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Tota M, Karska J, Kowalski S, Piątek N, Pszczołowska M, Mazur K, Piotrowski P. Environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions: insights into the effect on mental health. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1389051. [PMID: 38863619 PMCID: PMC11165707 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1389051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution exposures, including air, soil, water, light, and noise pollution, are critical issues that may implicate adverse mental health outcomes. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts, may also cause long-term severe concerns. However, the knowledge about possible psychiatric disorders associated with these exposures is currently not well disseminated. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions on mental health, focusing on anxiety spectrum disorders, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and depression. In air pollution studies, increased concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 were the most strongly associated with the exacerbation of anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression symptoms. We provide an overview of the suggested underlying pathomechanisms involved. We highlight that the pathogenesis of environmental pollution-related diseases is multifactorial, including increased oxidative stress, systematic inflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and epigenetic dysregulation. Light pollution and noise pollution were correlated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the impact of soil and water pollution is discussed. Such compounds as crude oil, heavy metals, natural gas, agro-chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), solvents, lead (Pb), and asbestos were associated with detrimental impact on mental health. Extreme weather conditions were linked to depression and anxiety spectrum disorders, namely PTSD. Several policy recommendations and awareness campaigns should be implemented, advocating for the advancement of high-quality urbanization, the mitigation of environmental pollution, and, consequently, the enhancement of residents' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tota
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julia Karska
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Kowalski
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Piątek
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Mazur
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Patryk Piotrowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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Okoye OC, Awunor N. Is exposure to hydrocarbons associated with chronic kidney disease in young Nigerians? A case-control study. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2022; 2:1010080. [PMID: 37675025 PMCID: PMC10479625 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2022.1010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Although environmental exposure to hydrocarbons has been linked to non-communicable diseases, its association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still an emerging area. Epidemiological studies associating CKD with prolonged exposure to hydrocarbons have mostly focused on occupational exposure, with fewer studies on environmental exposure from residing in contaminated areas. The aim of this study was to determine any association between long-term exposure to petrochemical products and the risk of CKD by comparing the residence and occupational history of young patients with CKD and non-CKD controls. Materials and methods A case-control study of 74 cases and 74 age- and sex-matched non-CKD controls was carried out. Cases were patients with CKD who were aged 18-44 years and diagnosed with suspected chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). Patients were recruited from an outpatient nephrology clinic and medical wards. Patients with CKD from traditional causes were excluded. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise approach to the non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) instrument. To assess exposure, a detailed work history and all residential addresses where the patients have lived for at least 5 years were recorded. 'Exposed' status was regarded as long-term residence in a known oil-polluted area and jobs involving crude oil exploration, processing, transportation and sales, and cleanup of crude oil hazards. Absence of a history of chronic exposure or any form of exposure was regarded as 'less exposed'. Results There were 52 (70.3%) cases categorized as exposed, compared with 21 (28.4%) controls (p < 0.001). There were 34 (45.9%) cases born near petrochemical refineries and plants, compared with 11 (14.9%) controls (p ≤ 0.001). There were 34 (45.9%) cases residing near petrochemical refineries and plants, compared with 8 (10.9%) controls (p ≤ 0.001). When asked 'Do you think you have been significantly exposed to crude oil?', 15 (20.3%) cases and 2 (2.7%) controls answered 'yes' (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Our findings suggest an association between exposure to petrochemicals and CKD in young Nigerians diagnosed with suspected CGN. Exposure is significantly associated with a higher mean age, waist circumference, and blood sugar levels; however, other traditional risk factors for CKD were not considerably more prevalent in this unique patient population. These findings should prompt more emphasis on occupational history, residential history, and other relevant environmental exposures in the assessment of patients at risk for CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogochukwu Chinedum Okoye
- Department of Medicine, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria
| | - Nyemike Awunor
- Department of Community Medicine, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
- Department of Community Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria
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Noh SR, Kim JA, Cheong HK, Ha M, Jee YK, Park MS, Choi KH, Kim H, Cho SI, Choi K, Paek D. Exposure to Crude Oil-Related Volatile Organic Compounds Associated with Lung Function Decline in a Longitudinal Panel of Children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15599. [PMID: 36497672 PMCID: PMC9737835 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in the affected area were exposed to large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the Hebei Spirit oil spill accident. OBJECTIVES We investigated the lung function loss from the exposure to VOCs in a longitudinal panel of 224 children 1, 3, and 5 years after the VOC exposure event. METHODS Atmospheric estimated concentration of total VOCs (TVOCs), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene for 4 days immediately after the accident were calculated for each village (n = 83) using a modeling technique. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) as an indicator of airway status was measured 1, 3, and 5 years after the exposure in 224 children 4~9 years of age at the exposure to the oil spill. Multiple linear regression and linear mixed models were used to evaluate the associations, with adjustment for smoking and second-hand smoke at home. RESULTS Among the TVOCs (geometric mean: 1319.5 mg/m3·4 d), xylene (9.4), toluene (8.5), ethylbenzene (5.2), and benzene (2.0) were dominant in the order of air concentration level. In 224 children, percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1), adjusted for smoking and second-hand smoke at home, was 100.7% after 1 year, 96.2% after 3 years, and 94.6% after 5 years, and the loss over the period was significant (p < 0.0001). After 1 and 3 years, TVOCs, xylene, toluene, and ethylbenzene were significantly associated with ppFEV1. After 5 years, the associations were not significant. Throughout the 5 years' repeated measurements in the panel, TVOCs, xylene, toluene, and ethylbenzene were significantly associated with ppFEV1. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to VOCs from the oil spill resulted in lung function loss among children, which remained significant up to 5 years after the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Ryeon Noh
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Kosin University, 194 Wachi-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49104, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ah Kim
- Department of Spatial & Environmental Planning, Chungnam Institute, 73-26 Yeonsuwon-gil, Gongju-si 32589, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Koo Jee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Sook Park
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Kim
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Il Cho
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Domyung Paek
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si 10408, Republic of Korea
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Partow AJ, Meng S, Wong AJ, Savin DA, Tong Z. Recyclable & highly porous organo-aerogel adsorbents from biowaste for organic contaminants' removal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:154051. [PMID: 35217054 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Selective aerogel has become an attractive adsorbent for removing oil and organic contaminants due to its low density and excellent adsorption capacity. However, aerogels usually use non-sustainable or expensive nanomaterials and require complicated fabrication processes. Herein, using low-cost lignin reclaimed from the biorefinery waste stream as the starting material, we fabricated a highly porous, mechanically strong, and stable aerogel via a simple and one-step method under mild conditions. This aerogel exhibits a controllable micropore structure and achieves quick and efficient adsorption for oil (435% g/g), as well as toxic solvents such as THF (365% g/g). The selective and stable adsorbent can be reused multiple times and the oil adsorption capacity after 5 cycles remained at 89%. This highly efficient, mechanically strong, stable, and regenerable aerogel is a potential candidate for multiple applications such as cleaning up organic contaminants, oil remediation, and oil/water separation. Meanwhile, it also employs a "waste-treat-waste" concept by adding extra value to the biorefinery process for high-efficiency circular bioeconomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna J Partow
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, 1741 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Shanyu Meng
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, 1741 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Alexander J Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA
| | - Daniel A Savin
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, 117200, Gainesville, FL 32611-7200, USA
| | - Zhaohui Tong
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida, 1741 Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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Niu Z, Wen X, Wang M, Tian L, Mu L. Personal exposure to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEXs) mixture and telomere length: a cross-sectional study of the general US adult population. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 209:112810. [PMID: 35101395 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEXs) are a group of aromatic air pollutants from fossil fuels. There is no research on associations of the BTEXs mixture with telomere length (TL), a marker of cellular aging, in the general population. METHODS We analyzed a subsample of 549 US adults aged 20-59 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000. BTEXs samples were collected by passive exposure badges worn by participants for 48-72 h. Levels of BTEXs were measured with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Leukocyte TL was measured with qPCR. We used Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) to examine the effect of the BTEXs mixture on TL adjusting for potential confounders. Analyses were stratified by tobacco smoking status (serum cotinine≥10 ng/mL vs. <10 ng/mL). RESULTS Levels of personal exposure to BTEXs were detectable in most participants and were relatively higher in the 150 smokers than in the 399 nonsmokers. The BTEXs were moderately or strongly intercorrelated (0.5 < r ≤ 0.9, P < 0.05). All chemicals had weak, inverse correlations with TL (-0.1<r < 0, P > 0.05). In BKMR models among the nonsmokers, the BTEXs mixture was significantly inversely associated with TL at a low range of the BTEXs (20th-65th percentile) but was not associated with TL at a higher range (>65th percentile). Also, we found a U-shape association of benzene and a positive association of ethylbenzene with TL independent of other BTEXs. Among smokers, neither the BTEXs mixture nor any individual BTEXs were significantly associated with TL. CONCLUSION Within a low-to-middle range, exposure to the BTEXs mixture may be associated with shorter telomere length in the general nonsmoking population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongzheng Niu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xiaozhong Wen
- Division of Behavioral Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; RENEW Institute, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lili Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lina Mu
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Sandifer PA, Juster RP, Seeman TE, Lichtveld MY, Singer BH. Allostatic load in the context of disasters. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 140:105725. [PMID: 35306472 PMCID: PMC8919761 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Environmental disasters, pandemics, and other major traumatic events such as the Covid-19 pandemic or war contribute to psychosocial stress which manifests in a wide range of mental and physical consequences. The increasing frequency and severity of such events suggest that the adverse effects of toxic stress are likely to become more widespread and pervasive in the future. The allostatic load (AL) model has important elements that lend themselves well for identifying adverse health effects of disasters. Here we examine several articulations of AL from the standpoint of using AL to gauge short- and long-term health effects of disasters and to provide predictive capacity that would enable mitigation or prevention of some disaster-related health consequences. We developed a transdisciplinary framework combining indices of psychosocial AL and physiological AL to produce a robust estimate of overall AL in people affected by disasters and other traumatic events. In conclusion, we urge researchers to consider the potential of using AL as a component in a proposed disaster-oriented human health observing system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Sandifer
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, School of Sciences and Mathematics, College of Charleston, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424, USA.
