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Bousquet AG, Eaves LA, Haley K, Catalano D, Williams GB, Hartwell HJ, Brennan C, Fry RC. Identifying and Responding to Lead in Drinking Water in a University Setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:561. [PMID: 38791777 PMCID: PMC11120698 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Lead is an established neurotoxicant, and it has known associations with adverse neurodevelopmental and reproductive outcomes. Exposure to lead at any level is unsafe, and the United States (US) has enacted various federal and state legislations to regulate lead levels in drinking water in K-12 schools and childcare facilities; however, no regulations exist for higher education settings. Upon the discovery of lead in drinking water fixtures in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) campus, a cross-campus water testing network and sampling plan was developed and deployed. The campaign was based on the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 3Ts (Training, Testing, and Taking Action) guidance. The seven-month campaign involved 5954 tests on 3825 drinking water fixtures across 265 buildings. A total of 502 (8.43%) tests showed lead above the limit of detection (1 part per billion, ppb), which represented 422 (11.03%) fixtures. Fewer than 1.5% of the tests were above the EPA action level for public water systems (15 ppb). In conclusion, systematic testing of all the fixtures across campus was required to identify localized contamination, and each entity in the cross-campus network undertook necessary roles to generate a successful testing campaign. UNC-CH established preventative measures to test drinking water fixtures every three years, which provide a framework for other higher education institutions in responding to lead contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey G. Bousquet
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.G.B.); (L.A.E.); (H.J.H.)
| | - Lauren A. Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.G.B.); (L.A.E.); (H.J.H.)
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kim Haley
- Department of Environment, Health and Safety, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (K.H.); (D.C.); (G.B.W.); (C.B.)
| | - David Catalano
- Department of Environment, Health and Safety, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (K.H.); (D.C.); (G.B.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Gregory B. Williams
- Department of Environment, Health and Safety, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (K.H.); (D.C.); (G.B.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Hadley J. Hartwell
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.G.B.); (L.A.E.); (H.J.H.)
| | - Catherine Brennan
- Department of Environment, Health and Safety, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (K.H.); (D.C.); (G.B.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.G.B.); (L.A.E.); (H.J.H.)
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Zhao L, Chen X, Chen Z, Yang C, Huang Q, Cheng S. Association of Metal Exposure with Novel Immunoinflammatory Indicators. TOXICS 2024; 12:316. [PMID: 38787095 PMCID: PMC11125449 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between metal exposure and novel immunoinflammatory indicators. Methods: Data on adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018 were analyzed. Various statistical models were employed to assess the association between metal exposure and novel immune-inflammation-related indicators. Additionally, the impact of metal exposure on inflammation in different gender populations was explored. Results: This study included 4482 participants, of whom 51.1% were male. Significant correlations were observed among various metals. Both elastic net (ENET) and linear regression models revealed robust associations between cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and immunoinflammatory indicators. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) and Quantile g-computation (Q-gcomp) models demonstrated strong associations between barium (Ba), Co, and Hg and immunoinflammatory indicators. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analysis indicated an overall positive correlation between in vivo urinary metal levels and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI). Furthermore, Co, As, and Hg emerged as key metals contributing to changes in novel immunoinflammatory indicators. Conclusions: Metals exhibit associations with emerging immunoinflammatory indicators, and concurrent exposure to mixed metals may exacerbate the inflammatory response. Furthermore, this relationship varies across gender populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Zhao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; (L.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Xieyi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; (L.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhongwen Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; (L.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Cantao Yang
- Yubei District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 401120, China;
| | - Qiang Huang
- Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 400707, China;
| | - Shuqun Cheng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China; (L.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
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Chu MT, Fenelon A, Adamkiewicz G, Zota AR. Federal Housing Assistance and Blood Lead Levels in a Nationally Representative US Sample Age 6 and Older: NHANES, 1999-2018. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:37004. [PMID: 38477610 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Federal housing assistance is an important policy tool to ensure housing security for low-income households. Less is known about its impact on residential environmental exposures, particularly lead. OBJECTIVES We conducted a quasi-experimental study to investigate the association between federal housing assistance and blood lead levels (BLLs) in a nationally representative US sample age 6 y and older eligible for housing assistance. METHODS We used the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) linked with US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administrative records to assess BLLs of NHANES participants with concurrent HUD housing assistance (i.e., current recipients, n = 3 , 0 71 ) and those receiving assistance within 2 y after the survey (i.e., pseudo-waitlist recipients, n = 1,235 ). We estimated BLL least squares geometric means (LSGMs), odds ratio (OR) for BLL ≥ 3.5 μ g / dL , and percent differences in LSGMs by HUD housing assistance status adjusting for age, sex, family income-to-poverty ratio, education, country of birth, race/ethnicity, region, and survey year. We also examined effect modification using interaction terms and stratified analyses by program type [i.e., public housing, multifamily, housing choice vouchers (HCV)], and race/ethnicity. RESULTS Current HUD recipients had a significantly lower LSGM [1.07 μ g / dL ; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 1.12] than pseudo-waitlist recipients (1.21 μ g / dL ; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.28), with an adjusted OR of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.87) for BLL ≥ 3.5 μ g / dL . Some effect modification were observed: The protective association of HUD assistance on BLL was strongest among public housing (- 19.5 % LSGM; 95% CI: - 27.5 % , - 1 0 . 7 % ), multifamily (- 12.5 % LSGM; 95% CI: - 2 0 . 7 % , - 3.5 % ), and non-Hispanic White (- 2 0 . 6 % LSGM; 95% CI: - 29.8 % , - 1 0 . 3 % ) recipients. It was weaker to null among HCV (- 5.7 % LSGM; 95% CI: - 12.7 , 1.7%), non-Hispanic Black (- 1.6 % LSGM; 95% CI: - 8.1 % , 5.4%), and Mexican American (-12.5% LSGM; 95% CI: - 31.9 % , 12.5 % ) recipients. DISCUSSION Our research underscores the importance of social-structural determinants like federal housing assistance in providing affordable, stable, and healthy housing to very low-income households. More attention is needed to ensure housing quality and racial equity across HUD's three major housing assistance programs. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12645.
