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Slawsky ED, Weaver AM, Luben TJ, Rappazzo KM. Lead brownfields and birth defects in North Carolina 2003-2015: A cross-sectional case-control study. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2367. [PMID: 39136602 PMCID: PMC11328954 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brownfields consist of abandoned and disused sites, spanning many former purposes. Brownfields represent a heterogenous yet ubiquitous exposure for many Americans, which may contain hazardous wastes and represent urban blight. Neonates and pregnant individuals are often sensitive to subtle environmental exposures. We evaluate if residential exposure to lead (Pb) brownfields is associated with birth defects. METHODS Using North Carolina birth records from 2003 to 2015, we sampled 169,499 births within 10 km of a Pb brownfield with 3255 cardiovascular, central nervous, or external defects identified. Exposure was classified by binary specification of residing within 3 km of a Pb brownfield. We utilized multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for demographic covariates available from birth records and 2010 Census to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Effect measure modification was assessed by inclusion of interaction terms and stratification for the potential modifiers of race/ethnicity and diabetes status. RESULTS We observed positive associations between cardiovascular birth defects and residential proximity to Pb brownfields, OR (95%CI): 1.15 (1.04, 1.26), with suggestive positive associations for central nervous 1.16 (0.91, 1.47) and external defects 1.19 (0.88, 1.59). We did observe evidence of effect measure modification via likelihood ratio tests (LRT) for race/ethnicity for central nervous and external defect groups (LRT p values 0.08 and 0.02). We did observe modification by diabetes status for the cardiovascular group (LRT p value 0.08). CONCLUSIONS Our results from this analysis indicate that residential proximity to Pb brownfields is associated with cardiovascular birth defects with suggestive associations for central nervous and external defects. In-depth analyses of individual defects and other contaminants or brownfield site functions may reveal additional novel associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Slawsky
- UNC Gillings School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anne M Weaver
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas J Luben
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen M Rappazzo
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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2
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Nakamura Y, Kobayashi S, Cho K, Itoh S, Miyashita C, Yamaguchi T, Iwata H, Tamura N, Saijo Y, Ito Y, Seto Y, Honjo R, Ando A, Furuse Y, Manabe A, Kishi R. Prenatal metal concentrations and physical abnormalities in the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:1875-1882. [PMID: 37857850 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between prenatal metal exposure and congenital anomalies is unclear. We aimed to examine the association between exposure to cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, and manganese and physical abnormalities. METHODS Data from 89,887 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who participated in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) were used. The correlation between maternal blood metal concentrations and physical abnormalities during the second or third trimester was investigated using logistic regression models. Physical anomalies included those observed at birth or at 1 month, primarily from ICD-10 Chapter 17, particularly congenital anomalies associated with environmental factors (e.g., hypospadias, cryptorchidism, cleft lip and palate, digestive tract atresia, congenital heart disease, and chromosomal abnormalities) and minor abnormalities. RESULTS After adjusting for covariates, the OR (95% CIs) of physical abnormalities for a one-unit rise in Mn concentrations in all individuals were 1.26 (1.08, 1.48). The OR (95% CIs) of physical abnormalities in the 4th quartile (≥18.7 ng/g) were 1.06 (1.01, 1.13) (p-value for the trend = 0.034) compared with those in the 1st quartile (≤12.5 ng/g). CONCLUSION In Japan, maternal blood Mn concentrations above threshold during pregnancy may slightly increase the incidence of physical abnormalities. IMPACT Physical abnormalities (including minor anomalies and congenital anomalies) are associated with prenatal manganese concentrations. They are not associated with cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
- Maternity and Perinatal Care Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sumitaka Kobayashi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Maternity and Perinatal Care Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Itoh
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamaguchi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Iwata
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naomi Tamura
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Saijo
- Department of Social Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ito
- Division of Clinical Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Hokkaido College of Nursing, Kitami, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Seto
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
- Maternity and Perinatal Care Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ryota Honjo
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
- Maternity and Perinatal Care Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akiko Ando
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
- Maternity and Perinatal Care Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuta Furuse
- Maternity and Perinatal Care Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Manabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
- Maternity and Perinatal Care Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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3
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Claus Henn B, Werler MM. Environmental causes of birth defects: challenges and opportunities. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:1675-1676. [PMID: 38263449 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03051-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Martha M Werler
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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4
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Hinkle MAG, Ziegler B, Culbertson H, Goldmann C, Croy ME, Willis N, Ling E, Reinhart B, Lyon EC. Manganese exposure from spring and well waters in the Shenandoah Valley: interplay of aquifer lithology, soil composition, and redox conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:203. [PMID: 38695991 PMCID: PMC11065944 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01987-4] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is of particular concern in groundwater, as low-level chronic exposure to aqueous Mn concentrations in drinking water can result in a variety of health and neurodevelopmental effects. Much of the global population relies on drinking water sourced from karst aquifers. Thus, we seek to assess the relative risk of Mn contamination in karst by investigating the Shenandoah Valley, VA region, as it is underlain by both karst and non-karst aquifers and much of the population relies on water wells and spring water. Water and soil samples were collected throughout the Shenandoah Valley, to supplement pre-existing well water and spring data from the National Water Information System and the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, totaling 1815 wells and 119 springs. Soils were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence and Mn K-Edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy. Factors such as soil type, soil geochemistry, and aquifer lithology were linked with each location to determine if correlations exist with aqueous Mn concentrations. Analyzing the distribution of Mn in drinking water sources suggests that water wells and springs within karst aquifers are preferable with respect to chronic Mn exposure, with < 4.9% of wells and springs in dolostone and limestone aquifers exceeding 100 ppb Mn, while sandstone and shale aquifers have a heightened risk, with > 20% of wells exceeding 100 ppb Mn. The geochemistry of associated soils and spatial relationships to various hydrologic and geologic features indicates that water interactions with aquifer lithology and soils contribute to aqueous Mn concentrations. Relationships between aqueous Mn in spring waters and Mn in soils indicate that increasing aqueous Mn is correlated with decreasing soil Mn(IV). These results point to redox conditions exerting a dominant control on Mn in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A G Hinkle
- Department of Earth and Environmental Geoscience, Washington and Lee University, 204 W. Washington Street, Lexington, VA, 24450, USA.
| | - Brady Ziegler
- Department of Geosciences, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Pl, San Antonio, TX, 78212, USA
| | - Haley Culbertson
- Department of Earth and Environmental Geoscience, Washington and Lee University, 204 W. Washington Street, Lexington, VA, 24450, USA
| | - Christopher Goldmann
- Department of Geosciences, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Pl, San Antonio, TX, 78212, USA
| | - Marina E Croy
- Department of Earth and Environmental Geoscience, Washington and Lee University, 204 W. Washington Street, Lexington, VA, 24450, USA
| | - Noah Willis
- Geology Department, Whitman College, 345 Boyer Ave, Walla Walla, WA, 99362, USA
| | - Erin Ling
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | | | - Eva C Lyon
- Department of Earth and Environmental Geoscience, Washington and Lee University, 204 W. Washington Street, Lexington, VA, 24450, USA
- Department of Geological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
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5
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Ikeda A, Marsela M, Miyashita C, Yamaguchi T, Saijo Y, Ito Y, Iwata H, Itoh S, Itoh M, Yamazaki K, Tamura N, Kobayashi S, Kishi R. Heavy metals and trace elements in maternal blood and prevalence of congenital limb abnormalities among newborns: the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Environ Health Prev Med 2024; 29:36. [PMID: 39048352 PMCID: PMC11273044 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.23-00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) have been associated with adverse pregnancy and developmental outcomes, including congenital abnormalities. This study investigated the association between exposure to heavy metals and trace elements during fetal life and congenital limb abnormalities in infants. METHODS This study is based on a prospective ongoing nationwide birth cohort from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). The concentrations of Cd, Pb, mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) were measured in maternal blood collected during the mid-late trimesters. Inclusion criteria were available from questionnaires filled in during pregnancy, including information about congenital limb abnormalities at birth or at one month. To examine the associations with limb anomalies and individual chemicals, logistic regression models were applied following log-transformation or division into quartiles of Cd, Pb, Hg, Se, and Mn concentrations. To assess the associations with the heavy metals and trace elements mixture, quantile g-computation was employed. All models were adjusted for age, maternal smoking history, maternal alcohol intake, history of smoking, and infant sex. RESULTS Data from 90,163 participants were included in the analysis, of whom 369 had congenital limb abnormalities in any of the collected information, and 89,794 had none. Among the 369 cases of congenital limb abnormalities, there were 185 and 142 cases of polydactyly and syndactyly, respectively. The median concentrations of Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, and Mn were 5.85, 0.66, 3.64, 168, and 15.3 ng/g, respectively. There were no associations between maternal blood concentrations of Pb [adjusted odd ratio = 0.83; 95% confidence interval = 0.61, 1.11], Cd [0.87; 0.68, 1.10], Hg [0.88; 0.73, 1.07], Se [1.07; 0.44, 2.59], and Mn [0.91; 0.64, 1.30] with congenital limb abnormalities. No significant association was observed between the mixture of heavy metals and trace elements [0.85; 0.72, 1.02] and any congenital limb abnormalities. Moreover, there was no association with all polydactylies and all syndactylies, or any type of abnormality as a subdivision. CONCLUSION At the maternal exposure levels of Cd, Pb, Hg, Se, and Mn assessed in the present study, no association was identified with the risk of developing congenital limb abnormalities in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Ikeda
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamaguchi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Saijo
- Department of Social Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Ito
- Faculty of Nursing, Japanese Red Cross Hokkaido College of Nursing, Kitami, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Iwata
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Itoh
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mariko Itoh
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Keiko Yamazaki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naomi Tamura
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sumitaka Kobayashi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Division of Epidemiological Research for Chemical Disorders, Research Center for Chemical Information and Management, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Social Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
- Faculty of Nursing, Japanese Red Cross Hokkaido College of Nursing, Kitami, Japan
- Division of Epidemiological Research for Chemical Disorders, Research Center for Chemical Information and Management, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Kawasaki, Japan
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6
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Vleminckx C, Wallace H, Barregård L, Benford D, Broberg K, Dogliotti E, Fletcher T, Rylander L, Abrahantes JC, Gómez Ruiz JÁ, Steinkellner H, Tauriainen T, Schwerdtle T. Update of the risk assessment of inorganic arsenic in food. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8488. [PMID: 38239496 PMCID: PMC10794945 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2009 risk assessment on arsenic in food carrying out a hazard assessment of inorganic arsenic (iAs) and using the revised exposure assessment issued by EFSA in 2021. Epidemiological studies show that the chronic intake of iAs via diet and/or drinking water is associated with increased risk of several adverse outcomes including cancers of the skin, bladder and lung. The CONTAM Panel used the benchmark dose lower confidence limit based on a benchmark response (BMR) of 5% (relative increase of the background incidence after adjustment for confounders, BMDL05) of 0.06 μg iAs/kg bw per day obtained from a study on skin cancer as a Reference Point (RP). Inorganic As is a genotoxic carcinogen with additional epigenetic effects and the CONTAM Panel applied a margin of exposure (MOE) approach for the risk characterisation. In adults, the MOEs are low (range between 2 and 0.4 for mean consumers and between 0.9 and 0.2 at the 95th percentile exposure, respectively) and as such raise a health concern despite the uncertainties.
