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Achar J, Cronin MTD, Firman JW, Öberg G. A problem formulation framework for the application of in silico toxicology methods in chemical risk assessment. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1727-1740. [PMID: 38555325 PMCID: PMC11106140 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The first step in the hazard or risk assessment of chemicals should be to formulate the problem through a systematic and iterative process aimed at identifying and defining factors critical to the assessment. However, no general agreement exists on what components an in silico toxicology problem formulation (PF) should include. The present work aims to develop a PF framework relevant to the application of in silico models for chemical toxicity prediction. We modified and applied a PF framework from the general risk assessment literature to peer reviewed papers describing PFs associated with in silico toxicology models. Important gaps between the general risk assessment literature and the analyzed PF literature associated with in silico toxicology methods were identified. While the former emphasizes the need for PFs to address higher-level conceptual questions, the latter does not. There is also little consistency in the latter regarding the PF components addressed, reinforcing the need for a PF framework that enable users of in silico toxicology models to answer the central conceptual questions aimed at defining components critical to the model application. Using the developed framework, we highlight potential areas of uncertainty manifestation in in silico toxicology PF in instances where particular components are missing or implicitly described. The framework represents the next step in standardizing in silico toxicology PF component. The framework can also be used to improve the understanding of how uncertainty is apparent in an in silico toxicology PF, thus facilitating ways to address uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Achar
- Institute for Resources Environment, and Sustainability, The University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mark T D Cronin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK.
| | - James W Firman
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Gunilla Öberg
- Institute for Resources Environment, and Sustainability, The University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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2
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Tong R, Zhang B. Cumulative risk assessment for combinations of environmental and psychosocial stressors: A systematic review. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:602-615. [PMID: 37526127 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4821] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
With the growing awareness of stressors, cumulative risk assessment (CRA) has been proposed as a potential method to evaluate possible additive and synergistic effects of multiple stressors on human health, thus informing environmental regulation and protecting public health. However, CRA is still in its exploratory stage due to the lack of generally accepted quantitative approaches. It is an ideal time to summarize the existing progress to guide future research. To this end, a systematic review of the literature on CRA issues dealing with combinations of environmental and psychosocial stressors was conducted in this study. Using typology and bibliometric analysis, the body of knowledge, hot topics, and research gaps in this field were characterized. It was found that research topics and objectives mainly focus on qualitative analysis and community settings; more attention should be paid to the development of quantitative approaches and the inclusion of occupational settings. Further, the roles of air pollution and vulnerability factors in CRA have attracted the most attention. This study concludes with views on future prospects to promote theoretical and practical development in this field; specifically, CRA is a multifaceted topic that requires substantial collaborations with various stakeholders and substantial knowledge from multidisciplinary fields. This study presents an overall review as well as research directions worth investigating in this field, which provides a historical reference for future study. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:602-615. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Tong
- School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Boling Zhang
- School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing, China
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3
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Rider CV. Mixture Math: Deciding What to Add in a Cumulative Risk Assessment. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 31:100358. [PMID: 35813121 PMCID: PMC9262140 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2022.100358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Component-based approaches for cumulative risk assessment provide an important tool for informing public health policy. While current quantitative cumulative risk assessments focus narrowly on pesticides that share a mechanism of action, growing scientific evidence supports expansion of their application to encompass stressors that target a common disease. Case studies have demonstrated dose additive effects of chemicals with different mechanisms of action on liver steatosis, craniofacial malformations, and male reproductive tract developmental disruption. Evidence also suggests that nonchemical stressors such as noise or psychosocial stress can modify effects of chemicals. Focused research attention is required before nonchemical stressors can routinely be included in quantitative cumulative risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia V. Rider
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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4
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Sprinkle RH, Payne-Sturges DC. Mixture toxicity, cumulative risk, and environmental justice in United States federal policy, 1980-2016 : Why, with much known, was little done? Environ Health 2021; 20:104. [PMID: 34535123 PMCID: PMC8449500 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00764-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxic chemicals - "toxicants" - have been studied and regulated as single entities, and, carcinogens aside, almost all toxicants, single or mixed and however altered, have been thought harmless in very low doses or very weak concentrations. Yet much work in recent decades has shown that toxicants can injure wildlife, laboratory animals, and humans following exposures previously expected to be harmless. Additional work has shown that toxicants can act not only individually and cumulatively but also collectively and even synergistically and that they affect disadvantaged communities inordinately - and therefore, as argued by reformers, unjustly. As late as December 2016, the last full month before the inauguration of a president promising to rescind major environmental regulations, the United States federal environmental-health establishment, as led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), had not developed coherent strategies to mitigate such risks, to alert the public to their plausibility, or to advise leadership in government and industry about their implications. To understand why, we examined archival materials, reviewed online databases, read internal industry communications, and interviewed experts. We confirmed that external constraints, statutory and judicial, had been in place prior to EPA's earliest interest in mixture toxicity, but we found no overt effort, certainly no successful effort, to loosen those constraints. We also found internal constraints: concerns that fully committing to the study of complex mixtures involving numerous toxicants would lead to methodological drift within the toxicological community and that trying to act on insights from such study could lead only to regulatory futility. Interaction of these constraints, external and internal, shielded the EPA by circumscribing its responsibilities and by impeding movement toward paradigmatic adjustment, but it also perpetuated scientifically dubious policies, such as those limiting the evaluation of commercial chemical formulations, including pesticide formulations, to only those ingredients said by their manufacturers to be active. In this context, regulators' disregard of synergism contrasted irreconcilably with biocide manufacturers' understanding that synergism enhanced lethality and patentability. In the end, an effective national response to mixture toxicity, cumulative risk, and environmental injustice did not emerge. In parallel, though, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, which was less constrained, pursued with scientific investigation what the EPA had not pursued with regulatory action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devon C Payne-Sturges
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
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5
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Co-Occurrence of Metal Contaminants in United States Public Water Systems in 2013-2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157884. [PMID: 34360177 PMCID: PMC8345721 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The United States Environmental Protection Agency monitors contaminants in drinking water and consolidates these results in the National Contaminant Occurrence Database. Our objective was to assess the co-occurrence of metal contaminants (total chromium, hexavalent chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, cobalt, and strontium) over the years 2013–2015. We used multilevel Tobit regression models with state and water system-level random intercepts to predict the geometric mean of each contaminant occurring in each public water system, and estimated the pairwise correlations of predicted water system-specific geometric means across contaminants. We found that the geometric means of vanadium and total chromium were positively correlated both in large public water systems (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and in small public water systems (r = 0.47, p < 0.01). Further research may address the cumulative human health impacts of ingesting more than one contaminant in drinking water.
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von Stackelberg K, Williams PR. Evolving Science and Practice of Risk Assessment. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2021; 41:571-583. [PMID: 33295028 PMCID: PMC8257268 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Managing public health risks from environmental contaminants has historically relied on a risk assessment process defined by the regulatory context in which these risks are assessed. Risk assessment guidance follows a straightforward, chemical-by-chemical approach to inform regulatory decisions around the question "what is the risk-based concentration protective of human and ecological health outcomes?" Here we briefly summarize regulatory risk assessment in the context of innovative risk assessment approaches based on an evolving understanding of the underlying scientific disciplines that support risk analysis more broadly. We discuss scientific versus regulatory tensions in the application of these approaches for future risk assessments, and challenges in translating our improved understanding of the underlying scientific complexity to the regulatory landscape to better inform decision making that extends beyond conventional regulatory mandates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine von Stackelberg
- NEK Associates LTD, Allston, MA, 02134, USA
- Harvard Center for Risk Analysis, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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7
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Jelks NO. Pathways to advancing environmental and health justice: Addressing cumulative risks and impacts. Explore (NY) 2021; 17:274-276. [PMID: 33745849 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Na'Taki Osborne Jelks
- Spelman College, Environmental and Health Sciences Program, 350 Spelman Lane SW, Box 235, Atlanta, GA 30314 USA.
