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Amiri L, Khalili Doroodzani A, Ostovar A, Dobaradaran S, Mohammadi A, Nabipour I, Raeisi A, Malekizadeh H, Farhadi A, Saeedi R, Afrashteh S, Nazmara S, Keshtkar M. Lactational Exposure of Human Infants to Metal (loid)s: A Comparison of Industrial and Urban Inhabitants in North of the Persian Gulf. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024; 202:1829-1842. [PMID: 37524879 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03793-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, postnatal metal (loid)s (MLs) exposure was compared between the petrochemical and gas area of Asaluyeh (PGA) and urban area of Kaki (UA) in Bushehr province, Iran. Two hundred human breast milk (BM) samples from the industrial and urban areas were analyzed for MLs using Inductivity Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni) were found at the highest levels in both study areas. Adjusted multiple linear regression models revealed that the mean concentration of total MLs in BM samples collected from the PGA was statistically significantly greater than that of the UA (655.85 vs. 338.17 µg/L). Also, the mean concentrations of all detected MLs in BM samples collected from the PGA were statistically significantly higher than those collected from the UA. The hazard index (HI) of combined MLs in the PGA and UA illustrated non-cancer risk for infants. Lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in the PGA and Cr in the UA showed the risk of cancer. So it can be concluded that nursing infants from an industrial area are most at risk for MLs exposure during entire lactation course than those from an urban area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Amiri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Atefeh Khalili Doroodzani
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Afshin Ostovar
- Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
| | - Azam Mohammadi
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Iraj Nabipour
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, the Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Alireza Raeisi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hasan Malekizadeh
- School of Medicine٫ Bushehr, University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Akram Farhadi
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Reza Saeedi
- Workplace Health Promotion Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Health, Safety and Environment, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Afrashteh
- Clinical Research Development Center, The Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Nazmara
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Keshtkar
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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2
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Rahati S, Hashemi M, Orooji A, Afshari A, Sany SBT. Health risk assessments of heavy metals and trace elements exposure in the breast milk of lactating mothers in the Northeastern Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:25892-25906. [PMID: 38488912 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32795-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Mother's breast milk is a natural and complete food for infants but can be a main source of exposure to toxic pollutants. These pollutants can negatively affect the health of the infant. Therefore, conducting biomonitoring surveys is essential to evaluate such health effects in toxicological research. This study aimed to estimate the probable health risks for infants exposed to essential and non-essential trace elements through breast milk ingestion. This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was performed on 90 breastfeeding mothers referred to the health centers in Mashhad, Iran in January 2021. The health risk assessments (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk) were estimated using chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and lifetime carcinogenic risk (CR), which were recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The results of the HQ values of trace elements through ingestion exposure for arsenic (90%), copper (90%), zinc (40%), and iron (10%) exceeded the threshold of HQ, and arsenic (66.59%), copper (16.91%), and zinc (9.68%) and iron (4.57%) had the highest contribution to increasing the HI index. The average value of CR was 5. 08 × 10-3. Chromium and iron showed significant relationships (P<0.05) with education level and disease background in this study, and the concentration of chromium, iron, and zinc in the breast milk samples significantly changed during lactation stages (P<0.05). Overall, the risk of carcinogenicity through exposure to breast milk for infants was higher than the safety level of US EPA risk. Therefore, there could be a potential health risk of trace elements, particularly arsenic, copper, and zinc for infants in Mashhad, Iran through the consumption of mothers' breast milk. More efforts are required to control and reduce routes of receiving trace elements in breastfeeding mothers by the competent authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Rahati
- Department of Food Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hashemi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Arezoo Orooji
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, 13131-99137, Iran
| | - Asma Afshari
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Belin Tavakoly Sany
- Department of Health, Safety, Environment Managment, School of Health Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, 13131-99137, Iran.
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Ahmad N, Muhammad A, Zafar R, Afzal U, Aslam M. Assessment of lead, cadmium, and mercury levels in the breast milk in Pakistani women. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:85903-85909. [PMID: 37395883 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28517-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of potentially toxic metals like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in healthy lactating mothers of Lahore city were estimated during 2020-2021 with the help of a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). Seventy samples of breast milk were collected from two different age groups, namely, G-1 (25-30 years) and G-2 (31-40 years). The results showed that Cd contents were below the detection limit of the measuring instrument; however, the Pb and Hg contents were detected with great ease. The mean concentrations of Pb and Hg in the G-1 corresponding to the age between 25 and 30 years were observed to be 1.914 ± 0.493 μg/L and 10.432 ± 3.249 μg/L, respectively. For the G-2 with an age limit between 31 and 40 years, the concentrations of Pb and Hg were estimated to be 2.045 ± 0.502 μg/L and 11.527 ± 3.231 μg/L, respectively. The T-test analysis of concentrations of these toxic metals indicated a significant correlation between the content levels of Pb and Hg (p < 0.05). The observed values of toxic metals were significantly more frequent than those suggested by WHO (World Health Organization). An increase in the concentrations of Pb and Hg is directly associated with the location of the target population. As a result, it is turned out that the majority of the lactating woman with significantly high levels of Pb and Hg belongs to industrial areas of Lahore. To avoid such conditions, residential areas must be at larger distances, in addition, to strictly abiding by the environmental policies of the government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Ahmad
- Department of Physics, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Muhammad
- Department of Physics, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ramna Zafar
- Department of Physics, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Usama Afzal
- Department of Physics, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
- School of Microelectronics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Muhammad Aslam
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21551, Saudi Arabia
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Sharafi K, Nakhaee S, Azadi NA, Mansouri B, Miri Kermanshahi S, Paknahad M, Habibi Y. Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in the breast milk consumed by infants in Western Iran. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6656. [PMID: 37095309 PMCID: PMC10126154 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33919-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the human health risk of some toxic metals/metalloids [lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As)] on infants via consumption of the breast milk of women living in urban areas of Kermanshah city, west of Iran. After collecting milk samples, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment as well as uncertainty analysis of toxic metal levels were carried out. The order of concentration of heavy metals/metalloids in the breast milk samples was Cr (41.07 ± 23.19) > Ni (19.25 ± 11.81) > Pb (11.5 ± 4.48) > As (1.96 ± 2.04) > Cd (.72 ± 0.42) > Hg (0.31 ± 0.26). The results revealed that the levels of Cr and Pb in the breast milk samples were exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) tolerable daily intake. In the breast milk samples a high levels of one of the trace elements As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni were observed (over 73%) and in 40% of them the levels of Cr, Pb, Cd, As, and Ni were all above WHO tolerable daily intake. Moreover, the As-related point assessment of target risk factor (THQ) was higher than the allowable limit only for 1-month-old male neonates and 2-month-old female neonates (THQ > 1). In addition, Cr-related THQ scores were higher at all age and gender groups (THQ > 1). In conclusion, our findings suggest a potential risk of some metals for infants via the consumption of mothers' breast milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiomars Sharafi
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Nammam Ali Azadi
- Biostatistics Department, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Mansouri
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Saba Miri Kermanshahi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Maedeh Paknahad
