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Liczbińska G, Antosik S, Brabec M, Tomczyk AM. Ambient temperature-related sex ratio at birth in historical urban populations: the example of the city of Poznań, 1848-1900. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14001. [PMID: 38890431 PMCID: PMC11189407 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64799-7] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examines whether exposure to ambient temperature in nineteenth-century urban space affected the ratio of boys to girls at birth. Furthermore, we investigate the details of temperature effects timing upon sex ratio at birth. The research included 66,009 individual births, aggregated in subsequent months of births for the years 1847-1900, i.e. 33,922 boys and 32,087 girls. The statistical modelling of the probability of a girl being born is based on logistic GAM with penalized splines and automatically selected complexity. Our research emphasizes the significant effect of temperature in the year of conception: the higher the temperature was, the smaller probability of a girl being born was observed. There were also several significant temperature lags before conception and during pregnancy. Our findings indicate that in the past, ambient temperature, similar to psychological stress, hunger, malnutrition, and social and economic factors, influenced the viability of a foetus. Research on the effects of climate on the sex ratio in historical populations may allow for a better understanding of the relationship between environmental factors and reproduction, especially concerning historical populations since due to some cultural limitations, they were more prone to stronger environmental stressors than currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grażyna Liczbińska
- Institute of Human Biology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Szymon Antosik
- Doctoral School of Humanities, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Brabec
- Department of Statistical Modelling, Institute of Computer Science, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biostatistics, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Arkadiusz M Tomczyk
- Department of Meteorology and Climatology, Faculty of Geographic and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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Rekha S, Nalini SJ, Bhuvana S, Kanmani S, Hirst JE, Venugopal V. Heat stress and adverse pregnancy outcome: Prospective cohort study. BJOG 2024; 131:612-622. [PMID: 37814395 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between occupational heat exposure, physiological heat strain indicators and adverse outcomes in pregnant women. DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING Workplaces in Tamil Nadu, India. SAMPLE A cohort of 800 pregnant women engaged in moderate to heavy physical work in 2017-2019 and 2021-2022. METHODS Participants were recruited at between 8 and 14 weeks of gestation. Occupational heat exposure and heat strain indicators were captured each trimester. 'Heat exposed' was defined as heat stress exceeding the threshold limit value (TLV) for safe manual work (with maximum wet-bulb globe temperatures of 27.5°C for a heavy workload and 28.0°C for a moderate workload). Physiological heat strain indicators (HSIs) such as core body temperature (CBT) and urine specific gravity (USG) were measured before and after each shift. Heat-related health symptoms were captured using the modified HOTHAPS questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures included (1) a composite measure of any adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) during pregnancy (including miscarriage, preterm birth, low birthweight, stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction and birth defects), (2) a composite measure of adverse outcomes at birth (3) and miscarriage. RESULTS Of the 800 participants, 47.3% had high occupational heat exposure. A rise in CBT was recorded in 17.4% of exposed workers, and 29.6% of workers experienced moderate dehydration (USG ≥ 1.020). Heat-exposed women had a doubled risk of miscarriage (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.0-5.7). High occupational heat exposure was associated with an increased risk of any adverse pregnancy and foetal outcome (aOR 2.3; 95% CI 1.4-3.8) and adverse outcome at birth (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3). CONCLUSIONS High occupational heat exposure is associated with HSIs and adverse pregnancy outcomes in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmugam Rekha
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Sirala Jagadeesh Nalini
- Faculty of Nursing, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Srinivasan Bhuvana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Sellappa Kanmani
- Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Jane Elizabeth Hirst
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health and George Institute for Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Vidhya Venugopal
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
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3