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Affiliation(s)
- MyDzung T Chu
- Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Andrew Fenelon
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ami R Zota
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
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Lieberman‐Cribbin W, Li Z, Lewin M, Ruiz P, Jarrett JM, Cole SA, Kupsco A, O'Leary M, Pichler G, Shimbo D, Devereux RB, Umans JG, Navas‐Acien A, Nigra AE. The Contribution of Declines in Blood Lead Levels to Reductions in Blood Pressure Levels: Longitudinal Evidence in the Strong Heart Family Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e031256. [PMID: 38205795 PMCID: PMC10926826 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.031256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lead exposure is associated with both subclinical and clinical cardiovascular disease. We evaluated whether declines in blood lead were associated with changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adult American Indian participants from the SHFS (Strong Heart Family Study). METHODS AND RESULTS Lead in whole blood was measured in 285 SHFS participants in 1997 to 1999 and 2006 to 2009. Blood pressure and measures of cardiac geometry and function were obtained in 2001 to 2003 and 2006 to 2009. We used generalized estimating equations to evaluate the association of declines in blood lead with changes in blood pressure; cardiac function and geometry measures were considered secondary. Mean blood lead was 2.04 μg/dL at baseline. After ≈10 years, mean decline in blood lead was 0.67 μg/dL. In fully adjusted models, the mean difference in systolic blood pressure comparing the highest to lowest tertile of decline (>0.91 versus <0.27 μg/dL) in blood lead was -7.08 mm Hg (95% CI, -13.16 to -1.00). A significant nonlinear association between declines in blood lead and declines in systolic blood pressure was detected, with significant linear associations where blood lead decline was 0.1 μg/dL or higher. Declines in blood lead were nonsignificantly associated with declines in diastolic blood pressure and significantly associated with declines in interventricular septum thickness. CONCLUSIONS Declines in blood lead levels in American Indian adults, even when small (0.1-1.0 μg/dL), were associated with reductions in systolic blood pressure. These findings suggest the need to further study the cardiovascular impacts of reducing lead exposures and the importance of lead exposure prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wil Lieberman‐Cribbin
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Zheng Li
- Office of Capacity Development and Applied Prevention Science, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease RegistryAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Michael Lewin
- Office of Community Health and Hazard Assessment, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease RegistryAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Patricia Ruiz
- Office of Innovation and Analytics, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease RegistryAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Jeffery M. Jarrett
- Division for Laboratory SciencesCenters for Disease Control and PreventionAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Shelley A. Cole
- Population Health ProgramTexas Biomedical Research InstituteSan AntonioTXUSA
| | - Allison Kupsco
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Marcia O'Leary
- Missouri Breaks Research Industries Research, Inc.Eagle ButteSDUSA
| | - Gernot Pichler
- Department of CardiologyKarl Landsteiner Institute for Cardiovascular and Critical Care Research, Clinic FloridsdorfViennaAustria
| | - Daichi Shimbo
- Division of CardiologyColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | - Jason G. Umans
- MedStar Health Research InstituteHyattsvilleMDUSA
- Georgetown‐Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational ScienceWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Ana Navas‐Acien
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Anne E. Nigra
- Department of Environmental Health SciencesColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNYUSA
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Stanek LW, Grokhowsky N, George BJ, Thomas KW. Assessing lead exposure in U.S. pregnant women using biological and residential measurements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167135. [PMID: 37739076 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
There is strong scientific evidence for multiple pathways of human exposure to lead (Pb) in residential settings, particularly for young children; however, less is known about maternal exposure during pregnancy and children's exposure during early lifestages. A robust, multi-faceted secondary analysis was conducted using data collected by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the 2009-2014 National Children's Study Vanguard Studies. Descriptive statistics summarized Pb concentrations of maternal blood, maternal urine, and house dust vacuum samples collected during pregnancy and residence surface wipes collected both during pregnancy and six months post-partum. The maternal blood Pb level geometric mean was 0.44 μg/dL (n = 426), with no women having values ≥ 5 μg/dL; creatinine-adjusted maternal urinary Pb geometric mean was 0.43 μg/g (n = 366). These blood and urine concentrations are similar to those observed for females in the general U.S. population in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2011 cycle. A modest correlation between maternal blood Pb and surface wipe measurements during pregnancy was observed (Spearman r = 0.35, p < 0.0001). Surface wipe Pb loadings obtained in mother's homes during pregnancy (n = 640) and from areas where children spent the most time at roughly 6 months of age (n = 99) ranged from 0.02 to 71.8 ng/cm2, with geometric means of 0.47 and 0.49 ng/cm2, respectively, which were relatively low compared to other national studies. Survey responses of demographic, lifestyle, and residence characteristics were assessed for associations with blood concentration and surface wipe loading. Demographic (e.g., race/ethnicity, income, education, marital status) and housing characteristics (e.g., year home built, paint condition, own or rent home, attached garage) were associated with both maternal blood and surface wipe loadings during pregnancy. The availability of residential environmental media and extensive survey data provided enhanced understanding of Pb exposure during pregnancy and early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay W Stanek
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Nicholas Grokhowsky
- Formerly of Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Barbara J George
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kent W Thomas
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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6
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Lacerda D, Pestana IA, Santos Vergilio CD, de Rezende CE. Global decrease in blood lead concentrations due to the removal of leaded gasoline. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 324:138207. [PMID: 36822521 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a chemical element with extreme toxicity that is classified as one of the ten chemicals of most significant concern to human health. The main problem involving Pb is its use as a fuel additive (tetraethyllead - TEL) at a global level, which raised the atmospheric Pb concentrations. It is estimated that between 80 and 90% of the atmospheric Pb in large cities came from the use of TEL, and as a consequence, it was also the main source responsible for human exposure to the element. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate, through a systematic review, the blood concentrations of Pb in scientific articles published in the first two decades of the 2000s to compare the global and regional trends of each continent over time. Our data show the importance of removing TEL in decreasing human exposure to Pb worldwide. We observed exponentially decreasing blood Pb concentrations over the years after additive removal on all continents, resulting in a global trend which TEL's use was the major process governing human exposure worldwide. In addition, the results also showed that, despite the removal of Pb additives lowering levels of human blood Pb, the general population remains exposed to the element through exogenous and endogenous sources. The exhaust Pb particles were deposited into the environment in proportion to the traffic flows, and the legacy of Pb in the environment requires novel primary prevention remedy to curtail exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lacerda
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Dos Santos Vergilio
- Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia, Departamento de Biologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas Naturais e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Do Espírito Santo - Campus Alegre. Alto Universitário, S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, CEP: 29.500-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 28.013-602, Brazil
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Eaves LA, Fry RC. Invited Perspective: Toxic Metals and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:41303. [PMID: 37079391 PMCID: PMC10117635 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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8
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Bertram J, Ramolla C, Esser A, Schettgen T, Fohn N, Steib J, Kraus T. Blood lead monitoring in a former mining area in Euskirchen, Germany: results of a representative random sample in 3- to 17-year-old children and minors. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:20995-21009. [PMID: 36264474 PMCID: PMC9584279 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23632-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal residues in former mining areas can pose a burden to the local environment and population even decades after closure of the mining sites. In the North Rhine-Westphalian (Germany) communities of Mechernich and Kall, both parts of the district of Euskirchen, lead residues are a source of health concerns for local residents. A statistically representative collective of both communities depending on sex, age, and area of residence was created, mirroring the local underage population. The blood lead levels (BLL) of 182 children and minors in the two adjacent communities were assessed via ICP-MSMS. The results were compared to German lead reference values, valid for the general underage population. In total, 32 (17.6%) of the subjects investigated exceeded the according reference values of 15 µg/L and 20 µg/L, respectively, depending on sex and age, thus pointing out an additional lead burden affecting children in the area. Potential lead sources contributing to the BLL were evaluated using a questionnaire. Factors that showed significant impact on the BLL were, other than age, sex, height, and weight, the factors occupancy, time spend in the garden, garden hand-to-mouth contact, consumption frequency of homegrown products, and lifestyle factors. The data presented enable both residents and the local authorities to further reduce lead exposure and to take appropriate personal and public action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bertram