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Yazdan Habibi
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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5
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Sripada K, Lager AM. Interventions to reduce cadmium exposure in low- and middle-income countries during pregnancy and childhood: A systematic review. J Glob Health 2022; 12:04089. [DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.04089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kam Sripada
- Centre for Digital Life Norway, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Adrian Madsen Lager
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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6
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Mohammadi S, Shafiee M, Faraji SN, Rezaeian M, Ghaffarian-Bahraman A. Contamination of breast milk with lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biometals 2022; 35:711-728. [PMID: 35575819 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-022-00395-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Breast milk is a complete food for the development of the newborn, but it can also be an important route for environmental pollutants transmission to the infants. This study was aimed to evaluate the status of heavy metals including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in the breast milk of Iranian mothers. The international databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and the Persian electronic databases including Scientific Information Database, IranMedex and Magiran were examined to find relevant articles published until July 2021. A total of 23 studies examined the levels of toxic metals in Iranian breast milk samples. According to the findings, the pooled average concentrations (µg/L) of Pb, Cd, Hg and As were 25.61, 2.40, 1.29 and 1.16, respectively. The concentration of Hg and Pb in colostrum milk was more than twice of mature milk. The Hg mean concentration in the breast milk of mothers with at least one amalgam-filled tooth was approximately three times that of mothers without amalgam-filled teeth. Risk assessment analysis indicated that the intake of Pb and Hg by infants through breastfeeding can be considered a health concern in Iran. It seems necessary to reduce the Pb exposure of pregnant and lactating women in Iran. However, more extensive studies are needed to clarify the toxic metals' exposure status of infants through breast milk in other parts of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Mohammadi
- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Maryam Shafiee
- Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Nooreddin Faraji
- School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rezaeian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Occupational Environment Research Center, Medical School, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Ghaffarian-Bahraman
- Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
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7
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Zahouani T, Pultorak K, Pay F, Medina AE, El-Metwally DE. Heavy metals from donor blood and breast milk products in the NICU. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:474-476. [PMID: 33824456 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01501-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Zahouani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Katherine Pultorak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fulden Pay
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alexandre E Medina
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dina E El-Metwally
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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8
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Cherkani-Hassani A, Slaoui M, Ghanname I, Mojemmi B, Belhaj A, Kers B, Flayou M, Mouane N. Levels of mercury in Moroccan breast milk and the affecting factors: CONTAMILK study. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 127:105065. [PMID: 34687771 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.105065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the level of mercury in the breast milk of Moroccan mothers and its association with several maternal parameters and habits, and to estimate the daily intake of the newborns. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the concentrations of mercury in 70 colostrum samples. Indeed, a structured questionnaire was administrated during milk collection to report data concerning the maternal socioeconomic and anthropometric parameters, as well as dietary habits and smoking habits in the family, etc. The median of mercury in breast milk was 3,56 μg/L (range 1.64-124 μg/L) and exceeded normal levels of 1.7 μg/l, suggested by the World health organization in 99% of milk samples. Significant associations were found between mercury levels and the occurrence of previous miscarriages, anemia before pregnancy and vitamin & mineral supplementation during pregnancy, as well the frequency of consumption of cereals and the use of lipstick. The estimated daily intake was higher than the tolerable daily intake of the World health organization and the European food safety authority in 30% of newborns. These results need to be confirmed by multicenter studies to investigate the levels of mercury in the breast milk of the Moroccan population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Cherkani-Hassani
- Unit of Training and Research in Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco; Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V Rabat, Morocco.
| | | | - Imane Ghanname
- Faculty of Health Sciences, International University of Casablanca, Morocco.
| | - Brahim Mojemmi
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Abdelilah Belhaj
- Laboratory of Quality Control of Waters, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Brahim Kers
- Laboratory of Quality Control of Waters, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Majda Flayou
- Laboratory of Quality Control of Waters, National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Nezha Mouane
- Unit of Training and Research in Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco; Department of Pediatric, Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition PIII-Children's Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
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9
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Olowoyo JO, Macheka LR, Mametja PM. Health Risk Assessments of Selected Trace Elements and Factors Associated with Their Levels in Human Breast Milk from Pretoria, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9754. [PMID: 34574682 PMCID: PMC8464967 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
While breast milk is the recommended food for infants up to at least six months, exogenously derived compounds such as trace elements have been widely reported in human milk which may make it become toxic or a source of pollutants to the infants. Numerous short- and long-term health effects have been associated with high body-burdens of trace elements, which are amplified in infants. The current study determined the levels and possible contributing factors of six trace elements in breast milk of nursing mothers from a local hospital in Pretoria. Extraction of trace elements employed a digestion technique using perchloric and nitric acid in a ratio of 1:3, while Inductively Coupled Plasma-Membrane Spectrophotometry was used to identify and quantify their levels in breast milk. Concentrations of Cr and Mn were the highest in breast milk, with values ranging from 0.30 to 5.72 µg/L and 0.23 to 5.13 µg/L, respectively. Levels of Co, As, Pb and Cd ranged from
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua O. Olowoyo
- Department of Biology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, P.O Box 139, Pretoria 0204, South Africa; (L.R.M.); (P.M.M.)
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Hadei M, Shahsavani A, Hopke PK, Naseri S, Yazdanbakhsh A, Sadani M, Mesdaghinia A, Yarahmadi M, Rahmatinia M, Fallah S, Emam B, Kermani M, Jaafarzadeh N, Alipour M, Hassanzadeh V, Bazzazpour S, Nazari SSH. A systematic review and meta-analysis of human biomonitoring studies on exposure to environmental pollutants in Iran. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 212:111986. [PMID: 33540338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.111986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Population exposure to environmental contaminants can be precisely observed through human biomonitoring studies. The present study aimed to systematically review all the biomonitoring studies conducted in Iran on some selected carcinogen environmental pollutants. In this systematic review study, 11 carcinogen agents were selected including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lindane, benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), pentachlorophenol (PCP), radon-222, radium-224, - 226, - 228, and tobacco smoke. The Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English. After several screening steps, data were extracted from the studies. Meta-analyses (a random-effect model using the DerSimonian-Laired method) were performed only for the biomarkers with more than three eligible articles, including cadmium in blood and breast milk, and arsenic in breast milk. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. Of the 610 articles found in the database search, 30 studies were eligible for qualitative review, and 13 were included in the meta-analysis (cadmium in blood (n = 3), cadmium in breast milk (n = 6), and arsenic in breast milk (n = 4)). The overall pooled average concentrations (95% CI) of cadmium in blood, cadmium in breast milk, and arsenic in breast milk were 0.11 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.14), 5.38 (95% CI: 3.60, 6.96), and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.81) µg/L, respectively. These values were compared with the biomarker concentrations in other countries and health-based guideline values. This study showed that there is a need for comprehensive action plans to reduce the exposure of general population to these environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Hadei
- Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Shahsavani
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Center for Air Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
| | - Simin Naseri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Yazdanbakhsh
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sadani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Mesdaghinia
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Masoumeh Rahmatinia
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sevda Fallah
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahaaran Emam
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Kermani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nemat Jaafarzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Alipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vajihe Hassanzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriyar Bazzazpour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Saeed Hashemi Nazari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Chandravanshi L, Shiv K, Kumar S. Developmental toxicity of cadmium in infants and children: a review. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2021; 36:e2021003-0. [PMID: 33730790 PMCID: PMC8207007 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2021003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several millions of people are exposed to cadmium worldwide due to natural and anthropogenic activities that led to their widespread distribution in the environment and have shown potential adverse effects on the kidneys, liver, heart and nervous system. Recently human and animal-based studies have been shown that In utero and early life exposure to cadmium can have serious health issues that are related to the risk of developmental disabilities and other outcomes in adulthood. Since, cadmium crosses the placental barrier and reaches easily to the fetus, even moderate or high-level exposure of this metal during pregnancy could be of serious health consequences which might be reflected either in the children’s early or later stages of life. Mortality from various diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney and neurological problems, correlation with In utero or early life exposure to cadmium has been found in epidemiological studies. Animal studies with strong evidence of various diseases mostly support for the human studies, as well as suggested a myriad mechanism by which cadmium can interfere with human health and development. More studies are needed to establish the mechanism of cadmium-induced toxicity with environmentally relevant doses in childhood and later life. In this review, we provide a comprehensive examination of the literature addressing potential long- term health issues with In utero and early life exposure to cadmium, as well as correlating with human and animal exposure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit Chandravanshi
- Department of Forensic Science, College and Traffic Management- Institute of Road and Traffic Education, Faridabad - Haryana - 121010, India
| | - Kunal Shiv
- Division of Forensic Science, School of Basic & Applied Sciences, Galgotias University Greater Noida - 201306, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Forensic Science laboratory, Modinagar, Ghaziabad - 201204, India
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Mahmoudi N, Jonidi Jafari A, Moradi Y, Esrafili A. The mercury level in hair and breast milk of lactating mothers in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2020; 18:355-366. [PMID: 32399246 PMCID: PMC7203362 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-020-00460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to mercury is one of the major global health concerns due to its stability, bioaccumulation and high toxicity. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the mean mercury level in hair and breast milk (BM) of Iranian lactating mothers (ILMs) through meta-analysis technique. We conducted a systematic literature search in online electronic databases included main domestic databases (SID, Magiran, Iran medex, Medlib and ISC) and international databases (Embase, Scopus and PubMed) for studies published between 2000 up 2018. Each process of research and evaluation of articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria is done by two researchers, individually. From10 studies entered to meta-analysis process including 556 ILM, the mean hair mercury level (HML) and mean milk mercury level (MML) was estimated to be 0.15 μg/g (95 CI: 0.11-0.19, I2: 47.6%, P: 0.028) and 0.51 μg/l (95 CI: 0.28-0.74, I2: 1.9%, P: 0.421), respectively. In this meta-analysis, the mean HML and mean MML were estimated to be lower than the standard of World Health Organization (WHO). Although the mean mercury level in hair and BM of ILMs was lower than the WHO standard, but due to toxicity and serious concern of health, management and Periodic monitor are recommended in different cities of the country for evaluate the mercury levels in hair and BM of ILMs and to estimate the infant's exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norouz Mahmoudi
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Health Research Center, Life style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Jonidi Jafari
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Esrafili
- Research Center for Environmental Health Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Vollset M, Iszatt N, Enger Ø, Gjengedal ELF, Eggesbø M. Concentration of mercury, cadmium, and lead in breast milk from Norwegian mothers: Association with dietary habits, amalgam and other factors. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 677:466-473. [PMID: 31063889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) are of great concern for food safety and infants are especially sensitive to exposure to the maternal body burden. We quantified these elements in breast milk from Norwegian mothers and determined their association with dietary habits, maternal amalgam fillings, and smoking. Breast milk (n = 300) from the Norwegian Human Milk Study (HUMIS) was analyzed using triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, after an acidic decomposition using microwave technique. We used multiple linear regression to examine predictors of Hg and Cd in breast milk, and logistic regression to test predictors of Pb above the quantification limit. The median breast milk concentrations (minimum - maximum) were 0.20 μg Hg/kg (<0.058-0.89), 0.057 μg Cd/kg (0.017-1.2), and <0.67 μg Pb/kg (<0.2-7.5). Cadmium showed no significant relation with any exposure variable investigated. Lead was associated with intake of liver and kidneys from game. For Hg concentration in breast milk, number of amalgam fillings and high fish consumption were significant predictors (p < 0.001). We detected a significant association (p < 0.01) between Hg in breast milk and maternal consumption of Atlantic halibut, lean fish, mussels and scallops and lifetime consumption of crab. Seafood intake alone explained 10% of variance, while together with amalgam explained 46% of variance in Hg concentration in breast milk. Our findings emphasize the importance of following consumer advice with respect to fish and seafood and points to amalgam as an important source for Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Vollset
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway.
| | - Nina Iszatt
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Øyvind Enger
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Elin Lovise Folven Gjengedal
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway.
| | - Merete Eggesbø
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404, N-0403 Oslo, Norway.
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Pajewska-Szmyt M, Sinkiewicz-Darol E, Gadzała-Kopciuch R. The impact of environmental pollution on the quality of mother's milk. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:7405-7427. [PMID: 30687894 PMCID: PMC6447517 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04141-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Breastfeeding is a gold standard of neonate nutrition because human milk contains a lot of essential compounds crucial for proper development of a child. However, milk is also a biofluid which can contain environmental pollution, which can have effects on immune system and consequently on the various body organs. Polychlorinated biphenyls are organic pollutants which have been detected in human milk. They have lipophilic properties, so they can penetrate to fatty milk and ultimately to neonate digestive track. Another problem of interest is the presence in milk of heavy metals-arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury-as these compounds can lead to disorders in production of cytokines, which are important immunomodulators. The toxicants cause stimulation or suppression of this compounds. This can lead to health problems in children as allergy, disorders in the endocrine system, end even neurodevelopment delay and disorder. Consequently, correlations between pollutants and bioactive components in milk should be investigated. This article provides an overview of environmental pollutants found in human milk as well as of the consequences of cytokine disorder correlated with presence of heavy metals. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Pajewska-Szmyt
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin St, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 4 Wileńska St, PL-87100, Toruń, Poland
| | - Elena Sinkiewicz-Darol
- Ludwik Rydygier Provincial Polyclinic Hospital in Toruń, Human Milk Bank, Św. Józefa 53-59, 87-100, Toruń, Poland
- Human Milk Bank Foundation, 128J Podkowy St, 04-937, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Renata Gadzała-Kopciuch
- Department of Environmental Chemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Chemistry, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 7 Gagarin St, 87-100, Toruń, Poland.
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 4 Wileńska St, PL-87100, Toruń, Poland.