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Stalwick JA, Ratelle M, Gurney KEB, Drysdale M, Lazarescu C, Comte J, Laird B, Skinner K. Sources of exposure to lead in Arctic and subarctic regions: a scoping review. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2208810. [PMID: 37196187 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2208810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding lead exposure pathways is a priority because of its ubiquitous presence in the environment as well as the potential health risks. We aimed to identify potential lead sources and pathways of lead exposure, including long-range transport, and the magnitude of exposure in Arctic and subarctic communities. A scoping review strategy and screening approach was used to search literature from January 2000 to December 2020. A total of 228 academic and grey literature references were synthesised. The majority of these studies (54%) were from Canada. Indigenous people in Arctic and subarctic communities in Canada had higher levels of lead than the rest of Canada. The majority of studies in all Arctic countries reported at least some individuals above the level of concern. Lead levels were influenced by a number of factors including using lead ammunition to harvest traditional food and living in close proximity to mines. Lead levels in water, soil, and sediment were generally low. Literature showed the possibility of long-range transport via migratory birds. Household lead sources included lead-based paint, dust, or tap water. This literature review will help to inform management strategies for communities, researchers, and governments, with the aim of decreasing lead exposure in northern regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn A Stalwick
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mylène Ratelle
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Kirsty E B Gurney
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mallory Drysdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Calin Lazarescu
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Jérôme Comte
- Institut National de Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Eau Terre Environnement Centre, Québec, Canada
| | - Brian Laird
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Kelly Skinner
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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4
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Rekha S, Nalini SJ, Bhuvana S, Kanmani S, Vidhya V. A Comprehensive Review on Hot Ambient Temperature and its Impacts on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. JOURNAL OF MOTHER AND CHILD 2023; 27:10-20. [PMID: 37368943 PMCID: PMC10298495 DOI: 10.34763/jmotherandchild.20232701.d-22-00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High workplace/ambient temperatures have been associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (APO). Millions of women working in developing nations suffer due to the rising temperatures caused by climate change. There are few pieces of research linking occupational heat stress to APO, and fresh evidence is required. METHODOLOGY We used databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct to search for research on high ambient/workplace temperatures and their effects. Original articles, newsletters, and book chapters were examined. The literature we analysed was categorised as follows: Heat, strain, and physical activity harming both mother and fetus. After categorising the literature, it was examined to identify the major results. RESULTS We found a definite association between heat stress and APOs such as miscarriages, premature birth, stillbirth, low birthweight, and congenital abnormalities in 23 research articles. Our work provides important information for future research into the biological mechanisms that create APOs and various prevention measures. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that temperature has long-term and short-term effects on maternal and fetal health. Though small in number, this study stressed the need for bigger cohort studies in tropical developing countries to create evidence for coordinated policies to safeguard pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanmugam Rekha
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sirala Jagadeesh Nalini
- Faculty of Nursing, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srinivasan Bhuvana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S. Kanmani
- Centre for Environmental Studies, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Venugopal Vidhya
