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Zhang C, Xu J, Dong T, Gai X, Zhang H, Li Y. Prospective Study on the Association Between Blood Heavy Metal Levels and Pulmonary Function in University Students from a Medical College in Shandong Province, China. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:4257-4265. [PMID: 39318790 PMCID: PMC11421449 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s477243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to examine the blood concentrations of selected heavy metals, their corresponding pulmonary functions, and their interrelationship with university students. Methods This prospective study, conducted from September 2019 to September 2020, encompassed 593 university students. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires regarding demographic factors and underwent lung function testing and blood mercury analysis at two distinct intervals: an initial assessment and a follow-up examination. Pulmonary function was assessed using Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, and Peak Expiratory Flow. The blood concentrations of various heavy metals were determined through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results Notable disparities in pulmonary function emerged among university students when categorized by gender, Body Mass Index, physical activity, and seafood consumption frequency, all showing statistical significance (p<0.05). Blood levels of Pb, Mn, Co, and Ni exhibited diverse patterns and extents of correlation with pulmonary function (p<0.05 in each instance). Specifically, a positive correlation was observed with blood Pb levels, while Mn, Co, and Ni levels were inversely correlated with pulmonary function (p<0.01 for both observations). Conclusion This study uncovered significant and complex relationships between the blood concentrations of individual heavy metals and pulmonary function in university students. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate these associations in greater detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengshuai Zhang
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Sheng Li Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, People’s Republic of China
- Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Sheng Li Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tingting Dong
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Sheng Li Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Gai
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Sheng Li Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Sheng Li Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Sheng Li Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, People’s Republic of China
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Wu L, Lu X, Zhang S, Zhong Y, Gao H, Tao FB, Wu X. Co-exposure effects of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals on lung function: mediating role of systematic inflammation. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:386. [PMID: 39128985 PMCID: PMC11316979 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03173-9] [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] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals were associated with decreased lung function, but co-exposure effects and underlying mechanism remained unknown. METHODS Among 1,123 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012, 10 urinary PAHs, 11 urinary metals, and peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count were determined, and 5 lung function indices were measured. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and quantile-based g-computation were used to estimate co-exposure effects on lung function. Mediation analysis was used to explore mediating role of WBC. RESULTS These models demonstrated that PAHs and metals were significantly associated with lung function impairment. Bayesian kernel machine regression models showed that comparing to all chemicals fixed at median level, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% decreased by 1.31% (95% CI: 0.72%, 1.91%), 231.62 (43.45, 419.78) mL/s, and 131.64 (37.54, 225.74) mL/s respectively, when all chemicals were at 75th percentile. In the quantile-based g-computation, each quartile increase in mixture was associated with 104.35 (95% CI: 40.67, 168.02) mL, 1.16% (2.11%, 22.40%), 294.90 (78.37, 511.43) mL/s, 168.44 (41.66, 295.22) mL/s decrease in the FEV1, FEV1/forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75%, respectively. 2-Hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-Hydroxyfluorene, and cadmium were leading contributors to the above associations. WBC mediated 8.22%-23.90% of association between PAHs and lung function. CONCLUSIONS Co-exposure of PAHs and metals impairs lung function, and WBC could partially mediate this relationship. Our findings elucidate co-exposure effects of environmental mixtures on respiratory health and underlying mechanisms, suggesting that focusing on highly prioritized toxicants would effectively attenuate adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xue Lu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China
| | - Siying Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yumei Zhong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiulong Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health Across the Life Course, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Zeng H, Dong B, Wang N, Xu W, Guo L, Liu J, Fang B, Zhang L, Wang Q, Yang W, Wang M. The effects of metals and mixture exposure on lung function and the potential mediating effects of oxidative stress. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:2263-2275. [PMID: 35925433 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01339-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to metals is associated with lung function decline. However, limited data are available about effects of co-exposure of metals on lung function. Additionally, the mechanism of the association between metals and lung function remains unclear. We conducted a longitudinal panel study in 2017-2018 among 45 healthy college students. Urinary 15 metals, lung function, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation of participants were measured. Linear mixed effect (LME) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were applied to explore the associations of urinary metals and mixture with lung function. Furthermore, we analyzed the mediating effect of biomarkers in the association between urinary metals and lung function. LME models showed the negative associations of aluminum (Al), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd) or antimony (Sb) with Forced vital capacity (FVC), and V, Co, Ni, and Sb with Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). BKMR models indicated the overall effect of metals mixture was negatively associated with FEV1 and FVC; urinary Sb was identified as the major contributor to decreased FVC and FEV1. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine mediated the association of Al, Mn, or Sb with FVC and the relationship of V with FEV1. The results revealed the longitudinal dose-response relationships of urinary metals with pulmonary function among healthy adults. Oxidative stress may be the underlying mechanisms of metals exposure associated with decreased lung function. Due to the small sample size, the interpretation of the results of this study should be cautious, and more studies are needed to verify the findings of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zeng
- Affiliated Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, 115 Ximen street, Kaifeng, 475000, Henan, China
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Bohua Dong
- Affiliated Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Wenzhe Xu
- Tangshan Environmental Monitoring Center, No.54, Jianshe North Road, Lubei, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Linan Guo
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Jiajia Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Fang
- Affiliated Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, 115 Ximen street, Kaifeng, 475000, Henan, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qian Wang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China.
