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Zhang Y, Tang M, Zhang S, Lin Y, Yang K, Yang Y, Zhang J, Man J, Verginelli I, Shen C, Luo J, Luo Y, Yao Y. Mapping Blood Lead Levels in China during 1980-2040 with Machine Learning. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:7270-7278. [PMID: 38625742 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Lead poisoning is globally concerning, yet limited testing hinders effective interventions in most countries. We aimed to create annual maps of county-specific blood lead levels in China from 1980 to 2040 using a machine learning model. Blood lead data from China were sourced from 1180 surveys published between 1980 and 2022. Additionally, regional statistical figures for 15 natural and socioeconomic variables were obtained or estimated as predictors. A machine learning model, using the random forest algorithm and 2973 generated samples, was created to predict county-specific blood lead levels in China from 1980 to 2040. Geometric mean blood lead levels in children (i.e., age 14 and under) decreased significantly from 104.4 μg/L in 1993 to an anticipated 40.3 μg/L by 2040. The number exceeding 100 μg/L declined dramatically, yet South Central China remains a hotspot. Lead exposure is similar among different groups, but overall adults and adolescents (i.e., age over 14), females, and rural residents exhibit slightly lower exposure compared to that of children, males, and urban residents, respectively. Our predictions indicated that despite the general reduction, one-fourth of Chinese counties rebounded during 2015-2020. This slower decline might be due to emerging lead sources like smelting and coal combustion; however, the primary factor driving the decline should be the reduction of a persistent source, legacy gasoline-derived lead. Our approach innovatively maps lead exposure without comprehensive surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mengling Tang
- Department of Public Health, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shuyou Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Yaoyao Lin
- Department of Public Health, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kaixuan Yang
- Department of Public Health, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yadi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Applied Meteorology, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Jiangjiang Zhang
- Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Jun Man
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Iason Verginelli
- Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering and Computer Science Engineering, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Chaofeng Shen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jian Luo
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Yongming Luo
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yijun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Strieker S, Radon K, Forster F, Örnek ÖK, Wengenroth L, Schmotz W, Sonnemann F, Hoopmann M, Hepp M, Nowak D, Weinmann T, Rakete S. Biomonitoring of lead in blood of children living in a former mining area in Lower Saxony, Germany. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29971-29978. [PMID: 38594562 PMCID: PMC11058760 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32719-x] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to lead substantially decreased over the past decades. However, soil of former mining areas still contains high lead levels. We therefore performed a biomonitoring study among children living in two former mining communities in Lower Saxony, Germany. In these communities, soil contains lead levels of 1000 to 30,000 mg/kg. Overall, 75 children (6-10 years of age) attending the two primary schools of the study area took part in the study. Parents completed a short questionnaire on sociodemographics, and children provided capillary whole blood samples. We analysed lead using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometer. We compared the results to current German (20 μg/l for boys, 15 μg/l for girls) and US (35 μg/l) reference values. Potential associations between questionnaire information and lead results were tested using lead as continuous outcome and using lead dichotomized at the reference values. Finally, we analysed spatial patterns of elevated biomonitoring results. Of all children, 48% exceeded the German reference values for lead (5% expected) and 8% the US reference value (2.5% expected). Children 6-8 years of age were more likely to exceed German reference values (63%) than 9-10 year old children were (32%; pFisher = 0.01). No other questionnaire information was statistically significantly associated with biomonitoring results. Additionally, we did not find any indication of spatial clustering. In conclusion, we observed elevated blood lead levels in primary school children living in a former mining area. In the next step, exposure pathways need to be identified to implement effective public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Strieker
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Radon
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Forster
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Özlem Köseoglu Örnek
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nursing Science, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
| | - Laura Wengenroth
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Walter Schmotz
- District of Goslar, Department of Construction & Environment-Soil Protection and Waste Monitoring, Goslar, Germany
| | - Finn Sonnemann
- District of Goslar, Department of Construction & Environment-Soil Protection and Waste Monitoring, Goslar, Germany
| | | | - Martin Hepp
- District of Goslar, Department of Public Health Services, Goslar, Germany
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Weinmann
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Rakete
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, Munich, Germany
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Vig N, Ravindra K, Mor S. Environmental impacts of Indian coal thermal power plants and associated human health risk to the nearby residential communities: A potential review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 341:140103. [PMID: 37689154 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140103] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, harmful emissions from coal power plants cause many illnesses contribute to premature deaths burden. Despite its high impact on human health and being a major source of toxic pollutants, coal has been considered a component of global energy for decades. Hence, this work was envisaged to understand the rising environmental and multiple health issues from coal power plants. Studies on the adverse impacts of coal power plants on the environment, including soil, surface water, groundwater and air, were critically evaluated. The health risk from exposure to different pollutants and toxic metals released from the power plant was also demonstrated. The study also highlighted the government initiatives and policies regarding coal power operation and generation. Lastly, the study focused on guiding coal power plant owners and policymakers in identifying the essential cues for the risk assessment and management. The current study found an association between environmental and human health risks due to power generation, which needs intervention from the scientific and medical fields to jointly address public concerns. It is also suggested that future research should concentrate on exposure assessment techniques by integrating source-identification and geographic information systems to assess the health effects of different contaminants from power plants and to mitigate their adverse impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitasha Vig
- Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
| | - Khaiwal Ravindra
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 160012, India.
| | - Suman Mor
- Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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Gump BB, Heffernan K, Brann LS, Hill DT, Labrie-Cleary C, Jandev V, MacKenzie JA, Atallah-Yunes NH, Parsons PJ, Palmer CD, Roberts AA, Bendinskas K. Exposure to Arsenic and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in 9- to 11-Year-Old Children, Syracuse, New York. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2321379. [PMID: 37389868 PMCID: PMC10314305 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.21379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Studies in adults have demonstrated associations between arsenic exposure and clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). No studies to date have considered potential associations in children. Objective To examine the association between total urinary arsenic levels in children and subclinical indicators of CVD. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study considered 245 children, a subset from the Environmental Exposures and Child Health Outcomes (EECHO) cohort. Children from the Syracuse, New York, metropolitan area were recruited from August 1, 2013, until November 30, 2017, with enrollment throughout the year. Statistical analysis was performed from January 1, 2022, to February 28, 2023. Exposures Total urinary arsenic was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Creatinine concentration was used to adjust for urinary dilution. In addition, potential exposure routes (eg, diet) were measured. Main Outcomes and Measures Three indicators of subclinical CVD were assessed: carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, carotid intima media thickness, and echocardiographic measures of cardiac remodeling. Results The study sample included 245 children aged 9 to 11 years (mean [SD] age, 10.52 [0.93] years; 133 [54.3%] female). The geometric mean of the creatinine-adjusted total arsenic level in the population was 7.76 μg/g creatinine. After adjustment for covariates, elevated total arsenic levels were associated with significantly greater carotid intima media thickness (β = 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08-0.33; P = .001). In addition, echocardiography revealed that elevated total arsenic was significantly higher for children with concentric hypertrophy (indicated by greater left ventricular mass and greater relative wall thickness; geometric mean, 16.77 μg/g creatinine; 95% CI, 9.87-28.79 μg/g) relative to the reference group (geometric mean, 7.39 μg/g creatinine; 95% CI, 6.36-8.58 μg/g). With respect to exposure source, significant geographic clustering of total arsenic was found in 1 urban area of Syracuse, New York. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest a significant association between arsenic exposure and subclinical CVD in children. Elevated total arsenic levels were found in an area of Syracuse with known elevations of toxic metals from industrial waste, suggesting historical pollution as a possible source. Given the novelty and potential importance of this association, further research is needed to confirm our findings. Any potential effect of urinary arsenic exposure in childhood on actual clinical CVD outcomes in adulthood remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooks B. Gump
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Kevin Heffernan
- Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Lynn S. Brann
- Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Dustin T. Hill
- Department of Public Health, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | | | - Vikrant Jandev
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College at Oswego, Oswego
| | - James A. MacKenzie
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York College at Oswego, Oswego
| | | | - Patrick J. Parsons
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York
| | - Christopher D. Palmer
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York
| | - Austin A. Roberts
- Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany
| | - Kestutis Bendinskas
- Department of Chemistry, State University of New York College at Oswego, Oswego
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Afolabi OO, Olatunji AS. Unraveling the source(s) and fate of Pb in urban soils and sediments of Ibadan metropolis using lead isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:1525-1536. [PMID: 35511375 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01274-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this study an attempt was made to determine the source(s) and nature of Pb in environmental media of Ibadan, one of the largest cities in west Nigeria. Seventy-three samples comprising forty stream sediments, twenty-five soils and eight rocks samples were used for the study. Mineralogical compositions of the samples were determined by X-ray diffraction. The elemental constituents were determined using ICP-MS; while the Pb isotopes were determined using Sector-field ICP-MS. Sequential analysis of selected samples was carried out using a modified Tessier's five-step method. The dominant minerals identified were quartz, kaolinite, k-feldspar, and plagioclase. The concentrations (mg/kg) of Pb in soils, sediments, and rocks ranged from 13.00-470.00; 89.00-3288.00 and 2.90-20.30, respectively. The 204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, 208Pb ranged from 1.72-47.41; 30.69-779.68; 27.00-664.46 and 65.67-1642.27 in the soils and sediments, respectively, while they ranged from 0.02-0.07; 0.56-2.33; 0.38-1.56 and 1.19-4.13 in the rocks. Further evaluation of Pb concentration in the soils and sediments revealed high to extreme Pb pollution status, while the calculated Pb isotopic ratios (IRs) in the soil and sediments varied from that of the underlying bedrocks. The IRS in soils and sediments were characterized by low (1.161-1.172 and 1.127-1.200, and 2.281-2.444 and 2.276-2.474) 206/207 Pb and 208/207 Pb, while those of the rocks were high (1.456-1.753 and 2.647-3.149), indicating additional anthropogenic sourcing of Pb in the soils and sediments. The analyzed Pb revealed fractions more partitioned in the reactive geochemical phases with the Pb partitioned in the exchangeable (0.11-0.23%), carbonate (9.00-43.58%), reducible (8.32-13.53%) and organic/sulfides (42.78-82.45%) phases. This implies that there may be enhanced mobility of Pb in the environmental samples and ultimately bio-adsorption into living tissues in the environment.