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8
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Zijlmans W, Wickliffe J, Hindori-Mohangoo A, MacDonald-Ottevanger S, Ouboter P, Landburg G, Codrington J, Roosblad J, Baldewsingh G, Ramjatan R, Gokoel A, Abdoel Wahid F, Fortes Soares L, Alcala C, Boedhoe E, Grünberg AW, Hawkins W, Shankar A, Harville E, Drury SS, Covert H, Lichtveld M. Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (CCREOH) Cohort Study: influences of complex environmental exposures on maternal and child health in Suriname. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034702. [PMID: 32928846 PMCID: PMC7488800 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health prospective environmental epidemiologic cohort study addresses the impact of chemical and non-chemical environmental exposures on mother/child dyads in Suriname. The study determines associations between levels of environmental elements and toxicants in pregnant women, and birth outcomes and neurodevelopment in their children. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant women (N=1143) were enrolled from December 2016 to July 2019 from three regions of Suriname: Paramaribo (N=738), Nickerie (N=204) and the tropical rainforest interior (N=201). Infants (N=992) were enrolled at birth. Follow-up will take place until children are 48 months old. FINDINGS TO DATE Biospecimens and questionnaire data on physiological and psychosocial health in pregnant women have been analysed. 39.1% had hair mercury (Hg) levels exceeding values considered safe by international standards. Median hair Hg concentrations in women from Paramaribo (N=522) were 0.64 µg/g hair (IQRs 0.36-1.09; range 0.00-7.12), from Nickerie (N=176) 0.73 µg/g (IQR 0.45-1.05; range 0.00-5.79) and the interior (N=178) 3.48 µg/g (IQR 1.92-7.39; range 0.38-18.20). 96.1% of women ate fish, respective consumption of the three most consumed carnivorous species, Hoplias aimara, Serrasalmus rhombeus and Cichla ocellaris, known to have high Hg levels, was 44.4%, 19.3% and 26.3%, respectively, and was greater among the interior subcohort. 89% frequently consumed the vegetable tannia, samples of which showed presence of worldwide banned pesticides. 24.9% of pregnant women had Edinburgh Depression Scale scores indicative of probable depression. FUTURE PLANS Fish consumption advisories are in development, especially relevant to interior women for whom fish consumption is likely to be the primary source of Hg exposure. Effects of potentially beneficial neuroprotective factors in fish that may counter neurotoxic effects of Hg are being examined. A pesticide literacy assessment in pregnant women is in progress. Neurodevelopmental assessments and telomere length measurements of the children to evaluate long-term effects of prenatal exposures to toxicant mixtures are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilco Zijlmans
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pediatrics, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Wickliffe
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Ashna Hindori-Mohangoo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
- Foundation for Perinatal Interventions and Research in Suriname (Perisur), Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Sigrid MacDonald-Ottevanger
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Department of Clinical Chemistry Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Ouboter
- Institute for Neotropical Wildlife & Environmental Studies, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Gwendolyn Landburg
- National Zoological Collection of Suriname/Center for Environmental Research, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - John Codrington
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Jimmy Roosblad
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pediatrics, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Gaitree Baldewsingh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pediatrics, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Medical Mission Primary Health Care Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Radha Ramjatan
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pediatrics, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Regional Health Service, Nickerie, Suriname
| | - Anisma Gokoel
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pediatrics, Anton de Kom University of Suriname, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Firoz Abdoel Wahid
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Lissa Fortes Soares
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Cecilia Alcala
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Esther Boedhoe
- Scientific Research Center Suriname, Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - Antoon W Grünberg
- Foundation for Perinatal Interventions and Research in Suriname (Perisur), Paramaribo, Suriname
- Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Paramaribo, Suriname
| | - William Hawkins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Arti Shankar
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Emily Harville
- Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - S S Drury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hannah Covert
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Maureen Lichtveld
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
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9
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A Cumulative Risk Perspective for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Professionals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176342. [PMID: 32878292 PMCID: PMC7503320 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) addresses the combined risk associated with chemical and non-chemical exposures. Although CRA approaches are utilized in environmental and ecological contexts, they are rarely applied in workplaces. In this perspectives article, we strive to raise awareness among occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals and foster the greater adoption of a CRA perspective in practice. Specifically, we provide an overview of CRA literature as well as preliminary guidance on when to consider a CRA approach in occupational settings and how to establish reasonable boundaries. Examples of possible workplace co-exposures and voluntary risk management actions are discussed. We also highlight important implications for workplace CRA research and practice. In particular, future needs include simple tools for identifying combinations of chemical and non-chemical exposures, uniform risk management guidelines, and risk communication materials. Further development of practical CRA methods and tools are essential to meet the needs of complex and changing work environments.
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10
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Figueiredo A, Costa IM, Fernandes TA, Gonçalves LL, Brito J. Food Supplements for Weight Loss: Risk Assessment of Selected Impurities. Nutrients 2020; 12:E954. [PMID: 32235503 PMCID: PMC7230509 DOI: 10.3390/nu12040954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, food supplements are widely consumed, often without any medical supervision. In this study, 25 food supplements for weight loss, randomly purchased from five different suppliers in the European Union, were analysed by Wavelength Dispersive X ray Fluorescence spectrometry (WDXRF). The aim of this study was the risk assessment of trace elements and the mixture of elements present in food supplements for weight loss. The obtained Hazard Index (0.11) showed no potential risk of non-carcinogenic effects to human health. However, since humans are frequently exposed by different routes and/or sources to toxic metals, the additional consumption of these products may cause potential toxicological risks that cannot be ignored. In one analysed food supplement (FS), the simultaneous presence of Pb and Mn in high concentrations was detected. In two, FS chromium concentrations were above the reference daily dose. Unconformities were detected between the labelled and the detected values, which emphasises the misinformation of labels. This highlights the need for a deeper surveillance of food supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Figueiredo
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal; (I.M.C.); (T.A.F.); (L.L.G.); (J.B.)
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Isabel Margarida Costa
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal; (I.M.C.); (T.A.F.); (L.L.G.); (J.B.)
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Tânia Alexandra Fernandes
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal; (I.M.C.); (T.A.F.); (L.L.G.); (J.B.)
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, nº228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Lima Gonçalves
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal; (I.M.C.); (T.A.F.); (L.L.G.); (J.B.)
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - José Brito
- Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz (IUEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal; (I.M.C.); (T.A.F.); (L.L.G.); (J.B.)
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Campus Universitário—Quinta da Granja, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal
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Maurice L, López F, Becerra S, Jamhoury H, Le Menach K, Dévier MH, Budzinski H, Prunier J, Juteau-Martineau G, Ochoa-Herrera V, Quiroga D, Schreck E. Drinking water quality in areas impacted by oil activities in Ecuador: Associated health risks and social perception of human exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 690:1203-1217. [PMID: 31470483 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The unregulated oil exploitation in the Northern Ecuadorian Amazon Region (NEAR), mainly from 1964 to the 90's, led to toxic compounds largely released into the environment. A large majority of people living in the Amazon region have no access to drinking water distribution systems and collects water from rain, wells or small streams. The concentrations of major ions, trace elements, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes) were analyzed in different water sources to evaluate the impacts of oil extraction and refining. Samples were taken from the NEAR and around the main refinery of the country (Esmeraldas Oil Refinery/State Oil Company of Ecuador) and were compared with domestic waters from the Southern region, not affected by petroleum activities. In most of the samples, microbiological analysis revealed a high level of coliforms representing significant health risks. All measured chemical compounds in waters were in line with national and international guidelines, except for manganese, zinc and aluminum. In several deep-water wells, close to oil camps, toluene concentrations were higher than the natural background while PAHs concentrations never exceeded individually 2 ng·L-1. Water ingestion represented 99% of the total exposure pathways for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic elements (mainly zinc) in adults and children, while 20% to 49% of the Total Cancer Risk was caused by arsenic concentrations. The health index (HI) indicates acceptable chronic effects for domestic use according the US-EPA thresholds. Nevertheless, these limits do not consider the cocktail effects of metallic and organic compounds. Furthermore, they do not include the social determinants of human exposure, such as socio-economic living conditions or vulnerability. Most (72%) of interviewed families knew sanitary risks but a discrepancy was observed between knowledge and action: religious beliefs, cultural patterns, information sources, experience and emotions play an important role front to exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Maurice
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse University, CNRS, IRD, 31400 Toulouse, France; Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Área de Salud, Toledo N22-80, P.O. Box 17-12-569, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Fausto López
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse University, CNRS, IRD, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Sylvia Becerra
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse University, CNRS, IRD, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Hala Jamhoury
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Master Génie de l'Environnement, Switzerland
| | - Karyn Le Menach
- Bordeaux University - CNRS, EPOC UMR 5805, LPTC, F-33400 Talence, France
| | | | - Hélène Budzinski
- Bordeaux University - CNRS, EPOC UMR 5805, LPTC, F-33400 Talence, France
| | - Jonathan Prunier
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Bois, UMR EcoFoG, CNRS, Campus Agronomique de Kourou, 97387 Kourou, France; Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse University, CNRS, IRD, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Guilhem Juteau-Martineau
- Centre d'Études et de Recherches Travail Organisation Pouvoir (CERTOP), Maison de la Recherche, Université de Toulouse, 31058 Toulouse, France
| | - Valeria Ochoa-Herrera
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, P.O. 17-0901, Quito, Ecuador; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 2759, USA
| | - Diego Quiroga
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, P.O. 17-0901, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Eva Schreck
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Toulouse University, CNRS, IRD, 31400 Toulouse, France
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12
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Peters JL, Fabian MP, Levy JI. Epidemiologically-informed cumulative risk hypertension models simulating the impact of changes in metal, organochlorine, and non-chemical exposures in an environmental justice community. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108544. [PMID: 31271923 PMCID: PMC6716580 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, influenced by chemical and non-chemical stressors. Exposure reduction strategies can potentially improve public health, but there are analytical challenges in developing quantitative models of health benefits, including the need for detailed multi-stressor exposure models, corresponding health evidence, and methods to simulate changes in exposure and resultant health benefits. These challenges are pronounced in low-income urban communities, where residents are often simultaneously exposed to numerous chemical and non-chemical stressors. For New Bedford (Massachusetts, USA), a low-income community near a Superfund site, we simulated geographically-resolved individual data, and applied previously published structural equation models developed from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. These models simultaneously predict exposures to multiple chemicals (e.g., lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)) and non-chemical factors (e.g., socioeconomic status), and determine their combined effects on blood pressure. We then modeled counterfactual scenarios reducing exposures and estimated the resulting changes in blood pressure distribution in the community. Results indicated small shifts in mean blood pressure and percentage of normotensive individuals with a reduction of Pb and/or PCB exposure. For example, a reduction in PCB to the lowest 10th percentile exposure in the NHANES resulted in a 2.4 mm Hg shift in systolic blood pressure (SBP), corresponding with 3% fewer individuals with SBP in the Stage 2 hypertension category [SBP ≥140]. Our model also emphasized the importance of the multi-stressor framework by simulating benefits of reductions in smoking rates, given positive associations with Pb and Cd but inverse associations with body mass index and blood pressure. This research demonstrates the ability to jointly consider chemical and non-chemical exposures and their impact on cardiovascular health, using approaches generalizable to other cumulative risk assessment applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junenette L Peters
