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Parlak M, Everest T, Tunçay T. Spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils around cement factory and health risk assessment: a case study of Canakkale-Ezine (NW Turkey). ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:5163-5179. [PMID: 37085738 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01578-9] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable use of agricultural land plays a crucial role in ensuring food security. For sustainable use of soils, it is very important to focus on the pollution status. This study was conducted on the soils in the northern part of the Ezine district in northwestern Turkey. The study aimed to determine the physicochemical properties of the soils in the vicinity of the cement plant, the concentrations of heavy metals, the spatial distribution of heavy metals, and their impact on the health of the local human population. Soil samples were collected from the cement plant in different directions (S,W, N, E, NE, SW) and at different distances (1, 3, 5, and 7 km) from 0-10 cm depth with three replicates. The soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH, electrical conductivity, lime, and heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The soils had different textures (loam, sandy clay loam, loam, sandy loam), slightly alkaline pH, low lime content, and moderate organic matter content. Except for Cd and Pb, the average values of the other heavy metals (Co = 1.18 < 19 mg kg-1,Cr = 50.92 < 90 mg kg-1, Cu = 31.21 < 45 mg kg-1, Fe = 16,007 < 47,200 mg kg-1, Mn = 499.68 < 850 mg kg-1, Ni = 41.17 < 68 mg kg-1, Zn = 50.91 < 95 mg kg-1) in the soils were below the normal background level. The heavy metal contents of the soils in the study area are influenced by various sources (geological structure, agrochemicals used in agricultural activities, and vehicle traffic). The prevailing wind direction did not influence the local distribution of heavy metals in soils in the study area. The health risk assessment model studies showed that the hazard quotient values of less than 1 for adults and children indicate that the noncarcinogenic risks were insignificant. People exposed to heavy metals in the soils of the study area contaminated from various sources for a long time could be at carcinogenic risk. Since Cr and Pb exceed the acceptable risk range in children and Cr exceeds the acceptable risk range in adults, geochemical monitoring of soils should be conducted periodically by authorized institutions in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Parlak
- Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Lapseki Vocational School, Canakkale, Turkey.
| | - Timuçin Everest
- Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Lapseki Vocational School, Canakkale, Turkey
| | - Tülay Tunçay
- Soil Fertilizer and Water Resources Central Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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Pang Q, Gu J, Wang H, Zhang Y. Global Health Impact of Atmospheric Mercury Emissions from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining. iScience 2022; 25:104881. [PMID: 36039300 PMCID: PMC9418800 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the leading source of mercury (Hg), a global neurotoxin. Past research has focused on the health impacts on miners and nearby residents; here, we estimate the risk for global general populations by employing a comprehensive atmosphere-land-ocean-ecosystem and exposure-risk-valuation model framework. Our results suggest that ASGM sources contribute 12%, 10%, and 0.63% to the atmospheric Hg deposition, plankton methylmercury concentrations, and soil total Hg concentrations at present day, respectively, and cause 5.8×105 points of intelligence quotient decrements and 1,430 deaths for global general populations per year. The monetized global health impact of ASGM ($154 billion) is 1.5 times its local impact and accounts for half of the total revenue of ASGM ($319 billion). A major spatial decoupling between the health impact and economic gains is also revealed, suggesting that intervention measures such as awareness-raising, capacity-building, and technology transfer funded by the Global North are cost-effective. Contributions of ASGM to MeHg concentrations in different organisms are calculated The global health impact of atmospheric Hg from ASGM is first revealed The health impacts and economic gains of ASGM are compared Intervention measures for ASGM are proved to be cost-effective