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Chen X, Cao S, Wen D, Geng Y, Duan X. Sentinel animals for monitoring the environmental lead exposure: combination of traditional review and visualization analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:561-584. [PMID: 35348990 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In nature, certain animals share a common living environment with humans, thus these animals have become biomonitors of health effects related to various environmental exposures. As one of the most toxic environmental chemicals, lead (Pb) can cause detriment health effects to animals, plants, and even humans through different exposure pathways such as atmosphere, soil, food, water, and dust, etc. Sentinel animals played an "indicative" role in the researches of environmental pollution monitoring and human health. In order to comprehend the usage of sentinel animals in the indication of environmental Pb pollution and human Pb exposure completely, a combination of traditional review and visualization analysis based on CiteSpace literature was used to review earlier researches in this study. In the first instance, present researches on exposure sources and exposure pathways of Pb were summarized briefly, and then the studies using sentinel animals to monitor environmental heavy metal pollution and human health were combed. Finally, visualization software CiteSpace 5.8.R3 was used to explore and analyze the hotspots and frontiers of lead exposure and sentinel animals researches at home and abroad. The results showed that certain mammals were good indicators for human lead exposure. Sentinel animals had been widely used to monitor the ecological environment and human lead exposure. Among them, the blood lead levels of small mammals, particularly for domestic dogs and cats, had a significant correlation with the blood lead levels of human living in the same environment. It indicated that certain biological indicators in animals can be used as surrogates to monitor human body exposure to heavy metals. This study also explored the challenges and perspectives that may be faced in sentinel animal research, in order to provide a certain theoretical basis and train of thought guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - SuZhen Cao
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dongsen Wen
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yishuo Geng
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiaoli Duan
- School of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory of Resource-Oriented Treatment of Industrial Pollutants, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Xueyuan Road 30, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Brown JS, Spalinger SM, Weppner SG, Hicks KJW, Thorhaug M, Thayer WC, Follansbee MH, Diamond GL. Evaluation of the integrated exposure uptake biokinetic (IEUBK) model for lead in children. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:187-197. [PMID: 36123530 PMCID: PMC10150374 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00473-2] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model for Lead in Children (IEUBK model) was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support assessments of health risks to children from exposures to lead (Pb). OBJECTIVE This study evaluated performance of IEUBK model (v2.0) as it would be typically applied at Superfund sites to predict blood Pb levels (BLLs) in populations of children. METHODS The model was evaluated by comparing model predictions of BLLs to 1144 observed BLLs in a population of children at the Bunker Hill Superfund Site for which there were paired estimates of environmental Pb concentrations. RESULTS Predicted population geometric mean (GM) BLLs (GM: 3.4 µg/dL, 95% CI: 3.3, 3.5) were within 0.3 µg/dL of observed (GM: 3.6 µg/dL, 95% CI: 3.5, 3.8). The model predicted the observed age trend in GM BLLs and explained ~90% of the variance in the observed age-stratified GM BLLs. The mean predicted probability of exceeding 5 µg/dL (P5) was 27% (95% CI: 24, 29) and observed P5 was 32% (95% CI: 29, 35), a difference of 5%. Differences between geographic area stratified mean P5 (predicted minus observed) ranged from -11 to 14% (mean difference: 2.3%). SIGNIFICANCE Although the more general applicability of these findings to other populations remains to be determined in future studies, our results support applications of the IEUBK model (v2.0) for informing risk-based decisions regarding remediation of soils and mitigation of exposures at Superfund sites where the majority of the exposure unit GM BLLs are expected to be ≤5 µg/dL and where it is desired to limit the predicted probability of exceeding 5 µg/dL to <5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Brown
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Mara Thorhaug
- Alta Science and Engineering, Inc., Kellogg, ID, USA
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Hung WC, Adams N, Ibrahim-Watkins ZR, Nguyen D, Jain T, Wang YH, Jay JA. Incorporating field-based research into remote learning: An assessment of soil lead pollution in different land-use types in Los Angeles. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114480. [PMID: 36206923 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114480] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A research-based course was developed to investigate the legacy of soil lead (Pb) pollution in Los Angeles, California. During the course, undergraduate and graduate students collected a total of 270 soil samples for analyses of metal (loid) concentrations in different land-use types (residential, park, and school). Residential soils had significantly higher Pb concentrations than other land uses (p < 0.01) exceeding the California recommended safety level for soil Pb (80 mg/kg) at the highest frequency (64% of samples), followed by schools (42%) and parks (6.0%). Soil Pb from all 87 census block groups was correlated with battery recycling plant and railroad proximity as geospatial indicators of childhood Pb exposure risk. Meanwhile, census block groups with higher Pb levels were correlated with higher percentages of the following population: those without health insurance, without college degrees, with a lower median household income and income below the poverty line, and ethnic and racial minorities (r = -0.46 to 0.59, p < 0.05). Principal component regression models significantly improved soil Pb estimation over correlation analysis by incorporating sociodemographic, economic, and geospatial risk factors for Pb exposure (R2 = 0.58, p < 0.05). This work provides new insights into how topsoil Pb prevails in various land-use types and their co-occurring sociodemographic, economic, and geospatial risk factors, indicating the need for multi-scalar assessment across urban land uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Cheng Hung
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Naomi Adams
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zanobia R Ibrahim-Watkins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Dorothy Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Tricia Jain
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yu-Han Wang
- Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jennifer A Jay
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Wilson J, Dixon SL, Wisinski C, Speidel C, Breysse J, Jacobson M, Crisci S, Jacobs DE. Pathways and sources of lead exposure: Michigan Children's Lead Determination (the MI CHILD study). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114204. [PMID: 36075478 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There has been little research on childhood lead exposure pathways since the 1990s. New data from Michigan in 2017-2021 for 429 children in 345 homes included lead in blood, paint, dust, soil, water, and other housing, demographic, and behavioral metrics. Fifty-three percent of these children had blood lead (BPb) ≥5 μg/dL. A repeated measures pathway model that accounted for multiple children in the same home was constructed using weighted least squares mean estimation and included variance-covariance model multiple imputation. Results showed that children's BPb was directly predicted by lead in settled floor house dust, child's age, season, and mouthing behavior and indirectly predicted by window sill and trough dust lead (DPb), bare soil lead (SPb), proportion of floors with carpets, and exterior building deteriorations. Paint lead (PPb) was also an indirect predictor of BPb through the soil and settled dust pathways. Water lead (WPb), water consumption and other lead sources/pathways were not significant predictors of BPb in this cohort. Although risk factors for individual children are highly variable and worthy of investigation to pinpoint their exposures, this study shows that the main direct and indirect pathways of lead exposure for most children in older housing remain paint and the contaminated dust and soil it generates. Pathway analyses in other jurisdictions using current data should be performed to confirm these results. This study suggests both DPb and BPb in high-risk homes may have declined since the 1990s and that lead in dust, soil, and paint all should be measured to predict risk and target remediation. Because most homes still have not been assessed for lead hazards and remediated, too many children remain at needless risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Wilson
- National Center for Healthy Housing, 10320 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
| | - Sherry L Dixon
- National Center for Healthy Housing, 10320 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
| | - Courtney Wisinski
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 333 S. Grand Ave, P.O. Box 30195, Lansing, MI 48909, United States
| | - Carin Speidel
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 333 S. Grand Ave, P.O. Box 30195, Lansing, MI 48909, United States
| | - Jill Breysse
- National Center for Healthy Housing, 10320 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21044, United States
| | - Michael Jacobson
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 333 S. Grand Ave, P.O. Box 30195, Lansing, MI 48909, United States
| | - Samantha Crisci
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 333 S. Grand Ave, P.O. Box 30195, Lansing, MI 48909, United States
| | - David E Jacobs
- National Center for Healthy Housing, 10320 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Suite 200, Columbia, MD 21044, United States.
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Romer Present PS, Berg K, Snow M, Richardson K. Detecting New Sources of Childhood Environmental Lead Exposure Using a Statistical Surveillance System, 2015-2019. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:S715-S722. [PMID: 36179295 PMCID: PMC9528648 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.307009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To design and implement a statistical surveillance system to prospectively identify potential clusters of elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) in children younger than 6 years in the Denver, Colorado, metro area. Methods. We evaluated the ability of 2 independent statistical surveillance methods to detect synthetic clusters of EBLLs in Denver between 2015 and 2019. Results. Together, the statistical surveillance methods took an average of 9 months to detect the synthetic clusters. This is faster than similar real-world clusters that have been reported in the past. The system was relatively unaffected by changes in the testing rate and to the blood lead reference value. Conclusions. The adequate design of a statistical surveillance system can help increase the rate at which clusters of EBLLs are detected in Denver, but doing so requires an accurate model of the spatial distribution of EBLLs. Earlier detection of clusters can help guide more effective public health interventions at the local level. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S7):S715-S722. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307009).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul S Romer Present
- All authors are with the Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver
| | - Kevin Berg
- All authors are with the Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver
| | - Megan Snow
- All authors are with the Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver
| | - Kristy Richardson
- All authors are with the Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver
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11
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Becker F, Marcantonio F, Datta S, Wichterich C, Cizmas L, Surber J, Kennedy K, Bowles E. Tracking the source of contaminant lead in children's blood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113307. [PMID: 35447155 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pb isotope ratios are used for apportioning the sources of Pb in the blood of children (ages 1-6) screened for high blood Pb levels (>5 μg/dL) surrounding urban areas of Kansas City, MO. We compared Pb isotope ratios measured in the child's blood with those of the most likely sources of Pb in that child's home environment. The environmental sources sampled consisted of topsoils, paints, occupational sources (e.g., oil rig workers' uniforms, mechanics' clothes), indoor air filters, dusts, and dietary sources (e.g., spices). Blood lead levels (BLL) ranged from 2.9 to 12.7 μg/dL in children from the five homes participating in this study. Measurements of 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb isotope ratios were made by multi-collector ICP-MS. Comparison of the Pb isotope ratios in home environment samples versus those in the child's blood in each home allowed the identification of possible sources of a child's Pb exposure in three homes. In five homes investigated, children's blood Pb levels were most likely to be derived from dusts inside, and topsoil outside, the homes, or a mixture thereof. In one case, blood Pb was derived from turmeric spice and, in another, the Pb was derived from paint. It is not always possible to directly link high BLLs to the environmental sources collected when Pb isotope ratios of the environmental samples did not overlap with those of the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Becker
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - F Marcantonio
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - S Datta
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - C Wichterich
- Department of Geology and Geophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - L Cizmas
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J Surber
- Department of Geology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - K Kennedy
- Children's Mercy Kansas City Environmental Health Program, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - E Bowles
- Children's Mercy Kansas City Environmental Health Program, Kansas City, MO, USA
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12
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Smith KE, Weis D. Metal and Pb isotope characterization of particulates encountered by foraging honeybees in Metro Vancouver. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 826:154181. [PMID: 35231520 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154181] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees and their products are useful biomonitors of metal distribution in urban centres. This study investigates particulate sources that foraging honeybees encounter in Metro Vancouver. Metal concentrations and lead (Pb) isotope compositions were measured in topsoil (top 2 cm, n = 14) colocated with existing research hives and in particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10, n = 27) collected throughout Metro Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada) during honeybee foraging hours over the course of one year (2018-2019). Topsoil served as a proxy for resuspended/coarse PM and, together with PM10, covered the size range of particulates collected by foraging bees both actively (pollen) and passively (dusts). Particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5, n = 7) was collected on Whistler Mountain during two transpacific events (in spring 2014) to estimate the possible effect of transpacific particulate input on the Pb isotope composition of Western Canada aerosols. Metal concentrations and Pb isotopes in topsoil and PM from this study and bees and hive products from previous studies (collected in 2014-2019) reveal similar spatial trends: there were elevated amounts of some metals associated with anthropogenic activity (e.g., Pb, Zn, Sb) and less radiogenic Pb isotope compositions in most samples collected nearer to the city centre in comparison to samples collected in more suburban or rural areas. Bees and hive products have a smoothing effect on the spatiotemporal variability of the data; metal concentrations and Pb isotope compositions vary less in hive products than in PM, presumably because bees interact with multiple environmental domains while foraging. Wildfire smoke and transpacific input are phenomena that cause measurable shifts in Pb isotope compositions of PM, but not in hive matrices. The findings highlight important considerations to make (i.e., the smoothing effect) when linking public health data and decisions with environmental data from hive products in urban centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Smith
- Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Dominique Weis
- Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2020-2207 Main Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
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13
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Dietrich M, O'Shea MJ, Gieré R, Krekeler MPS. Road sediment, an underutilized material in environmental science research: A review of perspectives on United States studies with international context. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 432:128604. [PMID: 35306410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128604] [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: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Road sediment is a pervasive environmental medium that acts as both source and sink for a variety of natural and anthropogenic particles and often is enriched in heavy metals. Road sediment is generally understudied in the United States (U.S.) relative to other environmental media and compared to countries such as China and the United Kingdom (U.K.). However, the U.S. is an ideal target for these studies due to the diverse climates and wealth of geochemical, socioeconomic, demographic, and health data. This review outlines the existing U.S. road sediment literature while also providing key international perspectives and context. Furthermore, the most comprehensive table of U.S. road sediment studies to date is presented, which includes elemental concentrations, sample size, size fraction, collection and analytical methods, as well as digestion procedure. Overall, there were observed differences in studies by sampling time period for elemental concentrations, but not necessarily by climate in the U.S. Other key concepts addressed in this road sediment review include the processes controlling its distribution, the variety of nomenclature used, anthropogenic enrichment of heavy metals, electron microscopy, health risk assessments, remediation, and future directions of road sediment investigations. Going forward, it is recommended that studies with a higher geographic diversity are performed that consider smaller cities and rural areas. Furthermore, environmental justice must be a focus as community science studies of road sediment can elucidate pollution issues impacting areas of high need. Finally, this review calls for consistency in sampling, data reporting, and nomenclature to effectively expand work on understudied elements, particles, and background sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Dietrich
- Department of Earth Sciences, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michael J O'Shea
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6316, USA
| | - Reto Gieré
- Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6316, USA; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3616, USA
| | - Mark P S Krekeler
- Department of Geology & Environmental Earth Science, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA; Department of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Miami University-Hamilton, Hamilton, OH 45011, USA.