| | - Wenqi Yang
- Affiliated Hospital, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Manman Wang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, No.21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian, Tangshan, 063210, Hebei, China
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A Qualitative and Quantitative Occupational Exposure Risk Assessment to Hazardous Substances during Powder-Bed Fusion Processes in Metal-Additive Manufacturing. SAFETY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/safety8020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal-additive manufacturing (AM), particularly the powder-bed fusion (PBF) technique, is undergoing a transition from the short-run production of components to higher-volume manufacturing. The industry’s increased production efficiency is paired with a growing awareness of the risks related to the inhalation of very fine metal powders during PBF and AM processes, and there is a pressing need for a ready-to-use approach to assess the risks and the occupational exposure to these very final metal powders. This article presents a study conducted in an AM facility, which was conducted with the aim to propose a solution to monitor incidental airborne particle emissions during metal AM by setting up an analytical network for a tailored approach to risk assessment. Quantitative data about the respirable and inhalable particle and metal content were obtained by gravimetric and ICP-MS analyses. In addition, the concentrations of airborne particles (10–300 nm) were investigated using a direct reading instrument. A qualitative approach for risk assessment was fulfilled using control banding Nanotool v2.0. The results show that the operations in the AM facility are in line with exposure limit levels for both micron-sized and nano-sized particles. The particulate observed in the working area contains metals, such as chromium, cobalt, and nickel; thus, biological monitoring is recommended. To manage the risk level observed for all of the tasks during the AM process, containment and the supervision of an occupational safety expert are recommended to manage the risk. This study represents a useful tool that can be used to carry out a static evaluation of the risk and exposure to potentially harmful very fine metal powders in AM; however, due to the continuous innovations in this field, a dynamic approach could represent an interesting future perspective for occupational safety.
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Vallabani NVS, Alijagic A, Persson A, Odnevall I, Särndahl E, Karlsson HL. Toxicity evaluation of particles formed during 3D-printing: Cytotoxic, genotoxic, and inflammatory response in lung and macrophage models. Toxicology 2022; 467:153100. [PMID: 35032623 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) or "3D-printing" is a ground-breaking technology that enables the production of complex 3D parts. Its rapid growth calls for immediate toxicological investigations of possible human exposures in order to estimate occupational health risks. Several laser-based powder bed fusion AM techniques are available of which many use metal powder in the micrometer range as feedstock. Large energy input from the laser on metal powders generates several by-products, like spatter and condensate particles. Due to often altered physicochemical properties and composition, spatter and condensate particles can result in different toxicological responses compared to the original powder particles. The toxicity of such particles has, however, not yet been investigated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxicity of condensate/spatter particles formed and collected upon selective laser melting (SLM) printing of metal alloy powders, including a nickel-chromium-based superalloy (IN939), a nickel-based alloy (Hastelloy X, HX), a high-strength maraging steel (18Ni300), a stainless steel (316L), and a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). Toxicological endpoints investigated included cytotoxicity, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), genotoxicity (comet and micronucleus formation), and inflammatory response (cytokine/chemokine profiling) following exposure of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) or monocytes/macrophages (THP-1). The results showed no or minor cytotoxicity in the doses tested (10-100 μg/mL). Furthermore, no ROS generation or formation of micronucleus was observed in the HBEC cells. However, an increase in DNA strand breaks (detected by comet assay) was noted in cells exposed to HX, IN939, and Ti6Al4V, whereas no evident release of pro-inflammatory cytokine was observed from macrophages. Particle and surface characterization showed agglomeration in solution and different surface oxide compositions compared to the nominal bulk content. The extent of released nickel was small and related to the nickel content of the surface oxides, which was largely different from the bulk content. This may explain the limited toxicity found despite the high Ni bulk content of several powders. Taken together, this study suggests relatively low acute toxicity of condensates/spatter particles formed during SLM-printing using IN939, HX, 18Ni300, 316L, and Ti6Al4V as original metal powders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andi Alijagic
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alexander Persson
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Inger Odnevall
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Division of Surface and Corrosion Science, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden; AIMES - Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences at Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Särndahl
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden; Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hanna L Karlsson
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Assenhöj M, Ward LJ, Ghafouri B, Graff P, Ljunggren SA. Metal exposure from additive manufacturing and its effect on the nasal lavage fluid proteome - a pilot study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256746. [PMID: 34464420 PMCID: PMC8407577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of metal additive manufacturing (AM) is steadily increasing and is an emerging concern regarding occupational exposure. In this study, non-invasive sampled nasal lavage fluid (NLF) from the upper airways was collected from metal AM operators at the beginning and end of a workweek during two consecutive years with preventive interventions in the occupational setting in-between (n = 5 year 1, n = 9 year 2). During year one, NLF was also collected from welders (n = 6) from the same company to get a comparison with a traditional manufacturing technique with known exposure and health risks. The samples were investigated using untargeted proteomics, as well as using multi-immunoassay to analyze a panel of 71 inflammatory protein markers. NLF in AM operators from year 1 showed decreased levels of Immunoglobulin J and WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2 and increased levels of Golgi membrane protein 1, Uteroglobin and Protein S100-A6 at the end of the workweek. At year two, after preventive interventions, there were no significant differences at the end of the workweek. In welders, Annexin A1 and Protein S100-A6 were increased at the end of the workweek. The analysis of 71 inflammatory biomarkers showed no significant differences between the beginning and the end of workweek year 1 in AM operators. We identified several proteins of interest in the AM operators that could serve as possible markers for exposure in future studies with a larger cohort for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Assenhöj
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Liam J. Ward
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bijar Ghafouri
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Pain and Rehabilitation Center, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pål Graff
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefan A. Ljunggren
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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7