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Wang B, Chen M, Ding L, Zhao Y, Man Y, Feng L, Li P, Zhang L, Feng X. Fish, rice, and human hair mercury concentrations and health risks in typical Hg-contaminated areas and fish-rich areas, China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 154:106561. [PMID: 33895437 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) from consuming contaminated fish has been a major concern for decades. Besides, human MeHg exposure through rice consumption has been recently found to be important in some Asian countries. China is the largest country on mercury (Hg) production, consumption, and anthropogenic emission. However, the health risks of human Hg exposure are not fully understood. A total of 624 fish, 299 rice, and 994 human hair samples were collected from typical Hg-contaminated areas and major fish-rich areas to assess the health risks from human Hg exposure in China. Fish and rice samples showed relatively low Hg levels, except the rice in the Wanshan Hg mining area (WMMA). Human hair total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations were significantly elevated in WMMA, Zhoushan (ZS), Xiamen (XM), Qingdao (QD), and zinc smelting area (ZSA), and 85% of hair samples in WMMA, 62% in ZS, 40% in XM, 26% in QD, and 17% in ZSA had THg concentrations exceeding the limit set by the USEPA (1 μg/g). Rice consumption was the main pathway (>85%) for human MeHg exposure in the studied Hg-contaminated areas. Meanwhile, fish was the primary human MeHg exposure source (>85%) in coastal cities. Therefore, soil remediation in typical Hg-contaminated areas and scientific guidance for fish consumption in coastal provinces are urgently needed to reduce the health risks from human Hg exposure in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Min Chen
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Li Ding
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yuhang Zhao
- School of Resource and Environment, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yi Man
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Feng
- School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Air Quality Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Toronto M3H 5T4, Canada
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an 710061, China
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Di Ciaula A. Bioaccumulation of Toxic Metals in Children Exposed to Urban Pollution and to Cement Plant Emissions. EXPOSURE AND HEALTH 2021; 13:681-695. [PMID: 34189342 PMCID: PMC8229267 DOI: 10.1007/s12403-021-00412-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cement plants located in urban areas can increase health risk. Although children are particularly vulnerable, biomonitoring studies are lacking. Toenail concentration of 24 metals was measured in 366 children (6-10 years), who live and attend school in a city hosting a cement plant. Living addresses and schools were geocoded and attributed to exposed or control areas, according to modeled ground concentrations of PM10 generated by the cement plant. Air levels of PM10 and NO2 were monitored. PM10 levels were higher in the exposed, than in the control area. The highest mean PM10 concentration was recorded close to the cement plant. Conversely, the highest NO2 concentration was in the control area, where vehicular traffic and home heating were the prevalent sources of pollutants. Exposed children had higher concentrations of Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Arsenic (As) than controls. These concentrations correlated each other, indicating a common source. Toenail Barium (Ba) concentration was higher in the control- than in the exposed area. The location of the attended school was a predictor of Cd, Hg, Ni, Ba concentrations, after adjusting for confounders. In conclusion, children living and attending school in an urban area exposed to cement plant emissions show a chronic bioaccumulation of toxic metals, and a significant exposure to PM10 pollution. Cement plants located in populous urban areas seem therefore harmful, and primary prevention policies to protect children health are needed.
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Wang X, Li H, Yang L, Kong C, Wang J, Li Y. Selenium Nutritional Status of Rural Residents and Its Correlation with Dietary Intake Patterns in a Typical Low-Selenium Area in China. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123816. [PMID: 33322199 PMCID: PMC7764644 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
China is recognized as a selenium-deficient country, and nutritional selenium intake has always been a concern. To clarify the current inhabitants’ selenium nutrition status and the characteristics of dietary consumption in low-selenium areas, samples of human hair and grains were collected, and food frequency questionnaires were administered in Binxian County, Shaanxi Province, a typical low-selenium area in the Loess Plateau. The subject number of the study is 85, and the age range is from 11 to 81 years, with an average of 60. The results showed that the average hair selenium content of the residents was 231.7 μg/kg, and 62.4% of the participants had levels higher than the selenium deficiency threshold (200 μg/kg). There was a significant positive correlation between the hair selenium content and the food consumption score after adjusting for rice outsourcing. Three different dietary patterns were noted according to hierarchical cluster analysis. This study provides a tool for assessing the selenium nutrition of inhabitants in low-selenium areas and has considerable significance for improving the dietary pattern of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (X.W.); (L.Y.); (C.K.); (J.W.)