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14
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Swaringen BF, Gawlik E, Kamenov GD, McTigue NE, Cornwell DA, Bonzongo JCJ. Children's exposure to environmental lead: A review of potential sources, blood levels, and methods used to reduce exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112025. [PMID: 34508773 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lead has been used for thousands of years in different anthropogenic activities thanks to its unique properties that allow for many applications such as the manufacturing of drinking water pipes and its use as additives to gasoline and paint. However, knowledge of the adverse impacts of lead on human health has led to its banning from several of its applications, with the main goal of reducing environmental pollution and protecting human health. Human exposure to lead has been linked to different sources of contamination, resulting in high blood lead levels (BLLs) and adverse health implications, primarily in exposed children. Here, we present a summary of a literature review on potential lead sources affecting blood levels and on the different approaches used to reduce human exposure. The findings show a combination of different research approaches, which include the use of inspectors to identify problematic areas in homes, collection and analysis of environmental samples, different lead detection methods (e.g. smart phone applications to identify the presence of lead and mass spectrometry techniques). Although not always the most effective way to predict BLLs in children, linear and non-linear regression models have been used to link BLLs and environmental lead. However, multiple regressions and complex modelling systems would be ideal, especially when seeking results in support of decision-making processes. Overall, lead remains a pollutant of concern and many children are still exposed to it through environmental and drinking water sources. To reduce exposure to lead through source apportionment methods, recent technological advances using high-precision lead stable isotope ratios measured on multi-collector induced coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) instruments have created a new direction for identifying and then eliminating prevalent lead sources associated with high BLLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Swaringen
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Emory Gawlik
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - George D Kamenov
- Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nancy E McTigue
- Cornwell Engineering Group, 712 Gum Rock Ct, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
| | - David A Cornwell
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Cornwell Engineering Group, 712 Gum Rock Ct, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
| | - Jean-Claude J Bonzongo
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructures and Environment. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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15
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Human health risk assessment of lead, cadmium, and mercury co-exposure from agricultural soils in the Tuzla Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2021; 72:268-279. [PMID: 34985839 PMCID: PMC8785110 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2021-72-3533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the risk of human exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) through agricultural soil by considering both uncertainty and variability in key exposure parameters. For this reason we collected soil samples from 29 locations in the Tuzla Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and measured their metal levels with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission or absorption spectrometry (ICP-AES and ICP-AAS, respectively). The levels of Pb ranged from 13.33 to 1692.33 mg/kg, of Cd from 0.05 to 3.67 mg/kg, and of Hg from 0.02 to 2.73 mg/kg. To estimate cancer and non-cancer risks we used deterministic and semi-probabilistic methods. Lead was found to involve higher health risk than the other two heavy metals. Its hazard index (HI) decreased between population groups (children>women>men) and exposure routes (ingestion>skin contact>inhalation). Our Monte Carlo simulations indicated that Pb HIs for both adult populations had a 0.6 % probability to exceed the threshold value of 1, while in children this probability was 14.2 %. Cd and Hg showed no probability to exceed the threshold in any scenario. Our simulation results raise concern about possible adverse health effects of heavy metals from soil, especially in children. It is very important to continue monitoring environmental pollution and assess human health risk, not only with respect to soil, but also with other important environmental compartments, such as air and water.
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16
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Kalani TJ, South A, Talmadge C, Leibler J, Whittier C, Rosenbaum M. One map: Using geospatial analysis to understand lead exposure across humans, animals, and the environment in an urban US city. One Health 2021; 13:100341. [PMID: 34761097 PMCID: PMC8566902 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100341] [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: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental lead contamination negatively impacts human, animal, and ecosystem health, yet there is a lack of research in this area that incorporates a One Health framework - examining co-exposures among species through their shared environment. The purpose of this study was to integrate human and animal data with public soil lead levels to better understand lead exposure patterns across species in an urban US city. Over 200 soil samples were collected, analyzed for lead, and mapped in combination with other risk factors pulled from the literature to identify areas of highest risk. Human socio-demographic data, dog, and house sparrow density data were mapped to investigate the association between these variables and soil lead levels. Geospatial analysis software was used to visualize the geospatial distribution of soil lead levels and known risk factors for environmental lead contamination, and a block group risk score was calculated and mapped. Associations between human and animal-associated variables and soil lead levels and block risk scores were assessed using Spearman's correlations. Positive, statistically significant associations were found between soil lead levels and higher population density, higher education levels, and higher median household income. Areas with higher soil lead levels and lead exposure risk scores were associated with greater dog density and greater house sparrow density. This study fills an important knowledge gap on the risk of environmental lead exposure to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana J. Kalani
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 02156, USA
| | - Adam South
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 02156, USA
| | - Carolyn Talmadge
- Tufts Technology Services, Tufts University, 419 Boston Ave, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Jessica Leibler
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Chris Whittier
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 02156, USA
| | - Marieke Rosenbaum
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 02156, USA
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17
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Liu X, Taylor MP, Aelion CM, Dong C. Novel Application of Machine Learning Algorithms and Model-Agnostic Methods to Identify Factors Influencing Childhood Blood Lead Levels. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:13387-13399. [PMID: 34546733 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Blood lead (Pb) poisoning remains a global concern, particularly for children in their early developmental years. Broken Hill is Australia's oldest operating silver-zinc-lead mine. In this study, we utilized recent advances in machine learning to assess multiple algorithms and identify the most optimal model for predicting childhood blood Pb levels (BLL) using Broken Hill children's (<5 years of age) data (n = 23,749) from 1991 to 2015, combined with demographic, socio-economic, and environmental influencing factors. We applied model-agnostic methods to interpret the most optimal model, investigating different environmental and human factors influencing childhood BLL. Algorithm assessment showed that stacked ensemble, a method for automatically and optimally combining multiple prediction algorithms, enhanced predictive performance by 1.1% with respect to mean absolute error (p < 0.01) and 2.6% for root-mean-squared error (p < 0.01) compared to the best performing constituent algorithm (random forest). By interpreting the model, the following information was acquired: children had higher BLL if they resided within 1.0 km to the central mine area or 1.37 km to the railroad; year of testing had the greatest interactive strength with all other factors; BLL increased faster in Aboriginal than in non-Aboriginal children at 9-10 and 12-18 months of age. This "stacked ensemble + model-agnostic interpretation" framework achieved both prediction accuracy and model interpretability, identifying previously unconnected variables associated with elevated childhood BLL, offering a marked advantage over previous works. Thus, this approach has a clear value and potential for application to other environmental health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochi Liu
- School of Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark P Taylor
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Marjorie Aelion
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Chenyin Dong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
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18
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Lead Pollution, Demographics, and Environmental Health Risks: The Case of Philadelphia, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179055. [PMID: 34501644 PMCID: PMC8431549 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) soil contamination in urban environments represents a considerable health risk for exposed populations, which often include environmental justice communities. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA), Pb pollution is a major concern primarily due to extensive historical Pb-smelting/processing activity and legacy use of Pb-based paints and leaded gasoline. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) organized and/or compiled community-driven soil sampling campaigns to investigate Pb content in surface soils across Philadelphia. Using these data (n = 1277), combined with our own dataset (n = 1388), we explored the spatial distribution of Pb content in soils across the city using ArcGIS. While assessing Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP)-code level data, we found strong correlations between factors, such as the percentage of children with elevated blood lead levels (% EBLL) and % minority population as well as between % EBLL and % children in poverty. We developed a “Lead Index” that took demographics, median measured Pb-in-soil content, and % EBLLs into account to identify ZIP codes in need of further assessment. Our results will be used to help lower the Pb-exposure risk for vulnerable children living in disproportionately burdened communities.
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19
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Haque E, Thorne PS, Nghiem AA, Yip CS, Bostick BC. Lead (Pb) concentrations and speciation in residential soils from an urban community impacted by multiple legacy sources. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 416:125886. [PMID: 34492824 PMCID: PMC8666965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In many urban areas, elevated soil lead (Pb) concentrations are indicators of community-level Pb exposure. Here, we examine the spatial distribution and speciation of legacy soil Pb contamination in East Chicago, Ind., an industrial center with a wide range of Pb sources including a former lead smelter. In situ X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (n = 358) revealed widespread soil Pb contamination above the Environmental Protection Agency regulatory limit for soils. This soil contamination was heterogenous across all neighborhoods, and mostly uncorrelated with distance from the former smelting site. Soil Pb levels increased with decreasing median household income in East Chicago's nine neighborhoods (r = -0.73, p = 0.03). Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (n = 44) indicated that the soil Pb was primarily adsorbed to iron and manganese oxides or humic acids, and as Pb hydroxycarbonate regardless of contamination levels. Crystalline insoluble forms of Pb, like pyromorphite, were not detected in significant concentrations. Thus, the unique chemical forms of potential Pb sources to soil, such as paint, ore and slag are not persistent and instead are extensively repartitioned into acid-soluble forms of Pb with greater bioavailability. These findings have implications for remediation efforts and human health as blood Pb levels in this community are significantly elevated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezazul Haque
- Human Toxicology Program, Graduate College, University of Iowa, USA; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, USA
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Human Toxicology Program, Graduate College, University of Iowa, USA; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, USA.
| | - Athena A Nghiem
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, New York, USA
| | - Caryn S Yip
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, USA
| | - Benjamin C Bostick
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, New York, USA.