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15
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Cherkani-Hassani A, Ghanname I, Mouane N. Total, organic, and inorganic mercury in human breast milk: levels and maternal factors of exposure, systematic literature review, 1976-2017. Crit Rev Toxicol 2019; 49:110-121. [PMID: 30777784 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1571010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review summarizes the finding of 58 studies from 33 countries, which assessed mercury concentrations in breast milk and the factors related to the level of contamination. We performed a literature search in Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 1976 and 2017 that are monitoring and measuring mercury in human breast milk and investigating the associated factors. Then, we extracted more information about the aim of the study, the country, samples size, time of lactation, mercury concentration, and other data. Most of the studies used mature milk or colostrum for analysis and in about 60% of them, the concentrations exceed significantly the limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 1.7 µg/l; In addition, many factors and parameters were related to the level of mercury contamination in breast milk. Periodic monitoring surveys are recommended in each country to evaluate the level of mercury in milk of lactating women and to estimate the level of exposure of newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Cherkani-Hassani
- Unit of training and research in Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco.,Center of Doctoral Studies in Life Sciences and Health CEDoc-SVS, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco
| | - Imane Ghanname
- Team Research of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmacoepidemiology, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco.,Faculty of Health Sciences, International University of Casablanca , Rabat , Morocco
| | - Nezha Mouane
- Unit of training and research in Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V , Rabat , Morocco.,Department of Pediatric Hepatology Gastroenterology and Nutrition-P III, Rabat Children's Hospital , Rabat , Morocco
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16
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Samiee F, Vahidinia A, Taravati Javad M, Leili M. Exposure to heavy metals released to the environment through breastfeeding: A probabilistic risk estimation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:3075-3083. [PMID: 30373084 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Toxic heavy metals released into the environment through various anthropogenic activities, raising concerns over their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Biological monitoring studies are of great value in toxicological research for estimation of such health effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) in the breast milk of urban mothers in Hamadan city, Iran and the accompanying health risk to infants. A total of 100 lactating mothers were recruited from public health care centers in Hamadan city and breast milk samples were collected at 2, 6, 8, and 12 months postpartum. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) has been used to measure target heavy metal concentrations. The median breast milk concentrations of Pb, As, and Cr were 41.90, 0.50, and 3.95 μg/L, respectively. The highest levels of Pb were observed after two months of delivery (with the mean of 96.69 μg/L and median of 45.70 μg/L). Up to 94% of the breast milk samples exceeded the WHO limit suggested for lead contamination of breast milk (<5 μg/L). The breast milk As and Cr contents were above the limit of detection (LOD) in 19% and 76% of samples, respectively. Unacceptable non-cancer health risk levels or hazard quotient (HQ) were found for Pb and As in 61% and 10% of the samples, respectively. Nevertheless, HQ from Cr was <1.0 for 100% of breastfeeding infants. Finally, our results indicated that there may be a potential risk of toxic metals, especially lead, for infants in Hamadan via the consumption of mothers' breast milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Samiee
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Aliasghar Vahidinia
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Nutrition Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | | | - Mostafa Leili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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Vahidinia A, Samiee F, Faradmal J, Rahmani A, Taravati Javad M, Leili M. Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, and Barium Levels in Human Breast Milk and Factors Affecting Their Concentrations in Hamadan, Iran. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 187:32-40. [PMID: 29700700 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1355-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast milk is considered the best source of nutrition for all infants. However, exposure of newborns to toxic metals is of special interest due to their potential harmful effects. Thus, the primary aims of this study were to determine the concentration of toxic heavy metals including lead, mercury, cadmium, and barium in breast milk samples from Hamadan, Iran, in relation to some sociodemographic variables. A total of 100 breast milk samples were collected and their heavy metal contents were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The median breast milk concentrations of Pb, Hg, and Ba were 41.9, 2.8, and 1.95 μg/L, respectively. Cd levels were < 1 μg/L in all samples. The Pb level in 94% of the samples was higher than the recommended Pb limit of < 5 μg/L in breast milk suggested by World Health Organization (WHO). Hg levels in 54% of the breast milk samples were higher than the normal mean concentration (1.7 μg/L) suggested by WHO. We found no correlation between Hg levels in breast milk and sociodemographic factors. Ba levels in all the breast milk samples were lower than the WHO's proposed health-based drinking water guideline (0.7 mg/L). Considering the results of the present study and the vulnerability of infants, along with the well-known toxicity of these metals, further studies are warranted to identify the main sources of exposure that contribute their concentration in breast milk, establish harmless intake values of toxic metals in breast milk, and develop preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliasghar Vahidinia
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, Nutrition Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fateme Samiee
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Javad Faradmal
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Alireza Rahmani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Taravati Javad
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mostafa Leili
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
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18
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Khanjani N, Jafari M, Ahmadi Mousavi E. Breast milk contamination with lead and cadmium and its related factors in Kerman, Iran. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 2018; 16:323-335. [PMID: 30729003 PMCID: PMC6277342 DOI: 10.1007/s40201-018-0320-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy metals may be carcinogenic and have serious health effects in humans. In this study, levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in human milk samples from Kerman, Iran were evaluated. METHODS One-hundred breast milk samples were collected from mothers visiting 20 maternal and child care centers. Demographic, diet and smoking data was collected for each mother. Samples were analyzed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Statistical analysis was done in Minitab15, through non-parametric methods, Spearman's correlation and chi-square. RESULTS The mean ± sd of Pb and Cd was 53.6 ± 64.9 and 8.01 ± 15.5 μg/L respectively. The median (25-75 percentiles) of Pb and Cd was 34.00 (4.00-81.75) and 5.00 (4.00-7.00) μg/L; 6 and 17% of infants were receiving higher than recommended levels of lead and cadmium respectively. Mothers who took fat off their meat before eating and mothers who had a vaginal delivery had higher levels of Cd than others (p value = 0.04, 0.002). Non-primiparous mothers and those who consumed more yogurt had higher levels of Pb (p value = 0.011, 0.025). CONCLUSION Lead and cadmium contamination was considerable among mothers' in Kerman, Iran. There is a need for decreasing the current levels in food, air, water and other consumer products such as cosmetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Khanjani
- Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Monash Centre for Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majideh Jafari
- Department of Health Education, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Effat Ahmadi Mousavi
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran
- School of Science, International Center of Science, High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Mahan, Kerman, Iran
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19
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Khan S, Ismail A, Gong YY, Akhtar S, Hussain M. Concentration of Aflatoxin M 1 and selected heavy metals in mother milk samples from Pakistan. Food Control 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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20
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Park Y, Lee A, Choi K, Kim HJ, Lee JJ, Choi G, Kim S, Kim SY, Cho GJ, Suh E, Kim SK, Eun SH, Eom S, Kim S, Kim GH, Moon HB, Kim S, Choi S, Kim YD, Kim J, Park J. Exposure to lead and mercury through breastfeeding during the first month of life: A CHECK cohort study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 612:876-883. [PMID: 28886539 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury and lead are naturally occurring toxicants and are responsible for various health issues including neurobehavioral and developmental disorders. Because of crucial synchronized developmental processes occurring at the early stage of life, infancy and childhood are considered as among the most susceptible windows to the exposure to these metals. Breastmilk is often the only source of nutrition during the first months of life. As breastmilk can be contaminated with these metals, breastfeeding may serve as a significant route of heavy metal exposure among infants. In order to understand current levels of exposure to mercury and lead through breastfeeding, and their associated risks, a total of 157 lactating mothers were recruited from Children's Health and Environmental Chemicals of Korea (CHECK) cohort, and breastmilk samples were collected at 15 and 30days after delivery (n=207). Mercury was detected from 100% of breastmilk with a median concentration of 0.59μg/L, and lead was detected in 77% of the samples with a median at 4.71μg/L. Higher concentrations of lead were found in the 30- day breastmilk than in the 15-day. Up to 45% of the breastmilk samples exceeded the normal range of the breastmilk lead suggested by WHO. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, about 71% of 15days old infants and 56% of 30days old infants were estimated at risk due to lead exposure through breastfeeding. Considering vulnerability of infants and well-known neurological toxicity of these metals, further studies to identify major exposure sources that contribute the lead concentration in breastmilk and health implication of early life stage exposure to lead among the breastfed infants are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea; Chemtopia, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram Lee
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungho Choi
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hai-Joong Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Jae Lee
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuyeon Choi
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjoo Kim
- College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Young Kim
- College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum Joon Cho
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsook Suh
- College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Koo Kim
- College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Hee Eun
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyong Eom
- College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyo Kim
- College of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Gun-Ha Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Bang Moon
- Department of Marine Sciences and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungkyoon Kim
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooran Choi
- College of Medicine, Inha University, Inchoen, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Don Kim
- School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Changwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Kim
- Hankook General Hospital, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongim Park
- College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Republic of Korea.
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Bassil M, Daou F, Hassan H, Yamani O, Kharma JA, Attieh Z, Elaridi J. Lead, cadmium and arsenic in human milk and their socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants in Lebanon. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 191:911-921. [PMID: 29145136 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.10.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure of newborns to toxic metals is of special interest due to their reported contamination in breast milk and potential harm. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence and factors associated with lead, cadmium and arsenic contamination in breast milk collected from lactating mothers in Lebanon. METHODS A total of 74 breast milk samples were collected from primaparas according to guidelines set by the World Health Organization. A survey was administered to determine the demographic and anthropometric characteristics of participating lactating mothers. Dietary habits were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The milk samples were analyzed for the presence of arsenic, cadmium and lead using microwave-assisted digestion and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS Arsenic contamination was found in 63.51% of breast milk samples (mean 2.36 ± 1.95 μg/L) whereas cadmium and lead were detected in 40.54% and 67.61% of samples respectively (means 0.87 ± 1.18 μg/L and 18.18 ± 13.31 μg/L). Regression analysis indicated that arsenic contamination was associated with cereal and fish intake (p = 0.013 and p = 0.042 respectively). Residence near cultivation activities (p = 0.008), smoking status before pregnancy (p = 0.046), potato consumption (p = 0.046) and education level (p = 0.041) were associated with lead contamination. Cadmium contamination was significantly associated with random smoke exposure (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Our study is the first in Lebanon to report toxic metal contamination in breast milk. Although estimated weekly infant intake of these metals from breast milk was found to be lower than the limit set by international guidelines, our results highlight the need for developing strategies to protect infants from exposure to these hazardous substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Bassil
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Farah Daou
- Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, American University of Science and Technology, Achrafieh, 16-6452, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Hassan
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Osama Yamani
- Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, American University of Science and Technology, Achrafieh, 16-6452, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Abi Kharma
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Zouheir Attieh
- Department of Laboratory Science and Technology, American University of Science and Technology, Achrafieh, 16-6452, Lebanon
| | - Jomana Elaridi
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, 1102-2801, Lebanon.