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Jurgilevich A, Käyhkö J, Räsänen A, Pörsti S, Lagström H, Käyhkö J, Juhola S. Factors influencing vulnerability to climate change-related health impacts in cities - A conceptual framework. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 173:107837. [PMID: 36921561 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate change will have adverse impacts on human health, which are amplified in cities. For these impacts, there are direct, indirect, and deferred pathways. The first category is well-studied, while indirect and deferred impacts are not well-understood. Moreover, the factors moderating the impacts have received little attention, although understanding these factors is critical for adaptation. We developed a conceptual framework that shows the pathways of climate impacts on human health, focusing specifically on the factors of urban environment moderating the emergence and severity of these health impacts. Based on the framework and literature review, we illustrate the mechanisms of direct, indirect, and deferred health impact occurrence and the factors that exacerbate or alleviate the severity of these impacts, thus presenting valuable insights for anticipatory adaptation. We conclude that an integrated systemic approach to preventing health risks from climate change can provide co-benefits for adaptation and address multiple health risks. Such an approach should be mainstreamed horizontally to all sectors of urban planning and should account for the spatiotemporal aspects of policy and planning decisions and city complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janina Käyhkö
- University of Helsinki, Environment and Ecosystems Research Programme, Finland
| | | | | | - Hanna Lagström
- University of Turku, Centre for Population Health Research and Turku University Hospital, Finland
| | - Jukka Käyhkö
- University of Turku, Department of Geography and Geology, Finland
| | - Sirkku Juhola
- University of Helsinki, Environment and Ecosystems Research Programme, Finland
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6
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Abdelzaher H, Tawfik SM, Nour A, Abdelkader S, Elbalkiny ST, Abdelkader M, Abbas WA, Abdelnaser A. Climate change, human health, and the exposome: Utilizing OMIC technologies to navigate an era of uncertainty. Front Public Health 2022; 10:973000. [PMID: 36211706 PMCID: PMC9533016 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.973000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is an anthropogenic phenomenon that is alarming scientists and non-scientists alike. The emission of greenhouse gases is causing the temperature of the earth to rise and this increase is accompanied by a multitude of climate change-induced environmental exposures with potential health impacts. Tracking human exposure has been a major research interest of scientists worldwide. This has led to the development of exposome studies that examine internal and external individual exposures over their lifetime and correlate them to health. The monitoring of health has also benefited from significant technological advances in the field of "omics" technologies that analyze physiological changes on the nucleic acid, protein, and metabolism levels, among others. In this review, we discuss various climate change-induced environmental exposures and their potential health implications. We also highlight the potential integration of the technological advancements in the fields of exposome tracking, climate monitoring, and omics technologies shedding light on important questions that need to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
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7
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Akgun N, Misirligil S, Yegin GF, Keskin HL, Yavuz AF. Do Meteorological Variations and Climate Changes Affect Hyperemesis
Gravidarum? Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2022; 226:304-310. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1808-1800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background To estimate a possible association between the effects of daily
meteorological variation and climatological changes (temperature, air pressure,
humidity, sunniness level) on pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
according to symptoms grade and hospitalization state.
Methods A retrospective study was conducted with 118 patients diagnosed
and hospitalized with HG. HG patients were graded as mild, moderate, or severe
according to the Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE-24) scale. Data
regarding demographic characteristics, PUQE scale value, gestational week on
hospitalization, hospital admission and discharge dates, weather conditions,
daily meteorological values during hospitalization ( temperature, air pressure,
humidity, sunniness level), seasonal averages, and daily changes were recorded.
Weather records were obtained from the Ankara Meteorology General Directorate
(Ankara, Turkey). Differences between groups were compared according to HG
grade.
Results HG cases were classified as mild (33.1%), moderate
(44.9%), or severe (22.0%). The number of hospitalization days
significantly differed between these three groups (p<0.05). In contrast,
no statistically significant differences were identified between the HG grade
level groups in regard to humidity, pressure, temperature, and sunniness level
data (p>0.05). In addition, no statistically significant relationship
was identified between HG grades and seasonal conditions according to the
chi-square test (p>0.05).
Conclusion Changes in the meteorological and climate values examined were
independent of symptom severity and hospitalization rate for our HG patients.