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20
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Hansraj R, Govender B, Joosab M, Magubane S, Rawat Z, Bissessur A. Spectacle frames: Disposal practices, biodegradability and biocompatibility – A pilot study. AFRICAN VISION AND EYE HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.4102/aveh.v80i1.621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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21
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Obeng-Gyasi E, Roostaei J, Gibson JM. Lead Distribution in Urban Soil in a Medium-Sized City: Household-Scale Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:3696-3705. [PMID: 33625850 PMCID: PMC9234951 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
This study characterizes potential soil lead (Pb) exposure risk at the household scale in Greensboro, North Carolina, using an innovative combination of field sampling, statistical analysis, and machine-learning techniques. Soil samples were collected at the dripline, yard, and street side at 462 households (total sample size = 2310). Samples were analyzed for Pb and then combined with publicly available data on potential historic Pb sources, soil properties, and household and neighborhood demographic characteristics. This curated data set was then analyzed with statistical and machine-learning techniques to identify the drivers of potential soil Pb exposure risks and to build predictive models. Among all samples, 43% exceeded current guidelines for Pb in residential gardens. There were significant racial disparities in potential soil Pb exposure risk; soil Pb at the dripline increased by 19% for every 25% increase in the neighborhood population identifying as Black. A machine-learned Bayesian network model was able to classify residential parcels by risk of exceeding residential gardening standards with excellent reproducibility in cross validation. These findings underscore the need for targeted outreach programs to prevent Pb exposure in residential areas and demonstrate an approach for prioritizing outreach locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina 27411, United States
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina 27411, United States
| | - Javad Roostaei
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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22
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Oliveira AS, Costa EAC, Pereira EC, Freitas MAS, Freire BM, Batista BL, Luz MS, Olympio KPK. The applicability of fingernail lead and cadmium levels as subchronic exposure biomarkers for preschool children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143583. [PMID: 33243496 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Preschool children are exposed daily to metals in their homes and at daycare centers (DCC). Metal exposure and health effects are associated even at low levels, and children comprise a group of public health concern. Nail metals have been studied for exposure biomonitoring and compared to other biological media. The aim of this study was to explore the applicability of preschool fingernail lead and cadmium as subchronic exposure biomarkers. Nail lead and cadmium levels (NLL and NCL) of 602 preschool children (age: 1-4 years) who attended 21 DCC in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2013 were analyzed. Results were compared against blood lead and cadmium levels (BLL and BCL) found in a previous study. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analyses were performed for both samples. DCC and metal contaminated sites (MCS) were georeferencing. Logistic regression tests were applied to verify associations between nail metal levels and risk factors (sex, age, maternal education, secondary smoking, DCC geographic district, vehicle flow density, relative altitude and distance between DCC and nearest MCS) (p < 0.05). BLL was stratified by exposure level (low: <5 μg.dL-1; high: >13.9 μg.dL-1; medium: ≥5 μg.dL-1 and ≤13.9 μg.dL-1) and also tested the associations in order to verify if nail lead levels are affected by exposure intensity defined by blood metals concentrations. Radius distance and relative altitude of DCC to nearest MCS were associated with high NLL and NCL. Abnormal appearance of nails was associated with high NLL and low NCL. Lead and cadmium exposure magnitude had no significant impact on NLL. NLL should only be used for initial screening, and when financial resources are scarce, especially in areas located near contaminated sites. Preschool children were co-exposed to both lead and cadmium, reinforcing the need for broader studies evaluating exposure to environmental pollutants for more than one chemical element.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Oliveira
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, CEP 01246-904 São Paulo, SP, Brazil..
| | - E A C Costa
- Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Santa Terezinha, CEP 09210-580 Santo André, SP, Brazil.
| | - E C Pereira
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, CEP 01246-904 São Paulo, SP, Brazil..
| | - M A S Freitas
- Laboratório de Processos Metalúrgicos, Centro de Tecnologia em Metalurgia e Materiais, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 532, Cidade Universitária, Butantã, CEP 05508-901 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - B M Freire
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Santa Terezinha, CEP 09210-580 Santo André, SP, Brazil.
| | - B L Batista
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Santa Terezinha, CEP 09210-580 Santo André, SP, Brazil.
| | - M S Luz
- Laboratório de Processos Metalúrgicos, Centro de Tecnologia em Metalurgia e Materiais, Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 532, Cidade Universitária, Butantã, CEP 05508-901 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - K P K Olympio
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, CEP 01246-904 São Paulo, SP, Brazil..
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23
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Levin R, Zilli Vieira CL, Rosenbaum MH, Bischoff K, Mordarski DC, Brown MJ. The urban lead (Pb) burden in humans, animals and the natural environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110377. [PMID: 33129862 PMCID: PMC8812512 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Centuries of human activities, particularly housing and transportation practices from the late 19th century through the 1980's, dispersed hundreds of millions of tons of lead into our urban areas. The urban lead burden is evident among humans, wild and domesticated animals, and plants. Animal lead exposures closely mirror and often exceed the lead exposure patterns of their human partners. Some examples: Pigeons in New York City neighborhoods mimicked the lead exposures of neighborhood children, with more contaminated areas associated with higher exposures in both species. Also, immediately following the lead in drinking water crisis in Flint MI in 2015, blood lead levels in pet dogs in Flint were 4 times higher than in surrounding towns. And combining lead's neurotoxicity with urban stress results in well-characterized aggressive behaviors across multiple species. Lead pollution is not distributed evenly across urban areas. Although average US pediatric lead exposures have declined by 90% since the 1970s, there remain well defined neighborhoods where children continue to have toxic lead exposures; animals are poisoned there, too. Those neighborhoods tend to have disproportionate commercial and industrial lead activity; a history of dense traffic; older and deteriorating housing; past and operating landfills, dumps and hazardous waste sites; and often lead contaminated drinking water. The population there tends to be low income and minority. Urban wild and domesticated animals bear that same lead burden. Soil, buildings, dust and even trees constitute huge lead repositories throughout urban areas. Until and unless we begin to address the lead repositories in our cities, the urban lead burden will continue to impose enormous costs distributed disproportionately across the domains of the natural environment. Evidence-based research has shown the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of some US public policies to prevent or reduce these exposures. We end with a series of recommendations to manage lead-safe urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Levin
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Carolina L Zilli Vieira
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Marieke H Rosenbaum
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA.
| | - Karyn Bischoff
- New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | | | - Mary Jean Brown
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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Mielke HW, Gonzales CR, Powell ET, Shah A, Berry KJ, Richter DD. Spatial-temporal association of soil Pb and children's blood Pb in the Detroit Tri-County Area of Michigan (USA). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110112. [PMID: 32861724 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead is a well-known toxicant associated with numerous chronic diseases. Curtailing industrial emissions, leaded paint, lead in food, and banning highway use of leaded gasoline effectively decreased children's exposure. In New Orleans, irrespective of Hurricane Katrina flooding, lead declined concurrently in topsoil and children's blood. We postulate that topsoil lead and blood lead decreases are associated and common in U.S. cities. This study tests that concept. A small 2002 soil lead survey of 8 Detroit Tri-County Area census tracts was repeated in October 2019. Between 2002 and 2019, Detroit median soil lead decreased from 183 to 92 mg/kg (or 5.4 mg/kg/yr.) and declined in Pontiac from 93 to 68 mg/kg (or 1.4 mg/kg/yr.). Median soil lead remained ~10 mg/kg in outlying communities. Median soil lead (in mg/kg) in communities at < 21 km compared to ≥ 21 km from central Detroit, respectively, decreased from 183 to 33 (P-value 10-12) in 2002 and from 92 to 35 (P-value 10-07) in 2019. Children's lead exposures were highest in Detroit (population 0.7 million in 2010) and lower by more than half in Pontiac (population 60 thousand in 2010). Between 2002 and 2018, children with blood lead ≥4.5 μg/dL in Detroit declined from 44% to 5%, and in Pontiac from 17% to 2%. The most vulnerable children live in the most lead contaminated communities. To meet the goal of primary prevention for children, along with other efforts, this study supports landscaping with low lead soil to reduce exposure in lead contaminated communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard W Mielke
- Department of Pharmacology, Environmental Signaling Laboratory, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Christopher R Gonzales
- Department of Pharmacology, Environmental Signaling Laboratory, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA; Lead Lab. Inc., New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Aila Shah
- Lead Lab. Inc., New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Daniel D Richter
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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25
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Bi X, Zhang M, Wu Y, Fu Z, Sun G, Shang L, Li Z, Wang P. Distribution patterns and sources of heavy metals in soils from an industry undeveloped city in Southern China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 205:111115. [PMID: 32836154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The accumulations of heavy metals in urban soils are derived from natural parent materials and complex anthropogenic emission sources. This paper investigated metal contamination in urban soils at an industry undeveloped city (Haikou) in southern China, an ideal place to quantitatively assess the contribution of metals from different sources. The concentrations of most heavy metals in the urban soils of Haikou were much lower than their guideline values and that of those from other big cities in China. In contrast, the chemical speciation of metals in this study was similar to those from other cities. The spatial distributions of heavy metals and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that basaltic parent materials, traffic emissions, and coal combustion were the main factors controlling the distribution of metals in the soils. The Pb isotope signatures of the Haikou soils were greatly different from those of the Beijing and Shanghai soils, but similar to those of the Guangzhou soils, suggesting the common sources of Pb in southern China cities. The results of ternary mixing model of Pb isotopes showed that the contributions of Pb from natural background, coal combustion and traffic emission sources were 5.3-82.4% (mean: 39.7 ± 21.1%), 0-85.7% (mean: 25.5 ± 24.6%), and 1.9-64% (mean: 34.8 ± 22.9%), respectively. This suggests that traffic emission is still the most important anthropogenic source of Pb in Haikou.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Bi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China.
| | - Mohai Zhang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Yunjie Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Zhongbiao Fu
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Guangyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Lihai Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Zhonggen Li
- College of Resources and Environment, Zunyi Normal University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Pengcong Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
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26
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Investigating the Potential Impact of Louisiana Coastal Restoration on the Trace Metal Geochemistry of Constructed Marshlands. SOIL SYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/soilsystems4030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Coastal restoration through diversion of suspended sediments from the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) into hydrologically isolated marshlands of Mid-Barataria Bay and Mid-Breton Sounds in southern Louisiana has the potential to mobilize lead (Pb), and other trace elements. We investigate the potential impact(s) of the diversion on marsh porewater through analysis of modern riverbank and suspended sediments, compared to sediments from pre-industrial deltaic deposits of LMR. Sequential extraction methods were used to evaluate Pb, cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in the sediments. Our results show that metal contents are higher (e.g., 8- to 10-fold for Pb) in the modern sediments relative to pre-industrial deposits. Also, the reducible fraction, presumably iron/manganese (Fe/Mn) oxides/oxyhydroxides, is the chief reservoir of environmentally available metals. The substantially higher trace metal contents of the modern relative to pre-industrial sediments suggest that the modern sediments contain a sizeable amount of anthropogenic contributions. Furthermore, the concentration of the trace metals in the reducible fraction suggests bioavailability to marsh organisms upon reductive dissolution within the planned, constructed coastal marshes. Still, additional sediment samples from the marshlands during the diversion implementation phase will be necessary to support the preliminary findings in this contribution as it affects coastal marshes and vital local fisheries.