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7
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Friedman A, Boselli E, Ogneva-Himmelberger Y, Heiger-Bernays W, Brochu P, Burgess M, Schildroth S, Denehy A, Downs T, Papautsky I, Clauss Henn B. Manganese in residential drinking water from a community-initiated case study in Massachusetts. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:58-67. [PMID: 37301899 PMCID: PMC10727146 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00563-9] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manganese (Mn) is a metal commonly found in drinking water, but the level that is safe for consumption is unknown. In the United States (U.S.), Mn is not regulated in drinking water and data on water Mn concentrations are temporally and spatially sparse. OBJECTIVE Examine temporal and spatial variability of Mn concentrations in repeated tap water samples in a case study of Holliston, Massachusetts (MA), U.S., where drinking water is pumped from shallow aquifers that are vulnerable to Mn contamination. METHODS We collected 79 residential tap water samples from 21 households between September 2018 and December 2019. Mn concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We calculated descriptive statistics and percent of samples exceeding aesthetic (secondary maximum containment level; SMCL) and lifetime health advisory (LHA) guidelines of 50 µg/L and 300 µg/L, respectively. We compared these concentrations to concurrent and historic water Mn concentrations from publicly available data across MA. RESULTS The median Mn concentration in Holliston residential tap water was 2.3 µg/L and levels were highly variable (range: 0.03-5,301.8 µg/L). Mn concentrations exceeded the SMCL and LHA in 14% and 12% of samples, respectively. Based on publicly available data across MA from 1994-2022, median Mn concentration was 17.0 µg/L (N = 37,210; range: 1-159,000 µg/L). On average 40% of samples each year exceeded the SMCL and 9% exceeded the LHA. Samples from publicly available data were not evenly distributed between MA towns or across sampling years. IMPACT STATEMENT This study is one of the first to examine Mn concentrations in drinking water both spatially and temporally in the U.S. Findings suggest that concentrations of Mn in drinking water frequently exceed current guidelines and occur at concentrations shown to be associated with adverse health outcomes, especially for vulnerable and susceptible subpopulations like children. Future studies that comprehensively examine exposure to Mn in drinking water and its associations with children's health are needed to protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Friedman
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Elena Boselli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yelena Ogneva-Himmelberger
- Department of International Development, Community, and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Wendy Heiger-Bernays
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paige Brochu
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mayah Burgess
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Timothy Downs
- Department of International Development, Community, and Environment, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ian Papautsky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Birgit Clauss Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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8
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Seastedt H, Nadeau K. Factors by which global warming worsens allergic disease. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2023; 131:694-702. [PMID: 37689112 PMCID: PMC10873081 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.08.610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased use of fossil fuels has led to global warming with concomitant increases in the severity and frequency of extreme weather events such as wildfires and sand and dust storms. These changes have led to increases in air pollutants such as particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Global warming is also associated with increases in pollen season length and pollen concentration. Particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and pollen synergistically increase the incidence and severity of allergic diseases. Other indirect factors such as droughts, flooding, thunderstorms, heat waves, water pollution, human migration, deforestation, loss of green space, and decreasing biodiversity (including microbial diversity) also affect the incidence and severity of allergic disease. Global warming and extreme weather events are expected to increase in the coming decades, and further increases in allergic diseases are expected, exacerbating the already high health care burden associated with these diseases. There is an urgent need to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change to improve human health. Human health and planetary health are connected and the concept of One Health, which is an integrated, unifying approach to balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and the environment needs to be emphasized. Clinicians are trusted members of the community, and they need to take a strong leadership role in educating patients on climate change and its adverse effects on human health. They also need to advocate for policy changes that decrease the use of fossil fuels and increase biodiversity and green space to enable a healthier and more sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Seastedt
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kari Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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9
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Malik A, Katyal D, Narwal N, Kataria N, Ayyamperumal R, Khoo KS. Sources, distribution, associated health risks and remedial technologies for inorganic contamination in groundwater: A review in specific context of the state of Haryana, India. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116696. [PMID: 37482126 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Haryana is one of the leading states in India in the agricultural and industrial production. With the expansion of these sectors, a continuous increase in water demand is leading to water crises arising from overexploitation and quality deterioration of the available water. Contamination of aquifer resources is a significant concern, because majority of population depends on the groundwater for various agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs. This review article provides an overview of groundwater contamination, associated health risks with different contaminants with regions severely affected by poor water quality, and delves in identifying the sources, by observing and recognising the types of industries dominant in the state with types of effluents discharge. It further suggests the possible mitigation measures such as advanced remedial technologies and proper management practices from the consequent contamination sources. It has been observed during the perusal of various studies and data that the degree of contamination was considerably higher in districts with heavy agro-industrial activities. The groundwater resources in three highly industrialized districts were found to be gravely contaminated with toxic heavy metals. Alongwith heavy metals, the salinity, hardness, nitrate, and fluoride are also posing significant problems in the aquifer resources of Haryana state. The article also discusses various technologies for remediation of different pollutants from groundwater so it can be made potable after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Malik
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Deeksha Katyal
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, 110078, India.
| | - Nishita Narwal
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Navish Kataria
- Department of Environmental Sciences, J. C. Bose University of Science & Technology, YMCA, Faridabad, 121006, Haryana, India
| | | | - Kuan Shiong Khoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, 603103, Tamil Nadu, India.
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10
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Eaves LA, Keil AP, Jukic AM, Dhingra R, Brooks JL, Manuck TA, Rager JE, Fry RC. Toxic metal mixtures in private well water and increased risk for preterm birth in North Carolina. Environ Health 2023; 22:69. [PMID: 37845729 PMCID: PMC10577978 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01021-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to metals in private well water may increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB) (delivery < 37 weeks' gestation). In this study, we estimated associations between arsenic, manganese, lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, and zinc concentrations in private well water and PTB incidence in North Carolina (NC). METHODS Birth certificates from 2003-2015 (n = 1,329,071) were obtained and pregnancies were assigned exposure using the mean concentration and the percentage of tests above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for the census tract of each individuals' residence at the time of delivery using the NCWELL database (117,960 well water tests from 1998-2019). We evaluated associations between single metals and PTB using adjusted logistic regression models. Metals mixtures were assessed using quantile-based g-computation. RESULTS Compared with those in other census tracts, individuals residing in tracts where > 25% of tests exceeded the MCL for lead (aOR 1.10, 95%CI 1.02,1.18) or cadmium (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00,1.23) had an increased odds of PTB. Conversely, those residing in areas with > 25% MCL for zinc (aOR 0.77 (95% CI: 0.56,1.02) and copper (aOR 0.53 (95% CI: 0.13,1.34)) had a reduced odds of PTB. A quartile increase in the concentrations of a mixture of lead, cadmium, and chromium was associated with a small increased odds for PTB (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03). This metal mixture effect was most pronounced among American Indian individuals (aOR per quartile increase in all metals: 1.19 (95% CI 1.06,1.34)). CONCLUSIONS In a large study population of over one million births, lead and cadmium were found to increase the risk of PTB individually and in a mixture, with additional mixtures-related impacts estimated from co-exposure with chromium. This study highlights critical racial and ethnic health disparities in relation to private well water thereby emphasizing the urgent need for improved private well water quality to protect vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 166A Rosenau Hall, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anne Marie Jukic
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Radhika Dhingra
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 166A Rosenau Hall, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Jada L Brooks
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tracy A Manuck
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 166A Rosenau Hall, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 166A Rosenau Hall, CB #7431, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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11
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Eaves LA, Choi G, Hall E, Sillé FC, Fry RC, Buckley JP, Keil AP. Prenatal Exposure to Toxic Metals and Neural Tube Defects: A Systematic Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:86002. [PMID: 37647124 PMCID: PMC10467818 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube defects (NTDs) affect > 300,000 pregnancies worldwide annually. Few nongenetic factors, other than folate deficiency, have been identified that may provide intervenable solutions to reduce the burden of NTDs. Prenatal exposure to toxic metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb)] may increase the risk of NTDs. Although a growing epidemiologic literature has examined associations, to our knowledge no systematic review has been conducted to date. OBJECTIVE Through adaptation of the Navigation Guide systematic review methodology, we aimed to answer the question "does exposure to As, Cd, Hg, Mn, or Pb during gestation increase the risk of NTDs?" and to assess challenges to evaluating this question given the current evidence. METHODS We selected available evidence on prenatal As, Cd, Hg, Mn, or Pb exposure and risk of specific NTDs (e.g., spina bifida, anencephaly) or all NTDs via a comprehensive search across MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and TOXLINE databases and applied inclusion/exclusion criteria. We rated the quality and strength of the evidence for each metal. We applied a customized risk of bias protocol and evaluated the sufficiency of evidence of an effect of each metal on NTDs. RESULTS We identified 30 studies that met our criteria. Risk of bias for confounding and selection was high in most studies, but low for missing data. We determined that, although the evidence was limited, the literature supported an association between prenatal exposure to Hg or Mn and increased risk of NTDs. For the remaining metals, the evidence was inadequate to establish or rule out an effect. CONCLUSION The role of gestational As, Cd, or Pb exposure in the etiology of NTDs remains unclear and warrants further investigation in high-quality studies, with a particular focus on controlling confounding, mitigating selection bias, and improving exposure assessment. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11872.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Giehae Choi
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily Hall
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fenna C.M. Sillé
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessie P. Buckley
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexander P. Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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12
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Sohns A. Differential exposure to drinking water contaminants in North Carolina: Evidence from structural topic modeling and water quality data. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 336:117600. [PMID: 36967693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117600] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To better understand water security of communities in North Carolina, this research uses structural topic modeling (STM) and geographic mapping to identify the main topics and pollutant categories being researched and the areas exposed to drinking water contaminants. The textual data derived from the journal article abstracts that examined water pollution in North Carolina is from 1964 to present. The STM analysis of textual data is paired with socio-demographic data from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates and water pollution data from North Carolina state agencies. The STM findings show that the most discussed topics relate to runoff management, wastewater from concentrated agricultural feeding operations, emerging contaminants, land development, and health impacts as a result of water contamination. The article discusses how the topics especially threaten groundwater resources used by community water systems and private wells. Those communities served by private wells are predominantly low-income and minority populations. As a result, threats to groundwater supplies exacerbate existing issues of environmental justice in North Carolina, especially in the Coastal Plains Region. The STM findings revealed that several key threats to safe drinking water are less covered by academic literature, such as poultry concentrated agricultural feeding operations and climate impacts, which may increase disparities in water access in North Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Sohns
- The Roux Institute, Northeastern University 100 Fore St. Portland, ME USA 04101.
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13
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Huang L, Mao B, Li J, Nan N, He L, Qiu J, Yi B, Liu Q. Associations Between the Lead Level in Maternal Blood and Umbilical Cord Blood and Congenital Heart Diseases in Offspring. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2191-2199. [PMID: 35794301 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03338-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) shows an increasing trend and results in large health burdens in China. However, there have been inconsistent results of the relationship between lead (Pb) level and risk of CHDs. We performed a pair-matched case-control study and included 97 cases and 194 controls to investigate the association between pregnancy Pb exposure and the risk of CHDs in a birth cohort study conducted in Lanzhou, China. The results showed that compared to the lowest Pb tertile, both highest tertile levels of maternal blood and umbilical cord blood Pb were associated with an increased risk of CHDs. The similar significant results were found in cases with isolated CHDs. Compared to both lowest tertiles of Pb level in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood, the highest tertile was associated with an increased risk of CHDs, especially for isolated CHDs. Overall, our study suggests a significant association between pregnancy Pb exposure and risk of CHDs, especially for isolated CHDs. Future studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Huang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Baohong Mao
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jiayue Li
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Nan Nan
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Li He
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China
| | - Bin Yi
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Qing Liu
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital, 143 North Road Qilihe District, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu Province, China.
