Food packaging and migration of food contact materials: will epidemiologists rise to the neotoxic challenge?

Determination of the Mass Fractions of the Heavy Metals in the Recycled Cellulose Pulp

In the process of paper recycling, certain amounts of metals can be found in the cellulose suspension, the source of which is mainly printing inks. The paper industry often uses different technologies to reduce heavy metal emissions. The recycling of laminated packaging contributes to the formation of sticky particles, which affects the concentration of heavy metals. This study aimed to determine the mass fraction of metals in the different phases of the deinking process to optimize the cellulose pulp's quality and design healthy correct packaging products. In this research, the deinking flotation of laminated and non-laminated samples was carried out by the Ingede 11 method. As a result of the study, the mass fractions of metals in cellulose pulp were divided into four groups according to the mass fraction's increasing value and the metals' increasing electronegativity. The quantities of metals were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The separation of metals from cellulose pulp is influenced by the presence of adhesives and the electronegativity of the metal. The results of the study show that the recycling process removes certain heavy metals very well, which indicates the good recycling potential of pharmaceutical cardboard samples.

Assessment of heavy metals migrated from food contact plastic packaging: Bangladesh perspective

Plastic-based food-contact materials are potentially threatening the environment and public health by releasing toxic heavy metals. This study aimed to identify the types of plastic commonly used in Bangladesh as food-contact materials (FCMs) and assess the migration of heavy metals from these FCMs. Plastic types were identified using attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and 25 samples were selected based on the category, including Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), and Polycarbonate (PC). Distilled water, 3% acetic acid, and 15% ethanol were used as food simulants to assess the overall migration of chemicals at 70 °C for 2 h. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Sb) were analyzed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results revealed that the highest overall migration occurred in coffee cups measuring 3.50 ± 0.17 mg/kg (using water simulant) and in yogurt containers with a measurement of 9.17 ± 0.1 mg/kg (using 3% acetic acid). The highest concentrations of Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Sb were found in PP-2 (0.45 ± 0.01 mg/kg), PP-2 (0.36 ± 0.01 mg/kg), PC-5 (0.27 ± 0.01 mg/kg), PET-2 (0.12 ± 0.01 mg/kg), and PET-1 (0.09 ± 0.01 mg/kg), respectively. The concentration of heavy metals migrated from the containers is likely to induce a health risk due to bioaccumulation from long-term ingestion of food packaged in them. The findings of this study added knowledge about harmful heavy metals leached from the FCMs in Bangladesh.

Supporting legislative action: Urinary levels of phthalates and phenols among influencers in the 'Plastics in the spotlight' advocacy initiative

BACKGROUND

Society-wide initiatives to prevent human exposure to plastic residues include laws and policies. Such measures require citizens' support, which can be increased by honest advocacy and pedagogic projects. These efforts must have a scientific basis.

OBJECTIVE

To assist the 'Plastics in the spotlight' advocacy initiative raise awareness among the general public of the presence of plastic residues in the human body, and to increase citizens' support for legislation on plastic control in the European Union.

METHODS

Spot urine samples of 69 volunteers with cultural and political influence from Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Slovenia, Belgium, and Bulgaria were collected. Concentrations of 30 phthalate metabolites and phenols were determined through a high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, respectively.

RESULTS

At least 18 compounds were detected in all urine samples. The maximum number of compounds detected per participant was 23, and the mean, 20.5. Phthalates were detected more frequently than phenols. Median concentrations were highest for monoethyl phthalate (41.6 ng/mL, adjusted for specific gravity), and maximum concentrations were highest for mono-iso-butyl phthalate (1345.1 ng/mL), oxybenzone (1915.1 ng/mL), and triclosan (949.6 ng/mL). Most reference values were not exceeded. Women had higher concentrations of the 14 phthalate metabolites and oxybenzone than men. Urinary concentrations were not correlated with age.

DISCUSSION

The study had three main limitations: method of subject selection (volunteers), small sample size, and limited data on determinants of exposure. Studies on volunteers do not pretend to be representative of the general population and are no substitute for biomonitoring studies in representative samples of the populations of interest. Studies as ours can only illustrate the existence and some aspects of the problem, and can raise awareness among citizens concerned by the evidence that the studies provide in a group of subjects who are humanly appealing.

CONCLUSIONS

The results illustrate that human exposure to phthalates and phenols is widespread. All countries appeared to be similarly exposed to these contaminants, with higher levels in females. Most concentrations did not exceed reference values. The effects of this study on the objectives of the 'Plastics in the spotlight' advocacy initiative deserve a specific analysis from policy science.