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Christian Ramolla
- Public Health Department Euskirchen, District of Euskirchen, Germany
| | - André Esser
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nina Fohn
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jasmina Steib
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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9
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Lin PID, Cardenas A, Rifas-Shiman SL, Zota AR, Hivert MF, Aris IM, Sanders AP. Non-essential and essential trace element mixtures and kidney function in early pregnancy - A cross-sectional analysis in project viva. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114846. [PMID: 36402181 PMCID: PMC9732973 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Some trace elements are established nephrotoxicants, yet their associations with kidney function remain understudied in the context of pregnancy, a time of substantial change in kidney physiology and function. We aimed to estimate the individual and joint associations of trace element mixtures with maternal kidney function during the 1st trimester of pregnancy (mean 9.7 gestational weeks). 1040 women from Project Viva contributed blood samples which were assessed for erythrocyte non-essential [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cesium (Cs), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb)] and essential [barium (Ba), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and Zinc (Zn)] trace elements, and plasma creatinine for kidney function. We estimated glomerular filtration rate using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (eGFRCKD-EPI) equation without race-adjustment factors. We examined associations of eGFRCKD-EPI with individual trace elements using multivariable linear regression and their mixtures using quantile-based g-computation, adjusting for sociodemographics, pregnancy characteristics, and diet. Participants in our study were predominantly White (75%), college graduates (72%), and had household income >$70,000/year (63%). After adjusting for covariates, higher Pb (β -3.51 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI -5.83, -1.18) concentrations were associated with lower eGFRCKD-EPI, while higher Mg (β 10.53 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI 5.35, 15.71), Se (β 5.56 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI 0.82, 10.31), and Zn (β 5.88 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI 0.51, 11.26) concentrations were associated with higher eGFRCKD-EPI. In mixture analyses, higher non-essential trace elements mixture concentration was associated with reduced eGFRCKD-EPI (Ψ -1.03 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI: 1.92, -0.14). Conversely, higher essential trace elements mixture concentration was associated with higher eGFR (Ψ 1.42; 95% CI: 0.48, 2.37). Exposure to trace elements in early pregnancy may influence women's kidney function although reverse causation cannot be eliminated in this cross-sectional analysis. These findings have important implications for long-term cardiovascular and postpartum kidney health that warrant additional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pi-I D Lin
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ami R Zota
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Izzuddin M Aris
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alison P Sanders
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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10
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Obasi CN, Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE. Heavy metals and metalloids exposure and in vitro fertilization: Critical concerns in human reproductive medicine. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:1037379. [PMID: 36478891 PMCID: PMC9720145 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.1037379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposures to heavy metals and metalloids have been associated with decreased fecundity and fertility in couples conceiving via assisted reproduction. Heavy metals and metalloids can alter the homeostasis of critical hormones controlling sexual maturation by binding to critical hormones and receptors. This may disrupt the time course of sexual maturation directly or indirectly affecting reproductive competence in males and females. The present review aims to provide a summarized overview of associations between heavy metal exposure, reproductive concerns, and IVF outcomes. A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) in Google Scholar, Scopus, EMBASE and PubMed databases. Initial search produced 1,351 articles from which 30 articles were eligible to be included in the systematic review. From our results, 16 articles reported associations between selected heavy metals and IVF outcomes, while 14 articles summarized the role of heavy metals in reproductive concerns. For the studies on IVF outcomes, different human samples were examined for heavy metals. Heavy metals and metalloids (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Mn, As) correlated negatively with oocyte fertilization/pregnancy rates in hair, follicular fluid, serum, urine and seminal plasma samples, while Cd and Hg in whole blood samples showed no associations. For the studies on reproductive concerns, high levels of heavy metals/metalloids were implicated in the following conditions: infertility (Cd, Pb, Ba, U), spontaneous abortion/miscarriage (Pb, Cd, Sb), congenital heart disease (Al, Mg, Cd), PCOS (As, Cd, Hg, Pb), endometriosis (Pb) and uterine leiomyomata (Hg). Taken together, the results of our study suggest that the impact of heavy metals and metalloids exposure on reproductive health may contribute to the failure rates of in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Nwadiuto Obasi
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Chiara Frazzoli
- Department for Cardiovascular, Dysmetabolic and Aging-Associated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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11
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Lupolt SN, Santo RE, Kim BF, Burke TA, Nachman KE. Urban Soil Safety Policies: The Next Frontier for Mitigating Lead Exposures and Promoting Sustainable Food Production. GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2022GH000615. [PMID: 36176572 PMCID: PMC9473349 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000615] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Urban soils bear the persistent legacy of leaded gasoline and past industrial practices. Soil safety policies (SSPs) are an important public health tool with the potential to inform, identify, and mitigate potential health risks faced by urban growers, but little is known about how these policies may protect growers from exposures to lead and other soil contaminants. We reviewed and evaluated 43 urban agriculture (UA) policies in 40 US cities pertaining to soil safety. About half of these cities had a least one SSP that offered recommendations or provided services for soil testing. Eight cities had at least one SSP containing a requirement pertaining to any topic (e.g., soil testing, a specific best practice for growing). We found notable inconsistencies across SSPs for "acceptable" levels of lead in soils and the activities and behaviors recommended at each level. We specify research needed to inform revisions to US Environmental Protection Agency guidance for lead in soils specific to UA. We conclude with a series of recommendations to guide the development or revision of SSPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara N. Lupolt
- Department of Environmental Health and EngineeringJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Center for a Livable FutureJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy InstituteJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Raychel E. Santo
- Department of Environmental Health and EngineeringJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Center for a Livable FutureJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Brent F. Kim
- Department of Environmental Health and EngineeringJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Center for a Livable FutureJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Thomas A. Burke
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy InstituteJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Keeve E. Nachman
- Department of Environmental Health and EngineeringJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Center for a Livable FutureJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Risk Sciences and Public Policy InstituteJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
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12
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Dave DM, Yang M. Lead in drinking water and birth outcomes: A tale of two water treatment plants. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2022; 84:102644. [PMID: 35732085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2022.102644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The recent lead-in-water crisis in Newark has renewed concerns about the crisis being a widespread problem in the nation. Using data on the exact home addresses of pregnant women residing in the city combined with information on the spatial boundary separating areas within the city serviced by two water treatment plants, we exploit an exogenous change in water chemistry that resulted in lead leaching into the tap water of one plant's service area, but not the other's, to identify a causal effect of prenatal lead exposure on fetal health. We find robust evidence of adverse health impacts, which has important policy implications in light of the substantial number of lead water pipes that remain in use as part of our aging infrastructure and the cost-benefit calculus of lead abatement interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhaval M Dave
- Department of Economics, Bentley University, National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), and Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), USA.
| | - Muzhe Yang
- Department of Economics, Lehigh University, 621 Taylor Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA.