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Teresa E Seeman
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maureen Y Lichtveld
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Burton H Singer
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Global Mangrove Deforestation and Its Interacting Social-Ecological Drivers: A Systematic Review and Synthesis. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14084433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Globally, mangrove forests are substantially declining, and a globally synthesized database containing the drivers of deforestation and drivers’ interactions is scarce. Here, we synthesized the key social-ecological drivers of global mangrove deforestation by reviewing about two hundred published scientific studies over the last four decades (from 1980 to 2021). Our focus was on both natural and anthropogenic drivers with their gradual and abrupt impacts and on their geographic coverage of effects, and how these drivers interact. We also summarized the patterns of global mangrove coverage decline between 1990 and 2020 and identified the threatened mangrove species. Our consolidated studies reported an 8600 km2 decline in the global mangrove coverage between 1990 and 2020, with the highest decline occurring in South and Southeast Asia (3870 km2). We could identify 11 threatened mangrove species, two of which are critically endangered (Sonneratia griffithii and Bruguiera hainseii). Our reviewed studies pointed to aquaculture and agriculture as the predominant driver of global mangrove deforestation though their impacts varied across global regions. Gradual climate variations, i.e., sea-level rise, long-term precipitation, and temperature changes and driven coastline erosion, salinity intrusion and acidity at coasts, constitute the second major group of drivers. Our findings underline a strong interaction across natural and anthropogenic drivers, with the strongest interaction between the driver groups aquaculture and agriculture and industrialization and pollution. Our results suggest prioritizing globally coordinated empirical studies linking drivers and mangrove deforestation and global development of policies for mangrove conservation.
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From Surface Water to the Deep Sea: A Review on Factors Affecting the Biodegradation of Spilled Oil in Marine Environment. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10030426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Over the past century, the demand for petroleum products has increased rapidly, leading to higher oil extraction, processing and transportation, which result in numerous oil spills in coastal-marine environments. As the spilled oil can negatively affect the coastal-marine ecosystems, its transport and fates captured a significant interest of the scientific community and regulatory agencies. Typically, the environment has natural mechanisms (e.g., photooxidation, biodegradation, evaporation) to weather/degrade and remove the spilled oil from the environment. Among various oil weathering mechanisms, biodegradation by naturally occurring bacterial populations removes a majority of spilled oil, thus the focus on bioremediation has increased significantly. Helping in the marginal recognition of this promising technique for oil-spill degradation, this paper reviews recently published articles that will help broaden the understanding of the factors affecting biodegradation of spilled oil in coastal-marine environments. The goal of this review is to examine the effects of various environmental variables that contribute to oil degradation in the coastal-marine environments, as well as the factors that influence these processes. Physico-chemical parameters such as temperature, oxygen level, pressure, shoreline energy, salinity, and pH are taken into account. In general, increase in temperature, exposure to sunlight (photooxidation), dissolved oxygen (DO), nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium), shoreline energy (physical advection—waves) and diverse hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms consortium were found to increase spilled oil degradation in marine environments. In contrast, higher initial oil concentration and seawater pressure can lower oil degradation rates. There is limited information on the influences of seawater pH and salinity on oil degradation, thus warranting additional research. This comprehensive review can be used as a guide for bioremediation modeling and mitigating future oil spill pollution in the marine environment by utilizing the bacteria adapted to certain conditions.
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Oghenetega OB, Okunlola MA, Ana GREE, Morhason-Bello O, Ojengbede OA. Exposure to oil pollution and maternal outcomes: The Niger Delta prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263495. [PMID: 35235569 PMCID: PMC9090450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal exposure to oil pollution is an important public health concern. However, there is a dearth of literature on the effects of maternal exposure to oil pollution on maternal outcomes in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This study was therefore designed to determine the effect of maternal exposure to oil pollution on maternal outcomes in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. METHODS Prospective cohort study design involving 1720 pregnant women followed from pregnancy to delivery was conducted. The participants were 18-45 years old at a gestational age of less than 17 weeks, who attended randomly selected health facilities in the areas with high exposure and low exposure to oil pollution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and review of medical records from April 2018 to April 2019. Multivariate log-binomial model was used to examine the effect of maternal exposure to oil pollution on the risk of adverse maternal outcomes adjusting for sociodemographic, maternal and lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS A total of 1418 women completed the follow-up and were included in the analysis. Women in high exposure areas had a higher incidence of premature rupture of membrane (PROM), caesarean section (CS) and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) compared to women in areas with low exposure to oil pollution. After adjusting for cofounders, women in high exposure areas also had a higher risk of PROM (ARR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.24-3.10) and PPH (ARR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.28-3.36) in Model I-III when compared to women in areas with low exposure to oil pollution. However, pregnancy-induced hypertension and CS had no association with maternal exposure area status to oil pollution. CONCLUSION Women in high exposure areas are at a higher risk of PROM and PPH. This calls for policies and intervention toward reducing maternal exposure to oil pollution in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onome B. Oghenetega
- Reproductive Health Science, Pan African University, Institute of Life
and Earth Sciences (Including Health and Agriculture), University of Ibadan,
Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Michael A. Okunlola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University
College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Godson R. E. E. Ana
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, University
of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Oludare Morhason-Bello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University
College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oladosu A. Ojengbede
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University
College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Kwok RK, Jackson WB, Curry MD, Stewart PA, McGrath JA, Stenzel M, Huynh TB, Groth CP, Ramachandran G, Banerjee S, Pratt GC, Miller AK, Zhang X, Engel LS, Sandler DP. Association of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response and Cleanup Work With Risk of Developing Hypertension. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e220108. [PMID: 35195699 PMCID: PMC8867245 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Exposure to hydrocarbons, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and other chemicals from the April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon disaster may be associated with increased blood pressure and newly detected hypertension among oil spill response and cleanup workers. Objective To determine whether participation in cleanup activities following the disaster was associated with increased risk of developing hypertension. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was conducted via telephone interviews and in-person home exams. Participants were 6846 adults who had worked on the oil spill cleanup (workers) and 1505 others who had completed required safety training but did not do cleanup work (nonworkers). Eligible participants did not have diagnosed hypertension at the time of the oil spill. Statistical analyses were performed from June 2018 to December 2021. Exposures Engagement in cleanup activities following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, job classes, quintiles of cumulative total hydrocarbons exposure level, potential exposure to burning or flaring oil, and estimated PM2.5 were examined. Main Outcomes and Measures Systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were collected during home exams from 2011 to 2013 using automated oscillometric monitors. Newly detected hypertension was defined as antihypertensive medication use or elevated blood pressure since the spill. Log binomial regression was used to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% CIs for associations between cleanup exposures and hypertension. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate exposure effects on continuous blood pressure levels. Results Of 8351 participants included in this study, 6484 (77.6%) were male, 517 (6.2%) were Hispanic, 2859 (34.2%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 4418 (52.9%) were non-Hispanic White; the mean (SD) age was 41.9 (12.5) years at enrollment. Among workers, the prevalence of newly detected hypertension was elevated in all quintiles (Q) of cumulative total hydrocarbons above the first quintile (PR for Q3, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.13-1.46], PR for Q4, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.10-1.43], and PR for Q5, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.15-1.50]). Both exposure to burning and/or flaring oil and gas (PR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.02-1.33]) and PM2.5 from burning (PR, 1.26 [95% CI, 0.89-1.71]) for the highest exposure category were associated with increased risk of newly detected hypertension, as were several types of oil spill work including cleanup on water (PR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.08-1.66]) and response work (PR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.20-1.90]). Conclusions and Relevance Oil spill exposures were associated with newly detected hypertension after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. These findings suggest that blood pressure screening should be considered for workers with occupational hydrocarbon exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K. Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - W. Braxton Jackson
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc, a DLH holdings company, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - John A. McGrath
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc, a DLH holdings company, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mark Stenzel
- Exposure Assessment Applications, LLC, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Tran B. Huynh
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Caroline P. Groth
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown
| | - Gurumurthy Ramachandran
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sudipto Banerjee
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Gregory C. Pratt
- Division of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Aubrey K. Miller
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Lawrence S. Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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11
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Huynh BQ, Kwong LH, Kiang MV, Chin ET, Mohareb AM, Jumaan AO, Basu S, Geldsetzer P, Karaki FM, Rehkopf DH. Public health impacts of an imminent Red Sea oil spill. NATURE SUSTAINABILITY 2021; 4:1084-1091. [PMID: 34926834 PMCID: PMC8682806 DOI: 10.1038/s41893-021-00774-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The possibility of a massive oil spill in the Red Sea is increasingly likely. The Safer, a deteriorating oil tanker containing 1.1 million barrels of oil, has been deserted near the coast of Yemen since 2015 and threatens environmental catastrophe to a country presently in a humanitarian crisis. Here, we model the immediate public health impacts of a simulated spill. We estimate that all of Yemen's imported fuel through its key Red Sea ports would be disrupted and that the anticipated spill could disrupt clean-water supply equivalent to the daily use of 9.0-9.9 million people, food supply for 5.7-8.4 million people and 93-100% of Yemen's Red Sea fisheries. We also estimate an increased risk of cardiovascular hospitalization from pollution ranging from 5.8 to 42.0% over the duration of the spill. The spill and its potentially disastrous impacts remain entirely preventable through offloading the oil. Our results stress the need for urgent action to avert this looming disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Q. Huynh
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Laura H. Kwong
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mathew V. Kiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Harvard FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth T. Chin
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amir M. Mohareb
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aisha O. Jumaan
- Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation, Mercer Island, WA, USA
| | - Sanjay Basu
- Center for Primary Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pascal Geldsetzer
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fatima M. Karaki
- Refugee and Asylum-seeker Health Initiative, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Fatima M. Karaki, David H. Rehkopf
| | - David H. Rehkopf
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Fatima M. Karaki, David H. Rehkopf
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12