Supramolecular solvent extraction and ambient mass spectrometry for the determination of organic contaminants in food packaging material

A rapid method based on a fast sample treatment with supramolecular solvents (SUPRASs) and ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) analysis was developed for the screening and quantification of organic contaminants in food packaging materials (FCMs). The suitability of SUPRASs made up of medium chain alcohols in ethanol:water mixtures was investigated, given their low toxicity, proven capacity for multi-residue analysis (since they provide a wide variety of interactions and multiple binding sites) and restricted access properties for simultaneous sample extraction and clean-up. Two families of emerging organic pollutants, bisphenols and organophosphate flame retardants, were targeted as representative compounds. The methodology was applied to 40 FCMs. Target compounds were quantitated using ASAP (atmospheric solids analysis probe)-low resolution MS and a broad-spectrum screening of contaminants was performed through spectral library search using direct injection probe (DIP) and high resolution MS (HRMS). The results showed the ubiquity of bisphenols and of some flame retardants, as well as the presence of other additives and unknown compounds in about half of the analyzed samples, which highlight the complex composition of FCMs and the possible associated health risks.

From old pollutants to the regulation of bisphenol A: Lessons learned for health promotion and disease prevention

Citizens deserve regulatory changes and policies more sensitive to the current needs of humans, the climate, and nature. In this work we draw on prior experiences of preventable human suffering and economic losses caused by delayed regulation of legacy and emerging pollutants. Heightened awareness of environmental health problems is necessary among health professionals, the media, and citizens' organizations. Improved translation from research to the clinical world and to policy is critical to reduce the population burden of diseases caused by exposure to endocrine disruptors and other environmental chemicals. Numerous lessons can be learned from science-to-policy processes built for "old pollutants" (as persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, tributyltin), as well as from current trends regarding the regulation of non-persistent chemicals, such as the prototypical endocrine disruptor bisphenol A. We end discussing relevant pieces of the puzzle to tackle the environmental and regulatory challenges faced by our societies.

A review on per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in microplastic and food-contact materials

Plastic, paper and cardboard are widely used as food contact materials (FCMs), due to its numerous favourable characteristics. However, they are usually coated with hazardous substances, such as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs). PFASs, with its functional properties of oil- and water-repellency, can migrate from FCMs into the food and cause potential risk to human health. There are also increasing concerns about the harm that FCMs can cause to the environment. These concerns include accumulation of non-degradable plastics in the environment, generation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics, and release of PFASs from FCMs. While many reviews have been conducted on PFASs in the environment, including their occurrence, fate, toxicity, biodegradation, migration in ecosystems and remediation technologies, a systematic review of PFASs in FCMs and MPs is currently lacking. In addition, our knowledge of the PFAS sorption processes on MPs is rather limited, and in particular their desorption processes. Thus, this review aims to (1) review the presence of various classes of PFASs in FCMs and their migration into food, (2) review the PFASs in MPs and summarize the sorption mechanisms, and factors that influence their sorption behaviour on MPs in the aquatic environment, and (3) identify the current research gaps and future research directions to predict the risks associated with the presence and sorption of PFASs in FCMs and MPs.

Safety of Plastic Food Packaging: The Challenges about Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) Discovery, Identification and Risk Assessment

Several food contact materials (FCMs) contain non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), and most of the substances that migrate from plastic food packaging are unknown. This review aimed to situate the main challenges involving unknown NIAS in plastic food packaging in terms of identification, migration tests, prediction, sample preparation, determination methods and risk assessment trials. Most studies have identified NIAS in plastic materials as polyurethane adhesives (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester coatings, polypropylene materials (PP), multilayers materials, plastic films, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), recycled materials, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Degradation products are almost the primary source of NIAS in plastic FCMs, most from antioxidants as Irganox 1010 and Irgafos 168, following by oligomers and side reaction products. The NIAS assessment in plastics FCMs is usually made by migration tests under worst-case conditions using food simulants. For predicted NIAS, targeted analytical methods are applied using GC-MS based methods for volatile NIAS and GC-MS and LC-MS based methods for semi- and non-volatile NIAS; non-targeted methods to analyze unknown NIAS in plastic FCMs are applied using GC and LC techniques combined with QTOF mass spectrometry (HRMS). In terms of NIAS risk assessment and prioritization, the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept is the most applied tool for risk assessment. Bioassays with sensitive analytical techniques seem to be an efficient method to identify NIAS and their hazard to human exposure; the combination of genotoxicity testing with analytical chemistry could allow the Cramer class III TTC application to prioritize unknown NIAS. The scientific justification for implementing a molecular weight-based cut-off (<1000 Da) in the risk assessment of FCMs should be reevaluated. Although official guides and opinions are being issued on the subject, the whole chain's alignment is needed, and more specific legislation on the steps to follow to get along with NIAS.