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22
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Klein LD, Breakey AA, Scelza B, Valeggia C, Jasienska G, Hinde K. Concentrations of trace elements in human milk: Comparisons among women in Argentina, Namibia, Poland, and the United States. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183367. [PMID: 28817665 PMCID: PMC5560670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human milk contains essential micronutrients for growth and development during early life. Environmental pollutants, such as potentially toxic metals, can also be transferred to the infant through human milk. These elements have been well-studied, but changing diets and environments and advances in laboratory technology require re-examining these elements in a variety of settings. The aim of this study was to characterize the concentrations of essential and toxic metals in human milk from four diverse populations. Human milk samples (n = 70) were collected in Argentina (n = 21), Namibia (n = 6), Poland (n = 23), and the United States (n = 20) using a standardized mid-feed collection procedure. Milk concentrations of calcium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, lead, arsenic, and cadmium were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We used standard multiple linear regression models to evaluate differences among populations, while including infant age, infant sex, and maternal parity status (multiparous or primiparous) as covariates. Concentrations of all elements, except zinc, varied across populations after controlling for infant age, infant sex, and maternal parity. Calcium and magnesium showed more differences across populations than iron or copper. There were no significant differences among population in zinc concentrations. Mean concentrations of lead, but not arsenic, were low compared to recently published values from other populations. The concentrations of trace elements in human milk are variable among populations. Limitations due to small sample sizes and environmental contamination of some samples prevent us from drawing robust conclusions about the causes of these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D. Klein
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alicia A. Breakey
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brooke Scelza
- Department of Anthropology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Claudia Valeggia
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Grazyna Jasienska
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katie Hinde
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
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23
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Cherkani-Hassani A, Ghanname I, Mouane N. Assessment of cadmium levels in human breast milk and the affecting factors: A systematic review, 1971-2014. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2017; 57:2377-2391. [PMID: 26732189 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1057633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is a first systematic review summarizing 43 years of research from 36 countries for the assessment of cadmium in breast milk, a suitable matrix in human biomonitoring. OBJECTIVES To report from the published literature the levels of cadmium in breast milk, and the affecting factors causing increase in cadmium concentrations. In addition, to gather several quantitative data that might be useful to evaluate the international degrees of maternal and infant exposure. METHODS We reviewed the literature published between 1971 and 2014, available on Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, reporting quantitative data about cadmium levels in human breast milk. Information about the aim of the study, name of the country, period of collection of samples, size of samples, sampling method, time of lactation, mother's age, area of residence, cadmium concentration, and other data were extracted. RESULTS Sixty-seven studies were selected and included in this systematic review. Some concentrations greatly exceed the limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO); however, about 50% of the studies had less than 1 µg/L cadmium concentration (recommended by the WHO); as well as many factors have shown their implication in breast milk contamination. CONCLUSIONS Breast milk is a pathway of maternal excretion of cadmium. It is also a biological indicator of the degree of environmental pollution and cadmium exposure of the lactating woman and the nourished infant. Therefore, preventive measures and continuous monitoring are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Cherkani-Hassani
- a Unit of Training and Research in Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University , Rabat , Morocco.,b Center of Doctoral Studies in Life Sciences and Health CEDoc-SVS, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University , Rabat , Morocco
| | - Imane Ghanname
- c Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University , Rabat , Morocco
| | - Nezha Mouane
- a Unit of Training and Research in Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University , Rabat , Morocco.,d Department of Pediatric Hepatology , Gastroenterology and Nutrition -- P III, Rabat Children's Hospital , Rabat , Morocco
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Bansa DK, Awua AK, Boatin R, Adom T, Brown-Appiah EC, Amewosina KK, Diaba A, Datoghe D, Okwabi W. Cross-sectional assessment of infants' exposure to toxic metals through breast milk in a prospective cohort study of mining communities in Ghana. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:505. [PMID: 28545513 PMCID: PMC5445457 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4403-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although breastfeeding of infants is recommended globally, the fact that maternal toxic metal stores are mobilised into breast milk implies infants, whose mothers live and work in mining communities, are at risk of multiple exposure to mining related toxic metals, such as Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As), through breast milk intake, in addition to in utero exposure. Method A total of 114 mother-baby pairs, recruited from two community hospitals servicing mining communities in two different regions in Ghana (57 each), were involved in this study. When the babies were 3 months old, the amount of breast milk intake, concentrations of selected toxic metals in the breast milk and therefore the amount of toxic metals exposure through breast milk were determined. The study also, determined the amount of these toxic metals in the hair and urine of each mother-baby pair at 3 months postpartum. Results Based on the amounts of milk intake and non-milk oral intakes (geometric mean of 0.701 (95% CL 0.59–0.81) Kg/day and median of 0.22 Kg/day respectively), 90% of the babies were determined to have been exclusively breastfed. The amounts of most of the toxic metals in breast milk were higher than the WHO set limits and for 46.4%, 33.3% and 4.4% of the babies, their intake of As, Hg and Pb respectively were above the WHO provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) values. Conclusion An appreciable proportion of babies living within the communities served by the Mangoasi Community Hospital in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region and the Dompime Health Centre in the Tarkwa Municipality of the Western Region were exposed to Hg, As and Pb through breast milk in excess of what they should and these may have health implication for the infants and therefore calls for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kwaku Bansa
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adolf Kofi Awua
- Cellular and Clinical Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Rose Boatin
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Theodosia Adom
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Edward Christian Brown-Appiah
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kennedy Kwame Amewosina
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akusika Diaba
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dominic Datoghe
- Nutrition Research Centre, Radiological and Medical Sciences Research Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
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Kunter İ, Hürer N, Gülcan HO, Öztürk B, Doğan İ, Şahin G. Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 and Heavy Metal Levels in Mothers Breast Milk in Famagusta, Cyprus. Biol Trace Elem Res 2017; 175:42-49. [PMID: 27250496 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0750-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast milk contributes towards optimal nutrition for infants. However, studies showed that it can also contain different toxins and heavy metals, which reduce its health benefits. The aim of this study is to determine the level of contaminants such as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), Pb, Cd, As, and Hg in breast milk samples from Famagusta, Cyprus. Correlations between moldy food consumption, smoking habits of the mothers, and contaminant levels in breast milk were also investigated. Breast milk samples from 50 lactating mothers in rural and urban areas of Famagusta District were analyzed for AFM1 by ELISA. Eighty percent of them were found to be contaminated with AFM1 with the mean measurement of 7.84 ± 1.72 ng/l. Socio-demographic status, moldy food consumption habits, and smoking status do not have any effect on the AFM1 levels observed in breast milk. Heavy metal levels in breast milk were examined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the mean measurements were1.19 ± 1.53 ppm for Pb, 0.73 ± 0.58 ppm for As, 0 ± 0.20 ppm for Hg, and 0.45 ± 0.23 ppm for Cd. This study indicates that the levels of these contaminants in breast milk samples obtained in Famagusta District are well within the acceptable levels. However, the presence of AFM1 and heavy metals still may pose risks for infant health.
