yantai University , Yantai , People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- b School of Resources and Environmental Engineering , Ludong University , Yantai , People's Republic of China
| | - Sujing Liu
- b School of Resources and Environmental Engineering , Ludong University , Yantai , People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanxuan Ma
- b School of Resources and Environmental Engineering , Ludong University , Yantai , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- a School of Environment and Materials Engineering , Yantai University , Yantai , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Dong
- b School of Resources and Environmental Engineering , Ludong University , Yantai , People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanhai Xia
- b School of Resources and Environmental Engineering , Ludong University , Yantai , People's Republic of China
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Ledda C, Loreto C, Zammit C, Marconi A, Fago L, Matera S, Costanzo V, Sanzà GF, Palmucci S, Ferrante M, Costa C, Fenga C, Biondi A, Pomara C, Rapisarda V. Non‑infective occupational risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma: A review (Review). Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:511-533. [PMID: 28000892 PMCID: PMC5364850 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.6046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second leading worldwide cause of cancer‑associated mortalities. Hepatocellular carcinoma, which accounts for the majority of liver tumors, ranks fifth among types of human cancer. Well‑established risk factors for liver cancer include the hepatitis B and C viruses, aflatoxins, alcohol consumption, and oral contraceptives. Tobacco smoking, androgenic steroids, and diabetes mellitus are suspected risk factors. Current knowledge regarding non‑infective occupational risk factors for liver cancer is inconclusive. The relevance of liver disorders to occupational medicine lies in the fact that the majority of chemicals are metabolized in the liver, and toxic metabolites generated via metabolism are the predominant cause of liver damage. However, their non‑specific clinical manifestations that are similar in a number of liver diseases make diagnosis difficult. Furthermore, concomitant conditions, such as viral hepatitis and alcohol or drug abuse, may mask liver disorders that result from occupational hepatotoxic agents and block the demonstration of an occupational cause. The identification of environmental agents that result in human cancer is a long and often difficult process. The purpose of the present review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the association of non‑infective occupational risk exposure and HCC, to encourage further research and draw attention to this global occupational public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Ledda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
- Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies ‘GF Ingrassia’, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Christian Zammit
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD-2080 Msida, Malta
| | - Andrea Marconi
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Fago
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Serena Matera
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Costanzo
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Fuccio Sanzà
- Division of Radiology, ‘Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele’ University Hospital, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Palmucci
- Division of Radiology, ‘Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele’ University Hospital, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferrante
- Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgical and Advanced Technologies ‘GF Ingrassia’, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Costa
- Occupational Medicine, Department of the Environment, Safety, Territory, Food and Health Sciences, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Occupational Medicine, Department of the Environment, Safety, Territory, Food and Health Sciences, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Biondi
- General Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Pomara
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD-2080 Msida, Malta
- Forensic Pathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, I-71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Venerando Rapisarda
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy
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5
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Collins JJ, Bodner KM, Aylward LL, Bender TJ, Anteau S, Wilken M, Bodnar CM. Mortality risk among workers with exposure to dioxins. Occup Med (Lond) 2016; 66:706-712. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqw167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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6
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Leso V, Capitanelli I, Lops EA, Ricciardi W, Iavicoli I. Occupational chemical exposure and diabetes mellitus risk. Toxicol Ind Health 2016; 33:222-249. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233715624594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases that may originate from an interaction between genetic and lifestyle risk factors. However, the possible role of occupational chemical exposures in the disease development and progression remains unclear. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between occupational exposure to specific chemical substances or industrial activities and DM morbidity and mortality outcomes. Although some positive findings may support the diabetogenic role of certain pesticides and dioxins in different workplaces, the variable conditions of exposure, the lack of quantitative environmental or biological monitoring data and the different outcomes evaluated do not allow defining a specific exposure-disease causality. Therefore, further epidemiological studies will be necessary to adequately assess modes of action for different substances, dose–response relationships as well as individual susceptibility factors potentially affecting the exposure-disease continuum. Overall, this appears important to adequately assess, communicate and manage risks in occupational chemical exposure settings with the aim to protect workers and build healthier job conditions for diabetic employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veruscka Leso
