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Daniel M, Ish JL, Madrigal JM, Chang CJ, Lawrence KG, Fisher JA, Levine KE, Trottier BA, Jones RR, Sandler DP, White AJ. Residential proximity to toxic metal-emitting industrial sites and toenail metal concentrations in a United States-wide prospective cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 258:119466. [PMID: 38908662 PMCID: PMC11323170 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Industrial facilities across the United States (US) release millions of pounds of toxic chemicals, including metals. Exposure to toxic metals has been associated with adverse health outcomes, but there is limited evidence on the association between living near metal-releasing facilities and the body burden of emitted compounds. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between residential proximity to toxic metal-emitting industrial facilities and toenail metal concentrations and to evaluate whether associations differed by race. METHODS In a sample of 1556 non-Hispanic Black (32.5%) and non-Hispanic White (67.5%) women from the Sister Study, we used the US Environmental Protection Agency Toxics Release Inventory to identify metal-emitting facilities within 3, 5, and 10 km of participants' baseline residences. We measured toenail concentrations (μg/g) of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, and lead. Using multivariable linear regression, we examined associations between residential proximity to and emissions from metal-emitting facilities and toenail metal concentrations, stratifying by race. We explored modification of race-stratified associations by neighborhood deprivation, using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). RESULTS Black participants were more likely to reside within 3 km of chromium-releasing facilities and 5 and 10 km of all observed metal-emitting sites. Living near metal-releasing facilities was not associated with higher toenail metal concentrations overall. Among Black women, higher chromium emissions exposure was associated with higher toenail chromium levels (βTertile3vs.non-exposed = 2.36 μg/g, 95% CI = 0.63, 4.10). An association with lead was observed among Black women residing in the most deprived areas (≥75th ADI percentile: β = 3.08 μg/g, 95% CI = 1.46, 4.71). No associations were observed for White participants. CONCLUSIONS Despite low exposure prevalence, our findings suggest that living near chromium- and lead-releasing facilities, especially at shorter distances, may be associated with higher corresponding toenail metal levels among Black women, particularly those residing in the most disadvantaged areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meklit Daniel
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer L Ish
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jessica M Madrigal
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Che-Jung Chang
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kaitlyn G Lawrence
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jared A Fisher
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Keith E Levine
- Center for Analytical Sciences, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Brittany A Trottier
- Hazardous Substances Research Branch, Division of Extramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rena R Jones
- Occupational & Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra J White
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research and Training, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Barton KE, Anthamatten PJ, Adgate JL, McKenzie LM, Starling AP, Berg K, Murphy RC, Richardson K. A data-driven approach to identifying PFAS water sampling priorities in Colorado, United States. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00705-7. [PMID: 39090285 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00705-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of environmentally and biologically persistent chemicals, have been used across many industries since the middle of the 20th century. Some PFAS have been linked to adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to incorporate known and potential PFAS sources, physical characteristics of the environment, and existing PFAS water sampling results into a PFAS risk prediction map that may be used to develop a PFAS water sampling prioritization plan for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). METHODS We used random forest classification to develop a predictive surface of potential groundwater contamination from two PFAS, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). The model predicted PFAS risk at locations without sampling data into one of three risk categories after being "trained" with existing PFAS water sampling data. We used prediction results, variable importance ranking, and population characteristics to develop recommendations for sampling prioritization. RESULTS Sensitivity and precision ranged from 58% to 90% in the final models, depending on the risk category. The model and prioritization approach identified private wells in specific census blocks, as well as schools, mobile home parks, and public water systems that rely on groundwater as priority sampling locations. We also identified data gaps including areas of the state with limited sampling and potential source types that need further investigation. IMPACT STATEMENT This work uses random forest classification to predict the risk of groundwater contamination from two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the state of Colorado, United States. We developed the prediction model using data on known and potential PFAS sources and physical characteristics of the environment, and "trained" the model using existing PFAS water sampling results. This data-driven approach identifies opportunities for PFAS water sampling prioritization as well as information gaps that, if filled, could improve model predictions. This work provides decision-makers information to effectively use limited resources towards protection of populations most susceptible to the impacts of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Barton
- Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Denver, CO, USA.