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27
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Use of the CUSUM and Shewhart control chart methods to identify changes of public health significance using childhood blood lead surveillance data. Environ Epidemiol 2020; 4. [PMID: 32607462 PMCID: PMC7319227 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Local, state, and national childhood blood lead surveillance is based on healthcare providers and clinical laboratories reporting test results to public health departments. Increased interest in detecting blood lead level (BLL) patterns and changes of potential public health significance in a timely manner has highlighted the need for surveillance systems to rapidly detect and investigate these events.
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Dong C, Taylor MP, Gulson B. A 25-year record of childhood blood lead exposure and its relationship to environmental sources. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109357. [PMID: 32330765 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Broken Hill, the oldest silver (Ag)-zinc (Zn)-lead (Pb) mining community in Australia, has a legacy and ongoing problem of environmental Pb exposure that was identified as early as 1893. To reduce Pb exposure risks, identifying potential exposure pathways and related factors is a critical first step. This study examined blood lead (PbB) levels of children ≤60 months old (n = 24,106 samples), along with Pb concentrations in corresponding soil (n = 10,160 samples), petri-dish dust (n = 106 houses) and ceiling dust (n = 80 houses) over a 25-year period from 1991 to 2015. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between environmental Pb sources and children's blood lead (PbB) outcomes. Analysis of the dataset showed Aboriginal children in Broken Hill had a geometric mean PbB of 7.4 μg/dL (95% CI: 6.7-7.4) being significantly higher (p < 0.01) than non-Aboriginal children (PbB 6.2 μg/dL, 95% CI: 6.2-6.3) for all years between 1991 and 2015. Children at the age of 24-36 months had a higher PbB compared with other age groups. Higher PbB levels were also statistically associated with lower socio-economic status and children living in houses built before 1940 (p < 0.01). Blood Pb was also significantly correlated with both soil Pb and indoor petri-dish dust Pb loadings, confirming that these are important pathways for exposure in Broken Hill. A 100 mg/kg increase in soil Pb was associated with a 0.12 μg/dL increase in childhood PbB. In addition, PbB concentrations increased with indoor petri-dish dust Pb loadings (i.e., 0.08 μg/dL per 100 μg/m2/30 days). The 25-year data show that the risk of exposure at ≥ 10 μg/dL was seemingly unavoidable irrespective of residential address (i.e., children of all ages presenting with a ≥10 μg/dL across the whole city area). In terms of moving forward and mitigating harmful early-life Pb exposures, all children aged 24-36 months should be prioritised for feasible and effective intervention practices. Primary intervention must focus on mitigating contemporary ongoing dust emissions from the mining operations and the associated mine-lease areas along with household soil remediation, to help prevent recontamination of homes. Additional practices of dust cleaning using wet mopping and wiping techniques, vacuuming of carpets and furnishings, ongoing monitoring of children and household dust remain important but short-lived abatement strategies. Overall, the key goal should be to eliminate risk by removing contamination in the wider environment as well as in individual homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyin Dong
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia; Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Brian Gulson
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia; CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
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29
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Neaman A, Valenzuela P, Tapia-Gatica J, Selles I, Novoselov AA, Dovletyarova EA, Yáñez C, Krutyakov YA, Stuckey JW. Chilean regulations on metal-polluted soils: The need to advance from adapting foreign laws towards developing sovereign legislation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 185:109429. [PMID: 32244109 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109429] [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: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chile as a major international Cu producer faces serious soil contamination issues in mining areas. Currently Chile does not have any specific law governing the maximum permissible concentrations of metals in soils to protect ecosystems and human health. Chile heavily relies on the use of environmental laws of 14 foreign countries; the choice of the country depends on the similarity of its environmental conditions with those in Chile. In this study, we used an online database to compare the similarity of Chilean rocks to those in foreign countries. Likewise, we performed soil sampling and determined the background concentrations of Cu, As, Pb, and Zn in soils of the Aconcagua basin, the largest river basin in the Valparaiso Region of central Chile. The results showed that geochemical patterns in Chile have the greatest resemblance to New Zealand, Mexico, and Italy. The background Cu concentration in the Aconcagua basin (134 mg kg-1) exceeded the legislated limits of New Zealand (100 mg kg-1) and Italy (120 mg kg-1), whereas the background Zn concentration (200 mg kg-1) exceeded the legislated limit of Italy (150 mg kg-1). Due to the elevated natural abundance of Cu and Zn in Chile, international laws should not be applied in Chile for the assessment of soil contamination. In addition, we assessed ecological risk using the results of our previous studies obtained by analyzing native field-contaminated soils of the Valparaiso region. In the Aconcagua basin, Cu posed high risk for plants in 11% of the samples, whereas As posed high risk for earthworms in 48% of the samples. We suggest that future studies are required to search for other organisms that can serve as biomarkers of metal toxicity because our previous studies were limited to plants and earthworms. Importantly, As posed high risk to human health in 25% of the samples in our study. There is a need for future studies to demonstrate empirically an association between soil As and children's blood As in order to establish the national threshold values of soil As to protect human health. We conclude that there is an urgent need in Chile to advance from the current approach of adapting foreign laws to developing Chilean sovereign environmental legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Neaman
- Escuela de Ciencias Agrícolas y Veterinarias, Universidad Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar, Chile.
| | - Patricio Valenzuela
- Departamento de Sistemas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Tapia-Gatica
- Doctorado en Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Quillota, Chile
| | - Iván Selles
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexey A Novoselov
- Instituto de Geología Económica Aplicada, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Elvira A Dovletyarova
- Department of Landscape Design and Sustainable Ecosystems, RUDN University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Carolina Yáñez
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
| | - Yurii A Krutyakov
- National Research Center Kurchatov Institute, Moscow, Russia; Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jason W Stuckey
- Biology Department and Environmental Science Program, Multnomah University, Portland, OR, USA
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30
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Zahran S, Mushinski D, McElmurry SP, Keyes C. Water lead exposure risk in Flint, Michigan after switchback in water source: Implications for lead service line replacement policy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 181:108928. [PMID: 31787215 PMCID: PMC7096221 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In February of 2016, the City of Flint, Michigan commenced the FAST start initiative with the aim "to get the lead out of Flint" by replacing lead and galvanized steel service lines throughout the city. An estimated 29,100 parcels are scheduled for service line replacement (SLR) at an expected cost of $172 million. The lead exposure benefits of SLR are evaluated by analyzing Sentinel data on hundreds of repeatedly sampled homes in Flint from February 16, 2016 to July 21, 2017, comparing water lead (WL) in homes with and without lead service lines. Samples taken from homes with lead service lines were significantly more likely to exceed specified thresholds of WL than homes without lead service lines. Second, regardless of service line material type, sampled homes experienced significant reductions in WL with elapsed time from Flint's switchback to water provided by the Detroit Water and Sewage Department. Third, the risk of exceedance of WL > 15 μg/L was uncorrelated with service line material type. These results are robust to sample restrictions, period stratification, time operations, reference group definitions, and statistical modeling procedures. On the question of what is gained from SLR over optimal corrosion control techniques, we simulated age-specific lead uptake (μg/day) and blood lead levels (μg/dL) for children in Flint at 16 and 90 weeks of elapsed time from Flint's switchback to Detroit water. At 90 weeks from the switchback in water source, the quantity of water lead consumed by children in homes with lead service lines decreased 93%, as compared to 16 weeks. Lead exposure benefits of SLR have declined in time, with modest differences in lead uptake across homes with different service lines. In light of results, policy considerations for Flint and nationwide are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Zahran
- Department of Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - David Mushinski
- Department of Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Shawn P McElmurry
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Christopher Keyes
- Department of Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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31
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Mazari K, Filippelli GM. Using deciduous trees as bioindicators of trace element deposition in a small urban watershed, Indianapolis, IN, USA. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2020; 49:163-171. [PMID: 33016370 DOI: 10.1002/jeq2.20009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Annual and multiyear records of trace element deposition are difficult to develop using monitoring systems but have proven feasible using plant material in several settings. Here, we used material from several tree species (Populus deltoides W. Bartram ex Marshall, Platanus occidentalis L., and Ginkgo biloba L.) to detect atmospheric deposition of trace elements (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in six localities along a transect from near-urban to far-urban in southeastern Indianapolis, IN, and one control site. We captured soil (legacy footprint), bark (multiannual record), and leaves (seasonal record) across a broad swath of the urban landscape and using a multi-metal approach. Tree bark, leaf, and proximal soil samples were collected and analyzed for their trace element content. The highest trace metal concentrations occurred at the near-urban sites, with particularly high Cu and Pb values. The highest Zn values were found at one of the far-urban sites, which is located near a large brownfield that was a former coal and coke storage and processing facility. No correlation was found between soil trace element composition and that of bark and leaves, perhaps indicating a disconnect between legacy inputs recorded in soils and current inputs recorded in the biological materials. Overall, the tree species analyzed served well as trace element bioindicators, although less so for G. biloba, and thus this approach is promising for further understanding the role that airborne pollution and deposition play in urban watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Mazari
- Dep. of Earth Sciences, 723 W. Michigan St., Indiana Univ.-Purdue Univ. Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5132
- Environmental Resilient Institute, 717 E 8th St., Bloomington, IN, 47408
| | - Gabriel M Filippelli
- Dep. of Earth Sciences, 723 W. Michigan St., Indiana Univ.-Purdue Univ. Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5132
- Environmental Resilient Institute, 717 E 8th St., Bloomington, IN, 47408
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32
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Levin R, Zilli Vieira CL, Mordarski DC, Rosenbaum MH. Lead seasonality in humans, animals, and the natural environment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 180:108797. [PMID: 31761335 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead adversely impacts the health of humans, animals, and the natural environment. Higher lead burdens in warm weather occur in humans, domesticated and wild animals; land and water species; urban and rural, developed and pristine environments. The array of evidence suggests that lead seasonality is multifactorial within the natural world, including humans. Seasonally higher temperatures, solar radiation, humidity and anthropogenic pollution result in lower pH (acidification) in air, water and soil. Environmental acidification increases lead's bioavailability and mobility thus intensifying human, animal and plant exposures. In addition, lead seasonality in the biosphere is influenced by higher growth rates, slightly increased exposures, and more Vitamin D metabolism. Methodologically, we applied a One Health perspective to EPA's Integrated Science Assessments of Lead to review the published literature, supplemented with subsequent and related publications to assess data on the seasonality of lead exposure across species and through the earth's systems. Our integrated assessment suggests that: 1) 'Seasonality' is a multifactorial, terrestrial phenomenon affecting the natural world; human activities have exacerbated natural cyclicities that impact lead exposures across species. 2) To be sustainable, human lead remediation strategies must consider the total environment. 3) Global warming and climate change events may increase lead exposures and toxicity to all species throughout the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie Levin
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Carolina L Zilli Vieira
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | | | - Marieke H Rosenbaum
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA.
