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Zota AR, Franklin ET, Weaver EB, Shamasunder B, Williams A, Siegel EL, Dodson RE. Examining differences in menstrual and intimate care product use by race/ethnicity and education among menstruating individuals. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1286920. [PMID: 38126001 PMCID: PMC10731462 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1286920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction United States consumers spend over two billion dollars a year on intimate care products. These products, along with scented menstrual products, are marketed for odor control, perceived "freshness," and vaginal/vulvar cleanliness. However, these scent-altering products may increase exposure to carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Prior research has not adequately characterized demographic differences in product use. The objective of our study is to examine racial/ethnic and educational differences in menstrual and intimate care product use among people who menstruate. Methods We pooled data from two US-based cross sectional studies to examine demographic characteristics and product use in 661 participants aged 18-54 years. Participants reported use of scented and unscented menstrual products (tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups) and intimate care products (vaginal douches, sprays, wipes, and powders). We examined differences by race/ethnicity and education using log-binomial regression and latent class analysis (LCA), which can identify groups based on product use patterns. Results Our sample was 33.4% Black, 30.9% Latina, 18.2% White, and 16.2% another identity. Approximately half the population had a bachelor's degree or more; 1.4% identified as transgender and 1.8% as non-binary. In adjusted models, scent-altering products (i.e., scented menstrual and intimate care products) were more likely to be used by those with less formal education (p < 0.05). Unscented menstrual products were more likely to be used by those with more formal education. Compared to Black participants, White participants were more likely to use unscented tampons and menstrual cups and less likely to use douches and wipes (p < 0.05). Using LCA we identified two groups: one more likely to use scent-altering products, and a second more likely to use unscented menstrual products. Less education and older age, but not race/ethnicity, was significantly associated with membership in the group more likely to use scent-altering products. While sex/gender composition did not statistically vary across groups, all non-binary participants fell in the unscented menstrual product group. Discussion Lower educational attainment was consistently associated with greater use of scent-altering menstrual and intimate care products. Future research should examine associations between body odor stigma, product use, and health risks at intersections of race, class, and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami R. Zota
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Emily B. Weaver
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bhavna Shamasunder
- Departments of Urban and Environmental Policy and Public Health, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Eva L. Siegel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Singh S, Roy Pradhan S, Yadav A, Singh PK. Banning asbestos in talcum powder: Time for action in India. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2023; 3:100158. [PMID: 38515807 PMCID: PMC10953941 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2023.100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Long-term use of asbestos-contaminated talcum power has been reported to be the main causative agent for carcinogenesis in many research studies. In recent developments Johnson & Johnson has lost multimillion-dollar lawsuits for being associated with the development of mesothelioma and ovarian cancer by its talc-based baby powder. In May 2020, the company announced, the end of the sale of its baby powder in the USA and Canada and in August 2022, announced the global discontinuation by 2023. However, in India vast proportions of people are using talc-based baby powder and the products are readily available in the market. The purpose of this communication is to create awareness and draw attention of authorities for effective regulation, including prohibition of sale and retraction of the contaminated talc-based products from the Indian market at the earliest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Singh
- ICMR- National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. I - 7, Sector - 39, NOIDA, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - Sanchita Roy Pradhan
- ICMR- National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. I - 7, Sector - 39, NOIDA, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - Amit Yadav
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union)
| | - Prashant Kumar Singh
- ICMR- National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. I - 7, Sector - 39, NOIDA, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
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3
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Tran TH, Egilman D. Response to Micha et al. (2022) talc powder and ovarian cancer: what is the evidence? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:1907-1908. [PMID: 36574007 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06883-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Egilman
- Department of Family Medicine, Brown University, Providence, USA
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4
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Ogunsina K, Sandler DP, Murphy JD, Harmon QE, D'Aloisio AA, Baird DD, O'Brien KM. Association of genital talc and douche use in early adolescence or adulthood with uterine fibroids diagnoses. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:665.e1-665.e10. [PMID: 37598998 PMCID: PMC10840729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genital talc and douching are practices that can involve exposure to chemical compounds linked to certain gynecologic cancers. However, it is unclear if they are associated with fibroid risk or age at fibroid diagnosis among women. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the impact of early-adolescence genital talc use and douching on prevalence of fibroids diagnosed before the age of 35 and 50 years among Black/African American and non-Hispanic White women. STUDY DESIGN Data were derived from the Sister Study (2003-2020), a prospective cohort of 50,884 US women aged 35 to 74 years at enrollment. Participants were asked if they ever had a fibroid diagnosis and at what age, and if they used genital talc and/or douched between the ages of 10 and 13 years or in the past 12 months. After applying predefined exclusion criteria, our analytical sample size was n=46,316 (Black, n=4310; non-Hispanic White, n=42,006). Multivariable logistic regression was used to compute adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for having vs not having early-onset fibroids diagnosed before age 35 among women aged 35 to 74 years at enrollment, and fibroids diagnosed before age 50 among women aged 50 to 74 years at enrollment. We adjusted for early life factors (in utero diethylstilbestrol exposure, singleton or multiple birth, fed soy formula during infancy), childhood socioeconomic status, and relative weight and height compared with peers at age 10. We used multiple imputation (<10% missing in all analyses). Results were stratified by race/ethnicity given that Black women are more likely to develop fibroids at a younger age than non-Hispanic White women. RESULTS Among Black/African American women, 29% had fibroids diagnosed before age 35. Both genital talc use at age 10 to 13 (adjusted odds ratio, 1.23; confidence interval, 1.06-1.41) and douching (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.48) were associated with higher odds of having a fibroid diagnosed before age 35. Douching without talc use was not associated with increased odds, but combined use of genital talc and douche was associated with 52% increased odds of fibroids (confidence interval, 1.14-2.01). Among non-Hispanic White women, 9% reported fibroids diagnosed before age 35. Genital talc use (1.31; 1.20-1.44) but not douching (0.96; 0.77-1.20) at age of 10 to 13 years was associated with having a fibroid diagnosed before age 35. We observed similar patterns for non-Hispanic White women when we considered fibroids diagnosed before age 50, but neither practice was associated with fibroids diagnosed before age 50 in Black women. CONCLUSION Genital talc use in early adolescence, alone and in combination with douching (but not douching alone), is associated with prevalence of fibroids diagnosed before age 35 among Black/African American women and before ages 35 and 50 among non-Hispanic White women. Early adolescence may be a window of susceptibility for fibroid development, suggesting that adolescent girls should be educated on abstention from or alternatives to talc use and douching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemi Ogunsina
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC.
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - John D Murphy
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Quaker E Harmon
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | | | - Donna D Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Katie M O'Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
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Ho KH, Lu X, Lau SK. In Situ Dispersion of Lignin in Polypropylene via Supercritical CO 2 Extrusion Foaming: Effects of Lignin on Cell Nucleation and Foam Compression Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15081813. [PMID: 37111960 PMCID: PMC10145137 DOI: 10.3390/polym15081813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Supercritical CO2 (scCO2) extrusion foamed high-melt-strength (HMS) polypropylene (PP) often suffers from low cell density, large cell sizes, and poor cell structure uniformity due to the poor nucleation rates of CO2 in the PP. To remedy this, various inorganic fillers have been used as heterogeneous nucleation agents. Although their efficient nucleation effects have been demonstrated, the preparation of these fillers causes some adverse effects on the environment/human health or involves relatively expensive processes or non-eco-friendly chemicals. In this work, biomass-based lignin is studied as a sustainable, lightweight, and cost-effective nucleating agent. It is found that scCO2 could assist in situ dispersion of lignin in the PP in the foaming process, leading to significantly increased cell density, smaller cells, and improved cell uniformity. The Expansion Ratio is also simultaneously improved due to reduced diffusive gas loss. The PP/lignin foams with low lignin loadings exhibit higher compression moduli and plateau strengths than the PP foams with the same densities owing to the improved cell uniformity and probably also the reinforcing effect of the small lignin particles in cell walls. Moreover, the energy absorption capability of the PP/lignin foam with 1 wt% lignin could match the PP foam with similar compression plateau strengths; even the density of the former is 28% lower than the latter. Therefore, this work provides a promising approach to a cleaner and more sustainable production of HMS PP foams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keen Hoe Ho
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 5 CleanTech Loop #01-01, CleanTech Two Block B, Singapore 636732, Singapore
| | - Xuehong Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Soo Khim Lau
- Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 5 CleanTech Loop #01-01, CleanTech Two Block B, Singapore 636732, Singapore
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Stoppa G, Mensi C, Fazzo L, Minelli G, Manno V, Consonni D, Biggeri A, Catelan D. Spatial Analysis of Shared Risk Factors between Pleural and Ovarian Cancer Mortality in Lombardy (Italy). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063467. [PMID: 35329152 PMCID: PMC8949464 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Asbestos exposure is a recognized risk factor for ovarian cancer and malignant mesothelioma. There are reports in the literature of geographical ecological associations between the occurrence of these two diseases. Our aim was to further explore this association by applying advanced Bayesian techniques to a large population (10 million people). Methods: We specified a series of Bayesian hierarchical shared models to the bivariate spatial distribution of ovarian and pleural cancer mortality by municipality in the Lombardy Region (Italy) in 2000–2018. Results: Pleural cancer showed a strongly clustered spatial distribution, while ovarian cancer showed a less structured spatial pattern. The most supported Bayesian models by predictive accuracy (widely applicable or Watanabe–Akaike information criterion, WAIC) provided evidence of a shared component between the two diseases. Among five municipalities with significant high standardized mortality ratios of ovarian cancer, three also had high pleural cancer rates. Wide uncertainty was present when addressing the risk of ovarian cancer associated with pleural cancer in areas at low background risk of ovarian cancer. Conclusions: We found evidence of a shared risk factor between ovarian and pleural cancer at the small geographical level. The impact of the shared risk factor can be relevant and can go unnoticed when the prevalence of other risk factors for ovarian cancer is low. Bayesian modelling provides useful information to tailor epidemiological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Stoppa
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, DCTVPH, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (D.C.)