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Capitanelli
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Alessandra Lops
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Ricciardi
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- Department of Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Serum concentrations of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, furans and PCBs, among former phenoxy herbicide production workers and firefighters in New Zealand. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2015; 89:307-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-015-1074-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Aylward LL, Collins JJ, Bodner KM, Wilken M, Bodnar CM. "Intrinsic" elimination rate and dietary intake estimates for selected indicator PCBs: toxicokinetic modeling using serial sampling data in US subjects, 2005-2010. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 110:48-52. [PMID: 24880598 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.03.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Changes in measured concentrations of persistent compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in an individual over time reflect not only intrinsic elimination rates but also any ongoing intake of the compounds and changes in the volume of distribution. Thus, "apparent" elimination rates calculated from data on changes in serum lipid-adjusted concentration may over- or under-estimate the "intrinsic" elimination rates for such compounds. Serum PCB concentrations were measured in 43 individuals approximately 5years apart. Changes in measured concentrations and body weights were used to estimate mass-based apparent elimination rates. The changes in estimated body mass of PCBs 105, 118, 138, 153, and 180 were input into a simple first-order model employing previously estimated intrinsic elimination rates to estimate congener-specific average dietary intake rates over the period between samples. Calculated median dietary intakes were compared to previous estimates. Intrinsic elimination rates were adjusted for two congeners. The analyses support central tendencies of intrinsic elimination rates of approximately 5years for PCBs 105 and 118, 11years for PCB 138, 14.4years for PCB 153, and 20years or more for PCB 180. Estimated dietary intakes for this population and time period depend on the assumed intrinsic elimination rates and range from 0.1ngkg(-1)d(-1) for PCB 105 to approximately 1-2ngkg(-1)d(-1) for PCB 180. Estimated body burdens of PCB 180 changed very little over the five-year period, suggesting near steady-state exposure levels. As a result, estimates for both elimination half-life and ongoing intake rates for this congener are highly uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Aylward
- Summit Toxicology, LLP, 6343 Carolyn Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044, USA.
| | | | - K M Bodner
- The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA
| | - M Wilken
- The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA
| | - C M Bodnar
- The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA
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Han X, Price PS. Applying the maximum cumulative ratio methodology to biomonitoring data on dioxin-like compounds in the general public and two occupationally exposed populations. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2013; 23:343-9. [PMID: 22781437 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2012.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Maximum cumulative ratio (MCR) is a person's cumulative exposure to multiple chemicals divided by the maximum chemical-specific exposure where exposure is expressed on a toxicologically equivalent basis. It is a tool for assessing the need for performing cumulative exposure assessments. In this paper, MCR values were calculated for the three groups of individuals with biomonitoring data of 26 dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) based on the World Health Organization toxic equivalent factors (TEFs). Although the two occupational groups have higher total toxicity equivalence (TEQ) levels than the NHANES group, average MCR values of the three groups are similar (3.5, 3.6, and 3.2). These MCR values are higher than those seen in our earlier studies, supporting the practice of performing cumulative assessments for DLCs. The MCR values also indicate that only 2-5 of the 26 chemicals make significant contributions to total TEQ values. Interestingly, MCR is negatively correlated with total TEQ (in all the three groups) and age (in the NHANES group). Additionally, MCR is lower in workers where occupational exposures are larger than background exposures. Although overall exposure is the first factor to consider in any mixtures assessment, this paper confirms the usefulness of MCR as a tool for analyzing the pattern of chemical-specific contributions to the total exposure levels of mixtures based on biomonitoring data when TEFs or similar approaches are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglu Han
- Toxicology and Environmental Research and Consulting, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan 48674, USA.
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10
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Zhou LF, He XG, Qiao JQ, Lian HZ, Ge X, Chen HY. A practical interface designed for on-line polymer monolith microextraction: Synthesis and application of poly(4-vinylpyridine-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) monolith. J Chromatogr A 2012; 1256:15-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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11