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Thompson DA, Kolpin DW, Hladik ML, Lehmler HJ, Meppelink SM, Poch MC, Vargo JD, Soupene VA, Irfan NM, Robinson M, Kannan K, Beane Freeman LE, Hofmann JN, Cwiertny DM, Field RW. Prevalence of neonicotinoid insecticides in paired private-well tap water and human urine samples in a region of intense agriculture overlying vulnerable aquifers in eastern Iowa. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 319:137904. [PMID: 36709846 PMCID: PMC9957962 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A pilot study among farming households in eastern Iowa was conducted to assess human exposure to neonicotinoids (NEOs). The study was in a region with intense crop and livestock production and where groundwater is vulnerable to surface-applied contaminants. In addition to paired outdoor (hydrant) water and indoor (tap) water samples from private wells, urine samples were collected from 47 adult male pesticide applicators along with the completions of dietary and occupational surveys. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) were then calculated to examine exposures for different aged family members. NEOs were detected in 53% of outdoor and 55% of indoor samples, with two or more NEOs in 13% of samples. Clothianidin was the most frequently detected NEO in water samples. Human exposure was ubiquitous in urine samples. A median of 10 different NEOs and/or metabolites were detected in urine, with clothianidin, nitenpyram, thiamethoxam, 6-chloronicotinic acid, and thiacloprid amide detected in every urine samples analyzed. Dinotefuran, imidaclothiz, acetamiprid-N-desmethyl, and N-desmethyl thiamethoxam were found in ≥70% of urine samples. Observed water intake for study participants and EDIs were below the chronic reference doses (CRfD) and acceptable daily intake (ADI) standards for all NEOs indicating minimal risk from ingestion of tap water. The study results indicate that while the consumption of private well tap water provides a human exposure pathway, the companion urine results provide evidence that diet and/or other exposure pathways (e.g., occupational, house dust) may contribute to exposure more than water contamination. Further biomonitoring research is needed to better understand the scale of human exposure from different sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrin A Thompson
- University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa, IA, USA; University of Iowa, Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, Iowa, IA, USA.
| | - Dana W Kolpin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Iowa, IA, USA
| | - Michelle L Hladik
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew C Poch
- University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa, IA, USA
| | - John D Vargo
- State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA
| | | | - Nafis Md Irfan
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA; University of Iowa, Department of Internal Medicine, Iowa, IA, USA; University of Dhaka, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Morgan Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura E Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan N Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - David M Cwiertny
- University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa, IA, USA; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA; Public Policy Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Liang Y, Pan Z, Zhu M, Gao R, Wang Y, Cheng Y, Zhang N. Exposure to essential and non-essential trace elements and risks of congenital heart defects: A narrative review. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1121826. [PMID: 36998909 PMCID: PMC10043220 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1121826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are congenital abnormalities involving the gross structures of the heart and large blood vessels. Environmental factors, genetic factors and their interactions may contribute to the pathogenesis of CHDs. Generally, trace elements can be classified into essential trace elements and non-essential trace elements. Essential trace elements such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) play important roles in human biological functions such as metabolic function, oxidative stress regulation, and embryonic development. Non-essential trace elements such as cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), nickle (Ni), barium (Ba), chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) are harmful to health even at low concentrations. Recent studies have revealed the potential involvement of these trace elements in the pathogenesis of CHDs. In this review, we summarized current studies exploring exposure to essential and non-essential trace elements and risks of CHDs, in order to provide further insights for the pathogenesis and prevention of CHDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipu Liang
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zijian Pan
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingzheng Zhu
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruonan Gao
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yijue Wang
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yijuan Cheng
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Nannan Zhang
- National Center for Birth Defect Monitoring, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Nannan Zhang,
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16
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Eaves LA, Lanier P, Enggasser AE, Chung G, Turla T, Rager JE, Fry RC. Generation of the Chemical and Social Stressors Integration Technique (CASS-IT) to identify areas of holistic public health concern: An application to North Carolina. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 862:160409. [PMID: 36436630 PMCID: PMC10695022 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160409] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to structural racism and income inequality, exposure to environmental chemicals is tightly linked to socioeconomic factors. In addition, exposure to psychosocial stressors, such as racial discrimination, as well as having limited resources, can increase susceptibility to environmentally induced disease. Yet, studies are often conducted separately in fields of social science and environmental science, reducing the potential for holistic risk estimates. To tackle this gap, we developed the Chemical and Social Stressors Integration Technique (CASS-IT) to integrate environmental chemical and social stressor datasets. The CASS-IT provides a framework to identify distinct geographic areas based on combinations of environmental chemical exposure, social vulnerability, and access to resources. It incorporates two data dimension reduction tools: k-means clustering and latent profile analysis. Here, the CASS-IT was applied to North Carolina (NC) as a case study. Environmental chemical data included toxic metals - arsenic, manganese, and lead - in private drinking well water. Social stressor data were captured by the CDC's social vulnerability index's four domains: socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and language, and housing type and transportation. Data on resources were derived from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA's) Resilience and Analysis Planning Tool, which generated measures of health resources, social resources, and information resources. The results highlighted 31 NC counties where exposure to both toxic metals and social stressors are elevated, and health resources are minimal; these are counties in which environmental justice is of utmost concern. A census-tract level analysis was also conducted to demonstrate the utility of CASS-IT at different geographical scales. The tract-level analysis highlighted specific tracts within counties of concern that are particularly high priority. In future research, the CASS-IT can be used to analyze United States-wide environmental datasets providing guidance for targeted public health interventions and reducing environmental disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Paul Lanier
- School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Adam E Enggasser
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gerard Chung
- School of Social Work, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Social Service Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Toby Turla
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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17
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Keeler C, Luben TJ, Forestieri N, Olshan AF, Desrosiers TA. Is residential proximity to polluted sites during pregnancy associated with preterm birth or low birth weight? Results from an integrated exposure database in North Carolina (2003-2015). JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:229-236. [PMID: 36100666 PMCID: PMC10008762 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth (PTB) and term low birth weight (LBW) have been associated with pollution and other environmental exposures, but the relationship between these adverse outcomes and specific characteristics of polluted sites is not well studied. OBJECTIVES We conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine relationships between residential proximity to polluted sites in North Carolina (NC) and PTB and LBW. We further stratified exposure to polluted sites by route of contaminant emissions and specific contaminants released at each site. METHODS We created an integrated exposure geodatabase of polluted sites in NC from 2002 to 2015 including all landfills, Superfund sites, and industrial sites. Using birth certificates, we assembled a cohort of 1,494,651 singleton births in NC from 2003 to 2015. We geocoded the gestational parent residential address on the birth certificate, and defined exposure to polluted sites as residence within one mile of a site. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Binomial models were used to estimate adjusted risk differences (aRD) per 10,000 births and 95% CIs for associations between exposure to polluted sites and PTB or LBW. RESULTS We observed weak associations between residential proximity to polluted sites and PTB [aRR(95% CI): 1.07(1.06,1.09); aRD(95% CI): 61(48,74)] and LBW [aRR(95% CI): 1.09(1.06,1.12); aRD(95% CI): 24(17,31)]. Secondary analyses showed increased risk of both PTB and LBW among births exposed to sites characterized by water emissions, air emissions, and land impoundment. In analyses of specific contaminants, increased risk of PTB was associated with proximity to sites containing arsenic, benzene, cadmium, lead, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. LBW was associated with exposure to arsenic, benzene, cadmium, lead, and mercury. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides evidence for potential reproductive health effects of polluted sites, and underscores the importance of accounting for heterogeneity between polluted sites when considering these exposures. IMPACT STATEMENT We documented an overall increased risk of both PTB and LBW in births with gestational exposure to polluted sites using a harmonized geodatabase of three site types, and further examined exposures stratified by site characteristics (route of emission, specific contaminants present). We observed increased risk of both PTB and LBW among births exposed to sites with water emissions or air emissions, across site types. Increased risk of PTB was associated with gestational proximity to sites containing arsenic, benzene, cadmium, lead, mercury, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; increased risk of LBW was associated with exposure to arsenic, benzene, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Keeler
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Thomas J Luben
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nina Forestieri
- Birth Defects Monitoring Program, State Center for Health Statistics, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Andrew F Olshan
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tania A Desrosiers
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Suhl J, Conway KM, Rhoads A, Langlois PH, Feldkamp ML, Michalski AM, Oleson J, Sidhu A, Scholz TD, Kancherla V, Obrycki J, Mazumdar M, Romitti PA. Prepregnancy exposure to dietary arsenic and congenital heart defects. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:79-87. [PMID: 36341763 PMCID: PMC10099864 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arsenic crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissues. In the United States, diet is the predominant route of arsenic exposure, but epidemiologic data are sparse regarding this exposure and development of birth defects. Using data from a large case-control study, we explored associations between maternal dietary arsenic exposure and congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most prevalent birth defects. METHODS We used maternal self-reported dietary assessments and arsenic concentration estimates in food items to estimate average daily exposure to dietary arsenic during the year before pregnancy for mothers of 10,446 unaffected control children and 6,483 case children diagnosed with CHDs. Using tertiles of dietary exposure to total arsenic (all species) and inorganic arsenic, we applied logistic regression analysis to estimate associations for middle and high tertiles, compared with the low tertile. RESULTS Positive associations (odds ratio [OR] ≥ 1.2) for total arsenic were observed in both tertiles for perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) and high tertile only for double outlet right ventricle-transposition of the great arteries (DORV-TGA), partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR), and tricuspid atresia. Positive associations were also observed in both tertiles (tricuspid atresia) and high tertile only (DORV-TGA, conoventricular VSD, PAPVR, and pulmonary atresia) for inorganic arsenic. Most remaining associations were near or below unity. DISCUSSION Exploration of maternal dietary exposure to total and inorganic arsenic and CHDs produced few positive associations but was limited by available food item concentrations. Future research requires expanded collection of dietary data, improved estimates of concentrations, and consideration of nondietary sources of arsenic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Suhl
- Department of EpidemiologyCollege of Public Health, The University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Kristin M. Conway
- Department of EpidemiologyCollege of Public Health, The University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Anthony Rhoads
- Department of EpidemiologyCollege of Public Health, The University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Peter H. Langlois
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental ScienceUniversity of Texas School of Public Health in AustinAustinTexasUSA
| | - Marcia L. Feldkamp
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of PediatricsUniversity of Utah School of MedicineSalt Lake CityUtahUSA
| | - Adrian M. Michalski