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Respiratory Health and Inflammatory Markers-Exposure to Cobalt in the Swedish Hard Metal Industry. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 62:820-829. [PMID: 33009343 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between inhalable dust and cobalt, and respiratory symptoms, lung function, exhaled nitric oxide in expired air, and CC16 in the Swedish hard metal industry. METHODS Personal sampling of inhalable dust and cobalt, and medical examination including blood sampling was performed for 72 workers. Exposure-response relationships were determined using logistic, linear, and mixed-model analysis. RESULTS The average inhalable dust and cobalt concentrations were 0.079 and 0.0017 mg/m, respectively. Statistically significant increased serum levels of CC16 were determined when the high and low cumulative exposures for cobalt were compared. Nonsignificant exposure-response relationships were observed between cross-shift inhalable dust or cobalt exposures and asthma, nose dripping, and bronchitis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest an exposure-response relationship between inhalable cumulative cobalt exposure and CC16 levels in blood, which may reflect an injury or a reparation process in the lungs.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Workers exposed to cobalt may develop two lung conditions, asthma or lung fibrosis. There is a relative lack of awareness of the risk of lung disease from cobalt exposure. METHODS The state of Michigan requires physicians, and hospitals to report work-related asthma (WRA). A standardized telephone interview of each reported case was conducted. An industrial hygienist evaluated the reported cases's workplace, and a physician reviewed the results to confirm the diagnosis. This is a population-based case series of all workers in whom the exposure to cobalt was confirmed as likely responsible for WRA from 1988 to 2017. We also included an illustrative case report and data on the workplace evaluations. RESULTS Of the 35 cases identified, 77% were males, 97.1% were white, and 62.9% had a history of smoking cigarettes. Fifteen (44%) cases were involved in manufacturing cutting tools and machine tool accessories. Symptoms improved in 28 cases (80%) when away from work. Fourteen cases (40%) had emergency department visits, while 10 (28.6%) had been hospitalized for breathing problems. Spirometry had been performed for 33 (94.3%) cases. Only 13 (37.1%) reported they were informed by a doctor that their asthma was work-related. Twenty-six inspections were conducted at 21 different workplaces, where 498 coworkers were interviewed, 55 (11%) of which had respiratory symptoms at work. Six workplaces were cited for cobalt air level higher than permissible limits. These inspections resulted in $29,380 in penalties. CONCLUSIONS WRA secondary to cobalt is associated with significant morbidity. Most of the cases were unaware of their medical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Al-Abcha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - L Wang
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - M J Reilly
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - K D Rosenman
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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9
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Andersson L, Hedbrant A, Persson A, Bryngelsson IL, Sjögren B, Stockfelt L, Särndahl E, Westberg H. Inflammatory and coagulatory markers and exposure to different size fractions of particle mass, number and surface area air concentrations in the Swedish hard metal industry, in particular to cobalt. Biomarkers 2021; 26:557-569. [PMID: 34128444 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2021.1941260] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the relationship between inhalation of airborne particles and cobalt in the Swedish hard metal industry and markers of inflammation and coagulation in blood. METHODS Personal sampling of inhalable cobalt and dust were performed for subjects in two Swedish hard metal plants. Stationary measurements were used to study concentrations of inhalable, respirable, and total dust and cobalt, PM10 and PM2.5, the particle surface area and the particle number concentrations. The inflammatory markers CC16, TNF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, SAA and CRP, and the coagulatory markers FVIII, vWF, fibrinogen, PAI-1 and D-dimer were measured. A complete sampling was performed on the second or third day of a working week following a work-free weekend, and additional sampling was taken on the fourth or fifth day. The mixed model analysis was used, including covariates. RESULTS The average air concentrations of inhalable dust and cobalt were 0.11 mg/m3 and 0.003 mg/m3, respectively. For some mass-based exposure measures of cobalt and total dust, statistically significant increased levels of FVIII, vWF and CC16 were found. CONCLUSIONS The observed relationships between particle exposure and coagulatory biomarkers may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Andersson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alexander Hedbrant
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alexander Persson
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ing-Liss Bryngelsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Bengt Sjögren
- Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leo Stockfelt
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Särndahl
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Håkan Westberg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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10
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Ljunggren SA, Ward LJ, Graff P, Persson A, Lind ML, Karlsson H. Metal additive manufacturing and possible clinical markers for the monitoring of exposure-related health effects. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248601. [PMID: 33735215 PMCID: PMC7971853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) includes a series of techniques used to create products, in several different materials, such as metal, polymer or ceramics, with digital models. The main advantage of AM is that it allows the creation of complex structures, but AM promises several additional advantages including the possibility to manufacture on demand or replacing smaller worn parts by directly building on an existing piece. Therefore, the interest for and establishment of AM is rapidly expanding, which is positive, however it is important to be aware that new techniques may also result in new challenges regarding health and safety issues. Metals in blood and possible clinical effects due to metal exposure were investigated in AM operators at one of the first serial producing AM facilities in the world during two consecutive years with implementation of preventive measures in-between. As comparison, welders and office workers as control group were investigated. Health investigations comprised of surveys, lung function tests, antioxidant activity and vascular inflammation as well as renal- and hepatic function analysis. AM operators had significantly reduced nickel levels in blood (10.8 vs 6.2 nmol/L) as well as improved lung function (80 vs 92% of predicted) from year 1 to year 2. This is in line with previously published results displaying reduced exposure. Blood cobalt and nickel levels correlated with previously reported urinary levels, while blood chromium did not. Multivariate modelling showed that blood cobalt, antioxidant/inflammatory marker serum amyloid A1/serum paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 activity and the hepatic markers aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were higher in AM operators compared to controls. The study show that the selected clinical analyses could function as a complement to metal analyses in biological fluids when investigating exposure-related health effects in AM operators. However, validation in larger cohorts is necessary before more definite conclusions could be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan A. Ljunggren
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center in Linköping, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Liam J. Ward
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pål Graff