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Affiliation(s)
- İmge Kunter
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Famagusta, 99628, Turkey.
| | - Nazife Hürer
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Famagusta, 99628, Turkey
| | - Hayrettin Ozan Gülcan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Famagusta, 99628, Turkey
| | - Barış Öztürk
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Faculty of Health Sciences, Biruni University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - İrfan Doğan
- Uzman Expert Quality Education Consultancy and Laboratory Services, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gönül Şahin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Famagusta, 99628, Turkey
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Tavakkoli L, Khanjani N. Environmental and occupational exposure to cadmium in Iran: a systematic review. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2016; 31:457-463. [PMID: 27902453 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2016-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cadmium (Cd) is one of the heavy metals that have negative effects on human health. In Iran, there is no policy to regularly measure Cd in the general population. However, some studies have been performed on special groups and in different cities of Iran. This paper has reviewed these studies and human contamination levels in Iran. METHOD AND MATERIALS All accessible electronic information resources such as Scientific Information Database (SID), Magiran, IranMedex, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar and Science Direct were searched, with relevant phrases and their Persian translations. The search included all studies conducted in Iran and listed in the databases until March 15, 2016. RESULTS Eventually, 18 articles were selected from 25 retrieved articles. Cd was higher among industrial workers exposed to Cd. In the general population, Cd was higher among smokers and in people with environmental exposure from living in industrial areas. CONCLUSION Considering the high Cd contamination in the workers of industries, it seems to be necessary to do surveillance in this group through periodic regular check-ups and avoiding unnecessary exposure to Cd as much as possible. Also due to the high concentration of Cd in smokers, there should be more awareness of the damaging effects of smoking, especially among pregnant women, and more attention to local industries, especially those dealing with Cd, is necessary. These industries should be kept at a safe distance from residential areas.
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Kelishadi R, Hasanghaliaei N, Poursafa P, Keikha M, Ghannadi A, Yazdi M, Rahimi E. A randomized controlled trial on the effects of jujube fruit on the concentrations of some toxic trace elements in human milk. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016; 21:108. [PMID: 28250785 PMCID: PMC5322685 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.193499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate the concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic in the human milk, and to assess the effect of jujube fruit consumption by lactating mothers in reducing the concentration of these heavy metals in their milk. MATERIALS AND METHODS This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2014 among forty postpartum mothers in Isfahan, the second largest and polluted city in Iran. Mothers were randomized into two groups; the intervention group received 15 g/day of fresh jujube fruit, and the controls received routine care for 8 weeks. RESULTS In the beginning, the concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic were high, without significant difference between groups. The mean (standard deviation) concentrations of lead, cadmium, and arsenic were 29.49 (16.6), 4.65 (3.51), and 1.23 (0.63) μg/L, respectively. The smoothed empirical distribution of environmental pollutants showed that in both groups the mean values and variance of toxic metals decreased after 8 weeks, with a sharper decline in the intervention group. Quantile regression analysis showed that in the intervention group, lead concentration decreased by 2.54 μg/L at the 90th quintile, and cadmium decreased by 0.19 μg/Lat 75th quintile; without significant change in arsenic level. The corresponding figures were not significant in the control group. CONCLUSION The concentrations of heavy metals were high in human milk, and the consumption of jujube fruit had some beneficial effects in reducing these harmful elements. Pregnant and lactating mothers should be advised to reduce their exposure to environmental pollutants, and consumption of some natural medicinal foods can be useful in reducing the concentration of pollutants in human milk. Because of numerous benefits of breast milk, in spite of the existence of some toxic trace elements, breastfeeding must be encouraged because such contaminants are also found in water and formula. The impact of the current findings on the primary prevention of chronic disease should be determined in future longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Kelishadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Najmeh Hasanghaliaei
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parinaz Poursafa
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Keikha
- Department of Epidemiology, Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghannadi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Yazdi
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Rahimi
- Department of Food Hygiene, Young Researchers Club, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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Rebelo FM, Caldas ED. Arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium: Toxicity, levels in breast milk and the risks for breastfed infants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:671-688. [PMID: 27619212 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Metals are ubiquitous in nature, being found in all environmental compartments, and have a variety of applications in human activities. Metals are transferred by maternal blood to the fetus via the placenta, and exposure continues throughout life. For the general population, exposure comes mainly from water and food consumption, including breast milk. In this paper, we reviewed studies on the toxicity of arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium, the toxic metals of most concern to human health, focusing on the potential risks to newborns and infants. A total of 75 studies published since 2000 reporting the levels of these metals in breast milk were reviewed. Lead was the metal most investigated in breast milk (43 studies), and for which the highest levels were reported (up to 1515µg/L). Arsenic was the least investigated (18 studies), with higher levels reported for breast milk (up to 149µg/L) collected in regions with high arsenic concentrations in water (>10µg/L). Data from 34 studies on mercury showed that levels in breast milk were generally higher in populations with high fish consumption, where it may be present mainly as MeHg. Cadmium levels in breast milk were the lowest, with means <2µg/L in most of the 29 studies reviewed. Results of risk assessments indicated that the intake of arsenic, lead and mercury by infants through breastfeeding can be considered a health concern in most regions of the world. Although the potential risks to infants are mostly outweighed by the benefits of breast milk consumption, it is essential that contaminants be continuously monitored, especially in the most critical regions, and that measures be implemented by health authorities to reduce exposure of newborns and infants to these metals, and thus avoid unnecessary health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Maciel Rebelo
- Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency, University of Brasilia, 70910-900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Dutra Caldas
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Brasilia, 70910-900 Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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Olszowski T, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Rębacz-Maron E, Gutowska I, Jamioł D, Prokopowicz A, Goschorska M, Chlubek D. Cadmium Concentration in Mother's Blood, Milk, and Newborn's Blood and Its Correlation with Fatty Acids, Anthropometric Characteristics, and Mother's Smoking Status. Biol Trace Elem Res 2016; 174:8-20. [PMID: 27040674 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-016-0683-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine cadmium concentration in mothers' blood, milk, and newborns' blood from Szczecin (Poland) as a result of environmental cadmium exposure and evaluate the correlation (1) between cadmium levels in analyzed matrices, (2) between cadmium and fatty acids in those matrices, and (3) between cadmium and some selected personal variables, such as anthropometric characteristics, mothers' smoking status, and fruit and fish consumption by mothers. The concentration of cadmium in whole blood and milk of mothers and in the umbilical cord blood of newborns was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace atomization and Zeeman correction. The fatty acid concentrations were determined by gas chromatography in our previous study. The mean concentrations of cadmium in maternal blood, newborn's blood, and breast milk were 0.61 ± 0.62 μg/L, 0.05 ± 0.04 μg/L, and 0.11 ± 0.07 μg/L, respectively, and differed significantly between analyzed matrices. Cadmium concentrations in the umbilical cord blood were 15 % (range 0-83 %) of the concentration in maternal blood, whereas cadmium concentrations in breast milk constituted 35 % (range 3-142 %) of the concentration in mothers' blood. No correlation was found between cadmium levels in three analyzed matrices. The correlation analysis revealed significant low positive correlation between maternal blood cadmium concentrations and concentrations of elaidic, oleic, and cis-vaccenic acids in mothers' milk (correlation coefficients 0.30, 0.32, and 0.31, respectively). Mothers' blood cadmium correlated with mothers' age (r = -0.26, p = 0.03), maternal smoking before pregnancy (r = 0.55, p < 0.000), maternal smoking during pregnancy (r = 0.58, p < 0.000), and fruit consumption by mothers after delivery (r = -0.44, p = 0.003). Mothers' height was the only variable that correlated significantly with breast milk cadmium levels. Newborns' blood cadmium concentrations correlated significantly with mothers' height (r = 0.28, p = 0.02), newborns' birth weight (r = 0.26, p = 0.03), maternal smoking during pregnancy (r = 0.24, p = 0.048), and fish consumption by mothers after delivery (r = 0.37, p = 0.02). The concentrations of cadmium in Polish mother-newborn pairs are among the lowest in Europe and within the norms established by different institutions. The results of our study confirm the existence of effective partial barriers (such as the placenta and mammary gland) restricting cadmium passage from mother to newborn. The significant positive correlations between maternal blood Cd and concentrations of oleic, elaidic, and cis-vaccenic acids in breast milk might suggest the increased cadmium toxicity to infant, taking into consideration even low cadmium passage to milk. Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases both maternal and newborn's blood cadmium level. Promotion of nonsmoking among pregnant women could substantially reduce prenatal and neonatal exposure to cadmium. Moreover, the results of our study point to the need of establishing complex biomonitoring of cadmium in mother-infant pairs in order to better protect children from this toxic and carcinogenic metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Olszowski
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Str., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Str., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Ewa Rębacz-Maron
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Anthropology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13 Str., 71-415, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Izabela Gutowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 24 Str., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dominika Jamioł
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 24 Str., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Adam Prokopowicz
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Kościelna 13 Str., 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Marta Goschorska
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Str., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Chlubek
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Str., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
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Edem VF, Akintunde K, Adelaja YA, Nwozo SO, Charles-Davies M. Zinc, lead, and cadmium levels in serum and milk of lactating women in Ibadan, Nigeria. Toxicol Ind Health 2016; 33:28-35. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233716661073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is known to interact with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) reversing their toxicity and reducing their concentrations. However, lactating women are at high risk of developing Zn deficiency, which may result in Pb and Cd intoxication or increased exposure of breast-fed infants to Pb and Cd from breast milk. The aim of this study was to determine Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations and examine their relationship in serum and breast milk of lactating women in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ninety-two lactating women were recruited into this study. Anthropometric measurements were assessed by standard methods while serum and breast milk concentrations of Zn, Pb, and Cd were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data analyzed statistically by Student’s t test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and a multiple regression model were significant at p < 0.05. Zn deficiency was observed in 12 (17.1%) of lactating women. Breast milk levels of Zn, Pb, and Cd were significantly higher than their levels in serum, whereas the ratios Zn:Pb and Zn:Cd in milk were significantly less than serum ratios. Significant negative correlation was observed between milk Pb and serum Zn:Pb while milk Cd correlated positively with milk Zn. Significant positive correlations were observed between serum Zn and serum Zn:Pb, serum Zn and serum Zn:Cd, as well as serum Zn:Cd and serum Zn:Pb. Serum Cd and serum Zn were significantly negatively related. Significant negative correlations between serum Pb and serum Zn:Pb as well as milk Zn:Pb. Serum Cd and serum Zn:Pb as well as serum Zn:Cd correlated negatively. Milk Cd and Zn/Cd positively related with milk Pb while milk Zn was a negatively related with milk Pb in a multiple regression model ( R2 = 0.333; p = 0.023). Breast milk may be contaminated by toxic metals. However, Zn supplementation in deficient mothers may protect maternal and infant health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah O Nwozo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Al-Saleh I, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rouqi R, Eltabache C, Al-Rajudi T, Elkhatib R, Nester M. The extent of mercury (Hg) exposure among Saudi mothers and their respective infants. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:678. [PMID: 26450688 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A total of 1016 healthy Saudi mothers and their respective infants (aged 3-12 months) were recruited from 57 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate the extent of mercury (Hg) exposure and predict its sources in the healthy Saudi population. Total Hg levels were measured in maternal urine, breast milk, blood, and hair and in the infants' urine and hair. Only 1.9% of the mothers had urinary Hg (UHg)>10 μg/l, the limit for asymptomatic adults recommended by the World Health Organization, but the median (0.99 μg/l) was higher than in other countries. Also, 49.3% of the mothers had UHg>1 μg/l, the German reference value for adults. Median infant UHg was 0.729 μg/l, and 77 and 93 % of the infants had levels higher than 0.4 and 0.1 μg/l, the reference values of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and for Germany, respectively. The median Hg level in breast milk was 0.884 μg/l. Even though 43.2% of the milk samples were above the background level for Hg in human milk (1 μg/l), our results were lower than those reported from other countries. Median maternal total Hg in blood was 0.637 μg/l, and only 0.4 and 6.9% of samples were higher than the Hg reference levels of 5.8 μg/l of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and of 2 μg/l for Germany, respectively. Total Hg levels in hair (HHg) varied widely among mothers and infants, but only 3.9% of the mothers and 2.8% of the infants had HHg>1 μg/g (the EPA reference level). Median HHg values were 0.117 μg/g dry weight in mothers and 0.1 μg/g dry weight in infants; both were lower than in other countries. The Hg levels in mothers and their respective infants were relatively low, but our results were consistent with other studies indicating that dental amalgam fillings and fish consumption were the main predictors of maternal Hg exposure. Among the several biomarkers of Hg exposure, Hg levels in maternal hair and urine were the strongest predictors of infant exposure. The lack of an association between Hg in breast milk and Hg in infant urine and hair suggested that the infants were exposed to Hg predominately during pregnancy rather than during breastfeeding. We expect that our data can serve as a baseline for further biomonitoring and follow-up studies, particularly of the long-term impact of Hg on childhood neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mai Abduljabbar
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al-Rouqi
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chafica Eltabache
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreer Al-Rajudi
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rola Elkhatib
- Environmental Health Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Nester
- Department of Neurosciences, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Ferreira SL, Lemos VA, Silva LO, Queiroz AF, Souza AS, da Silva EG, dos Santos WN, das Virgens CF. Analytical strategies of sample preparation for the determination of mercury in food matrices — A review. Microchem J 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Frazzoli C, Bocca B, Mantovani A. The One Health Perspective in Trace Elements Biomonitoring. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2015; 18:344-370. [PMID: 26691900 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2015.1085473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Health risks in both animals and humans are associated with chronic exposures to levels of trace elements (TE) eliciting toxic and/or antinutritional effects, including excess exposures to some essential elements. Interferences with essential TE may also lead to secondary nutritional deficiencies and/or imbalances. Although research is still required, biomarkers of exposure, including bioavailability, for TE are established tools for human biomonitoring that can also be applied to animal surveillance. Biomarkers of effect as well as, where available, of susceptibility and bioavailability are necessary to understand whether an ongoing exposure may pose a current or future health concern. In the field of animal health the use of biomarkers is less developed and less widespread than in human health; however, under a One Health perspective, animal biomonitoring can provide important information on the interfaces among humans, animals, and the environment, supporting the prevention and management of health risks. Therefore, a transfer of knowledge from human biomonitoring to farm or free-ranging animals is critical in a risk assessment framework from farm to humans. Advantages and critical aspects in designing and conducting integrative biomonitoring activities in humans and animals were critically reviewed focusing on biomarkers of exposure, effect, susceptibility, and bioavailability for toxic and essential TE. Highlighted aspects include TE metabolism, bioaccessibility, and interactions. Farm or free-ranging animals may provide noninvasive matrices suitable for evaluating animal welfare, environmental stressors, food safety, and potential risks for human health, as proposed by the interdisciplinary concept of One Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Frazzoli