- New York State Department of HealthBureau of Environmental and Occupational EpidemiologyAlbanyNew YorkUSA
| | - Jacob Oleson
- Department of BiostatisticsCollege of Public Health, University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Alpa Sidhu
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Stead Family Department of PediatricsUniversity of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Thomas D. Scholz
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, The Stead Family Department of PediatricsUniversity of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Vijaya Kancherla
- Department of EpidemiologyEmory University Rollins School of Public HealthAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - John Obrycki
- Department of NeurologyBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Maitreyi Mazumdar
- Department of NeurologyBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental HealthHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Paul A. Romitti
- Department of EpidemiologyCollege of Public Health, The University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
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Wang C, Pi X, Yin S, Liu M, Tian T, Jin L, Liu J, Li Z, Wang L, Yuan Z, Wang Y, Ren A. Maternal exposure to heavy metals and risk for severe congenital heart defects in offspring. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113432. [PMID: 35533713 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital malformations with a complex etiology, and environmental factors play an important role. Large epidemiology studies on prenatal exposure to selected heavy metals and their association with risk for CHDs are scarce and joint effects are not well understood. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between prenatal exposure to selected heavy metals and risk for CHDs. METHODS Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the maternal plasma concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, and manganese were in 303 CHD cases and 303 healthy controls that were recruited in eight hospitals in China. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were fitted to evaluate the individual and joint effects of metal concentrations on CHDs. RESULTS In GLMM, two metals were each significantly associated with an increased risk for CHDs [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval): mercury, 2.88 (1.22-6.77); lead, 2.74 (1.00-7.57)]. In BKMR, CHD risk increased with mixture levels of the five metals when their concentrations were at the 40th percentile or higher, compared to when all metals were below their 35th percentile, and mercury was the major metal that contributed to the mixture effect. The interaction between mercury and lead was observed in BKMR. CONCLUSIONS Using metal concentrations in maternal plasma obtained during the second or third trimester as exposure markers, we found that the risk of CHDs increased with the levels of the mixtures of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Mn, with Hg being the most important contributor to the mixture effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengrong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Pi
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shengju Yin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jufen Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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20
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Li S, Wang Q, Luo W, Jia S, Liu D, Ma W, Gu H, Wei X, He Y, Cao S, Yuan Z. Relationship between maternal heavy metal exposure and congenital heart defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:55348-55366. [PMID: 35668266 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are one of the major causes of death in infants and young children, and heavy metal exposure during pregnancy is one of the possible risk factors. However, the effect of heavy metal exposure on CHDs is still controversial. We searched English (PubMed, Web of Science) and Chinese (CNKI and WanFang database) databases for relevant articles. The summarized effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by pooling estimates using the random-effects model. Egger's test was used to estimate publication bias. Heterogeneity among studies was indicated by p-values and I2. Finally, we conducted subgroup analyses to elucidate the causes of heterogeneity. Thirteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. A positive association between maternal exposure to heavy metals and CHDs was found. Pooling odds ratios (ORs) for arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead were 2.12, 1.30, 1.22, and 2.30, respectively for total CHDs. Regarding CHD subtypes, arsenic was associated with an increased risk of septal defects (OR: 1.82), barium with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) (OR: 1.15) and septal defects (OR: 1.21), and lead with conotruncal defects (OR: 2.34) and LVOTO (OR: 1.93). A heterogeneous relationship was found between studies using different methods of measurement, which were mainly due to differences in actual exposure levels to heavy metals. This meta-analysis suggests significant associations between arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead exposure during pregnancy and an increased risk of specific CHDs in offspring. These findings underscore the importance of heavy metal exposure during pregnancy in the risk of CHDs in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenting Luo
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Jia
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwen He
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Songying Cao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Developing Toxic Metal Environmental Justice Indices (TM-EJIs) for Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Manganese Contamination in Private Drinking Wells in North Carolina. WATER 2022; 14. [DOI: 10.3390/w14132088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Toxic metal exposure via private drinking wells is an environmental health challenge in North Carolina (NC). Policies tainted by environmental racism shape who has access to public water supplies, with Black People, Indigenous People, and People of Color (BIPOC) often excluded from municipal services. Thus, toxic metal exposure via private wells is an environmental justice (EJ) issue, and it is under-studied in NC. In this study, we developed four Toxic Metal Environmental Justice Indices (TM-EJIs) for inorganic arsenic (iAs), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and manganese (Mn) to quantitatively identify areas of environmental injustice in NC. TM-EJIs were calculated at the census tract level (n = 2038) as the product of the following: (1) number of well water tests with concentrations exceeding national standards, (2) percentage of the low-income and minority population, and (3) population density. Mn had the greatest proportion (25.17%) of positive TM-EJIs, which are indicative of socioeconomically disadvantaged groups exposed to toxic metals. Positive TM-EJIs, particularly for Pb and Mn, were primarily located in eastern NC. These results highlight several new counties of concern and can be used by public health professionals and state environmental agencies to prioritize remediation efforts and efforts to reduce environmental injustices.
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Suhl J, Conway KM, Rhoads A, Langlois PH, Feldkamp ML, Michalski AM, Oleson JJ, Sidhu A, Kancherla V, Obrycki J, Mazumdar M, Romitti PA. Pre-pregnancy exposure to arsenic in diet and non-cardiac birth defects. Public Health Nutr 2022; 26:1-13. [PMID: 35620934 PMCID: PMC9989706 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022001318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore associations between maternal pre-pregnancy exposure to arsenic in diet and non-cardiac birth defects. DESIGN This is a population-based, case-control study using maternal responses to a dietary assessment and published arsenic concentration estimates in food items to calculate average daily total and inorganic arsenic exposure during the year before pregnancy. Assigning tertiles of total and inorganic arsenic exposure, logistic regression analysis was used to estimate OR for middle and high tertiles, compared to the low tertile. SETTING US National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2011. PARTICIPANTS Mothers of 10 446 children without birth defects and 14 408 children diagnosed with a non-cardiac birth defect. RESULTS Maternal exposure to total dietary arsenic in the middle and high tertiles was associated with a threefold increase in cloacal exstrophy, with weak positive associations (1·2-1·5) observed either in both tertiles (intercalary limb deficiency) or the high tertile only (encephalocele, glaucoma/anterior chamber defects and bladder exstrophy). Maternal exposure to inorganic arsenic showed mostly weak, positive associations in both tertiles (colonic atresia/stenosis, oesophageal atresia, bilateral renal agenesis/hypoplasia, hypospadias, cloacal exstrophy and gastroschisis), or the high (glaucoma/anterior chamber defects, choanal atresia and intestinal atresia stenosis) or middle (encephalocele, intercalary limb deficiency and transverse limb deficiency) tertiles only. The remaining associations estimated were near the null or inverse. CONCLUSIONS This exploration of arsenic in diet and non-cardiac birth defects produced several positive, but mostly weak associations. Limitations in exposure assessment may have resulted in exposure misclassification. Continued research with improved exposure assessment is recommended to identify if these associations are true signals or chance findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Suhl
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, 145 N Riverside Dr, S416 CPHB, Iowa City, IA52242, USA
| | - Kristin M Conway
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, 145 N Riverside Dr, S416 CPHB, Iowa City, IA52242, USA
| | - Anthony Rhoads
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, 145 N Riverside Dr, S416 CPHB, Iowa City, IA52242, USA
| | - Peter H Langlois
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Science, University of Texas, School of Public Health in Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Marcia L Feldkamp
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Adrian M Michalski
- New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jacob J Oleson
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alpa Sidhu
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Vijaya Kancherla
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John Obrycki
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maitreyi Mazumdar
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul A Romitti
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, 145 N Riverside Dr, S416 CPHB, Iowa City, IA52242, USA
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23
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Salehi F, Darmiani K, Nakhaee S, Zadeh AA, Javadmoosavi SY, Faghihi V, Mehrpour O. Comparison of Blood Lead Concentrations in Mothers of Children with Congenital Heart Disease and Mothers of Healthy Children. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:2001-2007. [PMID: 34231195 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02813-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most prevalent congenital defect that causes several problems for patients and their families and medical specialists. It is important to investigate CHD risk factors due to their significantly destructive load on society. This study aims to determine the association between maternal lead exposure and conceiving a child with CHD. This case-control study was performed on a total of 246 mothers in the pediatric clinic of Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Birjand, Iran. One hundred forty-six mothers with CHD children were defined as the case group, and 100 age-matched mothers with healthy children were considered the control group. All the mothers were between 20 and 40 years old, and their children were under the age of 6 months. Demographic data was collected from mothers using a well-designed questionnaire. In addition, all mothers were referred to the laboratory for measuring blood lead concentrations. The mean blood lead concentration (BLC) of mothers in the group of children with heart problems was 4.11 ± 10.02 with a median of 2.50 μg/dL and in the control group was 2.66 ± 2.06 with a median of 2.30 μg/dL. The Mann-Whitney test results showed that mothers' lead concentration in the group of children with heart problems was significantly higher than the control group (z = 2.13, p = 0.03). The chi-square test results showed that lead concentrations in the two groups were significantly different from each other (χ2 = 9.11, p = 0.01). The results of our study showed that mothers of children with CHD had higher blood concentrations than mothers of healthy children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forod Salehi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Kimia Darmiani
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Sameneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Amirabadi Zadeh
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vahideh Faghihi
- Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Mehrpour
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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24
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Relationship of Blood and Urinary Manganese Levels with Cognitive Function in Elderly Individuals in the United States by Race/Ethnicity, NHANES 2011-2014. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040191. [PMID: 35448452 PMCID: PMC9025725 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal with a biphasic relationship with health outcomes. High-level exposure to Mn is associated with manganism, but few data explore the effects of chronic, lower-level Mn on cognitive function in adults. We sought to determine the relationship between blood/urinary manganese levels and cognitive function in elderly individuals using 2011-2014 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted multivariate regression models were used to determine correlations, adjusting for several covariates. Blood Mn was inversely associated with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) immediate learning of new verbal information (p-value = 0.04), but lost significance after adjusting for medical history (p-value = 0.09). In addition, blood Mn was inversely associated with Animal Fluency scores after adjusting for all covariates. Urinary Mn was inversely associated with CERAD immediate learning after adjusting for all covariates (p-value = 0.01) and inversely associated with the Digit Symbol Substitution Test scores (p-value = 0.0002), but lost significance after adjusting for medical history (p-value = 0.13). Upon stratifying by race/ethnicity, other Races and Non-Hispanic (NH)-Blacks had significantly higher blood Mn levels when compared to NH-Whites. Collectively, these findings suggest that increased blood and urinary Mn levels are associated with poorer cognitive function in an elderly US population.