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Helen Karlsson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center in Linköping, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Şimşek C, Sarı G, Üzmezoğlu BA, Şimşek B. The relationship between respiratory health and hard metal dust exposure: A cross-sectional study. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2021; 77:227-233. [PMID: 33432872 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2020.1870911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The frequency and severity of respiratory disorders among workers exposed to hard metal dust is not well known.The objective of this cross-sectional study is to report the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, functional status, and radiological findings in hard metal-exposed workers in Türkiye.Among 139 workers, 96 were machining workers, and 43 were industrial tool sharpening workers. Radiographic abnormalities compatible with pneumoconiosis were found 39% of the workers and were more in machining workers statistically significant.Also, in machining workers group, percentage of expected values of FVC was lower than industrial tool sharpening workers group. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was 14.3%, and there was not a statistically significant difference in working groups. The study reveals that pulmonary symptoms, functional abnormalities, and radiological findings are mild. Assuming that reversibility may develop with avoidance from exposure when detected at this stage, early diagnosis of lung damage is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cebrail Şimşek
- Atatürk Pulmonary Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Occupational Diseases Clinic, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gülden Sarı
- Atatürk Pulmonary Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Occupational Diseases Clinic, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bilge Akgündüz Üzmezoğlu
- Atatürk Pulmonary Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Occupational Diseases Clinic, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bülent Şimşek
- Presidency of Institute of Research and Development of Occupational Health and Safety, Ankara, Turkey
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Dermal and inhalable cobalt exposure-Uptake of cobalt for workers at Swedish hard metal plants. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237100. [PMID: 32760159 PMCID: PMC7410254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cobalt exposure is known to cause adverse effects on health. A major use of cobalt is in the manufacture of hard metal. Exposure can lead to asthma, hard metal lung disease, contact allergy and increased risk of cancer. Cobalt is mainly absorbed from the pulmonary tract, however penetration through skin may occur. The relationships between exposure to inhalable cobalt in air and on skin and the uptake in blood and urine will be investigated, as well as the association between dermal symptoms and dermal exposure. Methods Cobalt exposure in 71 workers in hard metal production facilities was measured as inhalable cobalt in the breathing zone and cobalt found on skin with acid wash. Uptake of cobalt was determined with concentrations in blood and urine. Correlations between exposure and uptake were analysed. Results Inhalable cobalt in air and cobalt in blood and urine showed rank correlations with coefficients 0.40 and 0.25. Cobalt on skin and uptake in blood and urine presented correlation coefficients of 0.36 and 0.17. Multiple linear regression of cobalt in air and on skin with cobalt in blood showed regression coefficients with cobalt in blood (β = 203 p < 0.0010, and β = 0.010, p = 0.0040) and with cobalt in urine (β = 5779, p = 0.0010, and β = 0.10, p = 0.60). Conclusions Our data presents statistically significant correlations between exposure to cobalt in air with uptake of cobalt in blood and urine. Cobalt on skin was statistically significant with cobalt in blood but not with urine.
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Tsui HC, Decaesteker T, Jonckheere AC, Vande Velde G, Cremer J, Verbeken E, Hoet PHM, Nemery B, Vanoirbeek JAJ. Cobalt exposure via skin alters lung immune cells and enhances pulmonary responses to cobalt in mice. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020; 319:L641-L651. [PMID: 32726143 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00265.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cobalt has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis and occupational asthma. However, the link between skin exposure and lung responses to cobalt is currently unknown. We investigated the effect of prior dermal sensitization to cobalt on pulmonary physiological and immunological responses after subsequent challenge with cobalt via the airways. BALB/c mice received epicutaneous applications (25 μL/ear) with 5% CoCl2*6H2O (Co) or the vehicle (Veh) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) twice; they then received oropharyngeal challenges with 0.05% CoCl2*6H2O or saline five times, thereby obtaining four groups: Veh/Veh, Co/Veh, Veh/Co, and Co/Co. To detect early respiratory responses noninvasively, we performed sequential in vivo microcomputed tomography (µCT). One day after the last challenge, we assessed airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine, inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and dendritic cells (DCs) in the lungs, and serum IgE. Compared with the Veh/Veh group, the Co/Co group showed increased µCT-derived lung response, increased AHR to methacholine, mixed neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation, elevated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and elevated keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) in BAL. Flow cytometry in the Co/Co group demonstrated increased DC, type 1 and type 2 conventional DC (cDC1/cDC2), monocyte-derived DC, increased ILC group 2, and natural cytotoxicity receptor-ILC group 3. The Veh/Co group showed only increased AHR to methacholine and elevated MCP-1 in BAL, whereas the Co/Veh group showed increased cDC1 and ILC2 in lung. We conclude that dermal sensitization to cobalt may increase the susceptibility of the lungs to inhaling cobalt. Mechanistically, this enhanced susceptibility involves changes in pulmonary DCs and ILCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chang Tsui
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tatjana Decaesteker
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne-Charlotte Jonckheere
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Cremer
- Translational Research in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erik Verbeken
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter H M Hoet
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen A J Vanoirbeek
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Study of the Environmental Implications of Using Metal Powder in Additive Manufacturing and Its Handling. METALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/met10020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Additive Manufacturing, AM, is considered to be environmentally friendly when compared to conventional manufacturing processes. Most researchers focus on resource consumption when performing the corresponding Life Cycle Analysis, LCA, of AM. To that end, the sustainability of AM is compared to processes like milling. Nevertheless, factors such as resource use, pollution, and the effects of AM on human health and society should be also taken into account before determining its environmental impact. In addition, in powder-based AM, handling the powder becomes an issue to be addressed, considering both the operator´s health and the subsequent management of the powder used. In view of these requirements, the fundamentals of the different powder-based AM processes were studied and special attention paid to the health risks derived from the high concentrations of certain chemical compounds existing in the typically employed materials. A review of previous work related to the environmental impact of AM is presented, highlighting the gaps found and the areas where deeper research is required. Finally, the implications of the reuse of metallic powder and the procedures to be followed for the disposal of waste are studied.