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33
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Schachter AE, Gailey A, Egendorf SP, Mielke HW. Mechanisms of children's soil exposure. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2020; 50:100742. [PMID: 31992501 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2019.100742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pollution is a concerning and highly studied area, especially in the arena of children's health. The focus of this concern, however, is typically limited to air and water pollution, leaving an important source under-studied and out of the concern of the general public. Soil pollution provides a unique threat to children's health, due to their increased exposure and susceptibility to its contaminants. The microbiome of a child is developed prior to birth and continues to evolve over their lifetime with each encounter to the outside world. The environment a child inhabits directly affects their microbiome and their overall health, and through interactions with contaminated soil, a child can accumulate adverse health outcomes. The aim of this article is to summarize the methods by which soil becomes contaminated and how children become exposed to the resulting toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey E Schachter
- Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Andrew Gailey
- The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, United States
| | - Sara Perl Egendorf
- The Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center and Brooklyn College of the City, University of New York, NY 10031, United States
| | - Howard W Mielke
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States.
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34
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Hunter CM, Williamson DHZ, Pearson M, Saikawa E, Gribble MO, Kegler M. Safe Community Gardening Practices: Focus Groups with Garden Leaders in Atlanta, Georgia. LOCAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 25:18-35. [PMID: 33041628 PMCID: PMC7540182 DOI: 10.1080/13549839.2019.1688268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although best management practices have been recommended by government agencies and non-profit organizations to reduce community gardeners' potential exposure to soil contaminants such as lead, some gardeners do not perform these practices. Understanding gardeners' beliefs and motivations is critical for effective promotion of safer gardening practices. This study, grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), employed five focus groups to investigate Atlanta community garden leaders' perspectives concerning three gardening practices: composting, hygiene behaviors, and mulching. These general practices are also considered safe gardening practices in that they can reduce exposure to toxicants in urban gardens. Qualitative analysis identified advantages and disadvantages; supporters and non-supporters; and barriers and facilitators that might influence gardeners' opinions regarding these behaviors. Gardeners expressed that more funding, volunteers, and training are needed to promote these behaviors. Gardeners noted that mulch and compost provided advantages such as improving soil quality, but a primary barrier was concern about contamination of source materials. Focus group participants did not directly associate composting and mulching with reduction of exposure to soil contaminants. Behavioral challenges related to hygiene included concerns about decreased exposure to salubrious bacteria, inadequate access to potable water, and limited availability of gloves and wipes. These study findings characterize factors that community garden stakeholders should consider when promoting safe gardening practices and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candis M. Hunter
- Department of Environmental Health, Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Dana HZ Williamson
- Department, of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Melanie Pearson
- Department of Environmental Health, Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Eri Saikawa
- Department of Environmental Health, Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
| | - Matthew O. Gribble
- Department of Environmental Health, Atlanta, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Emory University, USA
| | - Michelle Kegler
- Department, of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
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Tighe M, Beidinger H, Knaub C, Sisk M, Peaslee GF, Lieberman M. Risky bismuth: Distinguishing between lead contamination sources in soils. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 234:297-301. [PMID: 31228831 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.077] [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: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In a broad environmental study in St. Joseph County, Indiana, elemental data from ∼2000 soil samples and ∼800 paint samples were collected with X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. The observed lead concentrations were compared to other elemental concentrations in these data. A strong correlation between lead and bismuth concentrations was observed in a subset of the soil samples and in nearly all of the paint samples, with lead levels approximately 150 times higher than bismuth. However, some soil samples contained lead with no bismuth present. Since most lead sources likely contain bismuth as an impurity from refining of native lead ore, but leaded gasoline does not contain any bismuth impurities due to the manufacturing process of tetraethyl lead, it may be possible to distinguish environmental lead sources by XRF. To test if leaded gasoline could be the source of lead in the subset of soil samples containing no bismuth, leaded paint samples were analyzed with Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), which confirmed the presence of bismuth in leaded paint. Aviation gasoline, which contains tetraethyl lead, was also analyzed by ICP-OES to confirm the absence of bismuth in leaded gasoline. This discovery suggests that XRF can be used to rapidly distinguish different legacy lead contamination sources from one another. For low lead concentrations, elemental measurements of bismuth by ICP-OES can be used in environmental forensics to distinguish leaded gasoline contamination from other sources of lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghanne Tighe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Heidi Beidinger
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN, 46556, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN, 46556, USA
| | - Christopher Knaub
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN, 46556, USA
| | - Matthew Sisk
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN, 46556, USA; Navari Family Center for Digital Scholarship, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN, 46556, USA
| | - Graham F Peaslee
- Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN, 46556, USA
| | - Marya Lieberman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame IN, 46556, USA
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Abstract
The inextricable link between topsoil lead (Pb) and children’s blood lead (BPb) has not been widely accepted. Pb is associated with multiple health adversities. Urban residents are at risk from exposure to legacy Pb dust in topsoil resulting from smelting, industrial discharges, leaded gasoline emissions, leaded paint, and incineration. In New Orleans, topsoil median Pb decreased in ∼15 y from 99 mg/kg to 54 mg/kg, or ∼2.4 mg⋅kg⋅y−1. In ∼12 y, children’s median BPb declined from 3.6 μg/dL to 1.3 μg/dL, or ∼0.2 μg⋅dL⋅y−1. We argue that depletion of topsoil Pb is an important factor in the continuous decline of children’s BPb. Similar processes are expected in all US cities. Primary prevention requires curtailing Pb in all sources, including topsoil. Lead (Pb) is extremely toxic and a major cause of chronic diseases worldwide. Pb is associated with health disparities, particularly within low-income populations. In biological systems, Pb mimics calcium and, among other effects, interrupts cell signaling. Furthermore, Pb exposure results in epigenetic changes that affect multigenerational gene expression. Exposure to Pb has decreased through primary prevention, including removal of Pb solder from canned food, regulating lead-based paint, and especially eliminating Pb additives in gasoline. While researchers observe a continuous decline in children’s blood lead (BPb), reservoirs of exposure persist in topsoil, which stores the legacy dust from leaded gasoline and other sources. Our surveys of metropolitan New Orleans reveal that median topsoil Pb in communities (n = 274) decreased 44% from 99 mg/kg to 54 mg/kg (P value of 2.09 × 10−08), with a median depletion rate of ∼2.4 mg⋅kg⋅y−1 over 15 y. From 2000 through 2005 to 2011 through 2016, children’s BPb declined from 3.6 μg/dL to 1.2 μg/dL or 64% (P value of 2.02 × 10−85), a decrease of ∼0.2 μg⋅dL⋅y−1 during a median of 12 y. Here, we explore the decline of children’s BPb by examining a metabolism of cities framework of inputs, transformations, storages, and outputs. Our findings indicate that decreasing Pb in topsoil is an important factor in the continuous decline of children’s BPb. Similar reductions are expected in other major US cities. The most contaminated urban communities, usually inhabited by vulnerable populations, require further reductions of topsoil Pb to fulfill primary prevention for the nation’s children.
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Landes FC, Paltseva A, Sobolewski JM, Cheng Z, Ellis TK, Mailloux BJ, van Geen A. A Field Procedure To Screen Soil for Hazardous Lead. Anal Chem 2019; 91:8192-8198. [PMID: 31177771 PMCID: PMC6610547 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Soils retain lead contamination from possible sources such as mining, smelting, battery recycling, waste incineration, leaded gasoline, and crumbling paint. Such contamination is often concentrated in toxic hot spots that need to be identified locally. To address this need, a simple field procedure was designed to screen soil for hazardous Pb for use by the general public. The procedure is a modification of the in vitro soil Pb extraction described by Drexler and Brattin ( Hum. Ecol. Risk Assess. 2007, 13, 383 ) and EPA Method 1340, and uses a 0.4 M glycine solution at pH 1.5. A higher soil-to-solution ratio of 1:10 allows for classifying soil samples based on extractable Pb concentrations of <200 mg/kg (low), 200-400 mg/kg (medium), and >400 mg/kg (high) using sodium rhodizonate as a color indicator. The 1:10 soil-to-solution ratio also makes it possible to measure Pb concentrations in the glycine extract solutions on a continuous scale using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer. The procedure rather consistently extracts about one-third of the Pb extracted by the standard method across a wide range of Pb concentrations. Manufacturing the kit in larger quantities could reduce the cost of the materials well below the current $5/test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska C. Landes
- Department
of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia
University, New York, New York 10027, United
States
- Lamont-Doherty
Earth Observatory, Columbia University, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, New York 10964, United States
| | - Anna Paltseva
- Department
of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Brooklyn
College of The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- PhD
Program in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Sobolewski
- Department
of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia
University, New York, New York 10027, United
States
| | - Zhongqi Cheng
- Department
of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Brooklyn
College of The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- PhD
Program in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Tyler K. Ellis
- Lamont-Doherty
Earth Observatory, Columbia University, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, New York 10964, United States
| | - Brian J. Mailloux
- Department
of Environmental Science, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Alexander van Geen
- Lamont-Doherty
Earth Observatory, Columbia University, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, New York 10964, United States
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Mielke HW, Gonzales CR, Powell ET. Curtailing Lead Aerosols: Effects of Primary Prevention on Declining Soil Lead and Children's Blood Lead in Metropolitan New Orleans. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2068. [PMID: 31212731 PMCID: PMC6617018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16122068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
After decades of accumulation of lead aerosols in cities from additives in gasoline, in 1975 catalytic converters (which are ruined by lead) became mandatory on all new cars. By 1 January 1986 the rapid phase-down banned most lead additives. The study objective is to review temporal changes of environmental lead and children's blood lead in communities of metropolitan New Orleans. In 2001, a soil lead survey of 287 census tracts of metropolitan New Orleans was completed. In August-September 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita storm surges flooded parts of the city with sediment-loaded water. In April-June 2006, 46/287 (16%) of the original census tracts were selected for resurvey. A third survey of 44/46 (15%) census tracts was completed in 2017. The census tract median soil lead and children's median blood lead decreased across surveys in both flooded and unflooded areas. By curtailing a major urban source of lead aerosols, children's lead exposure diminished, lead loading of soil decreased, and topsoil lead declined. Curtailing lead aerosols is essential for primary prevention. For the sake of children's and ultimately societal health and welfare, the long-term habitability of cities requires terminating all remaining lead aerosols and cleanup of legacy-lead that persists in older inner-city communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard W Mielke
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. 8683, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Christopher R Gonzales
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave. 8683, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
- Lead Lab. Inc. New Orleans, LA 70119, USA.