An overview of chemical contaminants and other undesirable chemicals in alcoholic beverages and strategies for analysis

The presence of chemical contaminant in alcoholic beverages is a widespread and notable problem with potential implications for human health. With the complexity and wide variation in the raw materials, production processes, and contact materials involved, there are a multitude of opportunities for a diverse host of undesirable compounds to make their way into the final product-some of which may currently remain unidentified and undetected. This review provides an overview of the notable contaminants (including pesticides, environmental contaminants, mycotoxins, process-induced contaminants, residues of food contact material [FCM], and illegal additives) that have been detected in alcoholic products thus far based on prior reviews and findings in the literature, and will additionally consider the potential sources for contamination, and finally discuss and identify gaps in current analytical strategies. The findings of this review highlight a need for further investigation into unwanted substances in alcoholic beverages, particularly concerning chemical migrants from FCMs, as well as a need for comprehensive nontargeted analytical techniques capable of determining unanticipated contaminants.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: economic, regulatory, and policy implications

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) substantially cost society as a result of increases in disease and disability but-unlike other toxicant classes such as carcinogens-have yet to be codified into regulations as a hazard category. This Series paper examines economic, regulatory, and policy approaches to limit human EDC exposures and describes potential improvements. In the EU, general principles for EDCs call for minimisation of human exposure, identification as substances of very high concern, and ban on use in pesticides. In the USA, screening and testing programmes are focused on oestrogenic EDCs exclusively, and regulation is strictly risk-based. Minimisation of human exposure is unlikely without a clear overarching definition for EDCs and relevant pre-marketing test requirements. We call for a multifaceted international programme (eg, modelled on the International Agency for Research in Cancer) to address the effects of EDCs on human health-an approach that would proactively identify hazards for subsequent regulation.

Impacts of food contact chemicals on human health: a consensus statement

Food packaging is of high societal value because it conserves and protects food, makes food transportable and conveys information to consumers. It is also relevant for marketing, which is of economic significance. Other types of food contact articles, such as storage containers, processing equipment and filling lines, are also important for food production and food supply. Food contact articles are made up of one or multiple different food contact materials and consist of food contact chemicals. However, food contact chemicals transfer from all types of food contact materials and articles into food and, consequently, are taken up by humans. Here we highlight topics of concern based on scientific findings showing that food contact materials and articles are a relevant exposure pathway for known hazardous substances as well as for a plethora of toxicologically uncharacterized chemicals, both intentionally and non-intentionally added. We describe areas of certainty, like the fact that chemicals migrate from food contact articles into food, and uncertainty, for example unidentified chemicals migrating into food. Current safety assessment of food contact chemicals is ineffective at protecting human health. In addition, society is striving for waste reduction with a focus on food packaging. As a result, solutions are being developed toward reuse, recycling or alternative (non-plastic) materials. However, the critical aspect of chemical safety is often ignored. Developing solutions for improving the safety of food contact chemicals and for tackling the circular economy must include current scientific knowledge. This cannot be done in isolation but must include all relevant experts and stakeholders. Therefore, we provide an overview of areas of concern and related activities that will improve the safety of food contact articles and support a circular economy. Our aim is to initiate a broader discussion involving scientists with relevant expertise but not currently working on food contact materials, and decision makers and influencers addressing single-use food packaging due to environmental concerns. Ultimately, we aim to support science-based decision making in the interest of improving public health. Notably, reducing exposure to hazardous food contact chemicals contributes to the prevention of associated chronic diseases in the human population.