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Ljunggren SA, Karlsson H, Ståhlbom B, Krapi B, Fornander L, Karlsson LE, Bergström B, Nordenberg E, Ervik TK, Graff P. Biomonitoring of Metal Exposure During Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing). Saf Health Work 2019; 10:518-526. [PMID: 31890335 PMCID: PMC6933169 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly expanding new technology involving challenges to occupational health. Here, metal exposure in an AM facility with large-scale metallic component production was investigated during two consecutive years with preventive actions in between. Methods Gravimetric analyzes measured airborne particle concentrations, and filters were analyzed for metal content. In addition, concentrations of airborne particles <300 nm were investigated. Particles from recycled powder were characterized. Biomonitoring of urine and dermal contamination among AM operators, office personnel, and welders was performed. Results Total and inhalable dust levels were almost all below occupational exposure limits, but inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that AM operators had a significant increase in cobalt exposure compared with welders. Airborne particle concentrations (<300 nm) showed transient peaks in the AM facility but were lower than those of the welding facility. Particle characterization of recycled powder showed fragmentation and condensates enriched in volatile metals. Biomonitoring showed a nonsignificant increase in the level of metals in urine in AM operators. Dermal cobalt and a trend for increasing urine metals during Workweek Year 1, but not in Year 2, indicated reduced exposure after preventive actions. Conclusion Gravimetric analyses showed low total and inhalable dust exposure in AM operators. However, transient emission of smaller particles constitutes exposure risks. Preventive actions implemented by the company reduced the workers' metal exposure despite unchanged emissions of particles, indicating a need for careful design and regulation of the AM environments. It also emphasizes the need for relevant exposure markers and biomonitoring of health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan A Ljunggren
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Helen Karlsson
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Bengt Ståhlbom
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Blerim Krapi
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Louise Fornander
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Lovisa E Karlsson
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University Hospital, Region Örebro County, Sweden
| | - Bernt Bergström
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University Hospital, Region Örebro County, Sweden
| | | | | | - Pål Graff
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Alif SM, Dharmage S, Benke G, Dennekamp M, Burgess J, Perret JL, Lodge C, Morrison S, Johns DP, Giles G, Gurrin L, Thomas PS, Hopper JL, Wood-Baker R, Thompson B, Feather I, Vermeulen R, Kromhout H, Jarvis D, Garcia Aymerich J, Walters EH, Abramson MJ, Matheson MC. Occupational exposure to solvents and lung function decline: A population based study. Thorax 2019; 74:650-658. [PMID: 31028237 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE While cross-sectional studies have shown associations between certain occupational exposures and lower levels of lung function, there was little evidence from population-based studies with repeated lung function measurements. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the associations between occupational exposures and longitudinal lung function decline in the population-based Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study. METHODS Lung function decline between ages 45 years and 50 years was assessed using data from 767 participants. Using lifetime work history calendars completed at age 45 years, exposures were assigned according to the ALOHA plus Job Exposure Matrix. Occupational exposures were defined as ever exposed and cumulative exposure -unit- years. We investigated effect modification by sex, smoking and asthma status. RESULTS Compared with those without exposure, ever exposures to aromatic solvents and metals were associated with a greater decline in FEV1 (aromatic solvents 15.5 mL/year (95% CI -24.8 to 6.3); metals 11.3 mL/year (95% CI -21.9 to - 0.7)) and FVC (aromatic solvents 14.1 mL/year 95% CI -28.8 to - 0.7; metals 17.5 mL/year (95% CI -34.3 to - 0.8)). Cumulative exposure (unit years) to aromatic solvents was also associated with greater decline in FEV1 and FVC. Women had lower cumulative exposure years to aromatic solvents than men (mean (SD) 9.6 (15.5) vs 16.6 (14.6)), but greater lung function decline than men. We also found association between ever exposures to gases/fumes or mineral dust and greater decline in lung function. CONCLUSIONS Exposures to aromatic solvents and metals were associated with greater lung function decline. The effect of aromatic solvents was strongest in women. Preventive strategies should be implemented to reduce these exposures in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh M Alif
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shyamali Dharmage
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Geza Benke
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Martine Dennekamp
- Environmental Public Health, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Burgess
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Perret
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline Lodge
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Morrison
- Department of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Peter Johns
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Graham Giles
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Cancer Epidemiology and Intelligence Division, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lyle Gurrin
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul S Thomas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of new South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Llewelyn Hopper
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Bruce Thompson
- Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Iain Feather
- Medicine, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roel Vermeulen
- Environmental Epidemiology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Environmental Epidemiology Division, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Debbie Jarvis
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | | | - E Haydn Walters
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Michael J Abramson
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Claire Matheson