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13
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Wang J, Yang Y, Zhang J, Liu N, Xi H, Liang H. Trends of Blood Lead Levels in US Pregnant Women: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2018). Front Public Health 2022; 10:922563. [PMID: 35844875 PMCID: PMC9283785 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.922563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study investigates the trends of blood lead levels in US pregnant women based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2001 to 2018. Methods A total of 1,230 pregnant women were included in this study. The weighted logistic regression was applied to analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics with high blood levels. We computed the blood lead levels for each survey period from 2001–2002 to 2017–2018. Moreover, we used the adjusted linear regression model to investigate the time-related change in blood lead level. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated accordingly. Results The mean blood lead was 0.73 ± 0.03 ug/dL, and high blood lead was observed in 2.53% of individuals. The Mexican Americans were more associated with high blood lead than the non-Hispanic white (OR, 1.072; 95% CI, 1.032-1.112). The mean blood lead level has decreased from 0.97 ug/dL in 2001–2002 to 0.46 ug/dL in 2013–2014. Afterward, a slight increase was observed with the mean blood lead of 0.55 ug/dL in 2015–2016 and 0.53 ug/dL in 2017-2018. In the adjusted linear regression model, each year's increase would lead to a 0.029 ug/dL decrease in blood lead (P < 0.001). However, no significant change was observed in the 2017–2018 cycle compared with 2009–2010 (P = 0.218). Conclusion This study summarized the trend of blood lead levels in US pregnant women over 2001–2018. Continued effort is still required to control lead sources better and protect this population from lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yujie Yang
- Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Na Liu
- Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Na Liu
| | - Huifang Xi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Huifang Xi
| | - Hong Liang
- Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Liang
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14
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Ettinger AS. Invited Perspective: Identifying Childhood Lead Exposure Hotspots for Action. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:71301. [PMID: 35894591 PMCID: PMC9327736 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne S. Ettinger
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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Bertram J, Ramolla C, Esser A, Schettgen T, Fohn N, Kraus T. Blood Lead Monitoring in a Former Mining Area in Euskirchen, Germany-Volunteers across the Entire Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6083. [PMID: 35627620 PMCID: PMC9141156 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
After centuries of mining in the district of Euskirchen, that is, in the communities of Mechernich and Kall, the lead concentration in the soil remains high, often exceeding regulatory guidelines. To clarify the lead body burden among residents in the region, a human biomonitoring study on a voluntary basis was initiated in which the blood lead level (BLL) was assessed. A questionnaire was distributed to evaluate lead exposure routes and confounders. Overall, 506 volunteers participated in the study, of whom 7.5% were children and adolescents, 71.9% were adults from 18 to 69 years, and 19.4% were residents 70 years or older. While the BLLs in the adult population were inconspicuous, among the children and adolescents investigated, 16.7% of the children between 3 and 17 years had BLLs above the recently revised German reference values for BLL in children. These results point towards a higher lead exposure in children living in the region. The hierarchical regression analysis based on the BLL and the questionnaire revealed the significant influence of the factors age, sex, smoking, construction age of the real estate, occupancy, and intensive contact with soil on the BLL. Measures to reduce lead exposure include a focus on improved personal and domestic hygiene to minimize lead intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bertram
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
| | - Christian Ramolla
- Public Health Department, District of Euskirchen, 53879 Euskirchen, Germany;
| | - André Esser
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
| | - Nina Fohn
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
| | - Thomas Kraus
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.E.); (T.S.); (N.F.); (T.K.)
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16
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Rokoff LB, Shoaff JR, Coull BA, Enlow MB, Bellinger DC, Korrick SA. Prenatal exposure to a mixture of organochlorines and metals and internalizing symptoms in childhood and adolescence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112701. [PMID: 35016863 PMCID: PMC8917058 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although prenatal chemical exposures influence neurobehavior, joint exposures are not well explored as risk factors for internalizing disorders through adolescence. OBJECTIVE To evaluate associations of prenatal organochlorine and metal exposures, considered individually and as a mixture, with mid-childhood and adolescent internalizing symptoms. METHODS Participants were 468 children from a prospective cohort recruited at birth (1993-1998) in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Organochlorines (hexachlorobenzene, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene, polychlorinated biphenyls) and metals (lead, manganese) were analyzed in cord blood. Internalizing symptoms (anxiety, depressive, somatic) were assessed via multiple informants on the Conners' Rating Scale (CRS) at 8-years and Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2) at 15-years; higher T-scores indicate greater symptoms. Overall and sex-specific covariate-adjusted associations were evaluated using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and five-chemical linear regression models. RESULTS The cohort was socioeconomically diverse (35% household income <$20,000; 55% maternal ≤ high school education at birth). Most chemical concentrations were consistent with background levels [e.g., median (range) cord blood lead: 1.1 (0-9.4) μg/dL]. BKMR suggested linear associations and no interactions between chemicals. The overall mixture was positively associated with Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and BASC-2 Self Report of Personality (SRP) anxiety and depressive symptoms, and negatively with somatic symptoms. Prenatal lead was positively associated with adolescent anxiety symptoms [1.56 (95% CI: 0.50, 2.61) BASC-2 SRP Anxiety score increase per doubling lead]. For CRPS and BASC-2 SRP, a doubling of cord blood manganese was positively associated with internalizing symptoms for girls [e.g., 3.26 (95% CI: 0.27, 6.25) BASC-2 SRP Depression score increase], but not boys. Organochlorine exposures were not adversely associated with internalizing symptoms. DISCUSSION Low-level prenatal lead exposure was positively associated with adolescent anxiety symptoms, and prenatal manganese exposure was positively associated with internalizing symptoms for girls from mid-childhood through adolescence. In utero neurotoxicant metal exposures may contribute to the emergence of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa B Rokoff
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Population Health Sciences Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Jessica R Shoaff
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David C Bellinger
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan A Korrick
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Oppenheimer AV, Bellinger DC, Coull BA, Weisskopf MG, Korrick SA. Prenatal exposure to chemical mixtures and working memory among adolescents. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112436. [PMID: 34843721 PMCID: PMC8760169 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Working memory is the ability to keep information in one's mind and mentally manipulate it. Decrements in working memory play a key role in many behavioral and psychiatric disorders, therefore identifying modifiable environmental risk factors for such decrements is important for mitigating these disorders. There is some evidence that prenatal exposure to individual chemicals may adversely impact working memory among children, but few studies have explored the association of co-exposure to multiple chemicals with this outcome in adolescence, a time when working memory skills undergo substantial development. We investigated the association of organochlorines (DDE, HCB, PCBs) and metals (lead, manganese) measured in cord serum and cord blood, respectively, with working memory measured with the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, 2nd Edition among 373 adolescents living near a Superfund site in New Bedford, Massachusetts. We used Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and linear regression analyses and assessed effect modification by sex and prenatal social disadvantage. In BKMR models, we observed an adverse joint association of the chemical mixture with Verbal, but not Symbolic, Working Memory. In co-exposure and covariate-adjusted linear regression models, a twofold increase in cord blood manganese was associated with lower working memory scaled scores, with a stronger association with Verbal Working Memory (difference = -0.75; 95% CI: -1.29, -0.20 points) compared to Symbolic Working Memory (difference = -0.44; 95% CI: -1.00, 0.12 points). There was little evidence of effect modification by sex and some evidence associating organochlorine pesticides with poorer working memory scores among those with greater prenatal social disadvantage. This study provided evidence of an adverse joint association of a chemical mixture with a verbal working memory task among adolescents, as well as an adverse association of prenatal manganese exposure with working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Oppenheimer
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David C Bellinger
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brent A Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan A Korrick
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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18
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Markowitz ME, Mercedes J, Apt-Dudfield O. Chelation during sequential pregnancies: A case report with a twist. Obstet Med 2022; 15:54-55. [PMID: 35444729 PMCID: PMC9014553 DOI: 10.1177/1753495x20975623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This report summarizes chelation management of lead poisoning occurring during sequential pregnancies. Several aspects make this case unusual; firstly recurrent lead poisoning, secondly treatment with succimer, the use of which is very rarely reported in pregnancy, and thirdly the presence of co-existent vitamin D deficiency and hyperparathyroidism, both potential contributors to bone lead release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morri E Markowitz
- Morri E Markowitz, Montefiore Hospital and Medical
Center, 111 E 210th St Bronx, New York, NY 10467-2490, USA.