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Talbot 4th Floor West, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - M Patricia Fabian
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Talbot 4th Floor West, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Jonathan I Levy
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Talbot 4th Floor West, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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Miglani K, Kumar S, Yadav A, Aggarwal N, Ahmad I, Gupta R. A multibiomarker approach to evaluate the effect of polyaromatic hydrocarbon exposure on oxidative and genotoxic damage in tandoor workers. Toxicol Ind Health 2019; 35:486-496. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233719862728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a cohort study of tandoor workers to evaluate the relationship between the biomarkers of oxidative and genotoxic damage and exposure to polyaromatic hydrocarbons. A series of oxidative and genotoxic damage biomarkers, including urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and tail moment (TM) by comet assay, was studied. A total of 76 tandoor workers and 79 demographically matched healthy individuals as controls were included. Our results showed that the tandoor workers had significantly higher urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene, urinary 8-OHdG, MDA content, and TM compared with the control population. The concentration of all these biomarkers increased with age in the control population as well as tandoor workers. In tandoor workers, significant variation in MDA, 8-oxodG (8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine) and TM concentration was detected between smokers (5.08 ± 1.72 nmol/mL, 16.01 ± 4.94 ng/mg creatinine, and 5.87 ± 0.98 µm, respectively) and nonsmokers (3.84 ± 0.98 nmol/mL, 13.74 ± 3.60 ng/mg creatinine, and 5.32 ± 0.69 µm, respectively). A similar pattern was obtained for the control population. We did not obtain significant variations for alcoholics and tobacco chewers. A significant increase in all these three biomarkers was observed with the increase in the period of work exposure in tandoor workers. Multivariate regression analysis also revealed that urinary 8-oxodG, MDA, and TM were statistically significantly related to age and period of work exposure. Overall, the present study showed that the exposure to wood smoke in tandoor workers under occupational conditions led to increased DNA damage because of oxidative stress and genotoxicity. These biomarkers, therefore, are good indices to assess oxidative DNA damage in these workers exposed to occupational genotoxicants. It is also necessary to make preventive changes in work conditions and lifestyle, which will help these occupational workers to lead a healthy life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Miglani
- Department of Biochemistry, Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Deprtment of Biotechnology, Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Anita Yadav
- Deprtment of Biotechnology, Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Neeraj Aggarwal
- Department of Microbiology, Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Imteyaz Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Ranjan Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
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Prochaska JD, Kim H, Buschmann RN, Jupiter D, Croisant S, Linder SH, Sexton K. The utility of a system dynamics approach for understanding cumulative health risk from exposure to environmental hazards. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 172:462-469. [PMID: 30844571 PMCID: PMC6755670 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The potential of system dynamics modeling to advance our understanding of cumulative risk in the service of optimal health is discussed. The focus is on exploring system dynamics modeling as a systems science methodology that can provide a framework for examining the complexity of real-world social and environmental exposures among populations-particularly those exposed to multiple disparate sources of risk. The discussion also examines how system dynamics modeling can engage a diverse body of key stakeholders throughout the modeling process, promoting the collective assessment of assumptions and systematic gathering of critical data. Though not a panacea, system dynamics modeling provides a promising methodology to complement traditional research methods in understanding cumulative health effects from exposure to multiple environmental and social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Prochaska
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. Route 1153, Galveston, TX 77555-1153, USA; Center in Environmental Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Hyunjung Kim
- Department of Management, California State University, Chico, CA, USA
| | - Robert N Buschmann
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. Route 1153, Galveston, TX 77555-1153, USA
| | - Daniel Jupiter
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. Route 1153, Galveston, TX 77555-1153, USA; Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Sharon Croisant
- Department of Preventive Medicine & Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd. Route 1153, Galveston, TX 77555-1153, USA; Center in Environmental Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen H Linder
- Department of Management, Policy and Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ken Sexton
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas, Health Science Center, School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
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Hallit S, Raherison C, Malaeb D, Hallit R, Waked M, Kheir N, Salameh P. Development of an asthma risk factors scale (ARFS) for risk assessment asthma screening in children. Pediatr Neonatol 2019; 60:156-165. [PMID: 29983338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study objective was to create asthma risk factors scale (ARFS) score that would be correlated with the increased risk of asthma in Lebanese children. This scale would eventually be used both to identify children at risk and assess early diagnosis of asthma. METHODS A case-control study (study 1) of 1276 children (976 controls and 300 cases) and a cross-sectional study (study 2) of 1000 children were conducted using a parental questionnaire. Children aged between 3 and 16 years were screened for possible enrollment. The ARFS was created by combining the following risk factors: child's exposure to pesticides, detergent mixing, alcohol, smoking and drug intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the actual paternal and maternal smoking status and history of asthma, and the types of food the child consumes. RESULTS There was a significant increase in the risk assessment screening for asthma per 15 points increments of ARFS (p < 0.001 for trend). The score category 0-14.99 best-represented control individuals (88.8% controls), while a score higher than 45 represented asthmatic children best (98.4% asthmatics). The positive predictive value (disease positive/all positive by scale) came out as 94.02%, whereas the negative predictive value (disease negative/all negative by scale) was found to be 90.47%. These results were confirmed in the second study sample. CONCLUSION The ARFS is a simple and easy-to-use tool, composed of 15 questions, for the clinician risk assessment of asthma in children, taking into account the environmental exposure, parental history of asthma and dietary habits of the child. Its value for asthma diagnosis remains to be confirmed in future prospective studies, especially in children with chronic respiratory symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon; Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Kaslik, Lebanon; Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, P.O. Box 60096, Jal Eddib, Lebanon; Occupational Health Environment Research Team, U1219 BPH Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm - Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Chantal Raherison
- Occupational Health Environment Research Team, U1219 BPH Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm - Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; Department of Pneumology, University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rabih Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Kaslik, Lebanon
| | - Mirna Waked
- Faculty of Medicine, Balamand University, Koura, Lebanon
| | - Nelly Kheir
- Faculty of Science II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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16
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Huang H, Wang A, Morello-Frosch R, Lam J, Sirota M, Padula A, Woodruff TJ. Cumulative Risk and Impact Modeling on Environmental Chemical and Social Stressors. Curr Environ Health Rep 2019; 5:88-99. [PMID: 29441463 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-018-0180-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to identify cumulative modeling methods used to evaluate combined effects of exposures to environmental chemicals and social stressors. The specific review question is: What are the existing quantitative methods used to examine the cumulative impacts of exposures to environmental chemical and social stressors on health? RECENT FINDINGS There has been an increase in literature that evaluates combined effects of exposures to environmental chemicals and social stressors on health using regression models; very few studies applied other data mining and machine learning techniques to this problem. The majority of studies we identified used regression models to evaluate combined effects of multiple environmental and social stressors. With proper study design and appropriate modeling assumptions, additional data mining methods may be useful to examine combined effects of environmental and social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtai Huang
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Aolin Wang
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, and the School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Juleen Lam
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marina Sirota
- Institute for Computational Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amy Padula
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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17
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Anjum RL, Rocca E. From Ideal to Real Risk: Philosophy of Causation Meets Risk Analysis. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2019; 39:729-740. [PMID: 30229973 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A question has been raised in recent years as to whether the risk field, including analysis, assessment, and management, ought to be considered a discipline on its own. As suggested by Terje Aven, unification of the risk field would require a common understanding of basic concepts, such as risk and probability; hence, more discussion is needed of what he calls "foundational issues." In this article, we show that causation is a foundational issue of risk, and that a proper understanding of it is crucial. We propose that some old ideas about the nature of causation must be abandoned in order to overcome certain persisting challenges facing risk experts over the last decade. In particular, we discuss the challenge of including causally relevant knowledge from the local context when studying risk. Although it is uncontroversial that the receptor plays an important role for risk evaluations, we show how the implementation of receptor-based frameworks is hindered by methodological shortcomings that can be traced back to Humean orthodoxies about causation. We argue that the first step toward the development of frameworks better suited to make realistic risk predictions is to reconceptualize causation, by examining a philosophical alternative to the Humean understanding. In this article, we show how our preferred account, causal dispositionalism, offers a different perspective in how risk is evaluated and understood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Rocca
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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18
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Li Z. Introducing relative potency quotient approach associated with probabilistic cumulative risk assessment to derive soil standards for pesticide mixtures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:198-208. [PMID: 29980038 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.06.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Children can be exposed to organophosphate and carbamate mixtures, which pose additive health effects via soil exposure. However, only 23 countries have soil standard values for organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, and most regulatory jurisdictions do not consider the cumulative exposure. This study derived proposed soil standards for organophosphates and carbamates by introducing the relative potency quotient approach (RPQ). The probabilistic cumulative risk assessment was also applied to evaluate current soil standards of pesticide mixtures. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have soil standards of 19 organophosphates and five carbamates. However, these standards cannot protect population health via chronic exposure in conservative and semi-conservative scenarios based on the probabilistic risk assessment because the U.S.EPA simplified the regulatory process for the cumulative exposure to pesticide mixtures and omitted the soil allocation factor, which should be set for aggregate exposure. The analysis of proposed soil standards developed by the RPQ approach indicates that some human behavior variables, such as soil intake rate and exposure duration, have stronger impacts on the proposed soil standards than human biometric variables like body weight. This study may be helpful to develop regulatory standards and a framework for pesticide mixtures having additive health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Li