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Solo-Gabriele HM, Fiddaman T, Mauritzen C, Ainsworth C, Abramson DM, Berenshtein I, Chassignet EP, Chen SS, Conmy RN, Court CD, Dewar WK, Farrington JW, Feldman MG, Ferguson AC, Fetherston-Resch E, French-McCay D, Hale C, He R, Kourafalou VH, Lee K, Liu Y, Masi M, Maung-Douglass ES, Morey SL, Murawski SA, Paris CB, Perlin N, Pulster EL, Quigg A, Reed DJ, Ruzicka JJ, Sandifer PA, Shepherd JG, Singer BH, Stukel MR, Sutton TT, Weisberg RH, Wiesenburg D, Wilson CA, Wilson M, Wowk KM, Yanoff C, Yoskowitz D. Towards integrated modeling of the long-term impacts of oil spills. MARINE POLICY 2021; 131:1-18. [PMID: 37850151 PMCID: PMC10581399 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Although great progress has been made to advance the scientific understanding of oil spills, tools for integrated assessment modeling of the long-term impacts on ecosystems, socioeconomics and human health are lacking. The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual framework that could be used to answer stakeholder questions about oil spill impacts and to identify knowledge gaps and future integration priorities. The framework was initially separated into four knowledge domains (ocean environment, biological ecosystems, socioeconomics, and human health) whose interactions were explored by gathering stakeholder questions through public engagement, assimilating expert input about existing models, and consolidating information through a system dynamics approach. This synthesis resulted in a causal loop diagram from which the interconnectivity of the system could be visualized. Results of this analysis indicate that the system naturally separates into two tiers, ocean environment and biological ecosystems versus socioeconomics and human health. As a result, ocean environment and ecosystem models could be used to provide input to explore human health and socioeconomic variables in hypothetical scenarios. At decadal-plus time scales, the analysis emphasized that human domains influence the natural domains through changes in oil-spill related laws and regulations. Although data gaps were identified in all four model domains, the socioeconomics and human health domains are the least established. Considerable future work is needed to address research gaps and to create fully coupled quantitative integrative assessment models that can be used in strategic decision-making that will optimize recoveries from future large oil spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
| | | | - Cecilie Mauritzen
- Department of Climate, Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cameron Ainsworth
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - David M. Abramson
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Igal Berenshtein
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Eric P. Chassignet
- Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Shuyi S. Chen
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robyn N. Conmy
- Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Christa D. Court
- Food and Resource Economics Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - William K. Dewar
- Laboratoire de Glaciologie et Geophysique de l’Environnement, French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Grenoble, France 38000, and Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | | | - Michael G. Feldman
- Consortium for Ocean Leadership, Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, Washington, DC 20005, USA
| | - Alesia C. Ferguson
- Built Environment Department, College of Science and Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | | | | | - Christine Hale
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Ruoying He
- Dept. of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Vassiliki H. Kourafalou
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E6, Canada
| | - Yonggang Liu
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Michelle Masi
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Galveston, TX 77551, USA
| | | | - Steven L. Morey
- School of the Environment, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Steven A. Murawski
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Claire B. Paris
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Natalie Perlin
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA
| | - Erin L. Pulster
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Antonietta Quigg
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX 77553, USA
| | - Denise J. Reed
- Pontchartrain Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA
| | - James J. Ruzicka
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365, USA
| | - Paul A. Sandifer
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA
| | - John G. Shepherd
- School of Ocean & Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Burton H. Singer
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Michael R. Stukel
- Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Tracey T. Sutton
- Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL 33004, USA
| | - Robert H. Weisberg
- College of Marine Science, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Denis Wiesenburg
- School of Ocean Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | | | - Monica Wilson
- Florida Sea Grant, University of Florida, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
| | - Kateryna M. Wowk
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - Callan Yanoff
- Consortium for Ocean Leadership, Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, Washington, DC 20005, USA
| | - David Yoskowitz
- Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
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Harville EW, Shankar A, Buekens P, Wickliffe JK, Lichtveld MY. Self-reported oil spill exposure and birth outcomes among southern Louisiana women at the time of the Gulf oil spill: The GROWH study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 237:113829. [PMID: 34450543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chemical, physical, economic, and social effects of a major oil spill might adversely affect pregnancy health. OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between oil spill exposure and birth outcomes in a cohort of women living near the Gulf of Mexico at the time of the 2010 oil spill. METHODS Between 2012 and 2016, 1375 women reported their exposure to the oil spill, and at least one livebirth. Five hundred and three had births both before and after the oil spill. Indicators of oil spill exposure included self-reported financial consequences, direct contact with oil, traumatic experiences, loss of use of the coast, and involvement in litigation. Birth outcomes were low birthweight (LBW; birthweight <2500 g) and preterm birth (PTB; >3 weeks early). Women who were not pregnant at the time of the interview (n = 1001) self-reported outcomes, while women who were pregnant (n = 374) primarily had them abstracted from medical records (n = 374). All pregnancies prior to the oil spill were considered unexposed; those after the oil spill were considered exposed or unexposed depending on interview responses. Generalized estimating equations were used to control for clustering within women, with control for confounders. RESULTS The most common type of exposure was economic (49%), but 302 women (22.0%) reported some degree of direct contact with the oil. Associations between most indicators of oil spill exposure and pregnancy outcomes were null, although when all pregnancies were examined, associations were seen with high levels of contact with oil for LBW (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 2.19, 95% CI, 1.29-3.71) and PTB (aOR 2.27, 1.34-3.87). DISCUSSION In this community-based cohort, we did not find associations between report of exposure to the oil spill, with the possible exception of high oil contact in some analyses, and birth outcomes. Research incorporating specific biomarkers of oil spill exposure and stress biomarkers would be valuable, to allow for assessing both perceived and actual exposure, especially when direct toxicant exposure is minimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily W Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Arti Shankar
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Pierre Buekens
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jeffrey K Wickliffe
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Maureen Y Lichtveld
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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14
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De Guise S, Levin M, Jasperse L, Herrman J, Wells RS, Rowles T, Schwacke L. Long-Term Immunological Alterations in Bottlenose Dolphin a Decade after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Potential for Multigenerational Effects. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1308-1321. [PMID: 33598929 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Health assessments were conducted on bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA, during 2011 to 2018, to assess potential health effects following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, compared to the unoiled Sarasota Bay, Florida, USA, reference dolphin population. We previously reported significant increases in T-lymphocyte proliferation, as well as lower T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines, higher Th2 cytokine IL-4, and lower T regulatory (Treg) cytokine IL-10 in Barataria Bay in 2011 compared to Sarasota Bay, consistent with Deepwater Horizon oil exposure. Although values between 2013 and 2016 were more similar to those observed in Sarasota Bay, T-cell proliferation was again elevated and cytokine balance tilted toward Th2 in Barataria Bay during 2017-2018. In 2018, Barataria Bay dolphins had significantly more circulating Treg cells than Sarasota Bay dolphins. Mice experimentally exposed to oil also had significantly increased T-lymphocyte proliferation and circulating Treg cell number, including effects in their unexposed progeny. In vitro stimulation resulted in greater Th2 responsiveness in Barataria Bay compared to Sarasota Bay dolphins, and in vitro oil exposure of Sarasota Bay dolphin cells also resulted in enhanced Th2 responsiveness. Evidence points to Treg cells as a potential target for the immunomodulatory effects of oil exposure. The immunological trends observed in Barataria Bay appeared exaggerated in dolphins born after the spill, suggesting the possibility of continued oil exposure or multigenerational health consequences of exposure to oil, as observed in mice. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1308-1321. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain De Guise
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Connecticut Sea Grant Program, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lindsay Jasperse
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jean Herrman
- Companion Animal Dental Services, Bolton, Connecticut, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, USA
| | - Teresa Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Lori Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California, USA
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15
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Thomas CC, Nsonwu-Anyanwu AC, Usoro CAO, Agoro EYS, Idenyi AN. Hepato-renal toxicities associated with heavy metal contamination of water sources among residents of an oil contaminated area in Nigeria. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 212:111988. [PMID: 33548571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.111988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal (HM) content of water sources from oil contaminated area, HM and hepato-renal functions of residents and to determine association between consumption of crude oil contaminated water and development of multiple organ toxicities. METHODS Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) content of 20 surface water sources (SWS) and 20 underground water sources (UWS) from crude oil contaminated area and 40 water sources (20 SWS and 20 UWS) from uncontaminated area (controls) were estimated using AAS. The HM, indices of liver function (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein (TP), albumin, total and conjugated bilirubin (TB and CB)) and renal functions (urea, creatinine, sodium, chloride, potassium, bicarbonate and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1)) were determined in 120 residents each from contaminated and control areas using enzyme-colorimetry and ELISA methods. RESULTS The HM levels of all water sources studied were above WHO standards. Water sources from contaminated area had higher HM levels compared to control. HM contents of SWS from contaminated area and control were higher than UWS from both areas. Residents of contaminated area had higher levels of HM, urea, bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, KIM-1, ALP, GGT, AST, ALT, TB and CB and lower TP and albumin compared to residents of control area. CONCLUSION Water contamination with crude oil is associated with elevated HM content with perturbations in HM, liver and renal functions of consumers which may suggest an increased risk of hepato-renal toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline C Thomas
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
| | | | - Chinyere A O Usoro
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Eni-Yimini S Agoro
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
| | - Augusta N Idenyi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
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16
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Orisakwe OE. Crude oil and public health issues in Niger Delta, Nigeria: Much ado about the inevitable. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110725. [PMID: 33428909 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The importance of crude oil has come at a great cost. In many developing economies of the world, it can be described as the bitter-sweet crude for its double-edged impacts on the welfare, wellness and wellness of the people. Agitations and restiveness remain characteristic features of Niger Delta following claims of exploitation and neglect of the local population by the multinationals. Literature on the environmental and public health impacts of crude oil was searched from relevant databases such as google scholar, Science Direct, Scopus and PubMed. This paper is a translational scientific and toxicological insight on what should be done by the major players rather than casting unending aspersions. Since living near oil spills and crude oil production sites is an environmental stressor occasioned by exposure to both chemical pollutants and physical menace that are all detrimental to health, cumulative risk assessment CRA is proposed as a viable approach for a comprehensive understanding of the size of this problem. Multinational oil companies should support development of Environmental Medicine Research which will in turn generate data on both how to harness the natural resources to combat the public health issues associated with oil exploration and the mitigation and remediation of the environment. This endeavor will create a waste-to-wealth program that will pacify the restiveness in oil exploring communities. It will be interesting to know that in the same environment that breeds the elephant-in-the-parlor lies the natural antidotes to check-mate the public health malady.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, PMB,5323, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
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17
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Saleh MQ, Hamad ZA, Hama JR. Assessment of some heavy metals in crude oil workers from Kurdistan Region, northern Iraq. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:49. [PMID: 33415539 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08818-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution in the environment has gained interest in the past few decades, as it has been found to accumulate in soil and water, as well as in the human body. Heavy metals present a serious health risk to humans when the concentration level and exposure time are increased. Although they have been extensively studied in the environment and food, little is known regarding their occurrence in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq. To fill this gap, we investigated the occurrence of some metals and heavy metals, namely aluminium (Al), barium (Ba), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn), in the blood of crude oil workers (40 men) who have worked in crude oil fields for at least 3 years-exposed group. In addition, a control group of 40 men was selected who have never worked or been close to crude oil fields. There is a significant correlation of metal concentrations between exposed and control groups, especially for Al, Ba, Hg, Mn and V (significant for all metals). Even though the correlation for Pb and Zn was weak, the concentrations were higher by 2-folds in the exposed group compared to the control group. Thus, the exposure caused an increase in the concentration of heavy metals by at least 1-fold in the blood of the exposed group compared to the control group. The environmental and ecotoxicological relevance of heavy metals in humans and the environment in areas with industrial activities have yet to be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoon Q Saleh