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19
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Roy S, Edwards MA. Are there excess fetal deaths attributable to waterborne lead exposure during the Flint Water Crisis? Evidence from bio-kinetic model predictions and Vital Records. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:17-26. [PMID: 34267307 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00363-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flint, Michigan had elevated water lead (Pb) levels during the 2014-15 Flint Water Crisis (FWC) and reports claim the exposures caused excess fetal deaths. OBJECTIVE To model the likelihood of excess fetal deaths occurring from FWC lead exposure and compare results to Vital Records. METHODS We used an established bio-kinetic model to predict relative blood lead trends in pregnant women from characteristic exposure to 90th percentile water lead levels (WLLs), and another established model to then estimate characteristic miscarriage (<20 gestation weeks) odds ratios (OR) in Flint (2011-17). For comparison, we made similar predictions for exposures during (1) Washington DC's worst water lead crisis year (2001), (2) Flint "Resident Zero" home with anomalously high WLLs, and (3) 19th century lead-based abortifacients. Data on stillbirths (≥20 gestation weeks) and total fertility rates were obtained from the State of Michigan. RESULTS The models predicted that pregnant women drinking water with representative 90th percentile WLLs had a miscarriage OR during the worst FWC period (June-August 2014) of 1.21 (95% CI = 1.02,1.60), versus 1.66 (95% CI = 1.07, 3.56) during a time of high water lead 3 years before the FWC and 1.00 (95% CI = 1.00, 1.01) post-FWC. The corresponding predicted OR in late-2001 for Washington D.C. when higher fetal death rates were statistically associated with very high WLLs was 3.01 (95% CI = 1.16, 16.23). No apparent differences were revealed in overall and race-specific stillbirth rates before, during, or after the FWC. Total fertility rates dropped 6.8% during the FWC (April 2014-October 2015 versus April 2012-October 2013), but this is now revealed to be within the normal annual variation (-9.4% to +15%) observed post-FWC when residents were protected from water lead exposure. SIGNIFICANCE Neither model simulations nor Vital Records data are consistent with the hypothesis that there was an uptick in fetal deaths or decreased fertility attributable to water lead exposure during the FWC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Roy
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Marc A Edwards
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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20
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Niedzwiecki MM, Eggers S, Joshi A, Dolios G, Cantoral A, Lamadrid-Figueroa H, Amarasiriwardena C, Téllez-Rojo MM, Wright RO, Petrick L. Lead exposure and serum metabolite profiles in pregnant women in Mexico City. Environ Health 2021; 20:125. [PMID: 34893088 PMCID: PMC8665540 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead (Pb) exposure is a global health hazard causing a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Yet, the mechanisms of Pb toxicology remain incompletely understood, especially during pregnancy. To uncover biological pathways impacted by Pb exposure, this study investigated serum metabolomic profiles during the third trimester of pregnancy that are associated with blood Pb and bone Pb. METHODS We used data and specimens from 99 women enrolled in the Programming Research in Obesity, Growth, Environment, and Social Stressors birth cohort in Mexico City. Maternal Pb exposure was measured in whole blood samples from the third trimester of pregnancy and in the tibia and patella bones at 1 month postpartum. Third-trimester serum samples underwent metabolomic analysis; metabolites were identified based on matching to an in-house analytical standard library. A metabolome-wide association study was performed using multiple linear regression models. Class- and pathway-based enrichment analyses were also conducted. RESULTS The median (interquartile range) blood Pb concentration was 2.9 (2.6) µg/dL. Median bone Pb, measured in the tibia and patella, were 2.5 (7.3) µg/g and 3.6 (9.5) µg/g, respectively. Of 215 total metabolites identified in serum, 31 were associated with blood Pb (p < 0.05). Class enrichment analysis identified significant overrepresentation of metabolites classified as fatty acids and conjugates, amino acids and peptides, and purines. Tibia and patella Pb were associated with 14 and 8 metabolites, respectively (p < 0.05). Comparing results from bone and blood Pb, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, and 1-arachidonoylglycerol were positively associated with blood Pb and tibia Pb, and 7-methylguanine was negatively associated with blood Pb and patella Pb. One metabolite, 5-aminopentanoic acid, was negatively associated with all three Pb measures. CONCLUSIONS This study identified serum metabolites in pregnant women associated with Pb measured in blood and bone. These findings provide insights on the metabolic profile around Pb exposure in pregnancy and information to guide mechanistic studies of toxicological effects for mothers and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Niedzwiecki
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, United States, NY
| | - Shoshannah Eggers
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, United States, NY
| | - Anu Joshi
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, United States, NY
| | - Georgia Dolios
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, United States, NY
| | | | | | - Chitra Amarasiriwardena
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, United States, NY
| | | | - Robert O Wright
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, United States, NY
| | - Lauren Petrick
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, United States, NY
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21
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Oppenheimer AV, Bellinger DC, Coull BA, Weisskopf MG, Korrick SA. Prenatal Exposure to Chemical Mixtures and Cognitive Flexibility among Adolescents. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9120329. [PMID: 34941764 PMCID: PMC8708222 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9120329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility, the ability to smoothly adapt to changing circumstances, is a skill that is vital to higher-level executive functions such as problem-solving, planning, and reasoning. As it undergoes substantial development during adolescence, decrements in cognitive flexibility may not become apparent until this time. There is evidence that prenatal exposure to individual chemicals may adversely impact executive functions in children, but few studies have explored the association of co-exposure to multiple chemicals with cognitive flexibility specifically among adolescents. We investigated this association among a diverse group of adolescents living near a Superfund site in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Specifically, using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and multivariable regression analyses, we investigated the association of biomarkers of prenatal exposure to organochlorines (DDE, HCB, PCBs) and metals (lead, manganese) with cognitive flexibility, measured with four subtests of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. In BKMR models, we observed adverse joint associations of the chemical mixture with two of the four cognitive flexibility subtests. In covariate-adjusted linear regression models, a two-fold increase in cord blood Mn was associated with poorer performance on two of the subtests: Trail-Making (scaled score difference = −0.60; 95% CI: −1.16, −0.05 points) and Color-Word Interference (scaled score difference = −0.53; 95% CI: −1.08, 0.01 points). These adverse Mn-cognitive flexibility associations were supported by the results of the BKMR. There was little evidence of effect modification by sex and some evidence of effect modification by a measure of social disadvantage, particularly for the associations between HCB and cognitive flexibility. This study is among the first to provide evidence of an adverse association of prenatal exposure to a chemical mixture with cognitive flexibility in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Oppenheimer
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-781-264-0697
| | - David C. Bellinger
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brent A. Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marc G. Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Susan A. Korrick
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Eggers S, Safdar N, Kates A, Sethi AK, Peppard PE, Kanarek MS, Malecki KMC. Urinary lead level and colonization by antibiotic resistant bacteria: Evidence from a population-based study. Environ Epidemiol 2021; 5:e175. [PMID: 34909555 PMCID: PMC8663876 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection by antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) is a global health crisis and asymptomatic colonization increases risk of infection. Nonhuman studies have linked heavy metal exposure to the selection of ARB; however, few epidemiologic studies have examined this relationship. This study analyzes the association between urinary lead level and colonization by ARB in a nonclinical human population. METHODS Data came from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin 2016-2017, and its ancillary Wisconsin Microbiome Study. Urinary lead levels, adjusted for creatinine, were used to assess exposure. ARB included methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), fluoroquinolone resistant Gram-negative bacilli (RGNB), and Clostridium difficile (C. diff), from skin, nose, and mouth swabs, and saliva and stool samples. Logistic regression, adjusted for covariates, was used to evaluate associations between Pb and ARB. Secondary analysis investigated Pb resistance from ARB isolates. RESULTS Among 695 participants, 239 (34%) tested positive for ARB. Geometric mean urinary Pb (unadjusted) was 0.286 µg/L (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.263, 0.312) for ARB negative participants and 0.323 µg/L (95% CI = 0.287, 0.363) for ARB positive participants. Models adjusted for demographics, diet, and antibiotic use showed elevated odds of positive colonization for those in the 95th percentile (vs. below) of Pb exposure (odds ratio [OR] = 2.05, 95% CI = 0.95, 4.44), and associations were highest in urban residents (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.07, 7.59). RGNB isolates were most resistant to Pb. DISCUSSION These novel results suggest that Pb exposure is associated with increased colonization by ARB, and that RGNB are particularly resistant to Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshannah Eggers