- Allergy and Lung Health Unit, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Liao KW, Pan WH, Liou SH, Sun CW, Huang PC, Wang SL. Levels and temporal variations of urinary lead, cadmium, cobalt, and copper exposure in the general population of Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:6048-6064. [PMID: 30612372 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Toxic metal contamination in food products and the environment is a public health concern. Therefore, understanding human exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu) levels in the general population of Taiwan is necessary and urgent. We aimed to establish the human biomonitoring data of urine toxic metals, exposure profile changes, and factors associated with metal levels in the general population of Taiwan. We randomly selected 1601 participants older than 7 years of age (36.9 ± 18.7 years (7-84 years)) from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) conducted during 1993-1996 (93-96) and 2005-2008 (05-08) periods and measured the levels of four metals in the participants' urine samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The median (range) levels of urinary Cd, Pb, Co, and Cu in participants from the NAHSIT 93-96 (N = 821)/05-08 (N = 780) were 0.60 (ND-13.90)/0.72 (ND-7.44), 2.28 (ND-63.60)/1.09 (0.04-48.88), 0.91 (0.08-17.30)/1.05 (0.05-22.43), and 16.87 (2.62-158.28)/13.66 (1.67-189.70) μg/L, respectively. We found that the urinary median levels of Pb and Cu in our participants were significantly lower in the NAHSIT 05-08 (Pb 1.09 μg/L, Cu 13.66 μg/L) than in the NAHSIT 93-96 (Pb 2.28 μg/L, Cu 16.87 μg/L; P < 0.01), whereas those of Cd and Co were significantly higher in the NAHSIT 05-08 (Cd 0.72 μg/L, Co 1.05 μg/L; P < 0.01). Youths had higher exposure levels of Pb, Co, and Cu than adults. Participants with alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing, or cigarette smoking had significantly higher median levels of urinary Pb or Cu (P < 0.01) than those without. Principal components and cluster analysis revealed that sex had different exposure profiles of metals. We concluded that levels of urinary Cd, Pb, Co, and Cu exposure in the general Taiwanese varied by age, sex, and lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wei Liao
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli, 35035, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Harn Pan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Health Service Research, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Saou-Hsing Liou
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli, 35035, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wen Sun
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli, 35035, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chin Huang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli, 35035, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Li Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli, 35035, Taiwan.
- Department of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan.
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Chiba Y, Kido T, Tahara M, Oda K, Noguchi S, Kawanami T, Yokoyama M, Yatera K. Hard Metal Lung Disease with Favorable Response to Corticosteroid Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2019; 247:51-58. [PMID: 30674737 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.247.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hard metal lung disease (HMLD) is a pneumoconiosis caused by occupational exposure to hard metals such as tungsten carbide and cobalt, but the treatment strategies for HMLD have not been well established. A 68-year-old Japanese man with occupational history as a grinder of hard metals for 18 years referred to our hospital because of dry cough and dyspnea. A chest computed tomography (CT) on admission revealed centrilobular micronodules, ground-glass opacities, and reticular opacities in the peripheral zone of both lungs. Mineralogic analyses of lung tissues detected components of hard metals, such as tungsten, titanium and iron, and the same metals were also detected in the sample of the dust of his workplace. Thus, the patient was diagnosed as having HMLD based on occupational exposure history and radiologic and mineralogic analyses of the lung. Corticosteroid therapy was initiated, which resulted in partial improvements in his symptoms, radiological and pulmonary functional findings. In a review of the 18 case reports of HMLD treated with corticosteroids, including our case, the majority of patients (77.8%) showed favorable responses to corticosteroid treatment. Furthermore, the presence of fibrotic changes, such as reticular opacity, in radiological examinations was associated with the resistance to corticosteroids. In conclusion, the majority of patients with HMLD are expected to favorable response to corticosteroid treatment, whereas chest CT findings such as fibrotic changes may be predictive of the resistance of corticosteroid treatment. Lastly, proper prevention of hard metal exposure is most important as the first step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Chiba
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Takashi Kido
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Masahiro Tahara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Keishi Oda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Shingo Noguchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Toshinori Kawanami
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Yokoyama
- Shared-Use Research Center, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yatera
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
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Madrigal JM, Persky V, Pappalardo A, Argos M. Association of heavy metals with measures of pulmonary function in children and youth: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:871-878. [PMID: 30343186 PMCID: PMC6277046 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to cadmium, cobalt, lead, and manganese has been associated with decreased pulmonary function in adults. Little is known about the magnitude of these associations among children in the United States. OBJECTIVES We evaluated cross-sectional associations of blood and urinary concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, lead, and manganese with pulmonary function measures [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; milliliters), forced vital capacity (FVC; milliliters), ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1:FVC), and mid-exhalation forced expiratory flow rate (FEF 25-75%; milliliters/second)] in a sample of 1234 6-17 year olds, who participated in the 2011-2012 survey cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS Survey-weighted linear regression was used to estimate beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between metal exposure tertiles or quartiles and pulmonary function test parameters, with adjustment for relevant covariates. RESULTS Blood manganese concentration was inversely associated with FVC (β for highest versus lowest quartile = -97.1, 95% CI = -230.6, 36.4; p for trend = 0.03). Urinary manganese was inversely associated with FEV1:FVC and FEF 25-75% (p for trend = 0.05 and 0.02, respectively). Urinary lead was inversely associated with FEF 25-75% (p for trend = 0.01). The associations between blood manganese and both FEV1 and FVC differed by age (p for interaction = 0.04 and 0.04, respectively), indicating an inverse trend that was strongest among older youth. CONCLUSIONS Environmental exposure to manganese and lead may adversely impact the pulmonary function of young people in the United States. Our findings highlight a need to prioritize children's environmental health and evaluate these associations prospectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Madrigal
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Victoria Persky