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25
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Eaves LA, Keil AP, Rager JE, George A, Fry RC. Analysis of the novel NCWELL database highlights two decades of co-occurrence of toxic metals in North Carolina private well water: Public health and environmental justice implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 812:151479. [PMID: 34767890 PMCID: PMC9733895 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Private well users are particularly vulnerable to metal exposure as they are not protected by the Safe Drinking Water Act. In North Carolina (NC), approximately 2.4 million individuals rely on private well water. In the present study, we constructed the NCWELL database: a comprehensive database of 117,960 geocoded well water tests over twenty-years in NC inclusive of 28 metals/metalloids. The NCWELL database was analyzed to identify areas of concern for single and co-occurring toxic metal contamination of private wells in NC. County-level population-at-risk rankings were calculated by combining toxic metal levels and the proportion of residents relying on well water. Additionally, k-means analysis was used to identify counties with critical co-occurrence of toxic metals. In the NCWELL database, inorganic arsenic (iAs) and lead (Pb) were detected above the EPA standards of 10 and 15 ppb in over 2500 and over 3000 tests, respectively. Shockingly, iAs was observed at levels up to 806 ppb and Pb at levels up to 105,440 ppb. Manganese (Mn) was detected above the EPA lifetime Health Advisory Limit in 4.9% and above the secondary Maximum Contaminant Level in 24.3% of all well water tests in NC, with a maximum concentration of 46,300 ppb reported. Mixtures-based analysis identified four distinct clusters of counties, one demonstrating high iAs and Mn and another with high Pb. Over the twenty-year period, metal levels remained high, indicative of sustained contamination in areas of concern. This study provides a novel database for researchers and concerned citizens in NC, demonstrates a methodology for identifying priority geographic regions for single and multiple contaminants, and has environmental justice implications in NC where metal exposure via private well water remains a serious public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julia E Rager
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew George
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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26
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Slawsky ED, Weaver AM, Luben TJ, Rappazzo KM. A cross-sectional study of brownfields and birth defects. Birth Defects Res 2022; 114:197-207. [PMID: 35182113 PMCID: PMC10867712 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brownfields are a multitude of abandoned and disused sites, spanning many former purposes. Brownfields represent a heterogenous yet ubiquitous exposure for many Americans, which may contain hazardous wastes and represent urban blight. Neonates and pregnant individuals are often sensitive to subtle environmental exposures. We evaluate whether residential brownfield exposure is associated with birth defects. METHODS Using North Carolina birth records from 2003 to 2015, we sampled 753,195 births with 39,495 defects identified. We examined defect groups and 30 distinct phenotypes. Number of brownfields within 2,000 m of the residential address at birth was summed. We utilized mixed effects multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and environmental covariates available from birth records, 2010 Census, and EPA's Environmental Quality Index to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS We observed positive associations between cardiovascular and external defect groups (OR [95% CI]: 1.07 [1.02-1.13] and 1.17 [1.01-1.35], respectively) and any brownfield exposure. We also observed positive associations with atrial septal and ventricular septal defects (1.08 [1.01-1.16] and 1.15 [1.03-1.28], respectively), congenital cataracts (1.38 [0.98-1.96]), and an inverse association with gastroschisis (0.74 [0.58-0.94]). Effect estimates for several additional defects were positive, though we observed null associations for most group and individual defects. Additional analyses indicated an exposure-response relationship for several defects across levels of brownfield exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that residential proximity to brownfields is associated with birth defects, especially cardiovascular and external defects. In-depth analyses of individual defects and specific contaminants or brownfield sites may reveal additional novel associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik D. Slawsky
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities at the US Environmental Protection Agency, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anne M. Weaver
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas J. Luben
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, North Carolina, USA
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27
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Richter F, Kloster S, Wodschow K, Hansen B, Schullehner J, Kristiansen SM, Petersen MM, Strandberg-Larsen K, Ersbøll AK. Maternal exposure to arsenic in drinking water and risk of congenital heart disease in the offspring. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 160:107051. [PMID: 34942407 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prenatal exposure to arsenic is suspected to impair fetal health, including congenital malformations. Few studies investigated an association between maternal exposure to arsenic and congenital heart disease. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between maternal exposure to arsenic through drinking water and congenital heart disease among offspring. METHODS This nationwide cohort study included all liveborn children in Denmark, 1997-2014. Maternal addresses at fetal age 4 weeks were linked to drinking water supply areas. Exposure was arsenic concentration in drinking water in first trimester in four categories (<0.5 μg/L, 0.5-0.9 μg/L, 1.0-4.9 μg/L, ≥5.0 μg/L). Outcomes were defined as congenital heart disease diagnosed within the first year of life, with sub-categorization of severe, septal defects and valvular heart defect. Associations between arsenic levels and congenital heart disease were analysed using logistic regression, presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and adjusted for year of birth, mother's educational level and ethnicity. RESULTS A total of 1,042,413 liveborn children were included of whom 1.0% had a congenital heart disease. The OR of congenital heart disease was higher among children exposed to all levels of arsenic above 0.5 μg/L; the OR was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.08-1.19) for exposure of 0.5-0.9 μg/L, 1.33 (95% CI: 1.27-1.39) for 1.0-4.9 μg/L and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.24-1.63) for ≥5.0 μg/L. Similar associations were observed for congenital septal defects. The OR was also higher for severe congenital heart disease but at the same level among all exposure levels ≥0.5 μg/L. The OR of congenital valvular heart defects was only higher among children with maternal exposure to arsenic in drinking water ≥5.0 μg/L. The associations were similar for boys and girls. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that maternal exposure to arsenic in drinking water even at low concentrations (i.e., 0.5-0.9 μg/L) increased the risk of congenital heart disease in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Richter
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Kloster
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Wodschow
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Hansen
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, GEUS, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jörg Schullehner
- Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, GEUS, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Environment, Work and Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Annette Kjær Ersbøll
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Boyd R, McMullen H, Beqaj H, Kalfa D. Environmental Exposures and Congenital Heart Disease. Pediatrics 2022; 149:183839. [PMID: 34972224 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-052151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital abnormality worldwide, affecting 8 to 12 infants per 1000 births globally and causing >40% of prenatal deaths. However, its causes remain mainly unknown, with only up to 15% of CHD cases having a determined genetic cause. Exploring the complex relationship between genetics and environmental exposures is key in understanding the multifactorial nature of the development of CHD. Multiple population-level association studies have been conducted on maternal environmental exposures and their association with CHD, including evaluating the effect of maternal disease, medication exposure, environmental pollution, and tobacco and alcohol use on the incidence of CHD. However, these studies have been done in a siloed manner, with few examining the interplay between multiple environmental exposures. Here, we broadly and qualitatively review the current literature on maternal and paternal prenatal exposures and their association with CHD. We propose using the framework of the emerging field of the exposome, the environmental complement to the genome, to review all internal and external prenatal environmental exposures and identify potentiating or alleviating synergy between exposures. Finally, we propose mechanistic pathways through which susceptibility to development of CHD may be induced via the totality of prenatal environmental exposures, including the interplay between placental and cardiac development and the internal vasculature and placental morphology in early stages of pregnancy.
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Tindula G, Mukherjee SK, Ekramullah SM, Arman DM, Biswas SK, Islam J, Obrycki JF, Christiani DC, Liang L, Warf BC, Mazumdar M. Parental metal exposures as potential risk factors for spina bifida in Bangladesh. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106800. [PMID: 34358915 PMCID: PMC9008873 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural tube defects are a pressing public health concern despite advances in prevention from folic acid-based strategies. Numerous chemicals, in particular arsenic, have been associated with neural tube defects in animal models and could influence risk in humans. OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship between parental exposure to arsenic and 17 metals and risk of neural tube defects (myelomeningocele and meningocele) in a case control study in Bangladesh. METHODS Exposure assessment included analysis of maternal and paternal toenail samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A total of 278 participants (155 cases and 123 controls) with data collected from 2016 to 2020 were included in the analysis. RESULTS In the paternal models, a one-unit increase in the natural logarithm of paternal toenail arsenic was associated with a 74% (odds ratio: 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-2.42) greater odds of having a child with spina bifida, after adjusting for relevant covariates. Additionally, paternal exposure to aluminum, cobalt, chromium, iron, selenium, and vanadium was associated with increased odds of having a child with spina bifida in the adjusted models. In the maternal models, a one-unit increase in the natural logarithm of maternal toenail selenium and zinc levels was related to a 382% greater (odds ratio: 4.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-17.60) and 89% lower (odds ratio: 0.11, 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.42) odds of having a child with spina bifida in the adjusted models, respectively. Results did not suggest an interaction between parental toenail metals and maternal serum folate. DISCUSSION Parental toenail levels of numerous metals were associated with increased risk of spina bifida in Bangladeshi infants. Paternal arsenic exposure was positively associated with neural tube defects in children and is of particular concern given the widespread arsenic poisoning of groundwater resources in Bangladesh and the lack of nutritional interventions aimed to mitigate paternal arsenic exposure. The findings add to the growing body of literature of the impact of metals, especially paternal environmental factors, on child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen Tindula
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sudipta Kumer Mukherjee
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargoan, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Sheikh Muhammad Ekramullah
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargoan, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - D M Arman
- Department of Paediatric Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargoan, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Subrata Kumar Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Joynul Islam
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Agargoan, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - John F Obrycki
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David C Christiani
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin C Warf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Maitreyi Mazumdar
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, United States.
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Odetola L, Sills S, Morrison S. A pilot study on the feasibility of testing residential tap water in North Carolina: implications for environmental justice and health. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:972-978. [PMID: 34183761 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00352-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2015 alone, community water systems serving about 21 million Americans violated the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (US-EPA) water quality standards. While water at community treatment and distribution centers is regularly monitored and tested, little is known about pollutants in the water systems at the household level. AIMS This pilot study assessed the feasibility of (1) testing for the presence and concentration of 14 contaminants and physicochemical parameters in household tap water in a low-income neighborhood and (2) using community engagement for recruitment and citizen science approaches to data collection. METHODS We used a multistage approach that included geo-mapping to delineate testing sites, community engagement for recruitment and citizen science approaches to increase the response rate. We used a 14-in-one dipstick test designed to measure trace amounts of heavy metals, non-metallic elements, and physicochemical water properties in drinking water in a sample of 70 homes. RESULTS In 50%, 25%, and 7% of water samples tested, the concentration of mercury, lead, and chromium, respectively, were higher than US-EPA drinking water standards. Citizen science approaches were effective for increasing response rates and low-income household participation in water quality testing. SIGNIFICANCE The overlap between poverty, older homes, and high concentrations of potentially toxic metals in drinking water presents concerns for community health. Our pilot community engagement and citizen science approaches are likely scalable and would be of benefit to both the scientific community and to municipalities with constrained budgets. Future studies may examine the role of the principles of environmental justice in the distribution and prevalence of toxic elements in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Love Odetola
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, USA.
| | - Stephen Sills
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
- Center for Housing & Community Studies, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
| | - Sharon Morrison
- Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
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Griggs JL, Thomas DJ, Fry R, Bradham KD. Improving the predictive value of bioaccessibility assays and their use to provide mechanistic insights into bioavailability for toxic metals/metalloids - A research prospectus. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2021; 24:307-324. [PMID: 34092204 PMCID: PMC8390437 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2021.1934764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Widespread contamination of soil, dust, and food with toxic metal(loid)s pose a significant public health concern. Only a portion of orally ingested metal(loid) contaminants are bioavailable, which is defined as the fraction of ingested metal(loid)s absorbed across the gastrointestinal barrier and into systemic circulation. Bioaccessibility tools are a class of in vitro assays used as a surrogate to estimate risk of oral exposure and bioavailability. Although development and use of bioaccessibility tools have contributed to our understanding of the factors influencing oral bioavailability of metal(loid)s, some of these assays may lack data that support their use in decisions concerning adverse health risks and soil remediation. This review discusses the factors known to influence bioaccessibility of metal(loid) contaminants and evaluates experimental approaches and key findings of SW-846 Test Method 1340, Unified BARGE Method, Simulated Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem, Solubility Bioaccessibility Research Consortium assay, In Vitro Gastrointestinal model, TNO-Gastrointestinal Model, and Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment bioaccessibility models which are used to assess oral absolute bioavailability and relative bioavailability in solid matrices. The aim of this review was to identify emerging knowledge gaps and research needs with an emphasis on research required to evaluate these models on (1) standardization of assay techniques and methodology, and (2) use of common criteria for assessing the performance of bioaccessibility models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Griggs
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599 USA
| | - David J. Thomas
- Chemical Characterization and Exposure Division, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709 USA
| | - Rebecca Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599 USA
| | - Karen D. Bradham
- Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modelling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709 USA
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Association between the Concentrations of Metallic Elements in Maternal Blood during Pregnancy and Prevalence of Abdominal Congenital Malformations: The Japan Environment and Children's Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910103. [PMID: 34639405 PMCID: PMC8507911 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal congenital malformations are responsible for early mortality, inadequate nutrient intake, and infant biological dysfunction. Exposure to metallic elements in utero is reported to be toxic and negatively impacts ontogeny. However, no prior study has sufficiently evaluated the effects of exposure to metallic elements in utero on abdominal congenital malformations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate associations between metallic elements detected in maternal blood during pregnancy and congenital abdominal malformations. Data from participants in the Japan Environment and Children’s Study was used in the present study, and contained information on singleton and live birth infants without congenital abnormalities (control: n = 89,134) and abdominal malformations (case: n = 139). Heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and trace elements of manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) were detected in maternal serum samples during mid- and late-gestation. Infant congenital abnormalities were identified from delivery records at birth or one month after birth by medical doctors. In a multivariate analysis adjusted to account for potential confounders, quartiles of heavy metals and trace elements present in maternal blood were not statistically correlated to the prevalence of abdominal congenital malformations at birth. This study is the first to reveal the absence of significant associations between exposure levels to maternal heavy metals and trace elements in utero and the prevalence of abdominal congenital malformations in a large cohort of the Japanese population. Further studies are necessary to investigate the impact of exposure to heavy metals and trace elements via maternal blood in offspring after birth.