- TTOPCO - Taq Taq Operating Company LTD, Genel Energy, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
- Department of Oil and Gas, Mad Institute, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Zaitoon A Hamad
- School of Medicine, Koya University, Koya, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Jawameer R Hama
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Raparin, Rania, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
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18
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Sandifer P, Knapp L, Lichtveld M, Manley R, Abramson D, Caffey R, Cochran D, Collier T, Ebi K, Engel L, Farrington J, Finucane M, Hale C, Halpern D, Harville E, Hart L, Hswen Y, Kirkpatrick B, McEwen B, Morris G, Orbach R, Palinkas L, Partyka M, Porter D, Prather AA, Rowles T, Scott G, Seeman T, Solo-Gabriele H, Svendsen E, Tincher T, Trtanj J, Walker AH, Yehuda R, Yip F, Yoskowitz D, Singer B. Framework for a Community Health Observing System for the Gulf of Mexico Region: Preparing for Future Disasters. Front Public Health 2020; 8:578463. [PMID: 33178663 PMCID: PMC7593336 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.578463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) region is prone to disasters, including recurrent oil spills, hurricanes, floods, industrial accidents, harmful algal blooms, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. The GoM and other regions of the U.S. lack sufficient baseline health information to identify, attribute, mitigate, and facilitate prevention of major health effects of disasters. Developing capacity to assess adverse human health consequences of future disasters requires establishment of a comprehensive, sustained community health observing system, similar to the extensive and well-established environmental observing systems. We propose a system that combines six levels of health data domains, beginning with three existing, national surveys and studies plus three new nested, longitudinal cohort studies. The latter are the unique and most important parts of the system and are focused on the coastal regions of the five GoM States. A statistically representative sample of participants is proposed for the new cohort studies, stratified to ensure proportional inclusion of urban and rural populations and with additional recruitment as necessary to enroll participants from particularly vulnerable or under-represented groups. Secondary data sources such as syndromic surveillance systems, electronic health records, national community surveys, environmental exposure databases, social media, and remote sensing will inform and augment the collection of primary data. Primary data sources will include participant-provided information via questionnaires, clinical measures of mental and physical health, acquisition of biological specimens, and wearable health monitoring devices. A suite of biomarkers may be derived from biological specimens for use in health assessments, including calculation of allostatic load, a measure of cumulative stress. The framework also addresses data management and sharing, participant retention, and system governance. The observing system is designed to continue indefinitely to ensure that essential pre-, during-, and post-disaster health data are collected and maintained. It could also provide a model/vehicle for effective health observation related to infectious disease pandemics such as COVID-19. To our knowledge, there is no comprehensive, disaster-focused health observing system such as the one proposed here currently in existence or planned elsewhere. Significant strengths of the GoM Community Health Observing System (CHOS) are its longitudinal cohorts and ability to adapt rapidly as needs arise and new technologies develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Sandifer
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Landon Knapp
- Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Maureen Lichtveld
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ruth Manley
- Master's Program in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - David Abramson
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rex Caffey
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - David Cochran
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Tracy Collier
- Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, United States
| | - Kristie Ebi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lawrence Engel
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - John Farrington
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States
| | | | - Christine Hale
- Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
| | - David Halpern
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Emily Harville
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Leslie Hart
- Department of Health and Human Performance, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Yulin Hswen
- Computational Epidemiology Lab, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Barbara Kirkpatrick
- Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System, Texas A&M University, College Station TX, United States
| | - Bruce McEwen
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Glenn Morris
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Raymond Orbach
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Lawrence Palinkas
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Melissa Partyka
- Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Dwayne Porter
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Aric A. Prather
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Teresa Rowles
- National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Geoffrey Scott
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Teresa Seeman
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Helena Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Erik Svendsen
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Terry Tincher
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Juli Trtanj
- Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | | | - Rachel Yehuda
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Fuyuen Yip
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - David Yoskowitz
- Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
| | - Burton Singer
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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19
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de Oliveira PV, Goulart L, Dos Santos CL, Rossato J, Fagan SB, Zanella I, Cordeiro MNDS, Ruso JM, González-Durruthy M. Computational Modeling of Environmental Co-exposure on Oil-Derived Hydrocarbon Overload by Using Substrate-Specific Transport Protein (TodX) with Graphene Nanostructures. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:2308-2325. [PMID: 32819247 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200820145412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bioremediation is a biotechnology field that uses living organisms to remove contaminants from soil and water; therefore, they could be used to treat oil spills from the environment. METHODS Herein, we present a new mechanistic approach combining Molecular Docking Simulation and Density Functional Theory to modeling the bioremediation-based nanointeractions of a heterogeneous mixture of oil-derived hydrocarbons by using pristine and oxidized graphene nanostructures and the substrate-specific transport protein (TodX) from Pseudomonas putida. RESULTS The theoretical evidences pointing that the binding interactions are mainly based on noncovalent bonds characteristic of physical adsorption mechanism mimicking the "Trojan-horse effect". CONCLUSION These results open new horizons to improve bioremediation strategies in over-saturation conditions against oil-spills and expanding the use of nanotechnologies in the context of environmental modeling health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luiza Goulart
- Nanoscience Department, Universidade Franciscana, 97010-032 Rio Grande do Sul-RS, Brazil
| | | | - Jussane Rossato
- Nanoscience Department, Universidade Franciscana, 97010-032 Rio Grande do Sul-RS, Brazil
| | - Solange Binotto Fagan
- Nanoscience Department, Universidade Franciscana, 97010-032 Rio Grande do Sul-RS, Brazil
| | - Ivana Zanella
- Nanoscience Department, Universidade Franciscana, 97010-032 Rio Grande do Sul-RS, Brazil
| | - M Natália D S Cordeiro
- LAQV-REQUINTE of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169- 007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Juan M Ruso
- Soft Matter and Molecular Biophysics Group, Department of Applied Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Michael González-Durruthy
- LAQV-REQUINTE of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169- 007 Porto, Portugal,Soft Matter and Molecular Biophysics Group, Department of Applied Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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20
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Zhang Y, Lin DF, Hao J, Zhao ZH, Zhang YJ. The crucial role of bacterial laccases in the bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 36:116. [PMID: 32661601 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-020-02888-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Laccases (EC 1.10.3.2) are a class of metallo-oxidases found in a variety of fungi, plants, and bacteria as well as in certain insects. They can oxidize a wide variety of organic compounds and can be widely applied in many fields, especially in the field of biodegradation and detoxification of environmental pollutants. The practical efficacy of laccases depends on their ability to capture the target substance as well as their catalytic activity, which is related to their catalytic center, substrate selectivity, and substrate tolerance. Over the past few decades, many laccases have been identified in plants and fungi. Concurrently, bacterial laccases have received increasing attention because of their high thermostability and high tolerance to organic compounds. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of bacterial laccases in the bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons and to outline the correlation between the molecular structure of the mononuclear T1 Cu center of bacterial laccases and their substrate preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Fa Lin
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Hao
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hao Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Jiu Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China. .,School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Goldstein BD. Broadening the Mandate of the Incident Command System to Address Community Mental and Behavioral Health Effects as Part of the Federal Response to Disasters. Curr Environ Health Rep 2020; 7:282-291. [PMID: 32594324 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-020-00283-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the United States, the Federal Incident Command System (ICS) directs response to major oil spills. Its initial imperative is to prevent immediate impacts on human health and safety. Subsequently, the ICS primarily turns its attention to environmental concerns, including considering vulnerable ecosystems. There is a growing body of evidence that disasters such as major oil spills lead to adverse psychosocial effects; yet, preventing such effects has not been formally incorporated into ICS disaster mitigation considerations. RECENT FINDINGS Community mental and behavioral effects are increasingly recognized as a significant impact of disasters. Standardized ecosystem analytical frameworks are key to ICS responses to its mandate for environmental protection. Similar frameworks have only begun to be developed for mental and behavioral effects. Providing the ICS with a formal mandate would likely lead to the prevention of community mental and behavioral effects being more systematically incorporated into ICS disaster responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard D Goldstein
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 166 N. Dithridge St Apt A5, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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22
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Sherman M, Covert H, Brown L, Langhinrichsen-Rohling J, Hansel T, Rehner T, Buckner A, Lichtveld M. Enterprise Evaluation: A New Opportunity for Public Health Policy. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:479-489. [PMID: 31348163 PMCID: PMC6716577 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Standard evaluation practice in public health remains limited to evaluative measures linked to individual projects, even if multiple interrelated projects are working toward a common impact. Enterprise evaluation seeks to fill this policy gap by focusing on cross-sector coordination and ongoing reflection in evaluation. We provide an overview of the enterprise evaluation framework and its 3 stages: collective creation, individual data collection, and collective analysis. We illustrate the application of enterprise evaluation to the Gulf Region Health Outreach Program, 4 integrated projects that aimed to strengthen health care in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Shared commitment to sustainability and strong leadership were critical to Gulf Region Health Outreach Program's success in enterprise evaluation. Enterprise evaluation provides an important opportunity for funding agencies and public health initiatives to evaluate the impact of interrelated projects in a more holistic and multiscalar manner than traditional siloed approaches to evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mya Sherman
- Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research, Leadership & Strategic Initiatives (Ms Sherman and Dr Covert) and Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences (Dr Lichtveld), School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; Evaluation and Research, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Brown); Gulf Coast Behavioral Health Resiliency Center, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (Dr Langhinrichsen-Rohling); Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Hansel); School of Social Work, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi (Dr Rehner); and Community Health Cooperative, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Buckner)
| | - Hannah Covert
- Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research, Leadership & Strategic Initiatives (Ms Sherman and Dr Covert) and Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences (Dr Lichtveld), School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; Evaluation and Research, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Brown); Gulf Coast Behavioral Health Resiliency Center, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (Dr Langhinrichsen-Rohling); Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Hansel); School of Social Work, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi (Dr Rehner); and Community Health Cooperative, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Buckner)
| | - Lisanne Brown
- Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research, Leadership & Strategic Initiatives (Ms Sherman and Dr Covert) and Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences (Dr Lichtveld), School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; Evaluation and Research, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Brown); Gulf Coast Behavioral Health Resiliency Center, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (Dr Langhinrichsen-Rohling); Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Hansel); School of Social Work, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi (Dr Rehner); and Community Health Cooperative, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Buckner)
| | - Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling
- Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research, Leadership & Strategic Initiatives (Ms Sherman and Dr Covert) and Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences (Dr Lichtveld), School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; Evaluation and Research, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Brown); Gulf Coast Behavioral Health Resiliency Center, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (Dr Langhinrichsen-Rohling); Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Hansel); School of Social Work, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi (Dr Rehner); and Community Health Cooperative, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Buckner)
| | - Tonya Hansel
- Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research, Leadership & Strategic Initiatives (Ms Sherman and Dr Covert) and Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences (Dr Lichtveld), School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; Evaluation and Research, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Brown); Gulf Coast Behavioral Health Resiliency Center, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (Dr Langhinrichsen-Rohling); Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Hansel); School of Social Work, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi (Dr Rehner); and Community Health Cooperative, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Buckner)
| | - Timothy Rehner
- Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research, Leadership & Strategic Initiatives (Ms Sherman and Dr Covert) and Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences (Dr Lichtveld), School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; Evaluation and Research, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Brown); Gulf Coast Behavioral Health Resiliency Center, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (Dr Langhinrichsen-Rohling); Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Hansel); School of Social Work, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi (Dr Rehner); and Community Health Cooperative, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Buckner)
| | - Ayanna Buckner
- Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research, Leadership & Strategic Initiatives (Ms Sherman and Dr Covert) and Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences (Dr Lichtveld), School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; Evaluation and Research, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Brown); Gulf Coast Behavioral Health Resiliency Center, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (Dr Langhinrichsen-Rohling); Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Hansel); School of Social Work, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi (Dr Rehner); and Community Health Cooperative, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Buckner)
| | - Maureen Lichtveld
- Center for Gulf Coast Environmental Health Research, Leadership & Strategic Initiatives (Ms Sherman and Dr Covert) and Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences (Dr Lichtveld), School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; Evaluation and Research, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Brown); Gulf Coast Behavioral Health Resiliency Center, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama (Dr Langhinrichsen-Rohling); Department of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana (Dr Hansel); School of Social Work, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi (Dr Rehner); and Community Health Cooperative, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Buckner)
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Abstract
Research from financial stress, disasters, pandemics, and other extreme events, suggests that behavioral health will suffer, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Furthermore, these symptoms are likely to exacerbate alcohol or drug use, especially for those vulnerable to relapse. The nature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and vast reach of the virus, leave many unknows for the repercussions on behavioral health, yet existing research suggests that behavioral health concerns should take a primary role in response to the pandemic. We propose a 4-step services system designed for implementation with a variety of different groups and reserves limited clinical services for the most extreme reactions. While we can expect symptoms to remit overtime, many will also have longer-term or more severe concerns. Behavioral health interventions will likely need to change overtime and different types of interventions should be considered for different target groups, such as for those who recover from COVID-19, health-care professionals, and essential personnel; and the general public either due to loss of loved ones or significant life disruption. The important thing is to have a systematic plan to support behavioral health and to engage citizens in prevention and doing their part in recovery by staying home and protecting others.
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24
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Prolonged Financial Distress After the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Predicts Behavioral Health. J Behav Health Serv Res 2020. [PMID: 29536343 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-018-9602-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The economic impact of disasters is well known; however, the link between financial loss and behavioral health problems is unknown. Participants included 198 adults of ages 21 to 82, living within 10 miles of the Gulf Coast during the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and were involved in the fishing, harvesting, seafood processing, or service/tourism industries. The functional impact of financial resource loss at 2.5 years post spill was measured using the 26-item Financial Life Events Checklist (FLEC). Individuals responded to financial distress by reducing social events and utility bills and changing food-shopping habits. The FLEC significantly predicted higher drug use (Drug Abuse Screening Test), alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), mood problems (Profile of Mood States), and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory II) (p values ≤ 0.05) 4.5 years after the spill. This preliminary study supports the notion that the functional impact of financial loss has a long-term impact on behavioral health after an oil spill.
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25
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Amor-Carro Ó, White KM, Fraga-Iriso R, Mariñas-Pardo LA, Núñez-Naveira L, Lema-Costa B, Villarnovo M, Verea-Hernando H, Ramos-Barbón D. Airway Hyperresponsiveness, Inflammation, and Pulmonary Emphysema in Rodent Models Designed to Mimic Exposure to Fuel Oil-Derived Volatile Organic Compounds Encountered during an Experimental Oil Spill. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:27003. [PMID: 32074461 PMCID: PMC7064321 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fuel oil-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) inhalation is associated with accidental marine spills. After the Prestige petroleum tanker sank off northern Spain in 2002 and the Deepwater Horizon oil rig catastrophe in 2009, subjects involved in environmental decontamination showed signs of ongoing or residual lung disease up to 5 y after the exposure. OBJECTIVES We aimed at investigating mechanisms driving persistent respiratory disease by developing an animal model of inhalational exposure to fuel oil-derived VOCs. METHODS Female Wistar and Brown Norway (BN) rats and C57BL mice were exposed to VOCs produced from fuel oil mimicking the Prestige spill. Exposed animals inhaled the VOCs 2 h daily, 5 d per week, for 3 wk. Airway responsiveness to methacholine (MCh) was assessed, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissues were analyzed after the exposure and following a 2-wk washout. RESULTS Consistent with data from human studies, both strains of rats that inhaled fuel oil-derived VOCs developed airway hyperresponsiveness that persisted after the washout period, in the absence of detectable inflammation in any lung compartment. Histopathology and quantitative morphology revealed the development of peripherally distributed pulmonary emphysema, which persisted after the washout period, associated with increased alveolar septal cell apoptosis, microvascular endothelial damage of the lung parenchyma, and inhibited expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). DISCUSSION In this rat model, fuel oil VOCs inhalation elicited alveolar septal cell apoptosis, likely due to DNA damage. In turn, the development of a peculiar pulmonary emphysema pattern altered lung mechanics and caused persistent noninflammatory airway hyperresponsiveness. Such findings suggest to us that humans might also respond to VOCs through physiopathological pathways different from those chiefly involved in typical cigarette smoke-driven emphysema in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If so, this study could form the basis for a novel disease mechanism for lasting respiratory disease following inhalational exposure to catastrophic fuel oil spills. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4178.
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Affiliation(s)
- Óscar Amor-Carro
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Respiratory Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and the Biomedical Research Institute (IIb Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kathryn M. White
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rebeca Fraga-Iriso
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Respiratory Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and the Biomedical Research Institute (IIb Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis A. Mariñas-Pardo
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Laura Núñez-Naveira
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Beatriz Lema-Costa
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marta Villarnovo
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Héctor Verea-Hernando
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - David Ramos-Barbón
- Respiratory Research Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario and the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
- Respiratory Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and the Biomedical Research Institute (IIb Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Carmo EH, Teixeira MG. Desastres tecnológicos e emergências de saúde pública: o caso do derramamento de óleo no litoral do Brasil. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2020; 36:e00234419. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00234419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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27
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Kaufman JA, Goldman ZE, Sharpe JD, Wolkin AF, Gribble MO. Mechanisms of resiliency against depression following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 65:101329. [PMID: 31607770 PMCID: PMC6788640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2019.101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Prior studies of oil spills have reported adverse impacts on mental health, but have not examined some potentially important moderators. In this cross-sectional analysis of n=38,361 responses to the 2010-2011 Gulf States Population Survey, we assessed the association of direct oil contact with depression severity following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and modification by self-mastery, emotional support, and cleanup participation using Tobit regression models accounting for the complex survey design. Oil contact was associated with increased depression severity. Among respondents with oil contact, depression was more severe for those reporting lower self-mastery. However, respondents with oil contact had lower depression severity if they participated in cleanup efforts, compared to exposed individuals who did not participate. This potential protective effect was larger for respondents with lower self-mastery. Our results are consistent with the notion that participation in recovery efforts may reduce depressive symptoms following oil spills among impacted individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Kaufman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zachary E. Goldman
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - J. Danielle Sharpe
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amy F. Wolkin
- Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Matthew O. Gribble
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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28
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Sundar S, Nouraei M, Latta T, Acosta E. Hydrophilic-Lipophilic-Difference (HLD) Guided Formulation of Oil Spill Dispersants with Biobased Surfactants. TENSIDE SURFACT DET 2019. [DOI: 10.3139/113.110643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The large-scale use of dispersants during the BP Horizon spill revealed various risks associated with these formulations, particularly the use of volatile organic compound (VOC) solvents linked to respiratory illnesses, and the poor biodegradability of surfactants. Previous attempts at solving these issues involved formulations of lecithin and polyethylene glycol ester of sorbitan monooleate (Tween® 80) that still required the use of a volatile solvent, ethanol. In this work, the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Difference (HLD) framework was used to develop a lecithin formulation containing food-grade lipophilic (Glycerol MonoOleate – GMO- and sorbitan monooleate – Span® 80) and hydrophilic (polyglycerol caprylate) linkers in combination with a nonvolatile and mineral oil solvent with food additive status. The HLD parameters for lecithin, linkers, and oils were used to determine the lecithin-linker formulas that yielded HLD ∼0 (the surfactant phase inversion point), reaching interfacial tensions of 10−2 mN/m, and high emulsification effectiveness with diluted bitumen. This effectiveness was close to that obtained with a simulated dispersant, and superior to the lecithin-Tween® 80-ethanol formula. The lecithin-linker system produced 4–11 μm emulsified drops, sufficiently small to enhance the biodegradability of the dispersion.