- Parsons Corporation, Chicago, IL, 60606, USA; Department of Civil Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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Hines DE, Edwards SW, Conolly RB, Jarabek AM. A Case Study Application of the Aggregate Exposure Pathway (AEP) and Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) Frameworks to Facilitate the Integration of Human Health and Ecological End Points for Cumulative Risk Assessment (CRA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:839-849. [PMID: 29236470 PMCID: PMC6003653 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b04940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) methods promote the use of a conceptual site model (CSM) to apportion exposures and integrate risk from multiple stressors. While CSMs may encompass multiple species, evaluating end points across taxa can be challenging due to data availability and physiological differences among organisms. Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) describe biological mechanisms leading to adverse outcomes (AOs) by assembling causal pathways with measurable intermediate steps termed key events (KEs), thereby providing a framework for integrating data across species. In this work, we used a case study focused on the perchlorate anion (ClO4-) to highlight the value of the AOP framework for cross-species data integration. Computational models and dose-response data were used to evaluate the effects of ClO4- in 12 species and revealed a dose-response concordance across KEs and taxa. The aggregate exposure pathway (AEP) tracks stressors from sources to the exposures and serves as a complement to the AOP. We discuss how the combined AEP-AOP construct helps to maximize the use of existing data and advances CRA by (1) organizing toxicity and exposure data, (2) providing a mechanistic framework of KEs for integrating data across human health and ecological end points, (3) facilitating cross-species dose-response evaluation, and (4) highlighting data gaps and technical limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E. Hines
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National, Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory
| | - Stephen W. Edwards
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National, Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory
| | - Rory B. Conolly
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National, Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory
| | - Annie M. Jarabek
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National, Center for Environmental Assessment
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20
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Eggers MJ, Doyle JT, Lefthand MJ, Young SL, Moore-Nall AL, Kindness L, Medicine RO, Ford TE, Dietrich E, Parker AE, Hoover JH, Camper AK. Community Engaged Cumulative Risk Assessment of Exposure to Inorganic Well Water Contaminants, Crow Reservation, Montana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E76. [PMID: 29304032 PMCID: PMC5800175 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 11 million people in the US have home wells with unsafe levels of hazardous metals and nitrate. The national scope of the health risk from consuming this water has not been assessed as home wells are largely unregulated and data on well water treatment and consumption are lacking. Here, we assessed health risks from consumption of contaminated well water on the Crow Reservation by conducting a community-engaged, cumulative risk assessment. Well water testing, surveys and interviews were used to collect data on contaminant concentrations, water treatment methods, well water consumption, and well and septic system protection and maintenance practices. Additive Hazard Index calculations show that the water in more than 39% of wells is unsafe due to uranium, manganese, nitrate, zinc and/or arsenic. Most families' financial resources are limited, and 95% of participants do not employ water treatment technologies. Despite widespread high total dissolved solids, poor taste and odor, 80% of families consume their well water. Lack of environmental health literacy about well water safety, pre-existing health conditions and limited environmental enforcement also contribute to vulnerability. Ensuring access to safe drinking water and providing accompanying education are urgent public health priorities for Crow and other rural US families with low environmental health literacy and limited financial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret J Eggers
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - John T Doyle
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
- Crow Water Quality Project, P.O. Box 370, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Myra J Lefthand
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Sara L Young
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Anita L Moore-Nall
- Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173480, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Larry Kindness
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Roberta Other Medicine
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
- Environmental Health Department, Crow/Northern Cheyenne Indian Health Service Hospital,Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
| | - Timothy E Ford
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 715 N. Pleasant Street,Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Eric Dietrich
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Albert E Parker
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980,Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Joseph H Hoover
- Health Sciences Center, MSC09 5360, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Anne K Camper
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
- Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee, Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA.
- College of Engineering, Montana State University, P.O. Box 173980, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
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21
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Hallit S, Raherison C, Malaeb D, Hallit R, Kheir N, Salameh P. The AAA Risk Factors Scale: A New Model to Screen for the Risk of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis and Atopic Dermatitis in Children. Med Princ Pract 2018; 27:472-480. [PMID: 29879703 PMCID: PMC6243911 DOI: 10.1159/000490704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To create an allergic disease risk factors scale score that would screen for the risk assessment of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children from 3 to 17 years. METHODS This case-control study, conducted between December 2015 and April 2016, enrolled 1,274 children. The allergic disease risk factors scale was created by combining environmental, exposure to toxics during pregnancy and breastfeeding and parental history of allergic diseases. RESULTS Playing on carpets, male gender, child's respiratory problems or history of eczema before the age of 2 years, and humidity significantly increased the odds of allergies in the child. Maternal waterpipe smoking, maternal history of rhinitis, history of asthma in the mother or the father, along with the maternal drug intake or alcohol consumption during pregnancy significantly increased the odds of allergies in the child. There was a significant increase in allergy diseases per category of the allergic disease risk factors scale (p < 0.001 for trend). Scores ≤2.60 best represented control individuals, while scores > 5.31 best represented children with allergic diseases. CONCLUSION Allergic diseases seem to be linked to several risk factors in our population of school children. Many environmental factors might be incriminated in these allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souheil Hallit
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Beirut, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- Occupational Health Environment Research Team, U1219 BPH Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- *Souheil Hallit, Street 8, Building 560, 1st floor, Biakout (Lebanon), E-Mail
| | - Chantal Raherison
- Occupational Health Environment Research Team, U1219 BPH Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rabih Hallit
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nelly Kheir
- Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Sante Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Greenfield BK, Rajan J, McKone TE. A multivariate analysis of CalEnviroScreen: comparing environmental and socioeconomic stressors versus chronic disease. Environ Health 2017; 16:131. [PMID: 29237504 PMCID: PMC5729424 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0344-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health-risk assessment paradigm is shifting from single stressor evaluation towards cumulative assessments of multiple stressors. Recent efforts to develop broad-scale public health hazard datasets provide an opportunity to develop and evaluate multiple exposure hazards in combination. METHODS We performed a multivariate study of the spatial relationship between 12 indicators of environmental hazard, 5 indicators of socioeconomic hardship, and 3 health outcomes. Indicators were obtained from CalEnviroScreen (version 3.0), a publicly available environmental justice screening tool developed by the State of California Environmental Protection Agency. The indicators were compared to the total rate of hospitalization for 14 ICD-9 disease categories (a measure of disease burden) at the zip code tabulation area population level. We performed principal component analysis to visualize and reduce the CalEnviroScreen data and spatial autoregression to evaluate associations with disease burden. RESULTS CalEnviroScreen was strongly associated with the first principal component (PC) from a principal component analysis (PCA) of all 20 variables (Spearman ρ = 0.95). In a PCA of the 12 environmental variables, two PC axes explained 43% of variance, with the first axis indicating industrial activity and air pollution, and the second associated with ground-level ozone, drinking water contamination and PM2.5. Mass of pesticides used in agriculture was poorly or negatively correlated with all other environmental indicators, and with the CalEnviroScreen calculation method, suggesting a limited ability of the method to capture agricultural exposures. In a PCA of the 5 socioeconomic variables, the first PC explained 66% of variance, representing overall socioeconomic hardship. In simultaneous autoregressive models, the first environmental and socioeconomic PCs were both significantly associated with the disease burden measure, but more model variation was explained by the socioeconomic PCs. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the use of CalEnviroScreen for its intended purpose of screening California regions for areas with high environmental exposure and population vulnerability. Study results further suggest a hypothesis that, compared to environmental pollutant exposure, socioeconomic status has greater impact on overall burden of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben K. Greenfield
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 50 University Hall #7360, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
- Present Address: Environmental Sciences Department, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL 62026 USA
| | - Jayant Rajan
- Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110 USA
| | - Thomas E. McKone
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 50 University Hall #7360, Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
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Huang H, Tornero-Velez R, Barzyk TM. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and chemical concentrations contributing to cumulative exposures in the United States. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2017; 27:544-550. [PMID: 28901325 PMCID: PMC6733034 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2017.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Association rule mining (ARM) has been widely used to identify associations between various entities in many fields. Although some studies have utilized it to analyze the relationship between chemicals and human health effects, fewer have used this technique to identify and quantify associations between environmental and social stressors. Socio-demographic variables were generated based on U.S. Census tract-level income, race/ethnicity population percentage, education level, and age information from the 2010-2014, 5-Year Summary files in the American Community Survey (ACS) database, and chemical variables were generated by utilizing the 2011 National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) census tract-level air pollutant exposure concentration data. Six mobile- and industrial-source pollutants were chosen for analysis, including acetaldehyde, benzene, cyanide, particulate matter components of diesel engine emissions (namely, diesel PM), toluene, and 1,3-butadiene. ARM was then applied to quantify and visualize the associations between the chemical and socio-demographic variables. Census tracts with a high percentage of racial/ethnic minorities and populations with low income tended to have higher estimated chemical exposure concentrations (fourth quartile), especially for diesel PM, 1,3-butadiene, and toluene. In contrast, census tracts with an average population age of 40-50 years, a low percentage of racial/ethnic minorities, and moderate-income levels were more likely to have lower estimated chemical exposure concentrations (first quartile). Unsupervised data mining methods can be used to evaluate potential associations between environmental inequalities and social disparities, while providing support in public health decision-making contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtai Huang
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Rogelio Tornero-Velez
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Timothy M Barzyk
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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24
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Brewer LE, Wright JM, Rice G, Neas L, Teuschler L. Causal inference in cumulative risk assessment: The roles of directed acyclic graphs. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 102:30-41. [PMID: 27988137 PMCID: PMC11058633 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cumulative risk assessments (CRAs) address exposures to multiple chemical and nonchemical stressors and often focus on characterization of health risks in vulnerable populations. Evaluating complex exposure-response relationships in CRAs requires the use of formal and rigorous methods for causal inference. Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) are graphical causal models used to organize and communicate knowledge about the underlying causal structure that generates observable data. Using existing graphical theories for causal inference with DAGs, risk analysts can identify confounders and effect measure modifiers to determine if the available data are both internally valid to obtain unbiased risk estimates and are generalizable to populations of interest. Conditional independencies implied by the structure of a DAG can be used to test assumptions used in a CRA against empirical data in a selected study and can contribute to the evidence evaluations related to specific causal pathways. This can facilitate quantitative use of these data, as well as help identify key research gaps, prioritize data collection activities, and evaluate risk management alternatives. DAGs also enable risk analysts to be explicit about sources of uncertainty and to determine whether a causal effect can be estimated from available data. Using a conceptual model and DAG for a hypothetical community located near a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), we illustrate the advantages of using DAGs for evaluating causality in CRAs. DAGs also can be used in conjunction with weight of evidence (WOE) methodology to improve causal analysis for CRA, which could lead to more effective interventions to reduce population health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Elizabeth Brewer
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Office of the Science Advisor, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, MC8195R, Washington, DC 20004, United States.