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrea Pappalardo
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maria Argos
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Beaucham CC, Tapp LC, Mueller CA. Evaluation of Skin and Respiratory Symptoms Among Employees With Occupational Exposures to Cobalt and Chromium at an Orthopedic Implant Manufacturer. J Occup Environ Med 2018; 60:e626-e632. [PMID: 30256299 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C Beaucham
- Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Svartengren M, Bryngelsson IL, Marsh G, Buchanich J, Zimmerman S, Kennedy K, Esmen N, Westberg H. Cancer Incidence Among Hardmetal Production Workers: The Swedish Cohort. J Occup Environ Med 2017; 59:e365-e373. [PMID: 29215488 PMCID: PMC5732645 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
: The cancer incidence was determined for 3713 workers from three plants from 1958 to 2011. The exposure measures were ever/never exposed, duration, cumulative, and mean cobalt concentrations.The incidence of all malignant neoplasms was increased at one plant, but standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was 0.96 for all workers. Lung cancer incidence was increased for all workers, SIR 1.38 (1.01 to 1.85). The lung cancer incidence was associated with shorter employment time and showed no exposure-response. There was decreased incidence for skin cancer. Increased lip cancer incidence found at one of the production plants might be related to diagnostic intensity.Lung cancer incidence showed no correlation to cobalt exposure based on internal comparison. The increased SIR for all workers might be associated with other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Svartengren
- Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (Dr Svartengren); Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Science, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden (Ms Bryngelsson, Dr Westberg); Center for Occupational Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Drs Marsh, Buchanich, Ms Zimmerman); and Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (Ms Kennedy, Dr Esmen)
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Mirabi A, Rad AS, Abdollahi M. Preparation of Modified MWCNT with Dithiooxamide for Preconcentration and Determination of Trace Amounts of Cobalt Ions in Food and Natural Water Samples. ChemistrySelect 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201700521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mirabi
- Department of Chemistry, Qaemshahr Branch; Islamic Azad University; Qaemshahr Iran
| | - Ali Shokuhi Rad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Qaemshahr Branch; Islamic Azad University; Qaemshahr Iran
| | - Masoumeh Abdollahi
- Department of Chemistry, Qaemshahr Branch; Islamic Azad University; Qaemshahr Iran
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Jamiu ZA, Saleh TA, Ali SA. Biogenic glutamic acid-based resin: Its synthesis and application in the removal of cobalt(II). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2017; 327:44-54. [PMID: 28040631 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Inexpensive biogenic glutamic acid has been utilized to synthesize a cross-linked dianionic polyelectrolyte (CDAP) containing metal chelating ligands. Cycloterpolymerization, using azoisobutyronitrile as an initiator, of N,N-diallylglutamic acid hydrochloride, sulfur dioxide and a cross-linker afforded a pH-responsive cross-linked polyzwitterionic acid (CPZA) which upon basification with NaOH was converted into CDAP. The new resin, characterized by a multitude of spectroscopic techniques as well as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analyses, was evaluated for the removal of Co(II) as a model case under different conditions. The adsorption capacity of 137mgg-1 does indeed make the resin as one of the most effective sorbents in recent times. The resin leverages its cheap natural source and ease of regeneration in combination with its high and fast uptake capacities to offer a great promise for wastewater treatment. The resin has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in removing toxic metal ions including arsenic from a wastewater sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakariyah A Jamiu
- Department of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia(1)
| | - Tawfik A Saleh
- Department of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia(1)
| | - Shaikh A Ali
- Department of Chemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia(1).
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Hamzah NA, Mohd Tamrin SB, Ismail NH. Metal dust exposure and lung function deterioration among steel workers: an exposure-response relationship. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 22:224-232. [PMID: 27392157 PMCID: PMC5102237 DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2016.1207040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metallic dust is a heterogeneous substance with respiratory sensitizing properties. Its long term exposure adversely affected lung function, thus may cause acute or chronic respiratory diseases. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in a steel factory in Terengganu, Malaysia to assess the metal dust exposure and its relationship to lung function values among 184 workers. Metal dust concentrations values (Co, Cr, and Ni) for each worker were collected using air personal sampling. Lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC) were determined using spirometer. RESULTS Exposure to cobalt and chromium were 1-3 times higher than permissible exposure limit (PEL) while nickel was not exceeding the PEL. Cumulative of chromium was the predictor to all lung function values (FEV1, FVC, and %FEV1/FVC). Frequency of using mask was positively associated with FVC (Adj b = 0.263, P = 0.011) while past respiratory illnesses were negatively associated with %FEV1/FVC (Adj b = -1.452, P = 0.026). Only few workers (36.4%) were found to wear their masks all times during the working hours. CONCLUSIONS There was an exposure-response relationship of cumulative metal dust exposure with the deterioration of lung function values. Improvement of control measures as well as proper and efficient use or personal protection equipment while at work could help to protect the respiratory health of workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Ainun Hamzah