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hairong Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (X.W.); (L.Y.); (C.K.); (J.W.)
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-010-648-891-98
| | - Linsheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (X.W.); (L.Y.); (C.K.); (J.W.)
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chang Kong
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (X.W.); (L.Y.); (C.K.); (J.W.)
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (X.W.); (L.Y.); (C.K.); (J.W.)
- Key Laboratory for Geographical Process Analysis & Simulation, Research Institute of Sustainable Development, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yingchun Li
- Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Binxian County, Xianyang 713500, China;
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Čakmak D, Perović V, Kresović M, Pavlović D, Pavlović M, Mitrović M, Pavlović P. Sources and a Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Dust at Children's Playgrounds with Artificial Surfaces: A Case Study in Belgrade. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2020; 78:190-205. [PMID: 31901970 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-019-00702-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The focus of this research on children's playgrounds with artificial surfaces aimed to establish levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in dust, their origin, and impact on children at 15 playgrounds: 9 on school grounds and 6 on day nurseries in Belgrade (Serbia). Soil samples were taken from the immediate vicinity of the playgrounds to establish the origin of PTEs in the dust samples. Soil analyses revealed the lithogenic origin of Co, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn, As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn and the anthropogenic origin of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. However, in the dust samples, the origin of the elements was different with As, Co, Fe, and Mn originating from the surrounding soil; Cr and Ni levels affected by both atmospheric deposition and the surrounding soil; Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations impacted by atmospheric deposition; and Cu levels affected by factors of a local character. No noncancer risk was found for any of the individual elements investigated, nor for any of the playgrounds being studied, while a minimal cancer risk was found from As with values greater than 1E-6 at almost all the sites. Based on the results obtained for the spatial distribution of individual PTE levels, it was determined that the surrounding soil and atmospheric deposition have an almost equal impact on noncancer risk values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragan Čakmak
- Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković' - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Veljko Perović
- Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković' - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Kresović
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, Belgrade, 11080, Serbia
| | - Dragana Pavlović
- Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković' - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Marija Pavlović
- Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković' - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Miroslava Mitrović
- Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković' - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Pavle Pavlović
- Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković' - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
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Raffetti E, Treccani M, Donato F. Cement plant emissions and health effects in the general population: a systematic review. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 218:211-222. [PMID: 30471502 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.11.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Adverse health effects of cement plant exposure have been found in occupational contexts but are less defined for the general population living near plants. We aimed to summarize the evidence on the health effects of people exposed to ambient air pollution by cement plants. A systematic review using Embase, PubMed and Web of Science was performed. We included only non-occupational studies with a comparison group that focused on adverse health outcomes and biomarkers of internal dose or subclinical effect associated with cement plant exposure. Selection of articles was performed by two authors independently. Of 1491 articles identified by the initial search, 24 were included: 17 of them were included in the analysis of adverse health outcomes and 9 in the analysis of biomarkers of internal dose or subclinical effects. The studies were very heterogeneous in study design, measure of cement plant exposure, outcome detection, measure of association and adjustment for confounding. Almost all the studies found positive associations between cement plant exposure and respiratory diseases and symptoms. An excess risk of cancer incidence and mortality in both children and adults mainly concerning respiratory tract cancers was also reported in some studies. Higher values of heavy metals and of a biomarker of renal toxicity were found in the exposed compared to unexposed populations. In conclusion, there is some evidence for a possible role of cement plant exposure on health adverse effects, although many studies had serious or critical risk of bias and overall level of certainty was low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Raffetti