| | - J Michael Wright
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., MS-A110, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States.
| | - Glenn Rice
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Center for Environmental Assessment, 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., MS-A110, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Lucas Neas
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, B305-01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Linda Teuschler
- LK Teuschler and Associates, St. Petersburg, FL 33707, United States
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25
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Caudeville J, Ioannidou D, Boulvert E, Bonnard R. Cumulative Risk Assessment in the Lorraine Region: A Framework to Characterize Environmental Health Inequalities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14030291. [PMID: 28287441 PMCID: PMC5369127 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14030291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The study explores spatial data processing methods and the associated impact on the characterization and quantification of a combined health risk indicator at a regional scale and at fine resolution. To illustrate the methodology of combining multiple publicly available data sources, we present a case study of the Lorraine region (France), where regional stakeholders were involved in the global procedures for data collection and organization. Different indicators are developed by combining technical approaches for assessing and characterizing human health exposure to chemical substances (in soil, air and water) and noise risk factors. The results permit identification of pollutant sources, determinants of exposure, and potential hotspot areas. A test of the model’s assumptions to changes in sub-indicator spatial distribution showed the impact of data transformation on identifying more impacted areas. Cumulative risk assessment permits the combination of quantitative and qualitative evaluation of health risks by including stakeholders in the decision process, helping to define a subjective conceptual analysis framework or assumptions when uncertainties or knowledge gaps operate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Caudeville
- INERIS (French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks), 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
| | - Despoina Ioannidou
- INERIS (French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks), 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
| | - Emmanuelle Boulvert
- INERIS (French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks), 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
| | - Roseline Bonnard
- INERIS (French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks), 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France.
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26
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Perla ME, Rue T, Cheadle A, Krieger J, Karr CJ, Karr CK. Population-based comparison of biomarker concentrations for chemicals of concern among Latino-American and non-Hispanic white children. J Immigr Minor Health 2016; 17:802-19. [PMID: 24668388 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-014-0002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Differences in cultural and economic status may place ethnic subgroups of children at higher risk for exposure, leading to heightened health risks, and health inequities. Although Latino-Americans represent 22% of all children in the United States, few studies have explored within-group differences in their exposure to toxicants. Using socio-demographic and biomarker data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2008, we characterized determinants of health and estimated geometric means of environmental contaminant biomarkers (blood concentrations of lead and mercury, serum concentrations of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [p,p'-DDE] and cotinine, and urinary metabolites of organophosphate [OP] pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]) among 4,257 Mexican American (MA), 677 Other Latino-American (OL), and 3,370 Non-Hispanic White (NHW) children. MAs had the lowest levels of health insurance coverage and regular access to health care, and largest household size compared to NHWs and OLs. MAs had higher levels of p,p'-DDE, lead, and cadmium while OLs had higher estimates of mercury relative to other groups. MAs had higher urinary metabolite concentrations of 2-hydroxynaphthalene; otherwise MAs and OLs had lower concentrations of PAHs. NHWs had higher levels of cotinine and dimethylthiophosphate. For other OP metabolites, differences among groups were less clear. Lead and p,p'-DDE exposure differences likely reflect later and less regulatory control of these chemicals in Latin America. Additionally, poor quality housing with lead paint is more common in economically disadvantaged subpopulations. Dietary habits are possible sources of differential cadmium, mercury, and organophosphate exposure. Cotinine exposure differences by income and U.S.- vs. foreign-born may represent increased acculturation. These results, coupled with additional research on exposure sources may contribute to refinement of environmental health promotion programs for the fast-growing Latino-American population.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Perla
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Box 357236, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA,
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27
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Solomon KR, Wilks MF, Bachman A, Boobis A, Moretto A, Pastoor TP, Phillips R, Embry MR. Problem formulation for risk assessment of combined exposures to chemicals and other stressors in humans. Crit Rev Toxicol 2016; 46:835-844. [PMID: 27685317 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2016.1211617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
When the human health risk assessment/risk management paradigm was developed, it did not explicitly include a "problem formulation" phase. The concept of problem formulation was first introduced in the context of ecological risk assessment (ERA) for the pragmatic reason to constrain and focus ERAs on the key questions. However, this need also exists for human health risk assessment, particularly for cumulative risk assessment (CRA), because of its complexity. CRA encompasses the combined threats to health from exposure via all relevant routes to multiple stressors, including biological, chemical, physical and psychosocial stressors. As part of the HESI Risk Assessment in the 21st Century (RISK21) Project, a framework for CRA was developed in which problem formulation plays a critical role. The focus of this effort is primarily on a chemical CRA (i.e., two or more chemicals) with subsequent consideration of non-chemical stressors, defined as "modulating factors" (ModFs). Problem formulation is a systematic approach that identifies all factors critical to a specific risk assessment and considers the purpose of the assessment, scope and depth of the necessary analysis, analytical approach, available resources and outcomes, and overall risk management goal. There are numerous considerations that are specific to multiple stressors, and proper problem formulation can help to focus a CRA to the key factors in order to optimize resources. As part of the problem formulation, conceptual models for exposures and responses can be developed that address these factors, such as temporal relationships between stressors and consideration of the appropriate ModFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith R Solomon
- a Centre for Toxicology, School of Environmental Sciences , University of Guelph , Guelph , Canada
| | - Martin F Wilks
- b Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology , University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Ammie Bachman
- c ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc , Annandale , NJ , USA
| | | | - Angelo Moretto
- e Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche, and International Centre for Pesticides and Health Risks Prevention (ICPS), ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Luigi Sacco Hospital , University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | | | | | - Michelle R Embry
- g ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute , Washington , DC , USA
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28
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Yarahmadi R, Moridi P, Roumiani Y. Health, safety and environmental risk management in laboratory fields. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2016; 30:343. [PMID: 27284544 PMCID: PMC4898878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research project risks are uncertain contingent events or situations that, if transpire, will have positive or negative effects on objectives of a project. The Management of Health and Safety at Work (MHSW) Regulations 1999 require all employers and the self-employed persons to assess the risks from their work on anyone who may be affected by their activities. Risk assessment is the first step in risk-management procedure, and due to its importance, it has been deemed to be a vital process while having a unique place in the researchbased management systems. METHODS In this research, a two-pronged study was carried out. Firstly, health and safety issues were studied and analyzed by means of ISO 14121. Secondly, environmental issues were examined with the aid of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis. Both processes were utilized to determine the risk level independently for each research laboratory and corrective measure priorities in each field (laboratory). RESULTS Data analysis showed that the total main and inherent risks in laboratory sites reduced by 38% to 86%. Upon comparing the average risk levels before and after implementing the control and protective actions utilizing risk management approaches which were separate from health, safety and environmental aspects, a highly effective significance (p<0.001) was obtained for inherent risk reduction. Analysis of health, safety and environmental control priorities with the purpose of comparing the ratio of the number of engineering measures to the amount of management ones showed a relatively significant increase. CONCLUSION The large number of engineering measures was attributed to the employment of a variety of timeworn machinery (old technologies) along with using devices without basic protection components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Yarahmadi
- Associate Professor of Occupational Health, Department of Occupational Health, Occupational Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Parvin Moridi
- PhD of Environmental Management, Member of Occupational Health Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
| | - YarAllah Roumiani
- MSc of Educational Planning, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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29
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Dong Z, Liu Y, Duan L, Bekele D, Naidu R. Uncertainties in human health risk assessment of environmental contaminants: A review and perspective. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 85:120-32. [PMID: 26386465 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Addressing uncertainties in human health risk assessment is a critical issue when evaluating the effects of contaminants on public health. A range of uncertainties exist through the source-to-outcome continuum, including exposure assessment, hazard and risk characterisation. While various strategies have been applied to characterising uncertainty, classical approaches largely rely on how to maximise the available resources. Expert judgement, defaults and tools for characterising quantitative uncertainty attempt to fill the gap between data and regulation requirements. The experiences of researching 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) illustrated uncertainty sources and how to maximise available information to determine uncertainties, and thereby provide an 'adequate' protection to contaminant exposure. As regulatory requirements and recurring issues increase, the assessment of complex scenarios involving a large number of chemicals requires more sophisticated tools. Recent advances in exposure and toxicology science provide a large data set for environmental contaminants and public health. In particular, biomonitoring information, in vitro data streams and computational toxicology are the crucial factors in the NexGen risk assessment, as well as uncertainties minimisation. Although in this review we cannot yet predict how the exposure science and modern toxicology will develop in the long-term, current techniques from emerging science can be integrated to improve decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaomin Dong
- The Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Yanju Liu
- The Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Luchun Duan
- The Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Dawit Bekele
- The Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
| | - Ravi Naidu
- The Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia.