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Nasia Safdar
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- William S. Middleton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Madison, WI
| | - Ashley Kates
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- William S. Middleton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Madison, WI
| | - Ajay K. Sethi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Paul E. Peppard
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Marty S. Kanarek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Kristen M. C. Malecki
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI
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Oppenheimer AV, Bellinger DC, Coull BA, Weisskopf MG, Zemplenyi M, Korrick SA. Prenatal Exposure to Chemical Mixtures and Inhibition among Adolescents. TOXICS 2021; 9:311. [PMID: 34822702 PMCID: PMC8619850 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9110311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition, one of the building blocks of executive function, is the ability to focus one's attention despite interference from external stimuli. It undergoes substantial development during adolescence and may be susceptible to adverse impacts of prenatal exposure to chemical mixtures, yet few studies have explored this association. The New Bedford Cohort (NBC) is a birth cohort of residents living near the New Bedford Harbor Superfund site in Massachusetts. Among adolescents from the NBC, we investigated the association of biomarkers of prenatal exposure to organochlorines (DDE, HCB, PCBs) and metals (Pb, Mn) with inhibition, assessed with the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Design Fluency (non-verbal task) and Color-Word Interference (verbal task) subtests. An exploratory mixtures analysis using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) informed a traditional multivariable regression approach. NBC adolescents are diverse with 29% non-white and 31% in a low-income household at birth. Cord serum organochlorine concentrations and cord blood metals concentrations were generally similar to other birth cohorts. In BKMR models, we observed a suggestive adverse association of the chemical mixture with Color-Word Interference but not Design Fluency. In covariate-adjusted linear regression models including all five chemical exposure measures, a doubling of cord blood Mn was associated with poorer Color-Word Interference completion time scaled scores (difference = -0.74; 95% CI: -1.34, -0.14). This study provided evidence of an adverse joint association between prenatal exposure to a five-chemical mixture and verbal inhibition in adolescence with exposure to Mn potentially driving this overall association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Oppenheimer
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
| | - David C. Bellinger
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brent A. Coull
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Marc G. Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michele Zemplenyi
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Susan A. Korrick
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (D.C.B.); (B.A.C.); (M.G.W.); (S.A.K.)
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Sobolev N, Ellingsen DG, Belova N, Aksenov A, Sorokina T, Trofimova A, Varakina Y, Kotsur D, Grjibovski AM, Chashchin V, Bogolitsyn K, Thomassen Y. Essential and non-essential elements in biological samples of inhabitants residing in Nenets Autonomous Okrug of the Russian Arctic. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 152:106510. [PMID: 33756428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of Arctic residents to environmental pollutants is an emerging public health problem receiving little global attention. The objective of this study was to assess whole blood concentrations of nine selected essential (Co, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) elements among Nenets and non-Nenets adult residents of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO) living in seven coastal and inland settlements. Urine was collected in two settlements for assessment of iodine status. Altogether 297 whole blood and 68 urine samples were analysed by inductively coupled mass spectrometry and the accuracy of the measurements was assessed by use of human whole blood and urine quality control materials. Several essential and non-essential showed significant variations in whole blood concentrations characterized by gender, population group and locality. Cd levels among non-Nenets non-smokers (0.19 µg/L) indicated a dietary intake at a natural global background level. Hg concentrations in whole blood show that not more than 10% of women in the fertile age had a Hg intake above the EFAS's recommendation. The Pb concentrations were in the range of, or partly exceeding reference values for increased risk of nephrotoxicity, and there is a need for a continued effort to reduce Pb exposure among the population groups in NAO. With high prevalence of obesity among the Nenets and non-Nenets population, a high prevalence of Fe-deficiency among menstruating women (<50 years) (37.2%) and a lower I status than recommended by WHO, these nutritional dependent components deserve further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Sobolev
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia.
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Natalia Belova
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; Northern State Medical University, Troitskiy Ave. 51, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Andrey Aksenov
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Tatiana Sorokina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Anna Trofimova
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yulia Varakina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Kotsur
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 23, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Andrej M Grjibovski
- Northern State Medical University, Troitskiy Ave. 51, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan; West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030019, Kazakhstan
| | - Valerii Chashchin
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Kirochnaya ul. 41, 191015 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Ecology, HSE University, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Bogolitsyn
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 23, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Ecology, HSE University, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000 Moscow, Russia
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Nazari M, Amini A, Eden NT, Duke MC, Cheng C, Hill MR. Highly-Efficient Sulfonated UiO-66(Zr) Optical Fiber for Rapid Detection of Trace Levels of Pb 2. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116053. [PMID: 34205199 PMCID: PMC8200020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead detection for biological environments, aqueous resources, and medicinal compounds, rely mainly on either utilizing bulky lab equipment such as ICP-OES or ready-made sensors, which are based on colorimetry with some limitations including selectivity and low interference. Remote, rapid and efficient detection of heavy metals in aqueous solutions at ppm and sub-ppm levels have faced significant challenges that requires novel compounds with such ability. Here, a UiO-66(Zr) metal-organic framework (MOF) functionalized with SO3H group (SO3H-UiO-66(Zr)) is deposited on the end-face of an optical fiber to detect lead cations (Pb2+) in water at 25.2, 43.5 and 64.0 ppm levels. The SO3H-UiO-66(Zr) system provides a Fabry–Perot sensor by which the lead ions are detected rapidly (milliseconds) at 25.2 ppm aqueous solution reflecting in the wavelength shifts in interference spectrum. The proposed removal mechanism is based on the adsorption of [Pb(OH2)6]2+ in water on SO3H-UiO-66(Zr) due to a strong affinity between functionalized MOF and lead. This is the first work that advances a multi-purpose optical fiber-coated functional MOF as an on-site remote chemical sensor for rapid detection of lead cations at extremely low concentrations in an aqueous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Nazari
- Mathematics and Physics Department, School of Engineering, Australian College of Kuwait, Safat 13015, Kuwait;
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Livable Cities (ISILC), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
| | - Abbas Amini
- Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Australian College of Kuwait, Safat 13015, Kuwait
- Center for Infrastructure Engineering, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Nathan T. Eden
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (N.T.E.); (M.R.H.)
| | - Mikel C. Duke
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Livable Cities (ISILC), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia;
| | - Chun Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Matthew R. Hill
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (N.T.E.); (M.R.H.)