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Peter J Anthamatten
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lisa M McKenzie
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne P Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kevin Berg
- Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Robert C Murphy
- Source Water Assessment & Protection Program, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kristy Richardson
- Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office, Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Denver, CO, USA
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3
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Eiser AR. Environmental, Metabolic, and Nutritional Factors Concerning Dementia in African American and Hispanic American Populations. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00402-9. [PMID: 38942346 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
African Americans and Hispanic Americans experience a higher incidence and prevalence of dementia than white Americans while also experiencing more environmental, metabolic, and nutritional factors potentially promoting such disparities. Greater exposure to air, water, and soil pollutants, including toxic metals associated with neurodegeneration, accrues in both minorities, as does worse dental care than Whites exposing them to periodontitis, raising dementia risk. Hispanic Americans experience greater occupational exposure to herbicides and pesticides, and have a higher rate of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), predisposing to dementia. African Americans have a greater likelihood of both vitamin D deficiency and magnesium deficiency, increasing neuroinflammation and dementia risk. Both have greater air pollution exposure, a known dementia risk. Nutritional changes, including greater nut consumption and reduced sugar drink consumption, improved dental care, and reduced toxicant exposure, may help reduce this higher risk of dementia among African Americans and Hispanic Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold R Eiser
- Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
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4
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Tomlinson MM, Pugh F, Nail AN, Newton JD, Udoh K, Abraham S, Kavalukas S, Guinn B, Tamimi RM, Laden F, Iyer HS, States JC, Ruther M, Ellis CT, DuPré NC. Heavy-metal associated breast cancer and colorectal cancer hot spots and their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Cancer Causes Control 2024:10.1007/s10552-024-01894-0. [PMID: 38916703 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-024-01894-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer registries offer an avenue to identify cancer clusters across large populations and efficiently examine potential environmental harms affecting cancer. The role of known metal carcinogens (i.e., cadmium, arsenic, nickel, chromium(VI)) in breast and colorectal carcinogenesis is largely unknown. Historically marginalized communities are disproportionately exposed to metals, which could explain cancer disparities. We examined area-based metal exposures and odds of residing in breast and colorectal cancer hotspots utilizing state tumor registry data and described the characteristics of those living in heavy metal-associated cancer hotspots. METHODS Breast and colorectal cancer hotspots were mapped across Kentucky, and area-based ambient metal exposure to cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and chromium(VI) were extracted from the 2014 National Air Toxics Assessment for Kentucky census tracts. Among colorectal cancer (n = 56,598) and female breast cancer (n = 77,637) diagnoses in Kentucky, we used logistic regression models to estimate Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals to examine the association between ambient metal concentrations and odds of residing in cancer hotspots, independent of individual-level and neighborhood risk factors. RESULTS Higher ambient metal exposures were associated with higher odds of residing in breast and colorectal cancer hotspots. Populations in breast and colorectal cancer hotspots were disproportionately Black and had markers of lower socioeconomic status. Furthermore, adjusting for age, race, tobacco and neighborhood factors did not significantly change cancer hotspot ORs for ambient metal exposures analyzed. CONCLUSION Ambient metal exposures contribute to higher cancer rates in certain geographic areas that are largely composed of marginalized populations. Individual-level assessments of metal exposures and cancer disparities are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline M Tomlinson
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, 485 E Gray St, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Felicia Pugh
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, 485 E Gray St, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, Center for Health Equity, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Alexandra N Nail
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Johnnie D Newton
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, 485 E Gray St, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Karen Udoh
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Stephie Abraham
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, 485 E Gray St, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Sandy Kavalukas
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Brian Guinn
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, 485 E Gray St, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Rulla M Tamimi
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francine Laden
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hari S Iyer
- Section of Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - J Christopher States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Matthew Ruther
- Department of Urban and Public Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - C Tyler Ellis
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Natalie C DuPré