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30
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Barzyk TM, Wilson S, Wilson A. Community, state, and federal approaches to cumulative risk assessment: challenges and opportunities for integration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:4546-71. [PMID: 25918910 PMCID: PMC4454925 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120504546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Community, state, and federal approaches to conventional and cumulative risk assessment (CRA) were described and compared to assess similarities and differences, and develop recommendations for a consistent CRA approach, acceptable across each level as a rigorous scientific methodology, including partnership formation and solution development as necessary practices. Community, state, and federal examples were described and then summarized based on their adherence to CRA principles of: (1) planning, scoping, and problem formulation; (2) risk analysis and ranking, and (3) risk characterization, interpretation, and management. While each application shared the common goal of protecting human health and the environment, they adopted different approaches to achieve this. For a specific project-level analysis of a particular place or instance, this may be acceptable, but to ensure long-term applicability and transferability to other projects, recommendations for developing a consistent approach to CRA are provided. This approach would draw from best practices, risk assessment and decision analysis sciences, and historical lessons learned to provide results in an understandable and accepted manner by all entities. This approach is intended to provide a common ground around which to develop CRA methods and approaches that can be followed at all levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Barzyk
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Sacoby Wilson
- School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA.
| | - Anthony Wilson
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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31
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Lalloué B, Monnez JM, Padilla C, Kihal W, Zmirou-Navier D, Deguen S. Data analysis techniques: a tool for cumulative exposure assessment. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2015; 25:222-230. [PMID: 25248936 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2014.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Everyone is subject to environmental exposures from various sources, with negative health impacts (air, water and soil contamination, noise, etc.or with positive effects (e.g. green space). Studies considering such complex environmental settings in a global manner are rare. We propose to use statistical factor and cluster analyses to create a composite exposure index with a data-driven approach, in view to assess the environmental burden experienced by populations. We illustrate this approach in a large French metropolitan area. The study was carried out in the Great Lyon area (France, 1.2 M inhabitants) at the census Block Group (BG) scale. We used as environmental indicators ambient air NO2 annual concentrations, noise levels and proximity to green spaces, to industrial plants, to polluted sites and to road traffic. They were synthesized using Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA), a data-driven technique without a priori modeling, followed by a Hierarchical Clustering to create BG classes. The first components of the MFA explained, respectively, 30, 14, 11 and 9% of the total variance. Clustering in five classes group: (1) a particular type of large BGs without population; (2) BGs of green residential areas, with less negative exposures than average; (3) BGs of residential areas near midtown; (4) BGs close to industries; and (5) midtown urban BGs, with higher negative exposures than average and less green spaces. Other numbers of classes were tested in order to assess a variety of clustering. We present an approach using statistical factor and cluster analyses techniques, which seem overlooked to assess cumulative exposure in complex environmental settings. Although it cannot be applied directly for risk or health effect assessment, the resulting index can help to identify hot spots of cumulative exposure, to prioritize urban policies or to compare the environmental burden across study areas in an epidemiological framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Lalloué
- 1] EHESP Rennes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France [2] Inserm, UMR1085-IRSET (Institut de Recherche sur la Santé L'environnement et le Travail), Rennes, France [3] Lorraine University, Institut Elie Cartan de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7502, Nancy, France [4] Lorraine University, INRIA, CNRS UMR7502, BIGS (INRIA Nancy - Grand Est/IECL), Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Marie Monnez
- 1] Lorraine University, Institut Elie Cartan de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7502, Nancy, France [2] Lorraine University, INRIA, CNRS UMR7502, BIGS (INRIA Nancy - Grand Est/IECL), Nancy, France
| | - Cindy Padilla
- 1] EHESP Rennes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France [2] Inserm, UMR1085-IRSET (Institut de Recherche sur la Santé L'environnement et le Travail), Rennes, France
| | - Wahida Kihal
- 1] EHESP Rennes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France [2] Inserm, UMR1085-IRSET (Institut de Recherche sur la Santé L'environnement et le Travail), Rennes, France
| | - Denis Zmirou-Navier
- 1] EHESP Rennes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France [2] Inserm, UMR1085-IRSET (Institut de Recherche sur la Santé L'environnement et le Travail), Rennes, France [3] Lorraine University Medical School, Nancy, France
| | - Séverine Deguen
- 1] EHESP Rennes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Rennes, France [2] Inserm, UMR1085-IRSET (Institut de Recherche sur la Santé L'environnement et le Travail), Rennes, France
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Gallagher SS, Rice GE, Scarano LJ, Teuschler LK, Bollweg G, Martin L. Cumulative risk assessment lessons learned: a review of case studies and issue papers. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 120:697-705. [PMID: 25462315 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cumulative risk assessments (CRAs) examine potential risks posed by exposure to multiple and sometimes disparate environmental stressors. CRAs are more resource intensive than single chemical assessments, and pose additional challenges and sources of uncertainty. CRAs may examine the impact of several factors on risk, including exposure magnitude and timing, chemical mixture composition, as well as physical, biological, or psychosocial stressors. CRAs are meant to increase the relevance of risk assessments, providing decision makers with information based on real world exposure scenarios that improve the characterization of actual risks and hazards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has evaluated a number of CRAs, performed by or commissioned for the Agency, to seek insight into CRA concepts, methods, and lessons learned. In this article, ten case studies and five issue papers on key CRA topics are examined and a set of lessons learned are identified for CRA implementation. The lessons address the iterative nature of CRAs, importance of considering vulnerability, need for stakeholder engagement, value of a tiered approach, new methods to assess multiroute exposures to chemical mixtures, and the impact of geographical scale on approach and purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Gallagher
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellow, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of the Science Advisor, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460, USA.
| | - Glenn E Rice
- U.S. EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment, 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Louis J Scarano
- U.S. EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460, USA
| | - Linda K Teuschler
- U.S. EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment, 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - George Bollweg
- U.S. EPA Region 5 Air and Radiation Division, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604, USA
| | - Lawrence Martin
- U.S. EPA Office of the Science Advisor, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460, USA
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Li Y, Wu H, Wei X, He Y, Li B, Li Y, Jing W, Wang L. Subcellular distribution of Cd and Zn and MT mRNA expression in the hepatopancreas of Sinopotamon henanense after single and co-exposure to Cd and Zn. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2015; 167:117-30. [PMID: 25286437 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense was exposed to Cd and Zn either on their own or in combination. At 14 and 28 days the hepatopancreas was taken and total metal and metallothionein MT) in transcript abundance were assessed. In addition, the subcellular contents of Cd and Zn also were examined following a differential centrifugation. The results showed that concentration of Cd was more responsive to waterborne metal exposures than the concentration of Zn; Zn was better regulated and exhibited only 2-3 fold increases relative to the control. Of the subcellular fractions, the heat stable protein (HSP) fraction was the predominant metal-binding compartment for Cd. The proportion and accumulation of Cd in this fraction increased with the single Cd exposures, which suggest that metallothionein-like proteins play a key role in metal detoxification in the hepatopancreas of S. henanense. Despite the increases in Cd in the HSP fraction during single Cd exposures, some accumulation of Cd was observed in metal sensitive fraction (MSF), which showed that metal detoxification was incomplete. The results demonstrated that the Cd content decreased in metal mixture groups especially when mixed with higher Zn, while the Cd accumulation in MSF was also reduced when Zn was added. MT mRNA expression was also determined in our report, the results showed that both Cd and Zn had the ability of inducing MT mRNA expression. Additionally, the MT mRNA transcription level was enhanced when Cd was mixed with Zn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Li
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Xiaoxi Wei
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Yongji He
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Baozhen Li
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Yongquan Li
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Weixin Jing
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Lan Wang
- School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
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Peters JL, Fabian MP, Levy JI. Combined impact of lead, cadmium, polychlorinated biphenyls and non-chemical risk factors on blood pressure in NHANES. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 132:93-9. [PMID: 24747555 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
High blood pressure is associated with exposure to multiple chemical and non-chemical risk factors, but epidemiological analyses to date have not assessed the combined effects of both chemical and non-chemical stressors on human populations in the context of cumulative risk assessment. We developed a novel modeling approach to evaluate the combined impact of lead, cadmium, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and multiple non-chemical risk factors on four blood pressure measures using data for adults aged ≥ 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2008). We developed predictive models for chemical and other stressors. Structural equation models were applied to account for complex associations among predictors of stressors as well as blood pressure. Models showed that blood lead, serum PCBs, and established non-chemical stressors were significantly associated with blood pressure. Lead was the chemical stressor most predictive of diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure, while PCBs had a greater influence on systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure, and blood cadmium was not a significant predictor of blood pressure. The simultaneously fit exposure models explained 34%, 43% and 52% of the variance for lead, cadmium and PCBs, respectively. The structural equation models were developed using predictors available from public data streams (e.g., U.S. Census), which would allow the models to be applied to any U.S. population exposed to these multiple stressors in order to identify high risk subpopulations, direct intervention strategies, and inform public policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junenette L Peters