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Carolina Mensi
- Occupational Health Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.S.); (C.M.)
| | - Lucia Fazzo
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giada Minelli
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00100 Roma, Italy; (G.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Valerio Manno
- Statistical Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00100 Roma, Italy; (G.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Dario Consonni
- Occupational Health Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Annibale Biggeri
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, DCTVPH, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (D.C.)
| | - Dolores Catelan
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, DCTVPH, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.B.); (D.C.)
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7
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Wright MA, Moore KR, Upson K, Baird DD, Chin HB. Douching or Perineal Talc Use and Prevalent Fibroids in Young African American Women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:1729-1735. [PMID: 33667128 PMCID: PMC8721508 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Black women are at an increased risk of developing fibroids, but the cause is unclear. Douching and perineal talc use are common lifestyle exposures among Black women, and may be risk factors for fibroid development. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of Black women 23-35 years of age in the metropolitan Detroit area (n = 1693) without prior diagnoses of fibroids and intact uteri. Main exposures were ever douching (yes/no) and any perineal talc use (ever/never). Main outcomes were prevalent fibroids at baseline (yes/no) and total fibroid volume at baseline (no fibroids/
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya A. Wright
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen R. Moore
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen Upson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Helen B. Chin
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Babalola OF, Salawu AI, Okunlola AI, Abdullahi YO. Thumb talc granuloma mimicking squamous cell carcinoma: A case report. Niger J Clin Pract 2021; 24:1565-1568. [PMID: 34657027 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_148_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Application of topical powdery substances to the wound is an age old practice. Talc containing powdery substances are however commonplace and predominant in our environment. This insoluble mineral has been linked to chronic granulomatous reaction particularly in the lungs. We present a case report of a fifty-year-old man with prolonged application of talc containing powdery substances to the left thumb wound and excitation of exuberant granuloma mimicking squamous cell carcinoma. He had complete excision of the mass and satisfactory first dorsal metacarpal artery flap coverage of the soft tissue defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- O F Babalola
- Department of Surgery, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti/Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria
| | - A I Salawu
- Department of Surgery, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti/Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria
| | - A I Okunlola
- Department of Surgery, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti/Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria
| | - Y O Abdullahi
- Department of Surgery, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti/Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti-State, Nigeria
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9
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Ajayi OM, Amin S. Flow and performance effects of talc alternatives on powder cosmetic formulations. Int J Cosmet Sci 2021; 43:588-600. [PMID: 34411305 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the performance effects of fumed silica and cornstarch as alternatives to talc in cosmetic powder formulations. METHODS FT4 Powder Rheometer from Freeman Technology was used to test the flowability and compressibility of compact powder formulation samples containing talc, fumed silica and cornstarch at varying concentrations. The colour of the samples is evaluated by physical observation. RESULTS The results show that the concentration of these additives influences the performance of cosmetic powder formulations. Improved compressibility is assessed as an increase in the compressibility percentage, while improved flowability is assessed by reduction in the flow energy of each sample. Talc shows improved compressibility at a minimum of 10% but would require more than 20% to impart improved flow performance. Fumed Silica shows improved compressibility from as low as 5% and this performance increases as the concentration is increased up to 20%. For the flow effects, fumed silica shows a reduction in the flow energy from as little as 5% and this effect is more drastic as the concentration is increased up to 20%. Cornstarch, however, shows a reverse effect for both compressibility and flowability with increasing flow energy and decreasing compressibility with increasing cornstarch concentration. It shows improved compressibility up to a maximum of 10% and improved flow only at concentrations lower than 5%. For a mixture of cornstarch and fumed silica at a total of 5%, both compressibility and flowability are increased as the concentration of cornstarch is reduced and that of fumed silica increased. CONCLUSION Fumed silica and cornstarch are suitable as alternatives to talc in cosmetic powder formulations. Of the two, Fumed silica showed better compressibility and flow effects. However, a mix of both powders had suitable effects on the compressibility, flow and colour of the formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omolade M Ajayi
- Chemical Engineering Department, Manhattan College, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Samiul Amin
- Chemical Engineering Department, Manhattan College, Bronx, NY, USA