A method to determine BPA, BPB, and BPF levels in fruit juices by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry

The monitoring of the contamination levels of bisphenol A (BPA) and its congeners bisphenol B (BPB) and bisphenol F (BPF) in foodstuffs is a necessary process for assessment of consumers' risk. After development and validation of a method using Strata® C18-E cartridge cleanup with detection by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, forty-six samples of fruit juices, sold on Italian markets, have been analysed to assess the concentration of BPA, BPB and BPF. BPB and BPF were not detected in any samples, BPA was found in 33 % of the samples. The observed levels ranged from 0.50 ng mL^-1 to 2.85 ng mL^-1. Potential Daily Intakes (PDI) of BPA for Italian populations were calculated by the budget method model. PDIs ranged from 0.012 to 0.285 μg kg^-1 bw day^-1. None of the calculated values exceeded the current temporary TDI of 4 μg kg^-1 bw day^-1.

There are good clinical, scientific, and social reasons to strengthen links between biomedical and environmental research

Clinical epidemiology rarely addresses biological, clinical, epidemiological, environmental, economic, and other social and scientific issues posed by environmental chemical contaminants such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. There is a considerable gap between research and practice in clinical medicine and in environmental health. Organizations often fail to appreciate the human and economic costs of the diseases that environmental chemical contaminants contribute to cause. Also, the relative lack of attention to environmental causes of disease by researchers in medicine and clinical epidemiology cannot be explained just on scientific grounds. Many scientists have shown the virtues of integrative research. Knowledge on the causes of disease is often secondary in clinical practice, but in other instances, to help patients, clinicians tackle causes of diseases. We can better address how environmental contaminants influence negatively not just the occurrence of disease but its course. To do so, we can generate better evidence and strengthen the social conversation on environmental influences on all dimensions of health and disease.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals: Impact on human health, wildlife and the environment

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a group of pollutants that can affect the endocrine system and lead to diseases and dysfunctions across the lifespan of organisms. They are omnipresent. They are in the air we breathe, in the food we eat and in the water we drink. They can be found in our everyday lives through personal care products, household cleaning products, furniture and in children's toys. Every year, hundreds of new chemicals are produced and released onto the market without being tested, and they reach our bodies through everyday products. Permanent exposure to those chemicals may intensify or even become the main cause for the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. In recent years, legislation and regulations have been implemented, which aim to control the release of potentially adverse endocrine disrupting chemicals, often invoking the precautionary principle. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of research on environmental aspects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and their effects on human health, based on evidence from animal and human studies. Emphasis is given to three ubiquitous and persistent groups of chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organochlorine pesticides, and on two non-persistent, but ubiquitous, bisphenol A and phthalates. Some selected historical cases are also presented and successful cases of regulation and legislation described. These led to a decrease in exposure and consequent minimization of the effects of these compounds. Recommendations from experts on this field, World Health Organization, scientific reports and from the Endocrine Society are included.

Overview of known plastic packaging-associated chemicals and their hazards

Global plastics production has reached 380 million metric tons in 2015, with around 40% used for packaging. Plastic packaging is diverse and made of multiple polymers and numerous additives, along with other components, such as adhesives or coatings. Further, packaging can contain residues from substances used during manufacturing, such as solvents, along with non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), such as impurities, oligomers, or degradation products. To characterize risks from chemicals potentially released during manufacturing, use, disposal, and/or recycling of packaging, comprehensive information on all chemicals involved is needed. Here, we present a database of Chemicals associated with Plastic Packaging (CPPdb), which includes chemicals used during manufacturing and/or present in final packaging articles. The CPPdb lists 906 chemicals likely associated with plastic packaging and 3377 substances that are possibly associated. Of the 906 chemicals likely associated with plastic packaging, 63 rank highest for human health hazards and 68 for environmental hazards according to the harmonized hazard classifications assigned by the European Chemicals Agency within the Classification, Labeling and Packaging (CLP) regulation implementing the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Further, 7 of the 906 substances are classified in the European Union as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT), or very persistent, very bioaccumulative (vPvB), and 15 as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). Thirty-four of the 906 chemicals are also recognized as EDC or potential EDC in the recent EDC report by the United Nations Environment Programme. The identified hazardous chemicals are used in plastics as monomers, intermediates, solvents, surfactants, plasticizers, stabilizers, biocides, flame retardants, accelerators, and colorants, among other functions. Our work was challenged by a lack of transparency and incompleteness of publicly available information on both the use and toxicity of numerous substances. The most hazardous chemicals identified here should be assessed in detail as potential candidates for substitution.