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Tawara K, Nishijo M, Maruzeni S, Nakagawa H, Kido T, Naganuma R, Suzuki H, Nhu DD, Hung NN, Thom LTH. Residual congener pattern of dioxins in human breast milk in southern Vietnam. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 84:979-986. [PMID: 21680010 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated residual congener patterns of dioxin/furan (=PCDD/DF) related to tactical herbicides aerially sprayed over the regions of southern Vietnam through Operation Ranch Hand. The study focused on Cam Chinh (CC) commune, Quang Tri province (an area sprayed with tactical herbicides), and the Cam Phuc (CP) commune, Ha Tinh province (a non-sprayed area). Breast milk samples for analysis were collected in September 2002 and July 2003 from lactating primiparous and multiparous mothers born after the war (<31 years old). We found the levels of each congener in the CC commune were higher than in the CP commune, and determined specificity in the PCDD/DF congener pattern in CC commune samples by cluster analysis. The congener pattern is characterized by higher (the hexa-, the hepta-, and the octa-) chlorinated PCDD/DFs; this appears to be the same profile as that presented by pentachlorophenol (PCP), rather than 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acid (2,4,5-T) contaminated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD. A GC/MS study in the 1970s detected the chlorophenols 2,4-di and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in some Agent Orange samples, which contained, like PCP, a wide variety of PCDD/DF congeners. In this context, it may be expected that certain tactical herbicides contaminated with various chlorophenol impurities, have a unique congener pattern when compared with pure 2,4,5-T formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Tawara
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada-machi, Ishikawa, Japan
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12
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Collins JJ, Bodner K, Aylward LL. THREE AUTHORS REPLY. Am J Epidemiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwp381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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13
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Mortality Rates Among Workers Exposed to Dioxins in the Manufacture of Pentachlorophenol. J Occup Environ Med 2009; 51:1212-9. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3181badd4e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Collins JJ, Wilken M, McBride D, Humphry NF, Herbison P, Burns CJ, Bodner K. Serum concentrations of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans among former New Zealand trichlorophenol workers. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 76:1550-1556. [PMID: 19559461 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Revised: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 05/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study examined serum levels of 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated dioxins and furans, and 15 PCBs for 346 New Zealand employees who worked at a site that manufactured 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (TCP) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4,5-T). Participants with potential TCP or 2,4,5-T exposures had mean lipid-adjusted 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) levels of 9.9 ng kg(-1) lipid compared to 4.9 ng kg(-1) for workers with no exposure at the site. Among exposed workers, we found evidence of differences in 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels by department and duties. Workers involved in an accidental release had the highest mean 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels, 37.9 ng kg(-1), followed by workers in the trichlorophenol plant, 23.4 ng kg(-1). Workers with potential intermittent exposures to 2,3,7,8-TCDD in construction, maintenance, mechanics, and transport had 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels above New Zealand background levels of 3.9 ng kg(-1), indicating workplace exposures. Among participants with work history indicating no 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposures, we observed some individuals with 2,3,7,8-TCDD levels above background levels. However, in most cases, these workers reported workplace exposures not recorded on their work histories or held other jobs with the potential for 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposures outside the plant. All other dioxin, furan, and PCB levels were similar among the exposed and unexposed workers.
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Collins JJ, Bodner K, Aylward LL, Wilken M, Bodnar CM. Mortality rates among trichlorophenol workers with exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Am J Epidemiol 2009; 170:501-6. [PMID: 19561065 PMCID: PMC2717168 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwp153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors examined 1,615 workers exposed to dioxins in trichlorophenol production in Midland, Michigan, to determine if there were increased mortality rates from exposure. Historical dioxin levels were estimated by a serum survey of workers. Vital status was followed from 1942 to 2003, and cause-specific death rates and trends with exposure were evaluated. All cancers combined (standardized mortality ratio (SMR) = 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8, 1.1), lung cancers (SMR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5, 0.9), and nonmalignant respiratory disease (SMR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.6, 1.0) were at or below expected levels. Observed deaths for leukemia (SMR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.2), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SMR = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.6, 2.5), diabetes (SMR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.6, 1.8), and ischemic heart disease (SMR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.9, 1.2) were slightly greater than expected. No trend was observed with exposure for these causes of death. However, for 4 deaths of soft tissue sarcoma (SMR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 10.5), the mortality rates increased with exposure. The small number of deaths and the uncertainty in both diagnosis and nosology coding make interpretation of this finding tenuous. With the exception of soft tissue sarcoma, the authors found little evidence of increased disease risk from exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Collins
- Epidemiology Department, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan 48674, USA.