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10
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Soskolne CL, Kramer S, Ramos-Bonilla JP, Mandrioli D, Sass J, Gochfeld M, Cranor CF, Advani S, Bero LA. Toolkit for detecting misused epidemiological methods. Environ Health 2021; 20:90. [PMID: 34412643 PMCID: PMC8375462 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00771-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Critical knowledge of what we know about health and disease, risk factors, causation, prevention, and treatment, derives from epidemiology. Unfortunately, its methods and language can be misused and improperly applied. A repertoire of methods, techniques, arguments, and tactics are used by some people to manipulate science, usually in the service of powerful interests, and particularly those with a financial stake related to toxic agents. Such interests work to foment uncertainty, cast doubt, and mislead decision makers by seeding confusion about cause-and-effect relating to population health. We have compiled a toolkit of the methods used by those whose interests are not aligned with the public health sciences. Professional epidemiologists, as well as those who rely on their work, will thereby be more readily equipped to detect bias and flaws resulting from financial conflict-of-interest, improper study design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation, bringing greater clarity-not only to the advancement of knowledge, but, more immediately, to policy debates. METHODS The summary of techniques used to manipulate epidemiological findings, compiled as part of the 2020 Position Statement of the International Network for Epidemiology in Policy (INEP) entitled Conflict-of-Interest and Disclosure in Epidemiology, has been expanded and further elucidated in this commentary. RESULTS Some level of uncertainty is inherent in science. However, corrupted and incomplete literature contributes to confuse, foment further uncertainty, and cast doubt about the evidence under consideration. Confusion delays scientific advancement and leads to the inability of policymakers to make changes that, if enacted, would-supported by the body of valid evidence-protect, maintain, and improve public health. An accessible toolkit is provided that brings attention to the misuse of the methods of epidemiology. Its usefulness is as a compendium of what those trained in epidemiology, as well as those reviewing epidemiological studies, should identify methodologically when assessing the transparency and validity of any epidemiological inquiry, evaluation, or argument. The problems resulting from financial conflicting interests and the misuse of scientific methods, in conjunction with the strategies that can be used to safeguard public health against them, apply not only to epidemiologists, but also to other public health professionals. CONCLUSIONS This novel toolkit is for use in protecting the public. It is provided to assist public health professionals as gatekeepers of their respective specialty and subspecialty disciplines whose mission includes protecting, maintaining, and improving the public's health. It is intended to serve our roles as educators, reviewers, and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin L Soskolne
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Shira Kramer
- Epidemiology International, Hunt Valley, MD, USA
| | | | - Daniele Mandrioli
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Centre, Ramazzini Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jennifer Sass
- Natural Resources Defense Council, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Carl F Cranor
- Departments of Philosophy and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Shailesh Advani
- Terasaki Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa A Bero
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Tran T, Egilman D, Rigler M, Emory T. A Critique of Helsinki Criteria for Using Lung Fiber Levels to Determine Causation in Mesothelioma Cases. Ann Glob Health 2021; 87:73. [PMID: 34395196 PMCID: PMC8323524 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen and the chief known cause of mesothelioma. In 1997, a group of experts developed the Helsinki Criteria, which established criteria for attribution of mesothelioma to asbestos. The criteria include two methods for causation attribution: 1) a history of significant occupational, domestic, or environmental exposure and/or 2) pathologic evidence of exposure to asbestos. In 2014, the Helsinki Criteria were updated, and these attribution criteria were not changed. However, since the Helsinki Criteria were first released in 1997, some pathologists, cell biologists, and others have claimed that a history of exposure cannot establish causation unless the lung asbestos fiber burden exceeds "the background range for the laboratory in question to attribute mesothelioma cases to exposure to asbestos." This practice ignores the impact on fiber burden of clearance/translocation over time, which in part is why the Helsinki Criteria concluded that a history of exposure to asbestos was independently sufficient to attribute causation to asbestos. After reviewing the Helsinki Criteria, we conclude that their methodology is fatally flawed because a quantitative assessment of a background lung tissue fiber level cannot be established. The flaws of the Helsinki Criteria are both technical and substantive. The 1995 paper that served as the scientific basis for establishing background levels used inconsistent methods to determine exposures in controls and cases. In addition, historic controls cannot be used to establish background fiber levels for current cases because ambient exposures to asbestos have decreased over time and control cases pre-date current cases by decades. The use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) compounded the non-compatibility problem; the applied SEM cannot distinguish talc from anthophyllite because it cannot perform selected area electron diffraction, which is a crucial identifier in ATEM for distinguishing the difference between serpentine asbestos, amphibole asbestos, and talc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triet Tran