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
| | - Michele Treccani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Donato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Unit of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Italy
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Ametepey ST, Cobbina SJ, Akpabey FJ, Duwiejuah AB, Abuntori ZN. Health risk assessment and heavy metal contamination levels in vegetables from Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD CONTAMINATION 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s40550-018-0067-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Praveena SM, Aris AZ. Status, source identification, and health risks of potentially toxic element concentrations in road dust in a medium-sized city in a developing country. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:749-762. [PMID: 28929262 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-0021-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the status of potentially toxic element concentrations of road dust in a medium-sized city (Rawang, Malaysia). This study adopts source identification via enrichment factor, Pearson correlation analysis, and Fourier spectral analysis to identify sources of potentially toxic element concentrations in road dust in Rawang City, Malaysia. Health risk assessment was conducted to determine potential health risks (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks) among adults and children via multiple pathways (i.e., ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation). Mean of potentially toxic element concentrations were found in the order of Pb > Zn > Cr(IV) > Cu > Ni > Cd > As > Co. Source identification revealed that Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cr(IV) are associated with anthropogenic sources in industrial and highly populated areas in northern and southern Rawang, cement factories in southern Rawang, as well as the rapid development and population growth in northwestern Rawang, which have resulted in high traffic congestion. Cobalt, Fe, and As are related to geological background and lithologies in Rawang. Pathway orders for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation, involving adults and children. Non-carcinogenic health risks in adults were attributed to Cr(IV), Pb, and Cd, whereas Cu, Cd, Cr(IV), Pb, and Zn were found to have non-carcinogenic health risks for children. Cd, Cr(IV), Pb, and As may induce carcinogenic risks in adults and children, and the total lifetime cancer risk values exceeded incremental lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Praveena
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
| | - A Z Aris
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Schofield K. The Metal Neurotoxins: An Important Role in Current Human Neural Epidemics? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1511. [PMID: 29206191 PMCID: PMC5750929 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14121511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many published studies have illustrated that several of the present day neurological epidemics (autism, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer's) cannot be correlated to any single neurotoxicant. However, the present scientific examination of the numerous global blood monitoring databases for adults that include the concentrations of the neurotoxic elements, aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) clearly indicate that, when considered in combination, for some, the human body may become easily over-burdened. This can be explained by changes in modern lifestyles. Similar data, solely for pregnant women, have been examined confirming this. All these elements are seen to be present in the human body and at not insignificant magnitudes. Currently suggested minimum risk levels (MRL) for humans are discussed and listed together with averages of the reported distributions, together with their spread and maximum values. One observation is that many distributions for pregnant women are not too dissimilar from those of general populations. Women obviously have their individual baseline of neurotoxin values before pregnancy and any efforts to modify this to any significant degree is not yet clearly apparent. For any element, distribution shapes are reasonably similar showing broad distributions with extended tails with numerous outlier values. There are a certain fraction of people that lie well above the MRL values and may be at risk, especially if genetically susceptible. Additionally, synergistic effects between neurotoxins and with other trace metals are now also being reported. It appears prudent for women of child-bearing age to establish their baseline values well before pregnancy. Those at risk then can be better identified. Adequate instrumental testing now is commercially available for this. In addition, directives are necessary for vaccination programs to use only non-neurotoxic adjuvants, especially for young children and all women of child-bearing ages. Additionally, clearer directives concerning fish consumption must now be reappraised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Schofield
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-5121, USA.