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Johnston JE, Franklin M, Roh H, Austin C, Arora M. Lead and Arsenic in Shed Deciduous Teeth of Children Living Near a Lead-Acid Battery Smelter. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:6000-6006. [PMID: 31056909 PMCID: PMC6996839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a potent neurotoxicant with no safe level of exposure. Elevated levels of Pb and arsenic (As) are found in the air and soil near facilities that recycle lead-acid batteries in the United States. In urban Los Angeles County, California, a facility processed ∼11 million batteries per year and operated for decades without proper environmental review. Measuring Pb and As in shed deciduous teeth is a promising technique to assess prenatal and early life exposure. In this pilot study coined the "Truth Fairy" Project, 50 shed deciduous teeth from 43 children living their entire lives within 2 miles of the smelter were analyzed to understand retrospective exposure to toxic metals using a community-driven research approach. Concentrations of Pb and As in teeth were assessed using laser-ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Soil Pb concentrations were determined using spatial kriging of surface soil measurements. The mean prenatal calcium normalized Pb levels in teeth samples (reported as a ratio 208Pb:43Ca) was 4.104 × 10-4 (SD 4.123 × 10-4), and the mean postnatal 208Pb:43Ca level was 4.109 × 10-4 (SD 3.369 × 10-4). Adjusted for maternal education and batch, we observe positive significant relationship between prenatal teeth Pb per 100 ppm increase in soil Pb (β = 3.48, 95% CI 1.11, 5.86). The Truth Fairy study suggests prenatal and early life exposure to toxic metals is associated with legacy soil contamination in an urban community near a smelter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Johnston
- Department of Preventive Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles California 90032 , United States
| | - Meredith Franklin
- Department of Preventive Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles California 90032 , United States
| | - Hannah Roh
- Department of Preventive Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles California 90032 , United States
| | - Christine Austin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
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Gleason JA, Nanavaty JV, Fagliano JA. Drinking water lead and socioeconomic factors as predictors of blood lead levels in New Jersey's children between two time periods. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 169:409-416. [PMID: 30529142 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
As blood lead levels have decreased over time, the relative contributions of alternative lead sources warrant further examination. Much attention has been paid to the relative contribution of lead in drinking water, particularly after the discovery of contaminated drinking water in Flint, Michigan which has also renewed interest in the persistent socioeconomic and racial disparities in children's exposure to lead. As the environmental sources of lead exposure are shifting in importance over time, we decided to examine how demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors may confound or interact with each other, and whether these relationships have changed over time. The study population included all New Jersey resident children aged 6-26 months with at least one blood lead specimen collected between 2000 and 2004 (n = 288,758) or 2010 and 2014 (n = 326,530). Reported 90th percentile water lead data (in parts per billion) was summarized annually for each water system statewide. Children's blood lead levels have decreased over time from a statewide geometric mean of 2.47 µg/dL (95% CI 2.46, 2.48) between 2000 and 2004 to 1.57 µg/dL (95% CI 1.57, 1.57) between 2010 and 2014. Individual-level factors of child's age and season of blood draw and area-based measures of race, older housing, and poverty were predictors of children's blood lead levels. Conclusions regarding area-based measure of Hispanic ethnicity are limited and require further research. The narrow range and low levels of area-based lead concentrations in drinking water limits the ability to detect associations with blood lead levels. Racial disparities in blood lead continue to persist but economic disparities may be narrowing as blood lead concentrations continue to decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie A Gleason
- Environmental and Occupational Health Surveillance Program, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, NJ, USA.
| | - Jaydeep V Nanavaty
- Child and Adolescent Health Program, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, NJ, USA.
| | - Jerald A Fagliano
- Environmental and Occupational Health Surveillance Program, New Jersey Department of Health, Trenton, NJ, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Ravenscroft J, Roy A, Queirolo EI, Mañay N, Martínez G, Peregalli F, Kordas K. Drinking water lead, iron and zinc concentrations as predictors of blood lead levels and urinary lead excretion in school children from Montevideo, Uruguay. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 212:694-704. [PMID: 30176551 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.07.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The global burden of water-based lead (Pb) exposure on children is largely unknown; however, the importance of water sources as a path of Pb exposure is receiving increased attention due to recent prominent exposure events related to corroded plumbing infrastructure in the US. This study investigated the contribution of Pb in household drinking and cooking water to Pb levels in blood (PbB) and urine (PbU) within 353 early school-aged children from Montevideo, Uruguay. Additionally, the analysis considered the child's iron status and the water content of iron (WFe) and zinc (WZn) in relation to water Pb and blood/urine Pb concentrations. Lead concentrations for both PbB and PbU were fairly low (M ± SD: 4.2 ± 2.1 μg/dL; Median [5%, 95%]: 1.9 [0.6, 5.1 μg/L, respectively]); however 21% of the sample had a PbB >5 μg/dL but ≤ 10 μg/dL. Overall, there was little evidence of an association between water metal concentrations and children's PbB/PbU. However, when the sample was stratified by children's iron status, WPb was positively related to PbU, but negatively related to PbB in iron-replete children, even after adjusting for WFe and WZn. In iron-deficient children, there was no elevation in PbU with increasing WPb. In this sample of children with low Pb levels, there were no overwhelming relationships between WPb and either PbB or PbU, however, there was some evidence that iron-replete status promotes excretion of WPb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ravenscroft
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Aditi Roy
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Elena I Queirolo
- Center for Research, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nelly Mañay
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriela Martínez
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Republic of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fabiana Peregalli
- Center for Research, Catholic University of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
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Plunkett SA, Wijayawardena MAA, Naidu R, Siemering GS, Tomaszewski EJ, Ginder-Vogel M, Soldat DJ. Use of Routine Soil Tests to Estimate Pb Bioaccessibility. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:12556-12562. [PMID: 30351030 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Soil lead (Pb) hazard level is contingent on bioavailability, but existing assays that estimate Pb bioavailability for human health risks are too expensive or otherwise inaccessible to many people that are impacted by Pb-contaminated soil. This study investigated the use of routine soil nutrient tests to estimate soil-Pb bioaccessibility as a surrogate measure of Pb bioavailability. A silt loam soil was spiked to a target concentration of 2000 mg Pb kg-1 with Pb(NO3)2 and amended with H3PO4 (varying P-to-Pb molar ratios) and KCl (Cl-to-P molar ratio of 2:5) to generate soils with similar total Pb concentrations but a range of Pb bioavailability (and bioaccessibility). Soils were extracted using Mehlich 3, Mehlich 1, Bray P1, Olsen, and micronutrient (DTPA) methods, and the results were compared to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency method 1340 data as well as to extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The Mehlich 3 and method 1340 treatment effect ratios were well-correlated ( r2 = 0.88, p ≤ 0.05), whereas Bray P1, DTPA, and Olsen results were more reflective of EXAFS data. Preliminary animal-feeding trials suggest that the Mehlich 3 is as effective as method 1340 at predicting the impact of P treatment on Pb relative bioavailability; however, both methods over-estimated the Pb hazard to mice in P-amended soil. Other routine soil tests that have heightened sensitivity to P amendment (e.g., Bray P1) may be promising candidates for Pb bioaccessibility assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon A Plunkett
- Department of Soil Science , University of Wisconsin , 1525 Observatory Drive , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - M A Ayanka Wijayawardena
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation , University of Newcastle , ATC Building , Callaghan , NSW 2308 , Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRE CARE) , Mawson Lakes , SA 5095 , Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation , University of Newcastle , ATC Building , Callaghan , NSW 2308 , Australia
- Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRE CARE) , Mawson Lakes , SA 5095 , Australia
| | - Geoffrey S Siemering
- Department of Soil Science , University of Wisconsin , 1525 Observatory Drive , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Elizabeth J Tomaszewski
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program , University of Wisconsin , 660 North Park Street , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Matthew Ginder-Vogel
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program , University of Wisconsin , 660 North Park Street , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Douglas J Soldat
- Department of Soil Science , University of Wisconsin , 1525 Observatory Drive , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
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Maloney B, Bayon BL, Zawia NH, Lahiri DK. Latent consequences of early-life lead (Pb) exposure and the future: Addressing the Pb crisis. Neurotoxicology 2018; 68:126-132. [PMID: 29981765 PMCID: PMC9873145 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lead (Pb) exposure crisis in Flint, Michigan has passed from well-publicized event to a footnote, while its biological and social impact will linger for lifetimes. Interest in the "water crisis" has dropped to pre-event levels, which is neither appropriate nor safe. Flint's exposure was severe, but it was not unique. Problematic Pb levels have also been found in schools and daycares in 42 states in the USA. The enormity of Pb exposure via municipal water systems requires multiple responses. Herein, we focus on addressing a possible answer to long-term sequelae of Pb exposure. We propose "4R's" (remediation, renovation, reallocation, and research) against the Pb crisis that goes beyond a short-term fix. Remediation for affected individuals must continue to provide clean water and deal with both short and long-term effects of Pb exposure. Renovation of current water delivery systems, at both system-wide and individual site levels, is necessary. Reallocation of resources is needed to ensure these two responses occur and to get communities ready for potential sequelae of Pb exposure. Finally, properly focused research can track exposed individuals and illuminate latent (presumably epigenetic) results of Pb exposure and inform further resource reallocation. CONCLUSION Motivation to act by not only the general public but also by scientific and medical leaders must be maintained beyond initial news cycle spikes and an annual follow-up story. Environmental impact of Pb contamination of drinking water goes beyond one exposure incident in an impoverished and forgotten Michigan city. Population effects must be addressed long-term and nationwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, USA,Indiana Alzheimer Disesae Center, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Baindu L. Bayon
- Medical & Molecular Genetics, USA,Indiana Alzheimer Disesae Center, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Nasser H. Zawia
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, USA,Medical & Molecular Genetics, USA,Indiana Alzheimer Disesae Center, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Research Building, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 West 15th St., Indianapolis IN 46202, USA. (D.K. Lahiri)
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Filippelli GM, Adamic J, Nichols D, Shukle J, Frix E. Mapping the Urban Lead Exposome: A Detailed Analysis of Soil Metal Concentrations at the Household Scale Using Citizen Science. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E1531. [PMID: 30029546 PMCID: PMC6069257 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
An ambitious citizen science effort in the city of Indianapolis (IN, USA) led to the collection and analysis of a large number of samples at the property scale, facilitating the analysis of differences in soil metal concentrations as a function of property location (i.e., dripline, yard, and street) and location within the city. This effort indicated that dripline soils had substantially higher values of lead and zinc than other soil locations on a given property, and this pattern was heightened in properties nearer the urban core. Soil lead values typically exceeded the levels deemed safe for children's play areas in the United States (<400 ppm), and almost always exceeded safe gardening guidelines (<200 ppm). As a whole, this study identified locations within properties and cities that exhibited the highest exposure risk to children, and also exhibited the power of citizen science to produce data at a spatial scale (i.e., within a property boundary), which is usually impossible to feasibly collect in a typical research study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel M Filippelli
- Department of Earth Sciences and Center for Urban Health, Indiana University⁻Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 723 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Jessica Adamic
- Department of Earth Sciences and Center for Urban Health, Indiana University⁻Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 723 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Deborah Nichols
- Department of Earth Sciences and Center for Urban Health, Indiana University⁻Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 723 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - John Shukle
- Department of Earth Sciences and Center for Urban Health, Indiana University⁻Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 723 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Emeline Frix
- Department of Earth Sciences and Center for Urban Health, Indiana University⁻Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 723 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Meza-Figueroa D, González-Grijalva B, Romero F, Ruiz J, Pedroza-Montero M, Rivero CID, Acosta-Elías M, Ochoa-Landin L, Navarro-Espinoza S. Source apportionment and environmental fate of lead chromates in atmospheric dust in arid environments. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 630:1596-1607. [PMID: 29554776 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The environmental fate of lead derived from traffic paint has been poorly studied in developing countries, mainly in arid zones. For this purpose, a developing city located in the Sonoran desert (Hermosillo, Mexico), was chosen to conduct a study. In this paper the lead chromate (crocoite) sources in atmospheric dust were addressed using a combination of Raman microspectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Pb isotope measurements. A high concentration of Pb and Cr as micro- and nanostructured pigments of crocoite is reported in yellow traffic paint (n=80), road dust (n=146), settled dust in roofs (n=21), and atmospheric dust (n=20) from a developing city located in the Sonoran Desert. 10 samples of peri-urban soils were collected for local geochemical background. The paint photodegradation and erosion of the asphaltic cover are enhanced by the climate, and the presence of the mineral crocoite (PbCrO4) in road dust with an aerodynamic diameter ranging from 100nm to 2μm suggests its integration into the atmosphere by wind resuspension processes. A positive PbCr correlation (R2=0.977) was found for all studied samples, suggesting a common source. The Pb-isotope data show signatures in atmospheric dust as a product of the mixing of two end members: i) local soils and ii) crocoite crystals as pigments in paint. The presence of lead chromates in atmospheric dust has not been previously documented in Latin America, and it represents an unknown health risk to the exposed population because the identified size of crystals can reach the deepest part of lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Meza-Figueroa
- Department of Geology. University of Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico; Department of Geology. Graduate Program, Rosales y Encinas, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico.