- a External Relations Office , Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Beatrice Bocca
- b Bioelements and Health Unit, Department of Environment and Primary Prevention , Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- c Food and Veterinary Toxicology Unit, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety , Istituto Superiore di Sanità , Rome , Italy
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Derflerová Brázdová Z, Pomerleau J, Fiala J, Vorlová L, Müllerová D. Heavy Metals in Hair Samples: a Pilot Study of Anaemic Children in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Cent Eur J Public Health 2014; 22:273-6. [DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a4003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Cardoso OO, Julião FC, Alves RIS, Baena AR, Díez IG, Suzuki MN, Celere BS, Nadal M, Domingo JL, Segura-Muñoz SI. Concentration profiles of metals in breast milk, drinking water, and soil: relationship between matrices. Biol Trace Elem Res 2014; 160:116-22. [PMID: 24881955 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-0030-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn were determined in breast milk of women living in Conceição das Alagoas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The potential relationships between metal levels in samples of breast milk, drinking water, and soils collected in the study area were also established. Metal levels in breast milk, except Cr, were lower in comparison to WHO reference concentrations. Zinc was the predominant element in breast milk and drinking water samples, with a median level of 46.2 and 82.2 μg · L(-1), respectively. Soils presented a different pattern of metal concentrations with respect to those found in breast milk and drinking water, Chromium showed the highest median levels (148 mg · kg(-1)), while a certain predominance of Zn and Cu was also observed (47.0 and 43.0 mg · kg(-1), respectively). Similar profiles were observed when comparing metal concentrations in drinking water and breast milk (chi-square χ(2) = 14.36; p < 0.05). In contrast, breast milk-soil and drinking water-soil metal concentration profiles showed significant differences (χ(2) = 635.05 and χ(2) = 721.78, respectively; p < 0.05). These results indicate that drinking water is an important exposure pathway for metals to newborns through breast milk. Further studies should be aimed at assessing the body burdens of metals in that population and at evaluating the potential relationships in the concentrations in biological and environmental matrices as well as at estimating the contribution of dietary intake of metals. In addition, the presence of other chemical pollutants in breast milk should be also studied in order to assess the combined newborn exposure to other contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmar O Cardoso
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Federal University of the Piauí, Teresina, Brazil, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portela, SG-8, 64049-550, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil
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Abstract
Mother's milk is the fundamental food for infants. It contains proteins, fat, carbohydrates and essential metals which are necessary to ensure correct functioning of the organism. Unfortunately, breast milk is a potential source of toxic metals, which are dangerous for a baby. In Poland, previous research concerning the content of metals in breast milk was very scarce or its results were unavailable. The present study aimed at assessing the content of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in human breast milk, as well as estimating the mean weekly intake of these metals by breast-fed infants from Poland. The average concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were 2.114 μg/l, 6.331 μg/l, 0.137 mg/l and 1.623 mg/l, respectively. The admissible levels of supply of these toxic metals has not been exceeded, but their contents were high, particularly in 6-month-old infants (nearly 85 % TWI for Cd and nearly 70 % BMDL₀₁ for Pb). The daily intake of Cu and Zn did not fully satisfy the infant's requirements determined by Polish standards and WHO recommendations. Since the lifestyle of lactating women has a direct influence on the content of these elements in breast milk, women should be educated in this respect with particular focus on eliminating tobacco smoking, both by breastfeeding mothers and by their direct environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Winiarska-Mieczan
- Department of Bromatology and Food Physiology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland,
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Lara PCP, Silveira JN, Neto WB, Beinner MA, da Silva JBB. Use of Multivariate Optimization to Develop Methods for Direct Copper and Lead Determination in Breast Milk by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-013-9682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Al-Saleh I, Abduljabbar M, Al-Rouqi R, Elkhatib R, Alshabbaheen A, Shinwari N. Mercury (Hg) exposure in breast-fed infants and their mothers and the evidence of oxidative stress. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 153:145-54. [PMID: 23661328 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-013-9687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to assess exposure to mercury (Hg) and its induction of oxidative stress in 155 healthy lactating Saudi mothers and their infants. Samples of breast milk and blood were collected from the mothers, while urine was taken from both infants and mothers. Both urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in mothers and infants as biomarkers of oxidative stress. The mean concentration of Hg in breast milk was 1.19 μg/L (range 0.012-6.44 μg/L) with only one mother having Hg >4 μg/L, the upper limit established by the US Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry. However, 57.4 % had Hg ≥1 μg/L, the background level for Hg in human milk. The mean urinary Hg corrected for creatinine (Hg-C) in mothers and infants was 1.47 and 7.90 μg/g creatinine, respectively, with a significant correlation between the two (p < 0.001). Urinary Hg levels over 5 μg/g creatinine (the background level in an unexposed population) were found in 3.3 % of mothers and 50.1 % of infants. None of the mothers had total blood Hg above the US Environmental Protection Agency's maximum reference dose of 5.8 μg/L. No correlation was noted between urinary Hg in infants and Hg in breast milk (p > 0.05). Hg in breast milk, though, was associated with Hg in blood (p < 0.001), suggesting the efficient transfer of Hg from blood to milk. Hg in the breast milk of mothers and in the urine of infants affected the excretion of urinary MDA and 8-OHdG, respectively, in a dose-related manner. These findings reveal for the first time lactational exposure to Hg-induced oxidative stress in breast-fed infants, which may play a role in pathogenesis, particularly during neurodevelopment. This will also contribute to the debate over the benefits of breast milk versus the adverse effects of exposure to pollutants. Nevertheless, breastfeeding should not be discouraged, but efforts should be made to identify and eliminate the source of Hg exposure in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Al-Saleh
- Environmental Health Section, Biological and Medical Research Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box: 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia.
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Vieira SM, de Almeida R, Holanda IBB, Mussy MH, Galvão RCF, Crispim PTB, Dórea JG, Bastos WR. Total and methyl-mercury in hair and milk of mothers living in the city of Porto Velho and in villages along the Rio Madeira, Amazon, Brazil. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2013; 216:682-9. [PMID: 23340120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2012.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
High fish consumption and extended breastfeeding are hallmarks of traditional lifestyle in Western Amazonia. We studied sources of mercury exposure, fish-methylmercury (meHg) and dental-amalgam filling, in 75 urban and 82 rural lactating mothers. Total mercury was determined in all samples while meHg concentrations were determined in subsamples of milk (45) and hair (27) of urban mothers living in Porto Velho (PV) and in hair (46) and milk (37) of mothers living in traditional communities (TC) of the Rio Madeira. The TC mothers showed significantly higher median hair-Hg concentrations (8.2μgg(-1)) than PV mothers (1.3μgg(-1)). Median total Hg in milk of PV mothers (0.36ngg(-1)) was significantly lower (p=0.0000) than that found in milk of TC mothers (2.30ngg(-1)). The median meHg concentrations in milk of TC mothers were also significantly higher (1.0ngg(-1)) than in milk of PV mothers (0.07ngg(-1)). For urban mothers with low fish consumption rates (and relatively higher dental amalgam fillings) the proportion of inorganic Hg in milk was higher (85%) than in TC (62%). In TC mothers 51% of breast milk Hg concentrations were above 2ngg(-1) (world median concentrations), contrasting with 8% in PV mothers. Despite this, there was no significant correlation between total Hg concentrations in milk and either amalgam filling or daily fish consumption. Socioeconomic changes occurring in Western Amazonia are causing changes in fish-eating habits of urban mothers. However, traditional lifestyle and attendant high fish consumption in riverine populations can still impact total Hg and methylmercury concentrations in mothers' milk and hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange M Vieira
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Ambiental Wolfgang Christian Pfeiffer, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
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