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Aung MT, M Bakulski K, Feinberg JI, F Dou J, D Meeker J, Mukherjee B, Loch-Caruso R, Ladd-Acosta C, Volk HE, Croen LA, Hertz-Picciotto I, Newschaffer CJ, Fallin MD. Maternal blood metal concentrations and whole blood DNA methylation during pregnancy in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI). Epigenetics 2021; 17:253-268. [PMID: 33794742 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1897059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal epigenome may be responsive to prenatal metals exposures. We tested whether metals are associated with concurrent differential maternal whole blood DNA methylation. In the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation cohort, we measured first or second trimester maternal blood metals concentrations (cadmium, lead, mercury, manganese, and selenium) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. DNA methylation in maternal whole blood was measured on the Illumina 450 K array. A subset sample of 97 women had both measures available for analysis, all of whom did not report smoking during pregnancy. Linear regression was used to test for site-specific associations between individual metals and DNA methylation, adjusting for cell type composition and confounding variables. Discovery gene ontology analysis was conducted on the top 1,000 sites associated with each metal. We observed hypermethylation at 11 DNA methylation sites associated with lead (FDR False Discovery Rate q-value <0.1), near the genes CYP24A1, ASCL2, FAT1, SNX31, NKX6-2, LRC4C, BMP7, HOXC11, PCDH7, ZSCAN18, and VIPR2. Lead-associated sites were enriched (FDR q-value <0.1) for the pathways cell adhesion, nervous system development, and calcium ion binding. Manganese was associated with hypermethylation at four DNA methylation sites (FDR q-value <0.1), one of which was near the gene ARID2. Manganese-associated sites were enriched for cellular metabolism pathways (FDR q-value<0.1). Effect estimates for DNA methylation sites associated (p < 0.05) with cadmium, lead, and manganese were highly correlated (Pearson ρ > 0.86). DNA methylation sites associated with lead and manganese may be potential biomarkers of exposure or implicate downstream gene pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max T Aung
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Jason I Feinberg
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Center for Epigenetics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - John F Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Heather E Volk
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, Penn State University, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.,Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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Wait K, Katner A, Gallagher D, Edwards M, Mize W, Jackson CLP, Pieper KJ. Disparities in well water outreach and assistance offered by local health departments: A North Carolina case study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 747:141173. [PMID: 32795792 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Drinking water supplied by private wells is a national concern that would benefit from improved outreach and support to ensure safe drinking water quality. In North Carolina (NC), local health departments (LHDs) have private well programs that enforce statewide well construction standards, offer water testing services, and provide well water outreach and assistance. Programs were evaluated to determine their capacity and capability for well water outreach and assistance and identify differences among programs. All LHDs reported overseeing the construction of new wells as required by law. However, services provided to existing well users were offered infrequently and/or inconsistently offered. Lack of uniformity was observed in the number of LHD staff and their assigned responsibilities; the costs and availability of well water testing; and the comfort of LHD staff communicating with well owners. While the total number of staff was lower in LHDs in rural counties, the number of outreach activities and services offered was typically not related to the number of well users served. Variations in structure and capacity of well programs at LHDs have created unequal access to services and information for well users in NC. This research underscores the need to examine infrastructure that supports the well water community on a national scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kory Wait
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Adrienne Katner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Daniel Gallagher
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Marc Edwards
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Wilson Mize
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Crystal Lee Pow Jackson
- Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Kelsey J Pieper
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Liang C, Han Y, Ma L, Wu X, Huang K, Yan S, Li Z, Xia X, Pan W, Sheng J, Wang Q, Tong S, Cao Y, Tao F. Low levels of arsenic exposure during pregnancy and maternal and neonatal thyroid hormone parameters: The determinants for these associations. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 145:106114. [PMID: 33035893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential maternal and neonatal thyrotoxicity associated with exposure to arsenic during pregnancy is very limited and unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the associations between arsenic exposure levels in maternal and cord serum and maternal and neonatal thyroid hormone parameters in a prospective birth cohort study. METHODS The study including 2089 mother-neonate pairs was based upon Ma'an Shan birth cohort study in China. The exposure variables including maternal serum arsenic levels in the first, second and third trimester and average arsenic exposure level during pregnancy and cord serum arsenic level. Maternal serum TSH and FT4 levels in the first, second and third trimester and cord serum TSH and FT4 levels were determined using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay with Cobas Elecsys 411. Linear mixed models were used to examine associations between arsenic exposure variables during pregnancy and maternal thyroid hormone parameters, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between arsenic exposure during pregnancy and neonatal thyroid hormone parameters. Bayesian kernal machine regression (BKMR) analyses based on a kernel function were also used to examine the effects of exposure to metal mixtures (arsenic, mercury, cadmium and selenium). RESULTS The geometric means of arsenic exposure levels across 3 trimesters were 1.74 μg/L, 1.81 μg/L and 1.99 μg/L, respectively, and 1.90 μg/L in cord serum; the geometric means of maternal FT4 levels across 3 trimesters were 16.91 pmol/L, 11.91 pmol/L and 13.16 pmol/L, respectively, and 16.10 pmol/L in cord serum; the geometric means of maternal TSH levels across 3 trimesters were 1.27 μIU/mL, 2.32 μIU/mL and 2.08 μIU/mL, respectively, and 8.47 μIU/mL in cord serum. Maternal serum arsenic levels in the first, seond, third trimester and average arsenic exposure level during pregnancy were all not associated with maternal thyroid hormone parameters after adjustment for all the covariates, the adjusted β (95% CI) were -0.002 (-0.10 to 0.09), 0.05 (-0.05 to 0.16), -0.09 (-0.17 to 0.003) and -0.05 (-0.22 to 0.11) for maternal FT4, respectively; and -0.005 (-0.04 to 0.03), -0.003 (-0.04 to 0.03), -0.004 (-0.03 to 0.02) and -0.01 (-0.06 to 0.04) for maternal lnTSH, respectively. Maternal serum arsenic levels in the first, second trimester and average arsenic exposure level during pregnancy were all inversely associated with neonatal FT4 level after adjustment for all the confounders, the adjusted β (95% CI) were -0.19 (-0.31 to -0.07), -0.14 (-0.26 to -0.01), -0.22 (-0.42 to -0.02), respectively; and cord serum arsenic level was positively related with neonatal TSH level, the adjusted β (95% CI) were 0.04 (0.001 to 0.08). The adverse joint toxic effect of the four metals in maternal serum in the first trimester and in cord serum on neonatal thyroid hormone parameters were also found. CONCLUSIONS In this study, exposure to low levels of arsenic during pregnancy could directly affect neonatal thyroid hormone parameters without being mediated by maternal effect of exposure, and maternal serum arsenic levels in the first, second trimester and average arsenic exposure level during pregnancy and cord serum arsenic level may be risk factors affecting neonatal thyroid hormones. These findings indicate that neonates are more sensitive to the thyrotoxicity of arsenic exposure even at low levels. In addition, the adverse joint toxic effect of metal mixtures is also worthy of attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Liang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Han
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Liya Ma
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Healthcare (MCH) Center, Ma'anshan 243011, China
| | - Zhijuan Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xun Xia
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Weijun Pan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Healthcare (MCH) Center, Ma'anshan 243011, China
| | - Jie Sheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qunan Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shilu Tong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; School of Public Health and Social Work and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Krajewski AK, Rappazzo KM, Langlois PH, Messer LC, Lobdell DT. Associations between cumulative environmental quality and ten selected birth defects in Texas. Birth Defects Res 2020; 113:161-172. [PMID: 32864854 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Causes of most birth defects are largely unknown. Genetics, maternal factors (e.g., age, smoking) and environmental exposures have all been linked to some birth defects, including neural tube, oral cleft, limb reduction, and gastroschisis; however, the contribution of cumulative exposures across several environmental domains in association with these defects is not well understood. METHODS The Environmental Quality Index (EQI) and its domains (air, water, land, sociodemographic, built) were used to estimate county-level cumulative environmental exposures from 2006-2010 and matched to birth defects identified from Texas Birth Defects Registry and live birth records from births in years 2007-2010 (N = 1,610,709). Poisson regression models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between 10 birth defects and the EQI. RESULTS We observed some positive associations between worst environmental quality and neural tube, anencephaly, spina bifida, oral cleft, cleft palate, cleft lip with and without cleft palate, and gastroschisis [PR range: 1.12-1.55], but near null associations with limb reduction defects. Among domain specific results, we observed the strongest positive associations with the sociodemographic domain across birth defects but varied positive associations among the air and water domains, and negative or null associations with the land and built domains. Overall, few exposure-response patterns were evident. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the complexities of cumulative, simultaneous environmental exposures in the prevalence rates of 10 selected birth defects. We were able to explore the impact of overall and domain specific environmental quality on birth defects and identify potential domain specific drivers of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Krajewski
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Postdoctoral Fellow at United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center of Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen M Rappazzo
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center of Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter H Langlois
- Texas Department of State Health Services, Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health - Austin Regional Campus, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | - Danelle T Lobdell
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Center of Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Thompson DA, Lehmler HJ, Kolpin DW, Hladik ML, Vargo JD, Schilling KE, LeFevre GH, Peeples TL, Poch MC, LaDuca LE, Cwiertny DM, Field RW. A critical review on the potential impacts of neonicotinoid insecticide use: current knowledge of environmental fate, toxicity, and implications for human health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:1315-1346. [PMID: 32267911 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00586b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Neonicotinoid insecticides are widely used in both urban and agricultural settings around the world. Historically, neonicotinoid insecticides have been viewed as ideal replacements for more toxic compounds, like organophosphates, due in part to their perceived limited potential to affect the environment and human health. This critical review investigates the environmental fate and toxicity of neonicotinoids and their metabolites and the potential risks associated with exposure. Neonicotinoids are found to be ubiquitous in the environment, drinking water, and food, with low-level exposure commonly documented below acceptable daily intake standards. Available toxicological data from animal studies indicate possible genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, impaired immune function, and reduced growth and reproductive success at low concentrations, while limited data from ecological or cross-sectional epidemiological studies have identified acute and chronic health effects ranging from acute respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological symptoms to oxidative genetic damage and birth defects. Due to the heavy use of neonicotinoids and potential for cumulative chronic exposure, these insecticides represent novel risks and necessitate further study to fully understand their risks to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrin A Thompson
- University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA. and University of Iowa, Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Dana W Kolpin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michelle L Hladik
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - John D Vargo
- State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | | | - Gregory H LeFevre
- University of Iowa, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Tonya L Peeples
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Matthew C Poch
- University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Lauren E LaDuca
- University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - David M Cwiertny
- University of Iowa, Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, Iowa City, IA, USA and University of Iowa, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - R William Field