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29
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Kwok RK, Miller AK, Gam KB, Curry MD, Ramsey SK, Blair A, Engel LS, Sandler DP. Developing Large-Scale Research in Response to an Oil Spill Disaster: a Case Study. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 6:174-187. [PMID: 31376082 PMCID: PMC6699641 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-019-00241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Research conducted in the wake of a disaster can provide information to help mitigate health consequences, support future recovery efforts, and improve resilience. However, a number of barriers have prevented time-sensitive research responses following previous disasters. Furthermore, large-scale disasters present their own special challenges due to the number of people exposed to disaster conditions, the number of groups engaged in disaster response, and the logistical challenges of rapidly planning and implementing a large study. In this case study, we illustrate the challenges in planning and conducting a large-scale post-disaster research study by drawing on our experience in establishing the Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) Study following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. We describe considerations in identifying at-risk populations and appropriate comparison groups, garnering support for the study from different stakeholders, obtaining timely scientific and ethics review, measuring and characterizing complex exposures, and addressing evolving community health concerns and unmet medical needs. We also describe the NIH Disaster Research Response (DR2) Program, which provides a suite of resources, including data collection tools, research protocols, institutional review board guidance, and training materials to enable the development and implementation of time-critical studies following disasters and public health emergencies. In describing our experiences related to the GuLF Study and the ongoing efforts through the NIH DR2 Program, we aim to help improve the timeliness, quality, and value of future disaster-related data collection and research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
| | | | - Kaitlyn B Gam
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew D Curry
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven K Ramsey
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aaron Blair
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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30
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Noh SR, Kim JA, Cheong HK, Ha M, Jee YK, Park MS, Choi KH, Kim H, Cho SI, Choi K, Paek D. Hebei Spirit oil spill and its long-term effect on children's asthma symptoms. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 248:286-294. [PMID: 30798030 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
On December 7th, 2007, an estimated 12,547 kL of crude oil was spilled from the collision of Hebei Spirit near residential area. Our previous study demonstrated worsening of children's asthma symptoms one year after the accident. This study investigated long-term effect of the oil spill on children's asthma symptoms up to five years after the accident. All elementary and middle school students in the exposure area were surveyed on one year (n = 655), three years (664), and five years (611) after the accident. Oil spill exposure was estimated using two estimates including distance from the oil spill (A) and modeled estimates of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) compounds (B), and each was dichotomously categorized (A: high-exposure vs low-exposure; B: ≥20 mg/m3 vs < 20 mg/m3). Asthma symptoms were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Oil spill exposure estimates were associated with asthma symptoms on one year (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) A: 1.9 (1.1-3.1); B: 1.6 (0.9-2.7)), three years (A: 1.9 (1.1-3.2); B: 1.3 (0.8-2.2)), and five years (A: 1.2 (0.7-1.9); B: 1.8 (1.1-2.8)) after the oil spill. Significant longitudinal relationship between oil spill exposure estimates and asthma symptoms was also observed (A: 1.6 (1.2-2.2); B: 1.6 (1.1-2.1)). Overall, the effect of oil spill exposure estimates was more severe on younger children. Oil spill exposure estimates were associated with asthma symptoms in children up to five years after the oil spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Ryeon Noh
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Kosin University, Pusan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ah Kim
- Department of Environment and Ecology Research, ChungNam Institute, Gongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Kwan Cheong
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Mina Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Koo Jee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Kyung-Hwa Choi
- Taean Environmental Health Center, Taean, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Kim
- Department of Public Health, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Il Cho
- Department of Public Health, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- Department of Environmental Health, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Domyung Paek
- Department of Environmental Health, Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Jelsema CM, Kwok RK, Peddada SD. Threshold Knot Selection for Large-Scale Spatial Models With Applications to the Deepwater Horizon Disaster. J STAT COMPUT SIM 2019; 89:2121-2137. [PMID: 32139950 PMCID: PMC7058149 DOI: 10.1080/00949655.2019.1610884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Large spatial datasets are typically modeled through a small set of knot locations; often these locations are specified by the investigator by arbitrary criteria. Existing methods of estimating the locations of knots assume their number is known a priori, or are otherwise computationally intensive. We develop a computationally efficient method of estimating both the location and number of knots for spatial mixed effects models. Our proposed algorithm, Threshold Knot Selection (TKS), estimates knot locations by identifying clusters of large residuals and placing a knot in the centroid of those clusters. We conduct a simulation study showing TKS in relation to several comparable methods of estimating knot locations. Our case study utilizes data of particulate matter concentrations collected during the course of the response and clean-up effort from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey M Jelsema
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505, USA
| | - Richard K Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27709, USA
| | - Shyamal D Peddada
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, USA
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The Gulf Region Health Outreach Program as a Model for Strengthening the Fragile Public Health Infrastructure. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2019; 23 Suppl 6 Suppl, Gulf Region Health Outreach Program:S8-S10. [PMID: 28961646 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Werder EJ, Sandler DP, Richardson DB, Emch ME, Kwok RK, Gerr FE, Engel LS. Environmental Styrene Exposure and Sensory and Motor Function in Gulf Coast Residents. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:47006. [PMID: 31009265 PMCID: PMC6785236 DOI: 10.1289/ehp3954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although styrene is an established neurotoxicant at occupational exposure levels, its neurotoxicity has not been characterized in relation to general population exposures. Further, occupational research to date has focused on central nervous system impairment. OBJECTIVE We assessed styrene-associated differences in sensory and motor function among Gulf coast residents. METHODS We used 2011 National Air Toxics Assessment estimates of ambient styrene to determine exposure levels for 2,956 nondiabetic Gulf state residents enrolled in the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study, and additionally measured blood styrene concentration in a subset of participants 1 to 2 y after enrollment ([Formula: see text]). Participants completed an enrollment telephone interview and a comprehensive test battery to assess sensory and motor function during a clinical follow-up exam 2 to 4 y later. Detailed covariate information was ascertained at enrollment via telephone interview. We used multivariate linear regression to estimate continuous differences in sensory and motor function, and log-binomial regression to estimate prevalence ratios for dichotomous outcomes. We estimated associations of both ambient and blood styrene exposures with sensory and motor function, independently for five unique tests. RESULTS Those participants in the highest 25% vs. lowest 75% of ambient exposure and those in the highest 10% vs. lowest 90% of blood styrene had slightly diminished visual contrast sensitivity. Mean vibrotactile thresholds were lower among those in the highest vs. lowest quartile of ambient styrene and the highest 10% vs. lowest 90% of blood styrene ([Formula: see text] log microns; 95% CI: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] log microns; 95% CI: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively). The highest vs. lowest quartile of ambient styrene was associated with significantly poorer postural stability, and (unexpectedly) with significantly greater grip strength. DISCUSSION We observed associations between higher styrene exposure and poorer visual, sensory, and vestibular function, though we did not detect associations with reduced voluntary motor system performance. Associations were more consistent for ambient exposures, but we also found notable associations with measured blood styrene. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP3954.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Werder
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - David B. Richardson
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michael E. Emch
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Richard K. Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Fredric E. Gerr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Lawrence S. Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Sharpe JD, Kaufman JA, Goldman ZE, Wolkin A, Gribble MO. Determinants of oil-spill cleanup participation following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 170:472-480. [PMID: 30640081 PMCID: PMC6361617 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, spilling over 4.9 million barrels of oil in the Gulf of Mexico over an 87-day period and developing into a long-term environmental disaster that affected people living in Gulf Coast states. Engagement of community members in recovery efforts is important for mitigating adverse effects of disasters and accelerating the rebuilding process for impacted communities; however, few studies have explored factors that determine participation in oil spill cleanups. METHODS We analyzed data from the Gulf States Population Survey (GSPS) to study the determinants of participating in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill cleanup. The GSPS was a random-digit dialing survey conducted on 38,361 adults in counties and parishes in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi impacted by the oil spill. Using survey estimation to account for the complex survey design, we estimated the probability of cleanup participation and used logistic regression to examine the association between sociodemographic factors and cleanup participation. RESULTS Approximately 4.7% of residents in affected Gulf communities participated in the cleanup. Most participants were young, men, non-Hispanic white, and employed. Living in an affected coastal county was associated with higher odds of participation (unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-2.24), as was having excellent or very good physical health (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.11-3.81). Older persons were less likely to participate in the cleanup (OR for 65+ age group vs. 18-24 age group: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05-0.36). CONCLUSIONS Understanding the demographics of cleanup participants may help inform civilian recruitment for future oil spill responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Danielle Sharpe
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - John A Kaufman
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zachary E Goldman
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Amy Wolkin
- Center for Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew O Gribble
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Mundorf C, Shankar A, Moran T, Heller S, Hassan A, Harville E, Lichtveld M. Reducing the Risk of Postpartum Depression in a Low-Income Community Through a Community Health Worker Intervention. Matern Child Health J 2019; 22:520-528. [PMID: 29288405 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-017-2419-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To clarify the effectiveness of perinatal social support interventions in reducing postpartum depression among minority, low-income women. Methods The Transdisciplinary Research Consortium for Gulf Resilience on Women's Health supported a community-based participatory research project to improve perinatal health among low-income, first-time pregnant women living in a vulnerable Gulf Coast region. Community health workers (CHWs) were partnered with recruited women, and used a mix of mobile technology and home visits to develop a supportive relationship during the perinatal period. Results Women enrolled in the CHW-led intervention had lower (F: 2.38, p = 0.04) average postpartum depression scores (EPDS) 6 months postpartum than a comparison population. The difference, however, was not seen among women in the intervention group who reported relatively poor relationships with their CHWs. Conclusions for Practice Results reinforce the evidence that perinatal social support can affect postpartum depression outcomes. CHWs are increasingly utilized by public programs to reach at-risk populations. We discuss the potential efficacy of CHW programs, but also, the need to pair outreach with effective monitoring and evaluation of the relationship development between CHW and clients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arti Shankar
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tracy Moran
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sherry Heller
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Anna Hassan
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Emily Harville
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Maureen Lichtveld
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Gam KB, Kwok RK, Engel LS, Curry MD, Stewart PA, Stenzel MR, McGrath JA, Jackson WB, Jensen RL, Keil AP, Lichtveld MY, Miller AK, Sandler DP. Lung Function in Oil Spill Response Workers 1-3 Years After the Deepwater Horizon Disaster. Epidemiology 2019; 29:315-322. [PMID: 29381492 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000000808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effects of inhalation exposures on lung function among workers involved in the mitigation of oil spills. Our objective was to determine the relationship between oil spill response work and lung function 1-3 years after the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster. METHODS We evaluated spirometry for 7,775 adults living in the Gulf states who either participated in DWH response efforts (workers) or received safety training but were not hired (nonworkers). At an enrollment interview, we collected detailed work histories including information on potential exposure to dispersants and burning oil/gas. We assessed forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; mL), forced vital capacity (FVC; mL), and the ratio (FEV1/FVC%) for differences by broad job classes and exposure to dispersants or burning oil/gas using multivariable linear and modified Poisson regression. RESULTS We found no differences between workers and nonworkers. Among workers, we observed a small decrement in FEV1 (Beta, -71 mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], -127 to -14) in decontamination workers compared with support workers. Workers with high potential exposure to burning oil/gas had reduced lung function compared with unexposed workers: FEV1 (Beta, -183 mL; 95% CI, -316 to -49) and FEV1/FVC (Beta, -1.93%; 95% CI, -3.50 to -0.36), and an elevated risk of having a FEV1/FVC in the lowest tertile (prevalence ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.92). CONCLUSIONS While no differences in lung function were found between workers and nonworkers, lung function was reduced among decontamination workers and workers with high exposure to burning oil/gas compared with unexposed workers.