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, 485 E Gray St, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Ebrahimi M, Ebrahimi M, Vergroesen JE, Aschner M, Sillanpää M. Environmental exposures to cadmium and lead as potential causes of eye diseases. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 82:127358. [PMID: 38113800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to cadmium and lead in various regions of the world daily due to industrial development and climate change. Increasing numbers of preclinical and clinical studies indicate that heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead, play a role in the pathogenesis of eye diseases. Excessive exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can increase the risk of impaired vision. Therefore, it is essential to better characterize the role of these non-essential metals in disease etiology and progression. This article discusses the potential role of cadmium and lead in the development of age-related eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Furthermore, we discuss how cadmium and lead affect ocular cells and provide an overview of putative pathological mechanisms associated with their propensity to damage the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Ebrahimi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Ebrahimi
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Joëlle E Vergroesen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 17011, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa; International Research Centre of Nanotechnology for Himalayan Sustainability (IRCNHS), Shoolini University, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India; Zhejiang Rongsheng Environmental Protection Paper Co. LTD, NO.588 East Zhennan Road, Pinghu Economic Development Zone, Zhejiang 314213, PR China; Department of Civil Engineering, University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
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Freedman AN, Roell K, Engwall E, Bulka C, Kuban KCK, Herring L, Mills CA, Parsons PJ, Galusha A, O’Shea TM, Fry RC. Prenatal Metal Exposure Alters the Placental Proteome in a Sex-Dependent Manner in Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns: Links to Gestational Age. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14977. [PMID: 37834424 PMCID: PMC10573797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to toxic metals is associated with altered placental function and adverse infant and child health outcomes. Adverse outcomes include those that are observed at the time of birth, such as low birthweight, as well as those that arise later in life, such as neurological impairment. It is often the case that these adverse outcomes show sex-specific responses in relation to toxicant exposures. While the precise molecular mechanisms linking in utero toxic metal exposures with later-in-life health are unknown, placental inflammation is posited to play a critical role. Here, we sought to understand whether in utero metal exposure is associated with alterations in the expression of the placental proteome by identifying metal associated proteins (MAPs). Within the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns (ELGAN) cohort (n = 230), placental and umbilical cord tissue samples were collected at birth. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) concentrations were measured in umbilical cord tissue samples via ICP-MS/MS. Protein expression was examined in placental samples using an LC-MS/MS-based, global, untargeted proteomics analysis measuring more than 3400 proteins. MAPs were then evaluated for associations with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including placental weight and gestational age. We hypothesized that metal levels would be positively associated with the altered expression of inflammation/immune-associated pathways and that sex-specific patterns of metal-associated placental protein expression would be observed. Sex-specific analyses identified 89 unique MAPs expressed in female placentas and 41 unique MAPs expressed in male placentas. Notably, many of the female-associated MAPs are known to be involved in immune-related processes, while the male-associated MAPs are associated with intracellular transport and cell localization. Further, several MAPs were significantly associated with gestational age in males and females and placental weight in males. These data highlight the linkage between prenatal metal exposure and an altered placental proteome, with implications for altering the trajectory of fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia N. Freedman
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.N.F.); (E.E.)
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Kyle Roell
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Eiona Engwall
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.N.F.); (E.E.)
| | - Catherine Bulka
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Karl C. K. Kuban
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Laura Herring
- UNC Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (L.H.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Christina A. Mills
- UNC Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (L.H.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Patrick J. Parsons
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA; (P.J.P.); (A.G.)
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12222, USA
| | - Aubrey Galusha
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA; (P.J.P.); (A.G.)
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12222, USA
| | - Thomas Michael O’Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.N.F.); (E.E.)
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Lin JJ, Werder E, Lawrence KG, Jackson WB, Sandler DP, Dickerson AS, Engel LS, Rule AM. Residential proximity to metal emitting industries and toenail metal concentration in the US Gulf States. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3210942. [PMID: 37609314 PMCID: PMC10441474 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3210942/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective The US Gulf region is heavily reliant on metal-emitting petrochemical and manufacturing industries. We characterized the effect of residential proximity to metal-emitting sites and metal body burden in Gulf states residents with particular attention to potential differential exposure burden by race. Methods We measured toenail concentrations of arsenic, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 413 non-smoking men from the Gulf Long-term Follow-Up Study. Point sources of industrial metal emissions were identified using the US EPA's National Emissions Inventory (NEI) database and geocoded to participant residential addresses. For each metal, we assessed associations of toenail metal concentrations with the inverse-distance weighted number of emissions sites and volume of air-metal emissions within 30 km radial buffers of participant residences using multivariable linear regression. Results were stratified by race. Results Compared to self-identified Non-Hispanic (NH) White participants, NH Black participants lived closer to NEI sites but had 23-70% lower toenail metal concentrations adjusting for other personal/behavioral factors. Residential proximity to lead-emitting NEI sites was positively associated with toenail Pb concentration while proximity to mercury-emitting NEI sites was inversely associated with toenail Hg concentration. Findings for lead were significantly attenuated after adjustment for neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors. Conclusion Residential proximity to lead-emitting NEI sites in the US Gulf region is associated with a higher body burden of lead. However, this relationship may be driven in part by non-NEI factors related to residence in industry-adjacent neighborhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Jy Lin