- Never Again Consulting, Attleboro, MA, US
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12
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O’Brien KM, Weinberg CR, D’Aloisio AA, Moore KR, Sandler DP. The association between douching, genital talc use, and the risk of prevalent and incident cervical cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14836. [PMID: 34290340 PMCID: PMC8295379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94447-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
While human papillomavirus is the primary cause of cervical cancer, other factors may influence susceptibility and response to the virus. Candidates include douching and talcum powder applied in the genital area. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate confounder-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the Sister Study (2003-2009), a US cohort of women aged 35-74. We considered pre-baseline (n = 523) and incident (n = 31) cervical cancers. Douching at ages 10-13 was positively associated with pre-baseline cervical cancer (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.86-2.03), though the association was not statistically significant. We did not observe an association between adolescent talc use and pre-baseline cervical cancer (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.76-1.19). Douching in the year before enrollment was positively associated with incident cervical cancer (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.10-5.99). The association between recent genital talc use and incident cervical cancer was positive, but not statistically significant (HR 1.79, 95% CI 0.78-4.11). The observed positive association between douching and incident cervical cancer is consistent with previous retrospective case-control studies. In the first study to examine genital talc use and cervical cancer, we did not see evidence of an association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M. O’Brien
- grid.280664.e0000 0001 2110 5790Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
| | - Clarice R. Weinberg
- grid.280664.e0000 0001 2110 5790Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC USA
| | | | - Kristen R. Moore
- grid.280664.e0000 0001 2110 5790Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- grid.280664.e0000 0001 2110 5790Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA
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13
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O’Brien KM, Tworoger SS, Harris HR, Trabert B, Weinberg CR, Fortner RT, D’Aloisio AA, Kaunitz AM, Wentzensen N, Sandler DP. Genital powder use and risk of uterine cancer: A pooled analysis of prospective studies. Int J Cancer 2021; 148:2692-2701. [PMID: 33433939 PMCID: PMC8106926 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
When powder is applied to the genital area, it has the potential to reach internal reproductive organs and promote carcinogenesis by irritating and inflaming exposed tissues. Although many studies have considered the association between genital powder use and ovarian cancer risk, the relationship between genital powder use and uterine cancer is less well-studied. We pooled data from four large, prospective cohorts (the Nurses' Health Study, the Nurses' Health Study II, the Sister Study and the Women's Health Initiative - Observational Study). We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for prespecified confounders. In total, 209 185 women were included, with 37% reporting ever genital powder use. Over a mean 14.5 years of follow-up, 3272 invasive uterine cancers were diagnosed. There was no overall association between ever genital powder use and uterine cancer (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.94-1.09), with little difference observed for frequent (≥1 times/week) vs never use (HR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.95-1.16; P-for-trend = .46). Long-term use (>20 years; HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.96-1.31; P-for-trend = 0.14) was associated with a small, but not statistically significant, increase in risk, compared to never use. There were not clear differences by uterine cancer histologic subtypes or across strata of relevant covariates, including race/ethnicity, follow-up time, menopausal status and body mass index. The results of this large, pooled analysis do not support a relationship between the use of genital powder and uterine cancer, although the positive associations observed for long-term use may merit further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M. O’Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Shelley S. Tworoger
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Holly R. Harris
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Britton Trabert
- Metabolic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Clarice R. Weinberg
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Renee T. Fortner
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Andrew M. Kaunitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine- Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Nicolas Wentzensen
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Dale P. Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
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14