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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26
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de Lima Junior NC, Camilo JF, do Carmo PR, de Andrade MN, Braz BF, Santelli RE, de Brito Gitirana L, Ferreira ACF, de Carvalho DP, Miranda-Alves L, Dias GRM. Subacute exposure to lead promotes disruption in the thyroid gland function in male and female rats. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 274:115889. [PMID: 33223335 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, is a global public health problem. Lead has a long historic relation to several adverse health conditions and was recently classified as an endocrine disruptor. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of subacute exposure to lead on the thyroid gland function. Adult male and female Wistar rats received a lead acetate solution containing 10 or 25 mg/kg, by gavage, three times a week, for 14 days. One week later, behavioral testing showed no alterations in anxiety and motor-exploratory parameters, as evaluated by Open-Field and Plus-Maze Tests, but impairment in learning and memory was found in the male 25 mg/kg lead-treated group and in both female lead-treated groups, as evaluated by the Inhibitory Avoidance Test. After one week, serum levels of tT3 were reduced in the 25 mg/kg female group and in the 10 mg∕ kg male group. However, tT4 levels were increased in the 25 mg/kg male group and in both female treated groups. TSH levels did not change and lead serum levels were undetectable. Morphologic alterations were observed in the thyroid gland, including abnormal thyroid parenchyma follicles of different sizes, epithelial stratification and vacuolization of follicular cells, decrease in colloid eosinophilia and vascular congestion, accompanied by morphometric alterations. An increase in collagen deposition was also observed. No differences were observed in TPO activity or protein expression, H2O2 generation by NADPH oxidases or hepatic D1 mRNA expression. However, thyroid NIS protein expression was considerably decreased in the male and female lead-treated groups, while TSHr expression was decreased in the 25 mg/kg female lead-treated group. These findings demonstrated that subacute exposure to lead acetate disrupts thyroid gland function in both sexes, leading to morphophysiological impairment and to changes in learning and memory abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niedson Correia de Lima Junior
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana Franco Camilo
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pâmella Rodrigues do Carmo
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelle Novaes de Andrade
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Ferreira Braz
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Erthal Santelli
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lycia de Brito Gitirana
- Laboratory of Integrative Histology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andrea Claudia Freitas Ferreira
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Denise Pires de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandro Miranda-Alves
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Glaecir Roseni Mundstock Dias
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology Doris Rosenthal, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Duangchan C, Matthews AK. Application of Ferrans et al.'s conceptual model of health-related quality of life: A systematic review. Res Nurs Health 2021; 44:490-512. [PMID: 33694333 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ferrans, Zerwic, Wilbur, and Larson proposed the conceptual model of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in 2005 to explicate the constructs associated with HRQOL and to describe the associations among those constructs. In this systematic review, the authors aimed to describe empirical studies that used Ferrans et al.'s model and to examine the evidence related to the hypothesized model concepts. This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Relevant articles were identified using Crossref, CINAHL, and PubMed. To be included, studies had to employ the model as a theoretical framework and be published in English between 2005 and 2020. Type of theory use was coded using four designations: informed by theory, applied theory, testing theory, and building theory. Thirty-one studies were included. Most studies involved adult patients with chronic illnesses (n = 20) and were conducted in Western countries (n = 22). The most common type of theory use was testing theory (74.19%). Among the seven concepts in Ferrans et al.'s model, all 20 hypothesized associations were tested and 19 were supported by study results. The three associations most frequently supported were between symptoms and functional status (n = 13), environmental characteristics and quality of life (n = 10), and individual characteristics and functional status (n = 8). No studies found an association between environmental characteristics and biological function. Our review found that Ferrans et al.'s model has been used extensively to guide HRQOL research. An emerging body of research provides preliminary support for the associations hypothesized in the model. Additional research is needed to confirm the hypothesized associations among model concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherdsak Duangchan
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alicia K Matthews
- College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Egan KB, Cornwell CR, Courtney JG, Ettinger AS. Blood Lead Levels in U.S. Children Ages 1-11 Years, 1976-2016. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:37003. [PMID: 33730866 PMCID: PMC7969125 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead can adversely affect child health across a wide range of exposure levels. We describe the distribution of blood lead levels (BLLs) in U.S. children ages 1-11 y by selected sociodemographic and housing characteristics over a 40-y period. METHODS Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) II (1976-1980), NHANES III (Phase 1: 1988-1991 and Phase II: 1991-1994), and Continuous NHANES (1999-2016) were used to describe the distribution of BLLs (in micrograms per deciliter; 1 μ g / dL = 0.0483 μ mol / L ) in U.S. children ages 1-11 y from 1976 to 2016. For all children with valid BLLs (n = 27,122 ), geometric mean (GM) BLLs [95% confidence intervals (CI)] and estimated prevalence ≥ 5 μ g / dL (95% CI) were calculated overall and by selected characteristics, stratified by age group (1-5 y and 6-11 y). RESULTS The GM BLL in U.S. children ages 1-5 y declined from 15.2 μ g / dL (95% CI: 14.3, 16.1) in 1976-1980 to 0.83 μ g / dL (95% CI: 0.78, 0.88) in 2011-2016, representing a 94.5% decrease over time. For children ages 6-11 y, GM BLL declined from 12.7 μ g / dL (95% CI: 11.9, 13.4) in 1976-1980 to 0.60 μ g / dL (95% CI: 0.58, 0.63) in 2011-2016, representing a 95.3% decrease over time. Even so, for the most recent period (2011-2016), estimates indicate that approximately 385,775 children ages 1-11 y had BLLs greater than or equal to the CDC blood lead reference value of 5 μ g / dL . Higher GM BLLs were associated with non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity, lower family income-to-poverty-ratio, and older housing age. DISCUSSION Overall, BLLs in U.S. children ages 1-11 y have decreased substantially over the past 40 y. Despite these notable declines in population exposures to lead over time, higher GM BLLs are consistently associated with risk factors such as race/ethnicity, poverty, and housing age that can be used to target blood lead screening efforts. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7932.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn B. Egan
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cheryl R. Cornwell
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph G. Courtney
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adrienne S. Ettinger
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey USA
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Haque E, Moran ME, Thorne PS. Retrospective blood lead assessment from archived clotted erythrocyte fraction in a cohort of lead-exposed mother-child dyads. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142166. [PMID: 32920407 PMCID: PMC7686297 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to lead (Pb) is linked to a host of adverse health effects. Recent revelations of unmonitored exposures to hazardous levels of lead as seen in the Flint Water Crisis have manifested a need for evaluating biological samples, other than regularly prepared whole blood, for biomonitoring of lead exposure. Here, we present a method utilizing clotted erythrocyte fraction samples, which are commonly archived along with serum (or plasma) in biorepositories, to predict whole blood lead levels to allow for retrospective assessments of environmental exposure to lead. Whole blood and clotted erythrocyte fraction samples were collected from 91 participants in the Airborne Exposure to Semivolatile Organic Pollutants (AESOP) cohort study of mother-child dyads. Clotted erythrocyte fraction samples were prepared either using microwave assisted acid digestion or alkaline dilution and subsequently analyzed for lead using Inductively-couple plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Simultaneously withdrawn whole blood samples were also analyzed. A strong linear relationship was observed between lead in whole blood and clotted erythrocyte fraction with Pearson correlation coefficients (r) of 0.90, and 0.89 (p < 0.001) for acid digestion and alkaline dilution, respectively. Slopes and intercepts from simple linear regression models of the two clotted erythrocyte fraction methods were not found to be significantly different (p > 0.05) when compared to the standard blood lead assay method. Modeled blood lead predicted from clotted erythrocyte fraction was evaluated at a test threshold of 3 μg/dL was found to have diagnostic sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 100%. Results from this study demonstrate clotted erythrocyte fraction samples are a viable alternative biological sample for retrospective public health surveillance of environmental exposure to lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezazul Haque
- Human Toxicology Program, Graduate College, University of Iowa, United States of America; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, United States of America
| | - Margaret E Moran
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, United States of America
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Human Toxicology Program, Graduate College, University of Iowa, United States of America; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, United States of America.