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Emily Werder
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory of Pharmacology and Chemistry: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
| | | | | | | | | | - Lawrence S Engel
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health
| | - Ana M Rule
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Gladieux M, Gimness N, Rodriguez B, Liu J. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Environmental Exposures on Neurocognitive Outcomes in Children: Empirical Evidence, Potential Mechanisms, and Implications. TOXICS 2023; 11:259. [PMID: 36977024 PMCID: PMC10055754 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to examine the current literature regarding the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and environmental exposures. Specifically, the paper will focus on how this relationship between ACEs and physical environmental factors impacts the neurocognitive development of children. With a comprehensive literary search focusing on ACEs, inclusive of socioeconomic status (SES), and environmental toxins common in urban environments, the paper explores how these factors contribute to cognitive outcomes that are associated with the environment and childhood nurturing. The relationship between ACEs and environmental exposures reveals adverse outcomes in children's neurocognitive development. These cognitive outcomes include learning disabilities, lowered IQ, memory and attention problems, and overall poor educational outcomes. Additionally, potential mechanisms of environmental exposures and children's neurocognitive outcomes are explored, referencing data from animal studies and evidence from brain imaging studies. This study further analyzes the current gaps in the literature, such as the lack of data focusing on exposure to environmental toxicants resulting from experiencing ACEs and discusses the research and social policy implications of ACEs and environmental exposure in the neurocognitive development of children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jianghong Liu
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Smith AR, Lin PID, Rifas-Shiman SL, Wright RO, Coull B, Hivert MF, Hubbard A, Oken E, Cardenas A. Associations of Prenatal First Trimester Essential and Nonessential Metal Mixtures with Body Size and Adiposity in Childhood. Epidemiology 2023; 34:80-89. [PMID: 36455248 PMCID: PMC9720697 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal nonessential metals may contribute to postnatal adiposity, whereas essential metals may have metabolic benefits. We evaluated joint and individual associations between prenatal metals and childhood adiposity. METHODS We measured concentrations of six nonessential (arsenic, barium, cadmium, cesium, lead, and mercury) and four essential (magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc) metals in first trimester maternal blood from a prebirth cohort. We collected anthropometric measures in early childhood, mid-childhood, and early adolescence including subscapular+tricep skinfold thickness (mm) (N = 715-859), waist circumference (cm) (N = 717-882), and body mass index (BMI) (z-score) (N = 716-875). We measured adiposity in mid-childhood and early adolescence using bone densitometry total- and trunk- fat mass index (kg/m 2 ) (N = 511-599). We estimated associations using adjusted quantile g-computation and linear regression. RESULTS The nonessential metal mixture was associated with higher total (β = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.12) and trunk fat mass index (β = 0.12, CI = 0.02, 0.22), waist circumference (β = 0.01, CI = 0.00, 0.01), and BMI (β = 0.24, CI = 0.07, 0.41) in mid-childhood, and total fat mass index (β = 0.07, CI = 0.01, 0.14), and BMI (β = 0.19, CI = 0.02, 0.37) in early adolescence. The essential metal mixture was associated with lower early adolescence total-(β = -0.11, CI = -0.17, -0.04) and trunk- fat mass index (β = -0.13, CI = -0.21, -0.05), subscapular+tricep skinfold thickness (β = -0.02, CI = -0.03, -0.00), waist circumference (β = -0.003, CI = -0.01, -0.00), and BMI (β = -0.16, CI = -0.28, -0.04). Cadmium and cesium were individually associated with childhood adiposity at different timepoints. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal first-trimester essential metals were associated with lower childhood adiposity, whereas nonessential metals were associated with higher adiposity into adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R. Smith
- From the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - 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, Massachusetts
| | - 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, Massachusetts
| | - Robert O. Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York
| | - Brent Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - 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, Massachusetts
- Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alan Hubbard