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Shiu RF, Lee CL, Hsieh PY, Chen CS, Kang YY, Chin WC, Tai NH. Superhydrophobic graphene-based sponge as a novel sorbent for crude oil removal under various environmental conditions. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 207:110-117. [PMID: 29793022 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.05.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical recovery of oils using oil sorbents is one of the most important approaches to manage marine oil spills. However, the properties of the oils spilled into sea are influenced by external environmental conditions. In this study, we present a graphene-based (GB) sponge as a novel sorbent for crude oil removal and compare its performance with that of a commercial sorbent sheet under various environmental parameters. The GB sponge with excellent superhydrophobic and superoleophilic characteristics is demonstrated to be an efficient sorbent for crude oils, with high sorption capacity (up to 85-95 times its weight) and good reusability. The crude-oil-sorption capacity of our GB sponge is remarkably higher (about 4-5 times) than that of the commercial sheet and most other previously reported sponge sorbents. Moreover, several challenging environmental conditions were examined for their effects on the sorption performance, including the weathering time of oils, seawater temperature, and turbulence (wave effect). The results show that the viscosity of the oil increased with increasing weathering time or decreasing temperature; therefore, the sorption rate seemed to decrease with longer weathering times and lower temperatures. Turbulence can facilitate inner sorption and promote higher oil sorption. Our results indicate that the extent of the effects of weather and other environmental factors on crude oil should be considered in the assessment of the effective adsorption capacity and efficiency of sorbents. The present work also highlights the widespread potential applications of our GB sponge in marine spilled-oil cleanup and hydrophobic solvent removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruei-Feng Shiu
- Department of Marine Environment and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chon-Lin Lee
- Department of Marine Environment and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ping-Yen Hsieh
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Shuo Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Yi Kang
- Department of Marine Environment and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun Chin
- Bioengineering Program, School of Engineering, University of California, Merced, CA, USA.
| | - Nyan-Hwa Tai
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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Strelitz J, Engel LS, Kwok RK, Miller AK, Blair A, Sandler DP. Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposures and nonfatal myocardial infarction in the GuLF STUDY. Environ Health 2018; 17:69. [PMID: 30144816 PMCID: PMC6109340 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-018-0408-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workers involved in the response and clean-up of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill faced possible exposures to crude oil, burning oil, dispersants and other pollutants in addition to physical and emotional stress. These exposures may have increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) among oil spill workers. METHODS Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) STUDY participants comprise individuals who either participated in the Deepwater Horizon response efforts or registered for safety training but were not hired. Oil spill-related exposures were assessed during enrollment interviews conducted in 2011-2013. We estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals for the associations of clean-up work characteristics with self-reported nonfatal MI up to three years post-spill. RESULTS Among 31,109 participants without history of MI prior to the spill, 77% worked on the oil spill. There were 192 self-reported MI during the study period; 151 among workers. Among the full cohort, working on the oil spill clean-up (vs not working on the clean-up) and living in proximity to the oil spill (vs further away) were suggestively associated with a possible increased risk of nonfatal MI [RR: 1.22 (0.86, 1.73) and 1.15 (0.82, 1.60), respectively]. Among oil spill workers, working for > 180 days was associated with MI [RR for > 180 days (vs 1-30 days): 2.05 (1.05, 4.01)], as was stopping working due to heat [RR: 1.99 (1.43, 2.78)]. There were suggestive associations of maximum total hydrocarbon exposure ≥3.00 ppm (vs < 0.30 ppm) [RR: 1.69 (0.90, 3.19)] and working on decontaminating oiled equipment (vs administrative support) [1.72 (0.96, 3.09)] with nonfatal MI. CONCLUSION This is the first study to assess the associations between oil spill exposures and MI. Results suggest that working on the spill for > 180 days and stopping work due to heat increased risk of nonfatal MI. Future research should evaluate whether the observed associations are related to specific chemical exposures or other stressors associated with the spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Strelitz
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Lawrence S. Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Richard K. Kwok
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Aubrey K. Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | - Aaron Blair
- National Cancer Institute, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
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The Louisiana Mental and Behavioral Health Capacity Project Trauma-Informed Integrated Care Model and Improved Posttraumatic Stress Outcomes. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2018; 23 Suppl 6 Suppl, Gulf Region Health Outreach Program:S25-S31. [PMID: 28961649 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Mental and Behavioral Health Capacity Project in Louisiana has been addressing health disparities by increasing accessibility and availability through integrating services into primary care clinics. Integrated health is becoming the standard of care, providing an opportunity to address the trauma-specific needs of communities, and allowing for informed and less stigmatized services. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of the Mental and Behavioral Health Capacity Project in Louisiana model in the primary care settings to reduce posttraumatic stress symptoms and physical health complaints. DESIGN A pre-experimental time series design was used on the basis of participants self-reporting at least 1 trauma at intake and follow-up collected at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals. The hypotheses were that posttraumatic stress and physical health complaints would significantly decrease over the course of treatment. SETTING This study was part of a larger study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mental and Behavioral Health Capacity Project in Louisiana-integrated health efforts. Sample parameters included (1) intake date from January 2013 through December 2015; (2) at least 18 years of age; and (3) presented at 1 of 5 primary health care clinics in Southeast Louisiana. PARTICIPANTS A total of 235 patients were selected; the mean age was 44.7 years (SD = 13.6) and the majority were white (68%) and female (76%). INTERVENTION Brief behavioral-based trauma treatment was delivered using both on-site and telemedicine therapies provided by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or through a combined treatment model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The main outcome measures were the Posttraumatic Stress Civilian Checklist (PCL-C) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15). RESULTS The hypothesis was supported. Statistically significant decreases in posttraumatic stress symptoms and physical health complaints were shown over the course of treatment, with 63% of the group demonstrating clinically significant change. CONCLUSIONS This study supports brief trauma treatment in primary care clinics as an effective method of reducing trauma and physical health symptoms in postdisaster environments.
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A Framework for Integrating Environmental and Occupational Health and Primary Care in a Postdisaster Context. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2018; 23 Suppl 6 Suppl, Gulf Region Health Outreach Program:S71-S77. [PMID: 28961656 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Integration of environmental and occupational health (EOH) into primary care settings is a critical step to addressing the EOH concerns of a community, particularly in a postdisaster context. Several barriers to EOH integration exist at the physician, patient, and health care system levels. PROGRAM This article presents a framework for improving the health system's capacity to address EOH after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and illustrates its application in the Environmental and Occupational Health Education and Referral (EOHER) program. This program worked with 11 Federally Qualified Health Center systems in the Gulf Coast region to try to address the EOH concerns of community members and to assist primary care providers to better understand the impact of EOH factors on their patients' health. IMPLEMENTATION The framework uses a 3-pronged approach to (1) foster coordination between primary care and EOH facilities through a referral network and peer consultations, (2) increase physician capacity in EOH issues through continuing education and training, and (3) conduct outreach to community members about EOH issues. EVALUATION The EOHER program highlighted the importance of building strong partnerships with community members and other relevant organizations, as well as high organizational capacity and effective leadership to enable EOH integration into primary care settings. Physicians in the EOHER program were constrained in their ability to engage with EOH issues due to competing patient needs and time constraints, indicating the need to improve physicians' ability to assess which patients are at high risk for EOH exposures and to efficiently take environmental and occupational histories. DISCUSSION This article highlights the importance of addressing EOH barriers at multiple levels and provides a model that can be applied to promote community health, particularly in the context of future natural or technological disasters.
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Perceptions of Resilience and Physical Health Symptom Improvement Following Post Disaster Integrated Health Services. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2018; 13:223-229. [PMID: 29916794 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2018.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Theorists and researchers have linked resilience with a host of positive psychological and physical health outcomes. This paper examines perceptions of resilience and physical health symptoms in a sample of individuals exposed to multiple community disasters following involvement in integrated mental health services. METHODS A multiwave naturalistic design was used to follow 762 adult clinic patients (72% female; 28% minority status), ages 18-92 years (mean age=40 years), who were evaluated for resilience and physical health symptoms prior to receiving services and at 1, 3, and 6 months' follow-up. RESULTS Data indicated increases in perceptions of resilience and decreased physical health symptoms reported over time. Results also indicated that resilience predicted physical health symptoms, such that resilience and physical health symptoms were negatively associated (ie, improved resilience was associated with decreases in physical health symptoms). These effects were primarily observed for those individuals with previous exposure to natural disasters. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide correlational evidence for behavioral health treatment provided as part of a stepped-care, collaborative model in reducing physical health symptoms and increasing resilience post-disaster. Controlled trials are warranted. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:223-229).
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Post-Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Exposure Patterns Among Children in Mobile County, Alabama. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 59:993-999. [PMID: 28857935 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to characterize environmental exposure from Deepwater Horizon oil spill among pre-K to fourth-grade children from six schools in Mobile County, Alabama. METHODS A mail-in survey administered 11 months post-oil spill to children's parents/caregivers elicited information on exposure-related activities. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS Overall, 180 children (coastal schools, 90; inland schools, 90) completed the survey. During the post-oil spill period, children in coastal schools were less likely to reduce their exposure-related activities, including fishing; eating and selling caught fish; visiting beaches; and parental participation in cleanup activities, than children in inland schools. Particularly, fishing and eating caught fish were significantly associated with the coastal group (odds ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.54 to 3.36). CONCLUSION Proximity to the shoreline may serve as an indicator for potential exposure in oil spills among vulnerable populations including children.