| | - Belem González-Grijalva
- Earth Sciences Graduate Program. Institute of Geology, National University of Mexico. Colosio y Madrid, Hermosillo, Sonora 83240, Mexico
| | - Francisco Romero
- Institute of Geology. National University of Mexico, Ciudad Universitaria, Delegación Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico; Department of Geology. Graduate Program, Rosales y Encinas, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Joaquin Ruiz
- Department of Geosciences, The University of Arizona, 1040 E. 4thSt, Gould-Simpson Building 77, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Martín Pedroza-Montero
- Department of Physics Research, University of Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | | | - Mónica Acosta-Elías
- Department of Physics Research, University of Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Lucas Ochoa-Landin
- Department of Geology. University of Sonora, Rosales y Encinas, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico; Laboratorio Nacional de Geoquímica y Mineralogía-LANGEM, Mexico
| | - Sofía Navarro-Espinoza
- Department of Geology. Graduate Program, Rosales y Encinas, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
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Laidlaw MAS, Gordon C, Ball AS. Preliminary assessment of surface soil lead concentrations in Melbourne, Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:637-650. [PMID: 28785869 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-0010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Urban soils in many cities have been found to be contaminated with lead from past usage of leaded petrol, deteriorating lead-based exterior paints and industrial sources. Currently, the spatial distribution of soil lead concentrations in the Melbourne metropolitan area is unknown. The objective of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment of the spatial distributions of the surface soil lead (Pb) concentrations in the Melbourne metropolitan area, Australia. Fifty-eight surface soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-2 cm along three linear transects oriented across the Melbourne metropolitan area. Surface soil samples were also collected at a higher density in five Melbourne suburbs. Soil cores (0-50 cm) were collected in four locations, soil transects were collected at intervals with distance away from the roadway (0-50 m) in two inner city parks, and one control soil sample was collected in a rural setting. The median soil Pb concentration of the soil transect samples was 173 mg/kg (range 32-710 mg/kg), and the median soil Pb concentration of the five suburbs was 69 mg/kg (range 9-1750 mg/kg). The suburb of Footscray had the highest soil Pb concentration with a median soil Pb concentration of 192 mg/kg (range 40-1750 mg/kg). Soil Pb concentrations were generally higher nearest the centre of the Melbourne metropolitan area and in the west of Melbourne and lower in the outer suburbs to the east and north of the city centre. Soil Pb concentrations decreased with distance from roadways in the two transects taken from urban parks, and soil lead decreased with depth in the four soil cores. The soil Pb concentrations in the Melbourne metropolitan area appear to be lower than soil lead concentrations observed in inner city areas of Sydney New South Wales (NSW) and Newcastle NSW. The spatial extent of the soil Pb hazard remains undefined in portions of the Melbourne metropolitan area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A S Laidlaw
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe), School of Science, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.
| | - Callum Gordon
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe), School of Science, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Andrew S Ball
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe), School of Science, RMIT University, PO Box 71, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
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Gulson B, Taylor A. A simple lead dust fall method predicts children's blood lead level: New evidence from Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 159:76-81. [PMID: 28777964 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We have measured dust fall accumulation in petri dishes (PDD) collected 6 monthly from inside residences in Sydney urban area, New South Wales, Australia as part of a 5-year longitudinal study to determine environmental associations, including soil. with blood lead (PbB) levels. The Pb loading in the dishes (n = 706) had geometric means (GM) of 24µg/m2/30d, a median value of 22µg/m2/30d with a range from 0.2 to 11,390µg/m2/30d. Observed geometric mean PbB was 2.4µg/dL at ages 2-3 years. Regression analyses showed a statistically significant relationship between predicted PbB and PDD. The predicted PbB values from dust in our study are consistent with similar analyses from the US in which floor dust was collected by wipes. Predicted PbB values from PDD indicate that an increase in PDD of about 100µg/m2/30d would increase PbB by about 1.5µg/dL or a doubling PbB at the low levels currently observed in many countries. Predicted PbB values from soil indicate that a change from 0 to 1000mg Pb/kg results in an increase of 1.7µg/dL in PbB, consistent with earlier investigations. Blood Pb levels can be predicted from dust fall accumulation (and soil) in cases where blood sampling is not always possible, especially in young children. Petri dish loading data could provide an alternative or complementary "action level" at about 100µg Pb/m2/30 days, similar to the suggested level of about 110µg Pb/m2 for surface wipes, for use in monitoring activities such as housing rehabilitation, demolition or soil resuspension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Gulson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Energy Flagship, CSIRO, North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia.
| | - Alan Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Kafaei R, Tahmasbi R, Ravanipour M, Vakilabadi DR, Ahmadi M, Omrani A, Ramavandi B. Urinary arsenic, cadmium, manganese, nickel, and vanadium levels of schoolchildren in the vicinity of the industrialised area of Asaluyeh, Iran. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:23498-23507. [PMID: 28849418 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9981-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Asaluyeh is one of the most heavily industrialised areas in the world where gas, petrochemical, and many downstream industries are located. This study aims to survey the biomonitoring of four metals and one metalloid in children living in the vicinity of Asaluyeh area. To do this, we analysed the creatinine-adjusted urinary levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) in 184 elementary schoolchildren (99 boys and 85 girls) living in Asaluyeh and compared them with a reference population. The comparisons were done for two seasons (spring and fall). The results showed that in the case area (Asaluyeh), the levels of As, V, Mn, and Ni were significantly higher and that of Cd was not significantly higher than the reference city for both seasons. The mean concentration of metal(loid)s in Asaluyeh (case) and Sadabad (reference) area as μg g-1 creatinine was As 2.90 and 2.24, V 0.06 and 0.03, Mn 0.28 and 0.25, Ni 0.54 and 0.29, and Cd 0.31 and 0.28 in spring and As 3.08 and 2.28, V 0.07 and 0.03, Mn 0.30 and 0.26, Ni 0.91 and 0.30, and Cd 0.36 and 0.31 in the fall. Seasonal variations played a key role in determining urinary metal(loid) concentration, as we saw the significant level of As, Cd, V, and Ni in fall than in spring. With regard to the impact of gender on the absorption and accumulation of urinary metal(loid)s, boys showed higher levels of the studied elements, especially for As, than girls as outdoor activities are more popular among boys. Due to the values being lower than those reported in literature, more research is needed on various population groups and other exposure sources in order to judge whether living in the vicinity of the gas and petrochemical industries in Asaluyeh is a threat to nearby residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Kafaei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Rahim Tahmasbi
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Masomeh Ravanipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Dariush Ranjbar Vakilabadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ahmadi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Omrani
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Bahman Ramavandi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
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Spatial Surveillance of Childhood Lead Exposure in a Targeted Screening State: An Application of Generalized Additive Models in Denver, Colorado. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2017; 23 Suppl 5 Supplement, Environmental Public Health Tracking:S79-S92. [PMID: 28763391 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The targeted nature of Colorado's childhood lead screening program presents several analytical issues that complicate routine epidemiologic surveillance. OBJECTIVES To analyze spatial patterns of childhood lead exposure among children younger than 6 years, identifying areas of increased risk along with associated covariates. METHODS We analyzed a spatial case-control data set of childhood lead poisoning using generalized additive models. Incident cases were represented by the residential locations of children younger than 6 years with confirmed elevated blood lead levels (EBLL) of 5 μg/dL or more recorded between calendar years 2010 and 2014, and controls were sampled from the population at risk. We modeled the effect of spatial location, adjusting for potential spatial confounders. We also adjusted for a number of covariates previously identified in the childhood lead poisoning literature to understand the ecologic-level drivers of spatial variation in risk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Crude and adjusted spatial odds ratios describing the relative frequency of lead poisoning among different locations in Denver, Colorado. RESULTS We found evidence of statistically significant spatial clustering in incident cases of lead poisoning even after adjustment for age, sex, year, season, and spatially smoothed screening rate. Spatial confounder-adjusted odds ratios in the Denver study area ranged from 0.22 to 2.7. Adjusting for additional ecologic-level covariates effectively accounted for the observed spatial variation. We found that ecologic-level indicators of low socioeconomic status, Hispanic ethnicity, Asian race, and older housing age were all positively and significantly associated with an increased EBLL risk. CONCLUSION Housing and socioeconomic factors continue to be the primary ecologic risk factors associated with childhood lead exposure and can be used to predict risk at a fine spatial resolution in the Denver study area. Our analysis demonstrates how other targeted screening states can be proactive about childhood lead surveillance within their major population centers and enhance the spatial specificity of lead mitigation efforts.
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Zahran S, McElmurry SP, Sadler RC. Four phases of the Flint Water Crisis: Evidence from blood lead levels in children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 157:160-172. [PMID: 28570960 PMCID: PMC5538017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The Flint Water Crisis (FWC) is divisible into four phases of child water-lead exposure risk: Phase A) before the switch in water source to the Flint River (our baseline); Phase B) after the switch in water source, but before boil water advisories; Phase C) after boil water advisories, but before the switch back to the baseline water source of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD); and Phase D) after the switch back to DWSD. The objective of this work is to estimate water-lead attributable movements in child blood lead levels (BLLs) that correspond with the four phases in the FWC. With over 21,000 geo-referenced and time-stamped blood lead samples from children in Genesee County drawn from January 01, 2013 to July 19, 2016, we develop a series of quasi-experimental models to identify the causal effect of water-lead exposure on child BLLs in Flint. We find that the switch in water source (transitioning from phase A to B) caused mean BLLs to increase by about 0.5μg/dL, and increased the likelihood of a child presenting with a BLL ≥ 5μg/dL by a factor of 1.91-3.50, implying an additional 561 children exceeding 5μg/dL. We conservatively estimate cohort social costs (through lost earnings alone) of this increase in water-lead exposed children at $65 million, contrasted with expected annual savings of $2 million from switching water source. On the switch from Phase B to C, we find BLLs decreased about 50% from their initial rise following boil water advisories and subsequent water avoidance behaviors by households. Finally, the return to the baseline source water (Phase D) returned child BLLs to pre-FWC levels further implicating water-lead exposure as a causal source of child BLLs throughout the FWC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Zahran
- Department of Economics, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States.
| | - Shawn P McElmurry
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States.
| | - Richard C Sadler
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, Flint, MI, United States.
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