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Franzblau A, Demond A, Towey T, Adriaens P, Chang SC, Luksemburg W, Maier M, Garabrant D, Gillespie B, Lepkowski J, Chang CW, Chen Q, Hong B. Residences with anomalous soil concentrations of dioxin-like compounds in two communities in Michigan, USA: a case study. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 74:395-403. [PMID: 18986678 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2008] [Revised: 07/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Most contamination of residential property soil with dioxin-like compounds occurs as a result of proximity to industrial activity that produces such compounds and, outside the industrially impacted zone, the soil concentrations are at background levels. However, as part of the University of Michigan Dioxin Exposure Study, residential properties in the lower peninsula of Michigan, USA, were identified that were located far enough from known sources of these compounds that the soil concentrations should have been at background levels and yet the toxic equivalent (TEQ) of some properties' soil was greater than 2.5 standard deviations above the mean background level. In the three cases presented here from Midland/Saginaw Counties, the anomalously high-TEQ values were primarily due to the presence of polychlorinated dibenzofurans. Based on interviews with the residents and a comparison of soil congener profiles, it was deduced that these values resulted from anthropogenic soil movement from historically contaminated areas. In the cases from Jackson/Calhoun Counties, the unusually high-TEQ values were primarily due to polychlorinated biphenyls. In the case profiled here, it appears that the soil became contaminated through sandblasting to remove paint from the swimming pool. This study identified two mechanisms for soil contamination outside zones of industrial impact; thus, an assumption of background levels of soil contamination outside industrial zones may not be valid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Franzblau
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Demond A, Adriaens P, Towey T, Chang SC, Hong B, Chen Q, Chang CW, Franzblau A, Garabrant D, Gillespie B, Hedgeman E, Knutson K, Lee CY, Lepkowski J, Olson K, Ward B, Zwica L, Luksemburg W, Maier M. Statistical comparison of residential soil concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs from two communities in Michigan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:5441-5448. [PMID: 18754458 DOI: 10.1021/es702554g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The University of Michigan dioxin exposure study was undertaken to address concerns that the industrial discharge of dioxin-like compounds in the Midland, MI area had resulted in contamination of soils in the Tittabawassee River floodplain and downwind of the incinerator. The study was designed in a rigorously statistical manner comprising soil measurements of 29 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from 766 residential properties, selected probabilistically, in the Midland area and in Jackson and Calhoun Counties (Michigan) as a background comparison. A statistical comparison determined that the geometric mean toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels in samples from the target populations were statistically significantly above background. In addition, the probabilities of being above the 75th and 95th percentiles of background were also greater. Congener contributions to the TEQ were dominated by 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDF in the floodplain and by 2,3,7,8-TCDD in the incinerator plume. However, PCB 126 was the top congener contributing to the background TEQ. On the basis of statistical inference to the total population, it was estimated that about 36% of the properties in the floodplain and incinerator plume have at least one soil sample over the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's soil direct contact criterion of 90 pg/g TEQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Demond
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan College of Engineering, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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Cooper GS, Jones S. Pentachlorophenol and cancer risk: focusing the lens on specific chlorophenols and contaminants. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:1001-8. [PMID: 18709150 PMCID: PMC2516570 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.11081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2007] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pentachlorophenol, a fungicide widely used as a wood preservative, was classified in 1999 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen. We reviewed currently available data to determine the extent to which recent studies assist in distinguishing the effect of pentachlorophenol from that of its contaminants (e.g., dioxins and other chlorophenols). DATA SOURCES AND EXTRACTION We performed a systematic review of published studies pertaining to cancer risk in relation to pentachlorophenol exposure, focusing on results pertaining specifically to all cancer sites and specific hematopoietic cancers, and data pertaining to risks associated with other types of chlorophenols, dioxins, or furans. SYNTHESIS The pentachlorophenol studies presented considerable evidence pertaining to hematopoietic cancers, with strong associations seen in multiple studies, in different locations, and using different designs. There is little evidence of an association between these cancers and chlorophenols that contain fewer than four chlorines. The extension of a large cohort study of sawmill workers, with follow-up to 1995, provided information about risks of relatively rare cancers (e.g., non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma), using a validated exposure assessment procedure that distinguishes between exposures to pentachlorophenol and tetrachlorophenol. In contrast with dioxin, pentachlorophenol exposure has not been associated with total cancer incidence or mortality. CONCLUSIONS The updated cohort study focusing on pentachlorophenol provides increased statistical power and precision, and demonstrates associations between hematopoietic cancer and pentachlorophenol exposure not observed in earlier evaluations of this cohort. Contaminant confounding is an unlikely explanation for the risks seen with pentachlorophenol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glinda S Cooper
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA.
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Burns CJ, Collins JJ, Budinsky RA, Bodner K, Wilken M, Craig Rowlands J, Martin GD, Carson ML. Factors related to dioxin and furan body levels among Michigan workers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2008; 106:250-256. [PMID: 18054905 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2007.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Revised: 08/27/2007] [Accepted: 10/23/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated serum concentrations of five selected dioxin, furan, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) congeners among 412 workers at a Midland, Michigan plant that manufactured trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol (PCP) and formulated chlorophenol-based products. We examined occupational indicators of exposure to these chlorophenols taking into account intrinsic factors such as age and body fat and potential environmental sources of exposure from consumption of local game and fish and other occupations. All five congeners were significantly associated with age and body fat. 2378-TCDD serum concentrations were associated with trichlorophenol operations, total years employed at the plant, as well as working as a hazardous waste worker. 123678-H(6)CDD serum concentrations were related to occupational PCP exposure, chloracne, recent weight loss, eating local game, and working as a hazardous waste worker. Serum concentrations of PCB126 were related to smoking (inversely), and eating local fish or local game. Other factors such as diet and jobs outside of the chlorophenol plant exposures had only a very minor impact on dioxin and furan concentrations in these workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol J Burns
- The Dow Chemical Company, 1803 Building, Midland, MI 48674, USA.
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