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Daoud S, Sellami A, Bouassida M, Kebaili S, Ammar Keskes L, Rebai T, Chakroun Feki N. Routine assessment of occupational exposure and its relation to semen quality in infertile men: a cross-sectional study. Turk J Med Sci 2017; 47:902-907. [PMID: 28618741 DOI: 10.3906/sag-1605-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Concerns about the detrimental effects of occupational and environmental exposure on male reproductive function have been raised by reports of declining sperm quality over the last decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between altered semen parameters and exposure to occupational risk factors as assessed by questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study among a population of 2122 men who underwent andrological investigation for couple infertility. All participants were interviewed and their semen samples were analyzed. Information about medical history and occupational exposure was used to classify participants into exposed and unexposed groups. RESULTS Exposure to pesticides was associated with a significantly higher risk of asthenozoospermia (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.4) and necrozoospermia (OR = 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.7). Exposure to cement was found to be correlated with a higher risk of oligozoospermia (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.9-1.4). There was no association between semen impairment and exposure to solvents, excess heat, or mechanical vibrations. CONCLUSION We found an association between self-reported occupational exposure and altered semen parameters. These results support the usefulness of questionnaires for routine assessment and management of occupational exposures in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Daoud
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Afifa Sellami
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mehdi Bouassida
- Urology Department, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sahbi Kebaili
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Leila Ammar Keskes
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Tarek Rebai
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Nozha Chakroun Feki
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia
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Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Vegetable Species Planted in Contaminated Soils and the Health Risk Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13030289. [PMID: 26959043 PMCID: PMC4808952 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13030289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to investigate heavy metal accumulation in 22 vegetable species and to assess the human health risks of vegetable consumption. Six vegetable types were cultivated on farmland contaminated with heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, and As). The target hazard quotient (THQ) method was used to assess the human health risks posed by heavy metals through vegetable consumption. Clear differences were found in the concentrations of heavy metals in edible parts of the different vegetables. The concentrations of heavy metals decreased in the sequence as leafy vegetables > stalk vegetables/root vegetables/solanaceous vegetables > legume vegetables/melon vegetables. The ability of leafy vegetables to uptake and accumulate heavy metals was the highest, and that of melon vegetables was the lowest. This indicated that the low accumulators (melon vegetables) were suitable for being planted on contaminated soil, while the high accumulators (leafy vegetables) were unsuitable. In Shizhuyuan area, China, the total THQ values of adults and children through consumption of vegetables were 4.12 and 5.41, respectively, suggesting that the residents may be facing health risks due to vegetable consumption, and that children were vulnerable to the adverse effects of heavy metal ingestion.
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Chen Z, Li H, Yang L, Wang W, Li Y, Gong H, Guo M, Nima C, Zhao S, Wang J, Ye B, Danzeng S, Deji Y. Hair Selenium Levels of School Children in Kashin-Beck Disease Endemic Areas in Tibet, China. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 168:25-32. [PMID: 25910897 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0333-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the selenium (Se) deficiency is an important factor for the etiology of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD). Although KBD is presently controlled in most regions of China, it is still active in the Tibetan Plateau. The present study aimed to assess the nutritional status of selenium in school children by using the Se level in hair as a biomarker in KBD endemic areas of Lhasa in Tibet, China. Hair samples of 155 school children aged 6-15 years were collected in both KBD areas and non-KBD areas of Lhasa in 2013. The Se level in the hair samples was determined by inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average concentration of Se in children's hair was 0.232 μg/g in KBD areas of Lhasa, which was significantly higher than the data reported decades ago. A significant difference in hair Se was observed between the boys (0.255 μg/g) and the girls (0.222 μg/g) in the studied KBD areas (P < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U test), but hair Se did not vary by age or region. School children in KBD endemic areas in Lhasa likely have improved Se status as a result of high Se content staple food substitution with the enforcement of Free Education Policy and Nutrition Improvement Plan in Tibet. Nevertheless, there were still 20.3 % of students with low Se status (hair Se <0.20 μg/g), which showed that Se status of school children was also partly affected by low Se environment in KBD endemic areas of Lhasa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Hairong Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China.
| | - Linsheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Wuyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongqiang Gong
- Center for Endemic Diseases Control, Tibet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850000, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Guo
- Center for Endemic Diseases Control, Tibet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850000, People's Republic of China
| | - Cangjue Nima
- Center for Endemic Diseases Control, Tibet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengcheng Zhao
- Center for Endemic Diseases Control, Tibet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Bixiong Ye
- Institute for Environment Hygiene and Health Related Product Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Sangbu Danzeng
- Center for Endemic Diseases Control, Tibet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangzong Deji
- Center for Endemic Diseases Control, Tibet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lhasa, 850000, People's Republic of China
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