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - M Patricia Fabian
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jonathan I Levy
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Sexton K. Risk Management Guidelines for Regulatory Decisions About Protecting Environmental Health. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/rhc3.12035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Prochaska JD, Nolen AB, Kelley H, Sexton K, Linder SH, Sullivan J. Social Determinants of Health in Environmental Justice Communities: Examining Cumulative Risk in Terms of Environmental Exposures and Social Determinants of Health. HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT : HERA 2014; 20:980-994. [PMID: 24771993 PMCID: PMC3995452 DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2013.805957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Residents of environmental justice (EJ) communities may bear a disproportionate burden of environmental health risk, and often face additional burdens from social determinants of health. Accounting for cumulative risk should include measures of risk from both environmental sources and social determinants. This study sought to better understand cumulative health risk from both social and environmental sources in a disadvantaged community in Texas. Key outcomes were determining what data are currently available for this assessment, clarifying data needs, identifying data gaps, and considering how those gaps could be filled. Analyses suggested that the traditionally defined EJ community in Port Arthur may have a lower environmental risk from air toxics than the rest of the City of Port Arthur (although the entire city has a higher risk than the average for the state), but may have a larger burden from social determinants of health. However, the results should be interpreted in light of the availability of data, the definitions of community boundaries, and the areal unit utilized. Continued focus on environmental justice communities and the cumulative risks faced by their residents is critical to protecting these residents and, ultimately, moving towards a more equitable distribution and acceptable level of risk throughout society.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Prochaska
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Center to Eliminate Health Disparities, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alexandra B Nolen
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Center to Eliminate Health Disparities, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hilton Kelley
- Community In-Power and Development Association, Inc., Port Arthur, TX, USA
| | - Ken Sexton
- University of Texas School of Public Health, Brownsville Regional Campus, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | - Stephen H Linder
- Institute for Health Policy, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John Sullivan
- NIEHS Center in Environmental Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Sexton K, Linder SH. Integrated assessment of risk and sustainability in the context of regulatory decision making. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:1409-18. [PMID: 24417344 DOI: 10.1021/es4043066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessment is a decision-making tool used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other governmental organizations to organize and analyze scientific information so as to examine, characterize, and possibly quantify threats to human health and/or ecologic resources. Sustainability evaluation is a process for organizing and analyzing scientific and technical information about nature-society interactions in order to help decision-makers determine whether taking or avoiding certain actions will make society more sustainable. Although development and application of these two methodologies have progressed along distinct and unconnected pathways, the National Research Council recently recommended that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopt the concept of "sustainability" as both a process and a goal, and that risk assessment be incorporated, when appropriate, as a key input into decision-making about sustainability. The following discussion briefly reviews these two analytic approaches and examines conceptual frameworks for integrating assessments of risk and sustainability as a component of regulatory decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Sexton
- University of Texas School of Public Health , Brownsville Regional Campus, 80 Fort Brown - AHC, Brownsville, Texas 78520, United States
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Onukwufor JO, MacDonald N, Kibenge F, Stevens D, Kamunde C. Effects of hypoxia-cadmium interactions on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) mitochondrial bioenergetics: attenuation of hypoxia-induced proton leak by low doses of cadmium. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 217:831-40. [PMID: 24265424 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.093344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to elucidate the modulatory effects of cadmium (Cd) on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in light of the limited understanding of the mechanisms of multiple stressor interactions in aquatic organisms. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver mitochondria were isolated and energized with complex I substrates (malate-glutamate), and exposed to hypoxia (0>PO2<2 Torr) for 0-60 min followed by reoxygenation and measurement of coupled and uncoupled respiration and complex I enzyme activity. Thereafter, 5 min hypoxia was used to probe interactions with Cd (0-20 μmol l(-1)) and to test the hypothesis that deleterious effects of hypoxia/reoxygenation on mitochondria were mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hypoxia/reoxygenation inhibited state 3 and uncoupler-stimulated (state 3u) respiration while concomitantly stimulating states 4 and 4ol (proton leak) respiration, thus reducing phosphorylation and coupling efficiencies. Low doses of Cd (≤5 μmol l(-1)) reduced, while higher doses enhanced, hypoxia-stimulated proton leak. This was in contrast to the monotonic enhancement by Cd of hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced reductions of state 3 respiration, phosphorylation efficiency and coupling. Mitochondrial complex I activity was inhibited by hypoxia/reoxygenation, hence confirming the impairment of at least one component of the electron transport chain (ETC) in rainbow trout mitochondria. Similar to the effect on state 4 and proton leak, low doses of Cd partially reversed the hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced complex I activity inhibition. The ROS scavenger and sulfhydryl group donor N-acetylcysteine, administrated immediately prior to hypoxia exposure, reduced hypoxia/reoxygenation-stimulated proton leak without rescuing the inhibited state 3 respiration, suggesting that hypoxia/reoxygenation influences distinct aspects of mitochondria via different mechanisms. Our results indicate that hypoxia/reoxygenation impairs the ETC and sensitizes mitochondria to Cd via mechanisms that involve, at least in part, ROS. Moreover, we provide, for the first time in fish, evidence for a hormetic effect of Cd on mitochondrial bioenergetics--the attenuation of hypoxia/reoxygenation-stimulated proton leak and partial rescue of complex I inhibition by low Cd doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O Onukwufor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3, Canada
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Sexton K. Evolution of public participation in the assessment and management of environmental health risks: a brief history of developments in the United States. J Public Health Res 2013; 2:e18. [PMID: 25170489 PMCID: PMC4147733 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2013.e18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Significance for public health Risk-based decision making is a core feature of government actions aimed at protecting public health from the adverse effects of environmental hazards. In the past, it has often been an expert-driven, mostly obscure process used by federal agencies to justify and defend regulatory decisions made outside the public arena. But the nature of decision making has changed as it has become apparent that environmental health problems are more complicated, controversial, and costly to solve than originally thought. Meaningful public engagement is now an inherent component of all phases of the risk assessment – risk management paradigm because it promotes stakeholder buy in, taps into unique stakeholder knowledge, and promotes the concept of environmental democracy. In the United States, the risk assessment – risk management paradigm that underpins federal decisions about environmental health risks was first established in 1983. In the beginning, the importance of public participation was not explicitly recognized within the paradigm. Over time, however, it has become evident that not only must risk-based decisions be founded on the best available scientific knowledge and understanding, but also that they must take account of the knowledge, values, and preferences of interested and affected parties, including community members, business people, and environmental advocates. This article examines the gradually expanding role of public participation in risk-based decision making in the United States, and traces its evolution from a peripheral issue labeled as an external pressure to an integral element of the 21st century risk assessment – risk management paradigm. Today, and into the foreseeable future, public participation and stakeholder involvement are intrinsic features of the emerging American regulatory landscape, which emphasizes collaborative approaches for achieving cooperative and cost-effective solutions to complicated and often controversial environmental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Sexton
- University of Texas School of Public Health , Brownsville, TX, USA
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Han X, Price PS. Applying the maximum cumulative ratio methodology to biomonitoring data on dioxin-like compounds in the general public and two occupationally exposed populations. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2013; 23:343-9. [PMID: 22781437 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2012.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Maximum cumulative ratio (MCR) is a person's cumulative exposure to multiple chemicals divided by the maximum chemical-specific exposure where exposure is expressed on a toxicologically equivalent basis. It is a tool for assessing the need for performing cumulative exposure assessments. In this paper, MCR values were calculated for the three groups of individuals with biomonitoring data of 26 dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) based on the World Health Organization toxic equivalent factors (TEFs). Although the two occupational groups have higher total toxicity equivalence (TEQ) levels than the NHANES group, average MCR values of the three groups are similar (3.5, 3.6, and 3.2). These MCR values are higher than those seen in our earlier studies, supporting the practice of performing cumulative assessments for DLCs. The MCR values also indicate that only 2-5 of the 26 chemicals make significant contributions to total TEQ values. Interestingly, MCR is negatively correlated with total TEQ (in all the three groups) and age (in the NHANES group). Additionally, MCR is lower in workers where occupational exposures are larger than background exposures. Although overall exposure is the first factor to consider in any mixtures assessment, this paper confirms the usefulness of MCR as a tool for analyzing the pattern of chemical-specific contributions to the total exposure levels of mixtures based on biomonitoring data when TEFs or similar approaches are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglu Han
- Toxicology and Environmental Research and Consulting, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan 48674, USA.