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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Nigra AE, Cazacu-De Luca A, Navas-Acien A. Socioeconomic vulnerability and public water arsenic concentrations across the US. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 313:120113. [PMID: 36084737 PMCID: PMC9811132 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic is a known human carcinogen and is routinely detected in US community water systems (CWSs). Inequalities in CWS arsenic exist across broad sociodemographic subgroups. Our objective was to evaluate the county-level association between socioeconomic vulnerability and CWS arsenic concentrations across the US. We evaluated previously developed, population-weighted CWS arsenic concentrations (2006-2011) and three socioeconomic domains (the proportion of adults with a high school diploma, median household income, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's overall socioeconomic vulnerability score) for 2,604 conterminous US counties. We used spatial lag models and evaluated the adjusted geometric mean ratio (GMR) of CWS arsenic concentrations per higher socioeconomic domain score corresponding to the interquartile range, and also evaluated flexible quadratic spline models. We also stratified by region and by United States Department of Agriculture Rural-Urban Continuum Codes to assess potential effect measure modification by region and rurality. Associations between socioeconomic vulnerability and CWS arsenic were modified by region and rurality and specific to socioeconomic domain. The fully adjusted GMR (95% CIs) of CWS arsenic per interquartile range higher proportion of adults with a high school education was 0.83 (0.71, 0.98) in the Southwest (corresponding to 17% lower arsenic with higher education), 0.82 (0.71, 0.94) in the Eastern Midwest (18% lower), and 0.65 (0.31, 1.36) in New England (35% lower). Associations between median household income and CWS arsenic were largely null. Higher overall socioeconomic vulnerability was significantly associated with lower CWS arsenic, but only in counties in the Central Midwest and those with total populations less than 20,000. Findings may reflect regional/local differences in both socioeconomic/socio-cultural context and public drinking water regulatory efforts. Across the US, individual domains of socioeconomic vulnerability (especially educational attainment) are more strongly associated with inequalities in CWS arsenic than the complex overall socioeconomic vulnerability index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Nigra
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, 11th Floor Rm 1107A, New York, 10032, NY, USA.
| | - Adina Cazacu-De Luca
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, 11th Floor Rm 1107A, New York, 10032, NY, USA
| | - Ana Navas-Acien
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th St, 11th Floor Rm 1107A, New York, 10032, NY, USA
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Quist AJL, Van Horne YO, Farzan SF, Johnston JE. Metal Exposures in Residents Living Near an Urban Oil Drilling Site in Los Angeles, California. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15981-15989. [PMID: 36288551 PMCID: PMC9670842 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04926] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Urban environmental justice communities are potentially exposed to multiple toxic metals, through contaminated air, soil, water, and food. However, information on metals and their sources is lacking. This study uses non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) in a community-based participatory research study to identify potential sources and to understand how these metals cluster in a population near an urban oil drilling site. We recruited 203 Latinx, Black, and Asian residents who lived within 1 km of an oil drilling site in south Los Angeles and collected toenail clippings to assess exposure to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and antimony (Sb). Using NMF, we identified three clusters based on concentrations in the participants' toenails. As, Cd, Pb, and Sb grouped together, indicative of an industrial source. A second grouping was composed of Ni and Mn, which may be related to oil drilling. We also identified a third source factor predominantly driven by Hg and As, which may arise from dietary sources. Utilizing NMF, a dimension reduction method, we identified a source factor high in Ni and Mn in residents living in a neighborhood near an active oil drilling site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbor J. L. Quist
- Department of Population
and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, California90032, United States
| | - Yoshira Ornelas Van Horne
- Department of Population
and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, California90032, United States
| | - Shohreh F. Farzan
- Department of Population
and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, California90032, United States
| | - Jill E. Johnston
- Department of Population
and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1845 N Soto St, Los Angeles, California90032, United States
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Community Perspectives and Environmental Justice Issues in an Unincorporated Black Township. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127490. [PMID: 35742740 PMCID: PMC9223367 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Through each era, the southeastern United States was and continues to be an epicenter for industrial companies to establish factories and plants. Though this development attracts economic gain for the companies and surrounding areas, low-income and predominantly Black communities bear the brunt of the environmental consequences while frequently remaining stagnant economically. This qualitative, community-based participatory research study grew out of a larger study designed to recruit lay community advisors from communities labeled as hard to reach in research. We focus on Holt, Alabama, an unincorporated community in the southeastern United States region. The primary goal of this research inquiry is to thematically analyze community interviews stemming from a topic of research, practice, and policy interest to community members: the effects of industrial pollution on Holt citizens’ daily lives. Content analysis of focus-group transcripts revealed four emergent themes, including: (1) how the pollution affects their water, soil, and air quality; (2) illness related to pollution; (3) community engagement and empowerment; and (4) suggestions regarding what government officials could do to address this area of need. Building upon the prior research regarding environmental justice, human flourishing, and the definition of nurturing environments, suggestions are made regarding the creation, implementation, and maintenance of project advisory councils focused on issues of environmental justice. Community advocacy and empowerment as well as community and scientific partnerships are imperative to alleviate problems associated with environmental justice.
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