- Environmental and Occupational Health Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Shamsul Bahri Mohd Tamrin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Noor Hassim Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Klasson M, Bryngelsson IL, Pettersson C, Husby B, Arvidsson H, Westberg H. Occupational Exposure to Cobalt and Tungsten in the Swedish Hard Metal Industry: Air Concentrations of Particle Mass, Number, and Surface Area. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2016; 60:684-99. [PMID: 27143598 PMCID: PMC4915521 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mew023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to cobalt in the hard metal industry entails severe adverse health effects, including lung cancer and hard metal fibrosis. The main aim of this study was to determine exposure air concentration levels of cobalt and tungsten for risk assessment and dose–response analysis in our medical investigations in a Swedish hard metal plant. We also present mass-based, particle surface area, and particle number air concentrations from stationary sampling and investigate the possibility of using these data as proxies for exposure measures in our study. Personal exposure full-shift measurements were performed for inhalable and total dust, cobalt, and tungsten, including personal real-time continuous monitoring of dust. Stationary measurements of inhalable and total dust, PM2.5, and PM10 was also performed and cobalt and tungsten levels were determined, as were air concentration of particle number and particle surface area of fine particles. The personal exposure levels of inhalable dust were consistently low (AM 0.15mg m−3, range <0.023–3.0mg m−3) and below the present Swedish occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 10mg m−3. The cobalt levels were low as well (AM 0.0030mg m−3, range 0.000028–0.056mg m−3) and only 6% of the samples exceeded the Swedish OEL of 0.02mg m−3. For continuous personal monitoring of dust exposure, the peaks ranged from 0.001 to 83mg m−3 by work task. Stationary measurements showed lower average levels both for inhalable and total dust and cobalt. The particle number concentration of fine particles (AM 3000 p·cm−3) showed the highest levels at the departments of powder production, pressing and storage, and for the particle surface area concentrations (AM 7.6 µm2·cm−3) similar results were found. Correlating cobalt mass-based exposure measurements to cobalt stationary mass-based, particle area, and particle number concentrations by rank and department showed significant correlations for all measures except for particle number. Linear regression analysis of the same data showed statistically significant regression coefficients only for the mass-based aerosol measures. Similar results were seen for rank correlation in the stationary rig, and linear regression analysis implied significant correlation for mass-based and particle surface area measures. The mass-based air concentration levels of cobalt and tungsten in the hard metal plant in our study were low compared to Swedish OELs. Particle number and particle surface area concentrations were in the same order of magnitude as for other industrial settings. Regression analysis implied the use of stationary determined mass-based and particle surface area aerosol concentration as proxies for various exposure measures in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Klasson
- 1.Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University, 70185 Örebro, Sweden; 2.School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, 70185 Örebro, Sweden;
| | - Ing-Liss Bryngelsson
- 1.Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University, 70185 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Carin Pettersson
- 1.Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University, 70185 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Bente Husby
- 1.Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University, 70185 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Helena Arvidsson
- 1.Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University, 70185 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Håkan Westberg
- 1.Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Örebro University, 70185 Örebro, Sweden; 3.Department of Science Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), Örebro University, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
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Ototoxicity of Divalent Metals. Neurotox Res 2016; 30:268-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9627-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Li P, Ding D, Salvi R, Roth JA. Cobalt-Induced Ototoxicity in Rat Postnatal Cochlear Organotypic Cultures. Neurotox Res 2015; 28:209-21. [PMID: 26153487 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cobalt (Co) is a required divalent metal used in the production of metal alloys, batteries, and pigments and is a component of vitamin B12. Excessive uptake of Co is neurotoxic causing temporary or permanent hearing loss; however, its ototoxic effects on the sensory hair cells, neurons, and support cells in the cochlea are poorly understood. Accordingly, we treated postnatal day 3 rat cochlear organotypic cultures with various doses and durations of CoCl2 and quantified the damage to the hair cells, peripheral auditory nerve fibers, and spiral ganglion neurons (SGN). Five-day treatment with 250 μM CoCl2 caused extensive damage to hair cells and neurons which increased with dose and treatment duration. CoCl2 caused greater damage to outer hair cells than inner hair cells; damage was greatest in the base of the cochlea and decreased towards the base. CoCl2 increased expression of superoxide radical in hair cells and SGNs and SGN loss was characterized by nuclear condensation and fragmentation, morphological features of apoptosis. CoCl2 treatment increased the expression of caspase-3 indicative of caspase-mediated programmed cell death. These results identify hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons as the main targets of Co ototoxicity in vitro and implicate the superoxide radical as a trigger of caspase-mediated ototoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, 510630, China
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Scimeca M, Orlandi A, Terrenato I, Bischetti S, Bonanno E. Assessment of metal contaminants in non-small cell lung cancer by EDX microanalysis. Eur J Histochem 2014; 58:2403. [PMID: 25308844 PMCID: PMC4194392 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2014.2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cardio-respiratory diseases are strongly correlated to concentrations of atmospheric elements. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals is strictly monitored, because of its possible toxic effects. In this work, we utilized the EDX microanalysis in order to identify the potential heavy metal accumulation in the lung tissue. To this aim, we enrolled 45 human lung biopsies: 15 non-small cell lung cancers, 15 lung benign lesions and 15 control biopsies. Lung samples were both paraffin embedded for light microscopy study and eponepoxid embedded for transmission electron microscopy. EDX microanalysis was performed on 100 nm thick unstained ultrathin-sections placed on specific copper grids. Our results demonstrated that the EDX technology was particularly efficient in the study of elemental composition of lung tissues, where we found heavy metals, such as Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb). Furthermore, in malignant lesions we demonstrated the presence of multiple bio-accumulated elements. In fact, a high rate of lung cancers was associated with the presence of 3 or more bio-accumulated elements compared to benign lesions and control tissue (91.7%, 0%, 8.3%, respectively). The environmental impact on pulmonary carcinogenesis could be better clarified by demonstrating the presence of polluting agents in lung tissues. The application of EDX microanalysis on biological tissuescould shed new light in the study of the possible bioaccumulation of polluting agents in different human organs and systems.
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