- University of Iowa, College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Keil AP, Buckley JP, O'Brien KM, Ferguson KK, Zhao S, White AJ. A Quantile-Based g-Computation Approach to Addressing the Effects of Exposure Mixtures. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:47004. [PMID: 32255670 PMCID: PMC7228100 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 691] [Impact Index Per Article: 172.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure mixtures frequently occur in data across many domains, particularly in the fields of environmental and nutritional epidemiology. Various strategies have arisen to answer questions about exposure mixtures, including methods such as weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression that estimate a joint effect of the mixture components. OBJECTIVES We demonstrate a new approach to estimating the joint effects of a mixture: quantile g-computation. This approach combines the inferential simplicity of WQS regression with the flexibility of g-computation, a method of causal effect estimation. We use simulations to examine whether quantile g-computation and WQS regression can accurately and precisely estimate the effects of mixtures in a variety of common scenarios. METHODS We examine the bias, confidence interval (CI) coverage, and bias-variance tradeoff of quantile g-computation and WQS regression and how these quantities are impacted by the presence of noncausal exposures, exposure correlation, unmeasured confounding, and nonlinearity of exposure effects. RESULTS Quantile g-computation, unlike WQS regression, allows inference on mixture effects that is unbiased with appropriate CI coverage at sample sizes typically encountered in epidemiologic studies and when the assumptions of WQS regression are not met. Further, WQS regression can magnify bias from unmeasured confounding that might occur if important components of the mixture are omitted from the analysis. DISCUSSION Unlike inferential approaches that examine the effects of individual exposures while holding other exposures constant, methods like quantile g-computation that can estimate the effect of a mixture are essential for understanding the effects of potential public health actions that act on exposure sources. Our approach may serve to help bridge gaps between epidemiologic analysis and interventions such as regulations on industrial emissions or mining processes, dietary changes, or consumer behavioral changes that act on multiple exposures simultaneously. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5838.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessie P Buckley
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Katie M O'Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Biostatistics Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexandra J White
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Goswami R, Kumar M, Biyani N, Shea PJ. Arsenic exposure and perception of health risk due to groundwater contamination in Majuli (river island), Assam, India. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2020; 42:443-460. [PMID: 31325112 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-019-00373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Island populations are rarely studied for risk of arsenic (As) poisoning. As poisoning, multimetal contamination and people's perceptions of health risks were assessed on India's Majuli Island, the largest inhabited river island in the world. This holistic approach illustrated the association of groundwater contamination status with consequent health risk by measuring levels of inorganic arsenic (iAs) in groundwater, borehole sediment and biological samples (hair, nails and urine). Piper and Gibbs's plots discerned the underlying hydrogeochemical processes in the aquifer. Demographic data and qualitative factors were evaluated to assess the risks and uncertainties of exposure. The results exhibited significant enrichment of groundwater with As, Mn and Fe along with significant body burden. Maximum Hazard Index values indicated severe non-carcinogenic health impacts as well as a significantly elevated risk of cancer for both adults and children. Most (99%) of the locally affected population did not know about the adverse health impacts of metal contamination, and only 15% understood bodily ailments and health issues. Various aspects of the island environment were used to elucidate the status of contamination and future risk of disease. A projection showed adverse health outcomes rising significantly, especially among the young population of Majuli, due to overexposure to not only As but also Ba, Mn and Fe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritusmita Goswami
- Department of Environmental Science, The Assam Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam, 781035, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Discipline of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Room No. 336A, Block 5, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| | - Nivedita Biyani
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA
| | - Patrick J Shea
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0817, USA
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Liang C, Wu X, Huang K, Yan S, Li Z, Xia X, Pan W, Sheng J, Tao R, Tao Y, Xiang H, Hao J, Wang Q, Tong S, Tao F. Domain- and sex-specific effects of prenatal exposure to low levels of arsenic on children's development at 6 months of age: Findings from the Ma'anshan birth cohort study in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 135:105112. [PMID: 31881426 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105112] [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: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between prenatal arsenic exposure at low levels and poor development in children, especially in regard to neurodevelopment, has aroused several concerns, but the conclusions have been inconsistent. It still remains unclear whether such adverse effect is associated with a specific profile of the developing brain in early life. To investigate the association between arsenic exposure in utero and children's development and behaviour, we performed a large prospective birth cohort study including 2315 mother-infant pairs in Anhui Province, China. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire of China (ASQ-C) was used to assess the status of children's development and behaviour at 6 months postpartum, and the levels of arsenic were determined in umbilical cord serum samples. Odds ratios for suspected developmental delay (SDD) in each domain of the ASQ-C clusters were estimated using logistic regression models. Compared with low arsenic levels group, medium and high arsenic levels were significantly associated with the increased risks of SDD in the personal-social domain among infants aged 6 months after adjustment for all potential confounders (OR = 1.33, 95% CI (1.01, 1.75) and OR = 1.47, 95% CI (1.08, 2.00), respectively). Sex stratification analysis demonstrated that this association was stronger in females. The sensitivity analyses also showed that high cord serum arsenic levels were associated with a 1.80-fold (95% CIs (1.12, 2.90)) higher risk of a more severe developmental delay in the personal-social domain among six-month-old females. Our results suggest that low-level arsenic exposure in utero could have an adverse domain-specific effect on children's development at 6 months of age, particularly among females. Further studies are warranted to support the findings and explore the mechanism of these domain-and sex-specific associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Liang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuangqin Yan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Center, Ma'anshan, China
| | - Zhijuan Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xun Xia
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weijun Pan
- Ma'anshan Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Center, Ma'anshan, China
| | - Jie Sheng
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ruiwen Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yiran Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haiyun Xiang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jiahu Hao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qunan Wang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shilu Tong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China; School of Public Health and Social Work and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Souza TL, Batschauer AR, Brito PM, Oliveira Ribeiro CA, Martino-Andrade AJ, Ortolani-Machado CF. Multigenerational analysis of the functional status of male reproductive system in mice after exposure to realistic doses of manganese. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 133:110763. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Tomlinson MS, Bommarito P, George A, Yelton S, Cable P, Coyte R, Karr J, Vengosh A, Gray KM, Fry RC. Assessment of inorganic contamination of private wells and demonstration of effective filter-based reduction: A pilot-study in Stokes County, North Carolina. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108618. [PMID: 31419714 PMCID: PMC6717535 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Well water is the primary drinking source for nearly a quarter of North Carolina residents. Many communities across the state have been concerned about their well water quality and inorganic contamination. The "Well Empowered" study worked alongside a community in Stokes County, North Carolina to measure toxic metals in their well water as well as provide and test ZeroWater® filter pitchers in homes with arsenic (As) or lead (Pb) contamination. Multiple water samples, including a First Draw sample from the kitchen tap and a sample taken directly from the well, were collected from 39 homes in Stokes County. The samples were analyzed for 17 different inorganic contaminants, including As, boron (B), Pb, and manganese (Mn), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). High concentrations of Pb along with copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) were only found in the First Draw sample and therefore likely originate in the home plumbing system while As, iron (Fe), and Mn were consistent across all samples and therefore are present in the groundwater. The low concentrations of B (<100 parts per billion (ppb)) make it unlikely that the source of As and Mn contamination was coal ash-derived. Out of the 39 homes, four had As levels exceeding the federal standard of 10 ppb and an additional two exceeded the Pb standard of 15 ppb. These homes were provided with a ZeroWater® filter pitcher and a water sample was taken pre- and post-filtration. The ZeroWater® filter removed 99% of As and Pb from the water, dropping the levels well below the drinking water standard levels. These ZeroWater® filter pitchers, while not a permanent solution, are a low-cost option for homeowners experiencing As or Pb contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Scott Tomlinson
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Paige Bommarito
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew George
- Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah Yelton
- Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Peter Cable
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rachel Coyte
- Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan Karr
- Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kathleen M Gray
- Institute for the Environment, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Queiroz TKLD, Naka KS, Mendes LDCDS, Costa BNS, Jesus IMD, Câmara VDM, Lima MDO. Human Blood Lead Levels and the First Evidence of Environmental Exposure to Industrial Pollutants in the Amazon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3047. [PMID: 31443420 PMCID: PMC6747206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16173047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The main routes of lead (Pb) absorption are through the airways and orally, and through consumption of contaminated food and beverage, with Pb mainly being absorbed in the atmospheric particulate form. In 2012, a cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the Pb environmental exposure in two Amazonian districts, Dom Manuel (DMN) and Laranjal (CLA), located in Barcarena City, northern Brazil. CLA is located outside the industrial area of Barcarena (control population), whereas DMN is an old community located in the vicinity of industrial activities. A significant number of residents in these districts participated in an epidemiological inquiry and blood sampling. Total Pb blood levels were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean Pb blood level in people that live in DMN was 281.60 (98.73-570.80) μg·L-1, approximately nine times higher than the level found in CLA (32.77 μg·L-1). In these districts, the Pb blood levels showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) based on gender, schooling, residence time, and smoking. This is the first evidence of industrial environmental pollutant exposure in the Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Karolina Lisboa de Queiroz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia e Vigilância em Saúde (PPGEVS), Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil.
- Seção de Meio Ambiente (SAMAM), Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil.
| | - Karytta Sousa Naka
- Seção de Meio Ambiente (SAMAM), Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | | | - Brenda Natasha Souza Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Aquática e Pesca (PPGEAP), Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belem 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Iracina Maura de Jesus
- Seção de Meio Ambiente (SAMAM), Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Volney de Magalhães Câmara
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva (PPGSC), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia e Vigilância em Saúde (PPGEVS), Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil.
- Seção de Meio Ambiente (SAMAM), Instituto Evandro Chagas (IEC), Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil.
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Spatial Clusters of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate and Their Association with Polluted Zones in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16142488. [PMID: 31336885 PMCID: PMC6678111 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the spatial structure of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and its association with polluted areas in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA). The Nearest Neighbor Index (NNI) and the Spatial Statistical Scan (SaTScan) determined that the CLP cases are agglomerated in spatial clusters distributed in different areas of the city, some of them grouping up to 12 cases of CLP in a radius of 1.2 km. The application of the interpolation by empirical Bayesian kriging (EBK) and the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method showed that 95% of the cases have a spatial interaction with values of particulate matter (PM10) of more than 50 points. The study also shows that 83% of the cases interacted with around 2000 annual tons of greenhouse gases. This study may contribute to other investigations applying techniques for the identification of environmental and genetic factors possibly associated with congenital malformations and for determining the influence of contaminating substances in the incidence of these diseases, particularly CLP.