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Gam KB, Kwok RK, Engel LS, Curry MD, Stewart PA, Stenzel MR, McGrath JA, Jackson WB, Jensen RL, Lichtveld MY, Miller AK, Sandler DP. Exposure to Oil Spill Chemicals and Lung Function in Deepwater Horizon Disaster Response Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 60:e312-e318. [PMID: 29389810 PMCID: PMC5995629 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between total hydrocarbon (THC) exposures attributed to oil spill clean-up work and lung function 1 to 3 years after the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster. METHODS We used data from the GuLF STUDY, a large cohort of adults who worked on response to the DWH disaster and others who were safety trained but did not work. We analyzed data from 6288 workers with two acceptable spirometry tests. We estimated THC exposure levels with a job exposure matrix. We evaluated lung function using the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; mL), the forced vital capacity (FVC; mL), and the FEV1/FVC ratio (%). RESULTS Lung function measures did not differ by THC exposure levels among clean-up workers. CONCLUSION We did not observe an association between THC exposure and lung function among clean-up workers 1 to 3 years following the DWH disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn B. Gam
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Richard K. Kwok
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Lawrence S. Engel
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert L. Jensen
- Pulmonary Division, University of Utah and Intermountain Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Maureen Y. Lichtveld
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Aubrey K. Miller
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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D'Andrea MA, Reddy GK. The Development of Long-Term Adverse Health Effects in Oil Spill Cleanup Workers of the Deepwater Horizon Offshore Drilling Rig Disaster. Front Public Health 2018; 6:117. [PMID: 29755965 PMCID: PMC5932154 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term adverse health effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill exposure in workers who participated in its cleanup work. Methods Medical charts of both the oil spill exposed and unexposed subjects were reviewed. The changes in the white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) levels, as well as their pulmonary and cardiac functions were evaluated. Results Medical records from 88 subjects (oil spill cleanup workers, n = 44 and unexposed, n = 44) were reviewed during initial and 7 years follow up visits after the disaster occurred. Compared with the unexposed subjects, oil spill exposed subjects had significantly reduced platelet counts (×103/µL) at their initial (254.1 ± 46.7 versus 289.7 ± 63.7, P = 0.000) and follow-up (242.9 ± 55.6 versus 278.4 ± 67.6, P = 0.000) visits compared with the unexposed subjects (254.6 ± 51.9 versus 289.7 ± 63.7, P = 0.008). The hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were increased significantly both at their initial and follow-up visits in the oil spill exposed subjects compared to the unexposed subjects. Similarly, the oil spill exposed subjects had significantly increased ALP, AST, and ALT levels at their initial and follow-up visits compared with those of the unexposed subjects. Illness symptoms that were reported during their initial visit still persisted at their 7-year follow-up visit. Notably, at their 7-year follow-up visit, most of the oil spill exposed subjects had also developed chronic rhinosinusitis and reactive airway dysfunction syndrome as new symptoms that were not reported during their initial visit. Additionally, more abnormalities in pulmonary and cardiac functions were also seen in the oil spill exposed subjects. Conclusion This long-term follow-up study demonstrates that those people involved in the oil spill cleanup operations experiences persistent alterations or worsening of their hematological, hepatic, pulmonary, and cardiac functions. In addition, these subjects experienced prolonged or worsening illness symptoms even 7 years after their exposure to the oil spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A D'Andrea
- University Cancer and Diagnostic Centers, Houston, TX, United States
| | - G Kesava Reddy
- University Cancer and Diagnostic Centers, Houston, TX, United States
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He S, Yu H, Luo Y, Wang C, Li X, Li Z. Oil mixing behavior after an oil spill: identification conflicts of different fingerprints. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:9539-9546. [PMID: 29354858 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1257-2] [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: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Clearing up whether spilled oil is mixed or not can strengthen the accuracy of oil spill identification. In the present study, the biomarkers in spilled oil samples were detected. The weathering modes of different types of diagnostic ratio and carbon isotope values of individual n-alkanes were also analyzed. The results showed that the diagnostic ratios of steroids, terpenes and aromatics, and weathering characteristics of carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of individual n-alkanes supported the idea that Dalian oil spill emerged from a single oil source. Furthermore, commonly used diagnostic ratios of n-alkanes indicated that the Dalian oil spill had undergone the oil mixing process. The different identifying outcomes indicate that some kinds of n-alkane-rich substance (such as oil dispersants) were mixed in the Dalian spilled oil and interfered with the routine diagnosis ratios of n-alkanes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie He
- Coast Institute, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China.
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongjun Yu
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
- Deep Sea Base Management Center, State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao, 266061, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongming Luo
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanyuan Wang
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueshuang Li
- Coast Institute, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongping Li
- Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources Research, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China
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Lichtveld M, Sherchan S, Gam KB, Kwok RK, Mundorf C, Shankar A, Soares L. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Through the Lens of Human Health and the Ecosystem. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 3:370-378. [PMID: 27722880 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-016-0119-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
This review examines current research ascertaining the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on human health and ecosystems. Driven by the need to strategically focus research funding, the authors also assess the implications of those findings and promote a transdisciplinary research agenda addressing critical gaps.Epidemiologic studies conducted in workers and vulnerable communities in the spill's aftermath showed that non-chemical stressors affect resilience. Ecosystem-wise salt marsh species showed variability in structural and functional changes, attributed to species-specific tolerance, oil exposure, and belowground plant organs damage.Lacking baseline exposure assessment data hampers assessing the impact of chemical stressors. Research priorities include leveraging existing women/child dyads and worker cohorts to advance exposure characterization and counter early adverse effects in most vulnerable populations. Key policy gaps include mandated just-in-time emergency resources to ascertain immediate post-event exposures and contemporary legislation addressing human and ecosystem health in an integrated rather than silo fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Lichtveld
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Samendra Sherchan
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Kaitlyn B Gam
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Mail Drop A3-05, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.,Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Richard K Kwok
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Mail Drop A3-05, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | | | - Arti Shankar
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2000, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Lissa Soares
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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Konkel L. Cleanup in the Gulf: Oil Spill Dispersants and Health Symptoms in Deepwater Horizon Responders. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:024001. [PMID: 29425095 PMCID: PMC6066356 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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Zock JP. Some clues for studying long-term health effects of oil spills. Occup Environ Med 2018; 75:163-164. [PMID: 29330231 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Paul Zock
- ISGlobal, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain.,University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Mundorf CA, Lichtveld MY. Using community-based, ethnographic methods to examine risk perceptions and actions of low-income, first-time mothers in a post-spill environment. JOURNAL OF RISK RESEARCH 2018; 21:308-322. [PMID: 29805295 PMCID: PMC5966034 DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2016.1200656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Following the 2010 Gulf Oil Spill, area pregnant women were thought to be at-risk for poor health outcomes from the stress of managing health actions in this post-disaster environment. Research directed by an ongoing community- academic partnership sought to explore the specific role of culture in environmental risk protection actions among low-income pregnant women. As a part of the first-phase of a mixed-methods cultural study, community health workers (CHWs) used freelisting methods to survey low-income, first-time mother (n = 20) for the threats in the environment and relevant protective actions. Then, a separate pile sort activity (n = 31) was used to further investigate these cultural topics. Results elicited a diverse range of threats, protective actions, and sources of support across socio-demographic groups. Results also showed a culturally tailored conceptualization of threats in the environment. Exploring beliefs among a diverse population helps to uncover cultural differences in a population. Results will aid in developing culturally tailored policies and interventions, and increase the relevance of such interventions to address community concerns. Moreover, incorporating CHWs into the research process enhanced researcher literacy, and fostered mutual trust between the community and researchers.
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Harr KE, Rishniw M, Rupp TL, Cacela D, Dean KM, Dorr BS, Hanson-Dorr KC, Healy K, Horak K, Link JE, Reavill D, Bursian SJ, Cunningham FL. Dermal exposure to weathered MC252 crude oil results in echocardiographically identifiable systolic myocardial dysfunction in double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 146:76-82. [PMID: 28666537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
During the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment, gross morphologic cardiac abnormalities, including softer, more distensible musculature, were noted upon gross necropsy in hearts from laughing gulls and double-crested cormorants exposed to weathered MC252 crude oil. A species specific, echocardiographic technique was developed for antemortem evaluation of function that was used to evaluate and better characterize cardiac dysfunction. Control (n=12) and treated (n=13) cormorant groups of similar sex-ratio and ages were dermally treated with approximately 13ml of water or weathered MC252 crude oil, respectively, every 3 days for 6 dosages. This resulted in a low to moderate external exposure. Upon visualization and clinical assessment of the hearts of all test subjects, comprehensive diagnostic cardiographic measurements were taken twice, prior to oil application and after a 21day dermal oil exposure. Oil-treated birds showed a decrease in cardiac systolic function, as characterized by an increased left ventricular internal dimension-systole and left ventricular stroke volume as well as concurrent decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening when compared to both control birds' and the treated birds' time zero values. These changes are indicative of a possible dilative cardiomyopathy induced by oil exposure, although further elucidation of possible collagen damage is recommended. Arrhythmias including tachycardia in two treated birds and bradycardia in all treated birds were documented, indicating further clinically significant abnormalities induced by MC252 oil that warrant further investigation. A statistically significant increase in free calcium concentration, important to muscular and neurologic function in treated birds was also noted. This study documents that weathered MC252 oil caused clinically significant cardiac dysfunction that could result in mortality and decrease recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Rishniw
- Veterinary Information Network, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - D Cacela
- Abt Associates, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - K M Dean
- Abt Associates, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - B S Dorr
- USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services/National Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi Field Station Center, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - K C Hanson-Dorr
- USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services/National Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi Field Station Center, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - K Healy
- US Fish and Wildlife Service, Deepwater Horizon NRDAR Field Office, Fairhope, AL, USA
| | - K Horak
- USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services/National Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi Field Station Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - J E Link
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - D Reavill
- Zoo/Exotic Pathology Service, Carmichael, CA, USA
| | - S J Bursian
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - F L Cunningham
- USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services/National Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi Field Station Center, Mississippi State, MS, USA
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