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Burki R, Krasnov A, Bettge K, Rexroad CE, Afanasyev S, Antikainen M, Burkhardt-Holm P, Wahli T, Segner H. Molecular crosstalk between a chemical and a biological stressor and consequences on disease manifestation in rainbow trout. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 127:2-8. [PMID: 22440717 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 02/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the molecular and organism reaction of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, to the combined impact of two environmental stressors. The two stressors were the myxozoan parasite, Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, which is the etiological agent of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) and a natural stressor to salmonid populations, and 17β-estradiol (E2) as prototype of estrogen-active chemical stressors in the aquatic environment. Both stressors, the parasite and estrogenic contaminants, co-exist in Swiss rivers and are discussed as factors contributing to the decline of Swiss brown trout populations over the last decades. Using a microarray approach contrasting parasite-infected and non-infected rainbow trout at low or high estrogen levels, it was observed that molecular response patterns under joint exposure differed from those to the single stressors. More specifically, three major response patterns were present: (i) expression responses of gene transcripts to one stressor are weakened by the presence of the second stressor; (ii) expression responses of gene transcripts to one stressor are enhanced by the presence of the second stressor; (iii) expression responses of gene transcripts at joint treatment are dominated by one of the two stressors. Organism-level responses to concurrent E2 and parasite treatment - assessed through measuring parasite loads in the fish host and cumulative mortalities of trout - were dominated by the pathogen, with no modulating influence of E2. The findings reveal function- and level-specific responses of rainbow trout to stressor combinations, which are only partly predictable from the response to the single stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Burki
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Rey JR, Walton WE, Wolfe RJ, Connelly R, O’Connell SM, Berg J, Sakolsky-Hoopes GE, Laderman AD. North American wetlands and mosquito control. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:4537-605. [PMID: 23222252 PMCID: PMC3546777 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9124537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Wetlands are valuable habitats that provide important social, economic, and ecological services such as flood control, water quality improvement, carbon sequestration, pollutant removal, and primary/secondary production export to terrestrial and aquatic food chains. There is disagreement about the need for mosquito control in wetlands and about the techniques utilized for mosquito abatement and their impacts upon wetlands ecosystems. Mosquito control in wetlands is a complex issue influenced by numerous factors, including many hard to quantify elements such as human perceptions, cultural predispositions, and political climate. In spite of considerable progress during the last decades, habitat protection and environmentally sound habitat management still remain inextricably tied to politics and economics. Furthermore, the connections are often complex, and occur at several levels, ranging from local businesses and politicians, to national governments and multinational institutions. Education is the key to lasting wetlands conservation. Integrated mosquito abatement strategies incorporate many approaches and practicable options, as described herein, and need to be well-defined, effective, and ecologically and economically sound for the wetland type and for the mosquito species of concern. The approach will certainly differ in response to disease outbreaks caused by mosquito-vectored pathogens versus quality of life issues caused by nuisance-biting mosquitoes. In this contribution, we provide an overview of the ecological setting and context for mosquito control in wetlands, present pertinent information on wetlands mosquitoes, review the mosquito abatement options available for current wetlands managers and mosquito control professionals, and outline some necessary considerations when devising mosquito control strategies. Although the emphasis is on North American wetlands, most of the material is applicable to wetlands everywhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge R. Rey
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory and Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida-IFAS, Vero Beach, FL 342962, USA; E-Mails: (R.C.); (S.M.O.C.)
| | - William E. Walton
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Roger J. Wolfe
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Franklin, CT 06254, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Roxanne Connelly
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory and Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida-IFAS, Vero Beach, FL 342962, USA; E-Mails: (R.C.); (S.M.O.C.)
| | - Sheila M. O’Connell
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory and Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida-IFAS, Vero Beach, FL 342962, USA; E-Mails: (R.C.); (S.M.O.C.)
| | - Joe Berg
- Biohabitats, Inc., 2081 Clipper Park Road, Baltimore, MD 21211, USA; E-Mail:
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Løkke H, Ragas AMJ, Holmstrup M. Tools and perspectives for assessing chemical mixtures and multiple stressors. Toxicology 2012; 313:73-82. [PMID: 23238274 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The present paper summarizes the most important insights and findings of the EU NoMiracle project with a focus on (1) risk assessment of chemical mixtures, (2) combinations of chemical and natural stressors, and (3) the receptor-oriented approach in cumulative risk assessment. The project aimed at integration of methods for human and ecological risk assessment. A mechanistically based model, considering uptake and toxicity as a processes in time, has demonstrated considerable potential for predicting mixture effects in ecotoxicology, but requires the measurement of toxicity endpoints at different moments in time. Within a novel framework for risk assessment of chemical mixtures, the importance of environmental factors on toxicokinetic processes is highlighted. A new paradigm for applying personal characteristics that determine individual exposure and sensitivity in human risk assessment is suggested. The results are discussed in the light of recent developments in risk assessment of mixtures and multiple stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Løkke
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Vejlsøvej 25, P.O. Box 314, DK-8600 Silkeborg, Denmark.
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Williams PRD, Dotson GS, Maier A. Cumulative Risk Assessment (CRA): transforming the way we assess health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:10868-74. [PMID: 22938698 PMCID: PMC4728715 DOI: 10.1021/es3025353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Human health risk assessments continue to evolve and now focus on the need for cumulative risk assessment (CRA). CRA involves assessing the combined risk from coexposure to multiple chemical and nonchemical stressors for varying health effects. CRAs are broader in scope than traditional chemical risk assessments because they allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of the interaction between different stressors and their combined impact on human health. Future directions of CRA include greater emphasis on local-level community-based assessments; integrating environmental, occupational, community, and individual risk factors; and identifying and implementing common frameworks and risk metrics for incorporating multiple stressors.
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Toxic environmental chemicals: the role of reproductive health professionals in preventing harmful exposures. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 207:164-73. [PMID: 22405527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2012.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Every pregnant woman in the United States is exposed to many and varied environmental chemicals. Rapidly accumulating scientific evidence documents that widespread exposure to environmental chemicals at levels that are encountered in daily life can impact reproductive and developmental health adversely. Preconception and prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals are of particular importance because they may have a profound and lasting impact on health across the life course. Thus, prevention of developmental exposures to environmental chemicals would benefit greatly from the active participation of reproductive health professionals in clinical and policy arenas.
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Abstract
In 2009, the National Research Council (NRC) released the latest in a series of advisory reports on human health risk assessment, titled Science and Decisions: Advancing Risk Assessment. This wide-ranging report made a number of recommendations related to risk assessment practice at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that could both influence and be influenced by evolving toxicological practice. In particular, Science and Decisions emphasized the scientific and operational necessity of a new approach for dose-response modeling; addressed the recurring challenge of defaults in risk assessment and the question of when research results can be used in place of defaults; and reinforced the value of cumulative risk assessment, which would require enhanced understanding of the joint influence of chemical and nonchemical stressors on health outcomes. The objective of this article is to summarize key messages from Science and Decisions, both as a stand-alone report and in comparison with another recent NRC report, Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century: A Vision and a Strategy. Although these reports have many conclusions in common and reinforce similar themes, there are important differences that merit careful consideration, such as the move away from apical endpoints in Toxicity Testing and the emphasis on benefit-cost analyses and related decision tools in Science and Decisions that would be strengthened by quantification of apical endpoints. Moving risk assessment forward will require toxicologists to wrestle with the implications of Science and Decisions from a toxicological perspective.
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U.S. EPA authority to use cumulative risk assessments in environmental decision-making. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:1997-2019. [PMID: 22829786 PMCID: PMC3397360 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9061997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Conventionally, in its decision-making, the U.S. EPA has evaluated the effects and risks associated with a single pollutant in a single exposure medium. In reality, people are exposed to mixtures of pollutants or to the same pollutant through a variety of media, including the air, water, and food. It is now more recognized than before that environmental exposure to pollutants occurs via multiple exposure routes and pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. Moreover, chemical, biologic, radiologic, physical, and psychologic stressors are all acknowledged as affecting human health. Although many EPA offices attempt to consider cumulative risk assessment and cumulative effects in various ways, there is no Agency-wide policy for considering these risks and the effects of exposure to these risks when making environmental decisions. This article examines how U.S. courts might assess EPA's general authority and discretion to use cumulative risk assessment as the basis for developing data in support of environmental decision-making, and how courts might assess the validity of a cumulative risk assessment methodology itself.
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Hope BK. Using legacy data to relate biological condition to cumulative aquatic toxicity in the Willamette River Basin (Oregon, USA). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 62:424-437. [PMID: 21972100 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-011-9713-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In the Willamette River Basin (Oregon, USA), various residential, municipal, industrial, and agricultural activities produce physical, biological, and chemical stressors that may impinge on the basin's aquatic ecosystems. For > 30 years, numerous water-quality and biological-condition data have been accumulated by often disparate monitoring programs. This diagnostic analysis explored whether these legacy data could be used to correlate the presence of chemical stressors with biological condition impacts with the understanding that association is not necessarily causation. Other natural or anthropogenic stressors that may also impact biological conditions were not considered in this study. Acute-toxicity indices were calculated separately for trace metals and organic chemicals detected in surface waters between 1994 and 2010 and then compared with land-use metrics and vertebrate- and invertebrate-assemblage indices from surveys conducted basin-wide during this same period. Half of the possible relations between land use, biological condition, and toxicity were statistically significant at p ≤ 0.10. These results suggest that conditions for aquatic receptors improve either as agricultural or urban land decreases or as forested land increases and that chemical mixtures (primarily involving pesticides) may have impacted components of the basin's aquatic ecosystems. There may be a need for strengthened chemical-management practices on agricultural and urban lands and for maintaining undisturbed forested land to limit chemical migration into adjacent waters. Although these results indicate some utility for legacy data, they also suggest that a more defensible assessment of chemical stressors requires a program specifically designed for that purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce K Hope
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland, OR 97204-1390, USA.
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Sexton K. Cumulative risk assessment: an overview of methodological approaches for evaluating combined health effects from exposure to multiple environmental stressors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:370-90. [PMID: 22470298 PMCID: PMC3315252 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Systematic evaluation of cumulative health risks from the combined effects of multiple environmental stressors is becoming a vital component of risk-based decisions aimed at protecting human populations and communities. This article briefly examines the historical development of cumulative risk assessment as an analytical tool, and discusses current approaches for evaluating cumulative health effects from exposure to both chemical mixtures and combinations of chemical and nonchemical stressors. A comparison of stressor-based and effects-based assessment methods is presented, and the potential value of focusing on viable risk management options to limit the scope of cumulative evaluations is discussed. The ultimate goal of cumulative risk assessment is to provide answers to decision-relevant questions based on organized scientific analysis; even if the answers, at least for the time being, are inexact and uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Sexton
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas, School of Public Health, Brownsville Regional Campus, 80 Fort Brown, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA.
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