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Vimercati L, Cavone D, Delfino MC, Bruni B, De Maria L, Caputi A, Sponselli S, Rossi R, Resta L, Fortarezza F, Pezzuto F, Serio G. Primary Ovarian Mesothelioma: A Case Series with Electron Microscopy Examination and Review of the Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2278. [PMID: 34068638 PMCID: PMC8126134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive neoplastic disease with a poor prognosis. At onset, the tumor is only rarely limited to the ovaries and usually already widespread in the peritoneum. The rarity of this entity and the difficulties differentiating it from either ovarian carcinoma or peritoneal mesothelioma may lead to frequent misdiagnoses and may raise some concerns about its histogenesis. Thus, reporting such rare cases is fundamental to gain greater awareness of this neoplasm and try to answer unsolved questions. Herein, we described four cases of histological diagnoses of ovarian mesothelioma extrapolated by the regional mesothelioma register of Apulia (southern Italy). In all cases, a detailed medical history was collected according to national mesothelioma register guidelines. A broad panel of antibodies was used for immunohistochemistry to confirm the diagnoses. Moreover, ovarian tissue samples were also examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, detecting asbestos fibers and talc crystals in two cases. Because of the few cases described, we reviewed the English literature in the Medline database, focusing on articles about ovarian mesothelioma "misclassification", "misdiagnosis", "diagnostic challenge" or "diagnostic pitfall" and on unsolved questions about its histogenesis and possible risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vimercati
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Occupational Medicine-Section Ramazzini, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (D.C.); (M.C.D.); (L.D.M.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Domenica Cavone
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Occupational Medicine-Section Ramazzini, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (D.C.); (M.C.D.); (L.D.M.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Maria Celeste Delfino
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Occupational Medicine-Section Ramazzini, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (D.C.); (M.C.D.); (L.D.M.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Biagio Bruni
- Ultrastructure Laboratory, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luigi De Maria
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Occupational Medicine-Section Ramazzini, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (D.C.); (M.C.D.); (L.D.M.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Antonio Caputi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Occupational Medicine-Section Ramazzini, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (D.C.); (M.C.D.); (L.D.M.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Stefania Sponselli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Occupational Medicine-Section Ramazzini, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.V.); (D.C.); (M.C.D.); (L.D.M.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Pathological Anatomy Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (R.R.); (L.R.)
| | - Leonardo Resta
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Pathological Anatomy Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (R.R.); (L.R.)
| | - Francesco Fortarezza
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Federica Pezzuto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Serio
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Pathological Anatomy Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (R.R.); (L.R.)
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15
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Bird T, Steffen JE, Tran TH, Egilman DS. A Review of the Talc Industry's Influence on Federal Regulation and Scientific Standards for Asbestos in Talc. New Solut 2021; 31:152-169. [PMID: 33641519 PMCID: PMC8261788 DOI: 10.1177/1048291121996645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The talc industry and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have asserted that talc has been asbestos-free since 1976 when the industry created a voluntary specification for the asbestos content of cosmetic talc. However, recent evidence reveals that cosmetic talc is not and never was asbestos-free. This narrative review examines the talc industry's role in delaying and ultimately blocking federal regulation of cosmetic talc from the 1970s to today. We review primary source material, including corporate documents released in recent litigation and FDA documents released in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. Our results indicate that the talc industry exerted considerable influence over three key areas: regulatory proceedings at the FDA; testing methods and the manipulation of test results (including undisclosed results); and press coverage and the medical literature. The talc companies' actions and FDA indifference have had a lasting effect on consumer health, including the regulation of talc by other government agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Bird
- Institute for Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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16
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Stoiber T, Fitzgerald S, Leiba NS. Asbestos Contamination in Talc-Based Cosmetics: An Invisible Cancer Risk. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2020; 14:1178630220976558. [PMID: 33281454 PMCID: PMC7691901 DOI: 10.1177/1178630220976558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The lack of regulation and adequate testing of talc-containing personal care products in the U.S. has resulted in the contamination of cosmetics with asbestos. As such, the true exposure of consumers to asbestos is poorly characterized and likely underestimated. In this study, transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that 3 of 21 powder-based cosmetic products tested were contaminated with amphibole asbestos. One of these contaminated products is expressly marketed for use by children. The presence of asbestos found in products demonstrates the urgency to revise cosmetics policy. Further, talc-based cosmetics may be an overlooked and difficult to characterize source of exposure to asbestos, a known carcinogen.
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17
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Woodward A, Wild K, Samet JM. Why do we disagree? Int J Epidemiol 2020; 49:1427-1433. [DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Woodward
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kirsty Wild
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jonathan M Samet
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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