Estrogenic activity, selected plasticizers and potential health risks associated with bottled water in South Africa

Potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are present in bottled water from various countries. In South Africa (SA), increased bottled water consumption and concomitant increases in plastic packaging create important consequences for public health. This study aimed to screen SA bottled water for estrogenic activity, selected target chemicals and assessing potential health risks. Ten bottled water brands were exposed to 20 °C and 40 °C over 10 days. Estrogenic activity was assessed using the recombinant yeast estrogen screen (YES) and the T47D-KBluc reporter gene assay. Solid phase extracts of samples were analyzed for bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), selected phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), 17β-estradiol (E₂), estrone (E₁), and ethynylestradiol (EE₂) using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry. Using a scenario-based health risk assessment, human health risks associated with bottled water consumption were evaluated. Estrogenic activity was detected at 20 °C (n = 2) and at 40 °C (n = 8). Estradiol equivalent (EEq) values ranged from 0.001 to 0.003 ng/L. BPA concentrations ranged from 0.9 ng/L to 10.06 ng/L. Although EEqs and BPA concentrations were higher in bottled water stored at 40 °C compared to 20 °C, samples posed an acceptable risk for a lifetime of exposure. Irrespective of temperature, bottled water from SA contained chemicals with acceptable health risks.

Socio-demographic predictors of health and environmental co-benefit behaviours for climate change mitigation in urban China

Objective

This study aims to examine the patterns and socio-demographic predictors of health and environmental co-benefit behaviours that support climate change mitigation in a densely populated Asian metropolis—Hong Kong.

Methods

A population-based, stratified and cross-sectional random digit dialling telephone survey study was conducted between January and February 2016, among the Cantonese-speaking population aged 15 and above in Hong Kong. Socio-demographic data and the self-reported practice of 10 different co-benefit behaviours were solicited. Ethics approval and participant’s verbal consent were sought.

Findings

The study sample consisted of 1,017 respondents (response rate: 63.6%) were comparable to the age, gender and geographical distributions of the Hong Kong population found in the latest 2011 Hong Kong Population Census. Among the co-benefit behaviours, using less packaging and disposable shopping bags were practiced in the highest frequency (70.1%). However, four behaviours were found to have never been practiced by more than half of the respondents, including bringing personal eating utensils when dining in restaurants or small eateries, showering less than five minutes, having one vegetarian meal a week, and buying more organic food. Results of multivariable logistic regression showed that frequency of practicing co-benefit behaviours were consistently associated with gender and age.

Conclusion

Urban residents in Hong Kong do not engage in the practice of co-benefit behaviours in a uniform way. In general, females and older people are more likely to adopt co-benefit behaviours in their daily lives. Further research to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the population towards these co-benefit behaviours will provide support to relevant climate change mitigation policies and education programmes.

Genotoxic effects of food contact recycled paperboard extracts on two human hepatic cell lines

Food contact paperboards may be a potential source of food contamination as they can release chemicals (intentionally added or not), especially recycled paperboards. This study assessed the in vitro genotoxicity of food contact paperboard samples from a manufacturer, collected at the beginning and at the end of a recycling production chain. Samples were extracted in water to mimic a wet food contact. Different genotoxic endpoints were evaluated in two human hepatic cell lines (HepG2 and HepaRG) using bioassays: γH2AX and p53 activation, primary DNA damage with the comet assay and micronucleus formation. It was found that the samples from the beginning and the end of the production chain induced, with the same potency, γH2AX and p53-ser15 activation and DNA damage with the comet assay. The micronucleus assay was negative with the paperboard extract from the beginning of the chain, whereas positive data were observed for the end paperboard extract. These results indicate that samples from recycled food contact paperboard can induce in vitro genotoxic effects in this study's experimental conditions.

Food contact materials and gut health: Implications for toxicity assessment and relevance of high molecular weight migrants

Gut health is determined by an intact epithelial barrier and balanced gut microbiota, both involved in the regulation of immune responses in the gut. Disruption of this system contributes to the etiology of various non-communicable diseases, including intestinal, metabolic, and autoimmune disorders. Studies suggest that some direct food additives, but also some food contaminants, such as pesticide residues and substances migrating from food contact materials (FCMs), may adversely affect the gut barrier or gut microbiota. Here, we focus on gut-related effects of FCM-relevant substances (e.g. surfactants, N-ring containing substances, nanoparticles, and antimicrobials) and show that gut health is an underappreciated target in the toxicity assessment of FCMs. Understanding FCMs' impact on gut health requires more attention to ensure safety and prevent gut-related chronic diseases. Our review further points to the existence of large population subgroups with an increased intestinal permeability; this may lead to higher uptake of compounds of not only low (<1000 Da) but also high (>1000 Da) molecular weight. We discuss the potential toxicological relevance of high molecular weight compounds in the gut and suggest that the scientific justification for the application of a molecular weight-based cut-off in risk assessment of FCMs should be reevaluated.