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Seasonal Variation of Water Quality in Unregulated Domestic Wells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091569. [PMID: 31060292 PMCID: PMC6539867 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the United States (U.S.), up to 14% of the population depend on private wells as their primary drinking water source. The U.S. government does not regulate contaminants in private wells. The goals of this study were to investigate the quality of drinking water from unregulated private wells within one mile (1.6 kilometers) of an effluent-dominated river in the arid Southwest, determine differences in contaminant levels between wet and dry seasons, and identify contributions from human sources by specifically measuring man-made organic contaminants (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfate (PFOS), and sucralose). Samples were collected during two dry seasons and two wet seasons over the course of two years and analyzed for microbial (Escherichia coli), inorganic (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nitrate), and synthetic organic (PFOA, PFOS, and sucralose) contaminants. Arsenic, nitrate, and Escherichia coli concentrations exceeded their respective regulatory levels of 0.01 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 1 colony forming unit (CFU)/100 mL, respectively. The measured concentrations of PFOA and PFOS exceeded the respective Public Health Advisory level. Arsenic, PFOA, PFOS, and sucralose were significantly higher during the dry seasons, whereas E. coli was higher during the wet seasons. While some contaminants were correlated (e.g., As and Hg ρ = 0.87; PFOA and PFOS ρ = 0.45), the lack of correlation between different contaminant types indicates that they may arise from different sources. Multi-faceted interventions are needed to reduce exposure to drinking water above health-based guidelines.
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Chandravanshi LP, Gupta R, Shukla RK. Arsenic-Induced Neurotoxicity by Dysfunctioning Cholinergic and Dopaminergic System in Brain of Developing Rats. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 189:118-133. [PMID: 30051311 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to arsenic via drinking water throughout the globe is assumed to cause a developmental neurotoxicity. Here, we investigated the effect of perinatal arsenic exposure on the neurobehavioral and neurochemical changes in the corpus striatum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus that is critically involved in motor and cognition functions. In continuation of previous studies, this study demonstrates that perinatal exposures (GD6-PD21) to arsenic (2 or 4 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) cause hypo-activity in arsenic-exposed rats on PD22. The hypo-activity was found to be linked with a decrease in the mRNA and protein expression of the DA-D2 receptor. Further, a protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), levels of dopamine, and its metabolites were also significantly impaired in corpus striatum. The arsenic-exposed groups showed spatial learning and memory significantly below the average in a dose-dependent manner for the controls. Here, we evaluated the declined expression of CHRM2 receptor gene and protein expression of ChAT, PKCβ-1 in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, which are critically involved in cognition functions including learning and memory. A trend of recovery was found in the cholinergic and dopaminergic system of the brain, but changes remained persisted even after the withdrawal of arsenic exposure on PD45. Taken together, our results indicate that perinatal arsenic exposure appears to be critical and vulnerable as the development of cholinergic and dopaminergic system continues during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit P Chandravanshi
- Division of Forensic Science, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, 201307, India.
- Developmental Toxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Post Box No. 80, MG Marg, Lucknow, 226 001, India.
| | - Richa Gupta
- Developmental Toxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Post Box No. 80, MG Marg, Lucknow, 226 001, India
| | - Rajendra K Shukla
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India
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Ni W, Yang W, Yu J, Li Z, Jin L, Liu J, Zhang Y, Wang L, Ren A. Association between selected essential trace element concentrations in umbilical cord and risk for cleft lip with or without cleft palate: A case-control study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 661:196-202. [PMID: 30669052 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A deficiency or excess of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), or manganese (Mn) may interfere with fetal organogenesis. However, the impact of these essential trace elements on the occurrence of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL ± P) remains to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate the associations between the amounts of Zn, Se, Co, Mo, and Mn in umbilical cord tissue and risk for CL ± P. This case-control study included 200 controls without congenital malformations and 88 CL ± P cases. Zn, Se, Co, Mo, and Mn concentrations in the umbilical cord were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Information was collected on demographics, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary intake. The median concentrations of Zn in cases of CL ± P and cleft lip with cleft palate (CLP), of Se in cases of CL ± P and cleft lip only (CLO), and of Co in cases of CLO were lower than in the controls. In utero exposure to higher levels of Zn was associated with reduced risk for CL ± P (OR = 0.44, 95% CI, 0.20-0.93) and for CLP (OR = 0.35, 95% CI, 0.14-0.86), and a higher level of Se was associated with reduced risk for CL ± P and CLO, with ORs of 0.47 (95% CI, 0.23-0.95) and 0.22 (95% CI, 0.08-0.67), respectively. By contrast, higher levels of Mo in the umbilical cord were associated with 2.52-fold (95% CI, 1.23-5.20) and 2.59-fold (95% CI, 1.12-5.95) higher risk for CL ± P and CLP, respectively. No association was found between Co or Mn and risk for CL ± P. In conclusion, in utero exposure to higher levels of Zn and Se was associated with reduced risk for CL ± P, but higher levels of Mo were associated with increased risk for CL ± P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Ni
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlei Yang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhui Yu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jufen Liu
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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Mihaileanu R, Neamtiu IA, Bloom M, Stamatian F. Birth defects in Tarnaveni area, Romania - preliminary study results. Med Pharm Rep 2019; 92:59-65. [PMID: 30957088 PMCID: PMC6448501 DOI: 10.15386/cjmed-984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims In the development of any human body, defects may occur, resulting in the occurrence of congenital malformations, also referred to as birth defects. The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the prevalence of birth defects registered during a period of 5 years in Tarnaveni area. As Tarnaveni is located in close proximity to a former chemical plant, a recognized hazardous waste site, we conducted this pilot study to assess the prevalence of birth defects, in order to evaluate the need for a more comprehensive investigation of a potential relation between the exposure to toxic metals contaminating the environmental media as a result of the past industrial activities, and the prevalence of the birth defects in this area. Methods We abstracted birth information (gestational age at delivery (GA), birth weight (BW), birth length (BL), head circumference (HC), and major structural birth defects), from medical records at “Dr. Gheorghe Marinescu“ Tarnaveni Municipal Hospital, of the 2010–2014 period. We expressed BW as Z-scores relative to expected mean values at each gestational age for a reference population, calculated the ponderal index, and determined the 5 years birth defects prevalence among live births during the study interval. Results The 5 years (2010–2014) prevalence of birth defects, was 3.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.47, 4.09). There were n = 163 (8.7%) preterm deliveries (less than 37 weeks of gestation at delivery), mean birth weight was 3108.3 g (standard deviation (SD) = 517.1), ranging from 450–4600 g, and n = 187 (10%) were low birth weight (LBW) (less than 2500 g). The ponderal index was 2.2 g/cm3 on average (SD = 0.5), with range 1.2–20.7 g/cm3. Conclusions While preliminary, our data show a 5 years (2010–2014) prevalence of major structural birth defects among newborns from Tarnaveni area of 3.3%. These pilot results indicate the need for a more comprehensive investigation of a potential relation between the exposure to toxic metals contaminating the environmental media as a result of the past industrial activities and the prevalence of the birth defects in Tarnaveni area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razvan Mihaileanu
- 1 Gynecology Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,IMOGEN Research Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,"Dr. Gheorghe Marinescu" Municipal Hospital, Tarnaveni, Romania
| | - Iulia Adina Neamtiu
- IMOGEN Research Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Health Department, Environmental Health Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Michael Bloom
- Departments of Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York, United States
| | - Florin Stamatian
- 1 Gynecology Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,IMOGEN Research Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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49
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Shim J, Kumar M, Mukherjee S, Goswami R. Sustainable removal of pernicious arsenic and cadmium by a novel composite of MnO 2 impregnated alginate beads: A cost-effective approach for wastewater treatment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 234:8-20. [PMID: 30599330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.12.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
There is a dire necessity of developing low cost waste water treatment systems, for the efficient removal of noxious heavy metals (and metalloids) such as Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd). Magnetic biopolymer (CABs-MO) was synthesized by the entrapment of nanocrystalline MnO2 in the polymeric microcapsules of calcium alginate (CABs). Batch experiments were conducted under constant pH (6.5), temperature (25OC), different initial concentrations (30-300 mg L-1) and contact times (0-48 h) to study the adsorption isotherms and removal kinetics of pristine (CABs) and hybrid biopolymer (CABs-MO) for the removal of As and Cd. The pseudo-equilibrium process was mathematically well explained by the pseudo-second-order kinetic (R2 ≥ 0.99) and Langmuir isotherm model (R2 ≥ 0.99) with the highest monolayer sorption capacity of 63.6 mg g-1 for Cd on CABs-MO. The As removal rate was maximum up to 6.5 mg g-1 after 12 h of contact period in a single contaminant system than in the mixed contaminant (As + Cd) system (0.8 mg g-1), though the effect was non-significant for Cd (p < 0.05; t-test). The performance of the 10 mM HCl as a regenerating agent was superior (for As in comparison to Cd, p < 0.05; t-test) compared to distilled water (DW) through three to five regeneration cycles. Therefore, the obtained results clearly validate the feasibility of CABs-MO as a potential promising adsorbent for removing metal contaminants from the wastewater. Further research is required to study the decontamination of emerging contaminants with such novel composite beads characterized by varied physico-chemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaehong Shim
- Division of Biotechnology, Advanced Institute of Environment and Bioscience, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 570-752, South Korea
| | - Manish Kumar
- Discipline of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
| | - Santanu Mukherjee
- Discipline of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Ritusmita Goswami
- Discipline of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
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50
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Kocylowski R, Grzesiak M, Gaj Z, Lorenc W, Bakinowska E, Barałkiewicz D, von Kaisenberg CS, Lamers Y, Suliburska J. Associations between the Level of Trace Elements and Minerals and Folate in Maternal Serum and Amniotic Fluid and Congenital Abnormalities. Nutrients 2019; 11:E328. [PMID: 30717440 PMCID: PMC6413094 DOI: 10.3390/nu11020328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital birth defects may result in a critical condition affecting the baby, including severe fetal/neonatal handicap and mortality. Several studies have shown that genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors may have an impact on fetal development and neonatal health. The relevance of essential and toxic elements on fetal development has not yet been fully investigated, and the results of recent research indicate that these elements may be crucial in the assessment of the risk of malformations in neonates. We determined the association between essential and toxic elements and the level of folate in maternal serum (MS) and amniotic fluid (AF), along with neonatal abnormalities. A total of 258 pregnant Polish women in the age group of 17⁻42 years participated in this study. AF and MS were collected during vaginal delivery or during cesarean section. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique was used to determine the levels of various elements in AF and MS. The results of this exploratory study indicate that the levels of essential and toxic elements are associated with fetal and newborn anatomical abnormalities and growth disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Kocylowski
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Gynecology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, ul. Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland.
- PreMediCare New Med Medical Center, ul. Drużbickiego 13, 61-693 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Grzesiak
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Gynecology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, ul. Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Zuzanna Gaj
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Gynecology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, ul. Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland.
- Scientific Laboratory of the Center of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics and Screening, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, ul. Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Wiktor Lorenc
- Department of Trace Element Analysis by Spectroscopy Method, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, ul. Umultowska 89b, 61-614 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Ewa Bakinowska
- Institute of Mathematics, Poznan University of Technology, ul. Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Danuta Barałkiewicz
- Department of Trace Element Analysis by Spectroscopy Method, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, ul. Umultowska 89b, 61-614 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Constantin S von Kaisenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Yvonne Lamers
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.
| | - Joanna Suliburska
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland, ul. Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-624 Poznan, Poland.
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