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30
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Sex-Specific Alterations in Cardiac DNA Methylation in Adult Mice by Perinatal Lead Exposure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020577. [PMID: 33445541 PMCID: PMC7826866 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors play an important role in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases exhibit marked sexual dimorphism; however, the sex-specific effects of environmental exposures on cardiac health are incompletely understood. Perinatal and adult exposures to the metal lead (Pb) are linked to several adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but the sex-specific effects of this toxicant on the heart have received little attention. Perinatal environmental exposures can lead to disease through disruption of the normal epigenetic programming that occurs during early development. Using a mouse model of human-relevant perinatal environmental exposure, we investigated the effects of exposure to Pb during gestation and lactation on DNA methylation in the hearts of adult offspring mice (n = 6 per sex). Two weeks prior to mating, dams were assigned to control or Pb acetate (32 ppm) water, and exposure continued until offspring were weaned at three weeks of age. Enhanced reduced-representation bisulfite sequencing was used to measure DNA methylation in the hearts of offspring at five months of age. Although Pb exposure stopped at three weeks of age, we discovered hundreds of differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) and regions (DMRs) in males and females at five months of age. DMCs/DMRs and their associated genes were sex-specific, with a small, but statistically significant subset overlapping between sexes. Pathway analysis revealed altered methylation of genes important for cardiac and other tissue development in males, and histone demethylation in females. Together, these data demonstrate that perinatal exposure to Pb induces sex-specific changes in cardiac DNA methylation that are present long after cessation of exposure, and highlight the importance of considering sex in environmental epigenetics and mechanistic toxicology studies.
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31
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Tsuji LJS, Tsuji SRJ, Zuk AM, Davey R, Liberda EN. Harvest Programs in First Nations of Subarctic Canada: The Benefits Go Beyond Addressing Food Security and Environmental Sustainability Issues. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8113. [PMID: 33153153 PMCID: PMC7663715 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
By breaking down barriers that impacted the ability of subarctic First Nations people to harvest waterfowl, the Sharing-the-Harvest program provided a safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food (i.e., geese) to James Bay Cree communities while also helping to protect the environment by harvesting overabundant geese. However, the impacts extend beyond those described above. Thus, the objectives of the present paper are twofold: to document the food sharing networks of the Sharing-the-Harvest program; and to examine the benefits associated with the harvest program beyond food security and environmental sustainability issues, as revealed through semi-directed interviews. In the regional initiative, harvested geese were shared with all James Bay communities; sharing is an important part of Cree culture. Where detailed information was collected, the goose-sharing network reached 76% of the homes in one of the communities. Likewise, in the local initiative, the goose-sharing network had a 76% coverage rate of the homes in the community. Although decreasing food insecurity was an important focus of the harvest-sharing programs, there were other benefits, from an Indigenous perspective, of being on the land, as identified by the Cree harvesters through semi-directed interviews (e.g., the transmission of Indigenous knowledge, the strengthening of social networks, and the feeling of wellness while out on-the-land). Thus, by participating in the on-the-land harvest programs, the Cree gained benefits beyond those solely related to strengthening food security and contributing in part to environmental sustainability. The Sharing-the-Harvest protocol has the potential to be adapted and employed by other Indigenous (or marginalized) groups worldwide, to help improve health and wellness, while, also protecting the environment from overabundant and/or invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J. S. Tsuji
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada;
| | - Stephen R. J. Tsuji
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada;
| | - Aleksandra M. Zuk
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada;
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Roger Davey
- Fort Albany First Nation, Fort Albany, ON P0L 1H0, Canada;
| | - Eric N. Liberda
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada;
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32
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A Denver Refugee Clinic Blood Lead Level Analysis in Refugee Females of Reproductive Age, 13-45 years, 2014-2019. J Immigr Minor Health 2020; 23:175-178. [PMID: 32761439 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01067-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to determine if refugee females of reproductive age (FRA) are at risk of having elevated blood lead levels (BLL). A retrospective quality improvement project conducted at a Denver community health center (9/2014-3/2019) evaluated BLLs from initial domestic medical examinations (DME) in 312 FRA refugees (13-45 years). Associations between elevated BLL and demographic factors were explored using multivariable regression analysis. Of 312 FRA refugees, BLLs ranged from < 2.0 to 26.2 mcg/dL, 5% had elevated BLLs. Of pregnant refugees (49), 4% had elevated BLLs. Afghani country of origin was positively associated with elevated BLLs, adjusting for age (FRA: Prevalence Ratio 6.90 [2.68-17.77], p < 0.0001). Afghani FRA refugees, irrespective of pregnancy and breast-feeding status, should have BLL testing at DME. Nationally representative evaluations of FRA refugees are needed to determine if BLL screening should be expanded to all FRA refugees, irrespective of pregnancy or breast-feeding status.
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33
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Rygiel CA, Dolinoy DC, Perng W, Jones TR, Solano M, Hu H, Téllez-Rojo MM, Peterson KE, Goodrich JM. Trimester-Specific Associations of Prenatal Lead Exposure With Infant Cord Blood DNA Methylation at Birth. Epigenet Insights 2020; 13:2516865720938669. [PMID: 32734142 PMCID: PMC7372614 DOI: 10.1177/2516865720938669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational exposure to lead (Pb) adversely impacts offspring health through
multiple mechanisms, one of which is the alteration of the epigenome including
DNA methylation. This study aims to identify differentially methylated CpG sites
associated with trimester-specific maternal Pb exposure in umbilical cord blood
(UCB) leukocytes. Eighty-nine mother-child dyads from the Early Life Exposure in
Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) longitudinal birth cohorts with
available UCB samples were selected for DNA methylation analysis via the
Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip, which quantifies methylation at >850 000
CpG sites. Maternal blood lead levels (BLLs) during each trimester (T1:
6.56 ± 5.35 µg/dL; T2: 5.93 ± 5.00 µg/dL; T3: 6.09 ± 4.51 µg/dL), bone Pb
(patella: 11.8 ± 9.25 µg/g; tibia: 11.8 ± 6.73 µg/g), a measure of cumulative Pb
exposure, and UCB Pb (4.86 ± 3.74 µg/dL) were measured. After quality control
screening, data from 786 024 CpG sites were used to identify differentially
methylated positions (DMPs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by Pb
biomarkers using separate linear regression models, controlling for sex and
estimated UCB cell-type proportions. We identified 3 DMPs associated with
maternal T1 BLL, 2 with T3 BLL, and 2 with tibia bone Pb. We identified one DMR
within PDGFRL associated with T1 BLL, one located at
chr6:30095136-30095295 with T3 BLL, and one within TRHR with
tibia bone Pb (adjusted P-value < .05). Pathway analysis
identified 15 overrepresented gene pathways for differential methylation that
overlapped among all 3 trimesters with the largest overlap between T1 and T2
(adjusted P-value < .05). Pathways of interest include nodal
signaling pathway and neurological system processes. These data provide evidence
for differential methylation by prenatal Pb exposure that may be
trimester-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Rygiel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wei Perng
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Tamara R Jones
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Howard Hu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Karen E Peterson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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