In Vitro Toxicity Testing of Food Contact Materials: State-of-the-Art and Future Challenges

Currently, toxicological testing of food contact materials (FCMs) is focused on single substances and their genotoxicity. However, people are exposed to mixtures of chemicals migrating from food contact articles (FCAs) into food, and toxic effects other than genotoxic damage may also be relevant. Since FCMs can be made of more than 8 thousand substances, assessing them one-by-one is very resource-consuming. Moreover, finished FCAs usually contain non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). NIAS toxicity can only be tested if a substance's chemical identity is known and if it is available as a pure chemical. Often, this is not the case. Nonetheless, regulations require safety assessments for all substances migrating from FCAs, including NIAS, hence new approaches to meet this legal obligation are needed. Testing the overall migrate or extract from an FCM/FCA is an option. Ideally, such an assessment would be performed by means of in vitro bioassays, as they are rapid and cost-effective. Here, we review the studies using in vitro bioassays to test toxicity of FCMs/FCAs. Three main categories of in vitro assays that have been applied include assays for cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and endocrine disruption potential. In addition, we reviewed studies with small multicellular animal-based bioassays. Our overview shows that in vitro testing of FCMs is in principle feasible. We discuss future research needs and FCM-specific challenges. Sample preparation procedures need to be optimized and standardized. Further, the array of in vitro tests should be expanded to include those of highest relevance for the most prevalent human diseases of concern.

Human contamination by persistent toxic substances: the rationale to improve exposure assessment

We know quite a lot about the generalized human contamination by environmental chemical agents; this statement is fully compatible with the view that most countries lack the necessary monitoring systems. We also know quite a lot about the toxic effects of environmental pollutants; this statement is fully compatible with the proposal that we need both more research and more energetic policies to decrease human contamination by such pollutants. Unsurprisingly, we know too little about the (environmental and social) causes and the etiopathogenesis (mechanisms) of the most prevalent diseases, and we will continue to miss relevant causes and mechanisms if we neglect the toxic chemicals that commonly contaminate humans, worldwide. Basic, clinical end environmental-epidemiological research on human health should more often consider integrating biomarkers of internal dose of environmental chemical pollutants. When we act in more responsible, rational, and scientific ways; when we become less dismissive towards environmental hazards; and when we thus neglect less the generalized human contamination by environmental chemical agents and their toxic effects, we will expand mechanistic biologic knowledge, and we shall as well increase the effectiveness of interventions and policies that enable the primary prevention of human diseases which cause huge amounts of economic burden and human suffering.

Screening of hormone-like activities in bottled waters available in Southern Spain using receptor-specific bioassays

Bottled water consumption is a putative source of human exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Research has been conducted on the presence of chemicals with estrogen-like activity in bottled waters and on their estrogenicity, but few data are available on the presence of hormonal activities associated with other nuclear receptors (NRs). The aim of this study was to determine the presence of endocrine activities dependent on the activation of human estrogen receptor alpha (hERa) and/or androgen receptor (hAR) in water in glass or plastic bottles sold to consumers in Southern Spain. Hormone-like activities were evaluated in 29 bottled waters using receptor-specific bioassays based on reporter gene expression in PALM cells [(anti-)androgenicity] and cell proliferation assessment in MCF-7 cells [(anti-)estrogenicity] after optimized solid phase extraction (SPE). All of the water samples analyzed showed hormonal activity. This was estrogenic in 79.3% and anti-estrogenic in 37.9% of samples and was androgenic in 27.5% and anti-androgenic in 41.3%, with mean concentrations per liter of 0.113pM 17β-estradiol (E2) equivalent units (E2Eq), 11.01pM anti-estrogen (ICI 182780) equivalent units (ICI 182780Eq), 0.33pM methyltrienolone (R1881) equivalent units (R1881Eq), and 0.18nM procymidone equivalent units (ProcEq). Bottled water consumption contributes to EDC exposure. Hormone-like activities observed in waters from both plastic and glass bottles suggest that plastic packaging is not the sole source of contamination and that the source of the water and bottling process may play a role, among other factors. Further research is warranted on the cumulative effects of long-term exposure to low doses of EDCs.