However, it is possible that climate changes occurring around the world may
affect the pregnancy period and should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilufer Akgun
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanım Gynecology
Training and Research Hospital , Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Gülin Feykan Yegin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital,
Ankara, Turkey
| | - H. Levent Keskin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital,
Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayse Filiz Yavuz
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara,
Turkey
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Vanoli J, Coull BA, Ettinger de Cuba S, Fabian PM, Carnes F, Massaro MA, Poblacion A, Bellocco R, Kloog I, Schwartz J, Laden F, Zanobetti A. Postnatal exposure to PM 2.5 and weight trajectories in early childhood. Environ Epidemiol 2022; 6:e181. [PMID: 35169661 PMCID: PMC8835545 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inconsistent evidence has assessed the impact of air pollution exposure on children's growth trajectories. We investigated the role of 90-day average postnatal fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposures by estimating the magnitude of effects at different ages, and the change in child weight trajectory by categories of exposure. METHODS We obtained weight values from electronic health records at each hospital visit (males = 1859, females = 1601) from birth to 6 years old children recruited into the Boston-based Children's HealthWatch cohort (2009-2014). We applied mixed models, adjusting for individual and maternal confounders using (1) varying-coefficient models allowing for smooth non-linear interaction between age and PM2.5, (2) factor-smooth interaction between age and PM2.5 quartiles. Additionally, we stratified by sex and low birthweight (LBW) status (≤2500 g). RESULTS Using varying-coefficient models, we found that PM2.5 significantly modified the association between age and weight in males, with a positive association in children younger than 3 years and a negative association afterwards. In boys, for each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 we found a 2.6% increase (95% confidence interval = 0.8, 4.6) in weight at 1 year of age and a -0.6% (95% confidence interval = -3.9, 2.9) at 5 years. We found similar but smaller changes in females, and no differences comparing growth trajectories across quartiles of PM2.5. Most of the effects were in LBW children and null for normal birthweight children. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that medium-term postnatal PM2.5 may modify weight trajectories nonlinearly in young children, and that LBW babies are more susceptible than normal-weight infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Vanoli
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, Universita degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Brent A. Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Patricia M. Fabian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fei Carnes
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marisa A. Massaro
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ana Poblacion
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rino Bellocco
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, Universita degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Itai Kloog
- Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Francine Laden
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Antonella Zanobetti
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Hardhantyo M, Chuang YC. Impact of the Sister Hospital Program on Maternal Mortality and Neonatal Mortality in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, Indonesia. J Trop Pediatr 2020; 66:487-494. [PMID: 32030431 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmaa002] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The province of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) in the eastern part of Indonesia is known for high maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) and neonatal mortality eates (NMRs). Sister Hospital is a multicenter program, which aims to lower MMRs and NMRs in the deprived areas of Indonesia by providing comprehensive emergency services for maternal and newborn care. In this study, we evaluated the impact of the Sister Hospital program on MMRs and NMRs in 2009-17. We used linear mixed-effects models to analyze the program's effects. Study results suggested that in general, the Sister Hospital program reduced MMRs by 1.14/100 000 live births after adjusting for other sociodemographic factors. This study also found that the program effects varied by island, and the highest reduction in MMRs, were found on Sumba Island in which the log of MMRs decreased from 2.23 in 2009 to 2.01 in 2017. However, no effects on NMR outcomes by the program were found. These findings suggest that the Sister Hospital program can be a practical solution for lowering MMRs in rural Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hardhantyo
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan.,Faculty of Health Science, College of Health Science, Universitas Respati Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Jl. Laksda Adisucipto, Ambarukmo, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Ying-Chih Chuang
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
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10
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Bank-Nielsen PI, Long M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Pregnant Inuit Women's Exposure to Metals and Association with Fetal Growth Outcomes: ACCEPT 2010⁻2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1171. [PMID: 30939809 PMCID: PMC6479494 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants such as heavy metals are transported to the Arctic regions via atmospheric and ocean currents and enter the Arctic food web. Exposure is an important risk factor for health and can lead to increased risk of a variety of diseases. This study investigated the association between pregnant women's levels of heavy and essential metals and the birth outcomes of the newborn child. This cross-sectional study is part of the ACCEPT birth cohort (Adaption to Climate Change, Environmental Pollution, and dietary Transition) and included 509 pregnant Inuit women ≥18 years of age. Data were collected in five Greenlandic regions during 2010⁻2015. Population characteristics and birth outcomes were obtained from medical records and midwives, respectively, and blood samples were analyzed for 13 metals. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, Spearman's rho, and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. The proportion of current smokers was 35.8%. The levels of cadmium, chromium, and nickel were higher compared to reported normal ranges. Significant regional differences were observed for several metals, smoking, and parity. Cadmium and copper were significantly inversely related to birth outcomes. Heavy metals in maternal blood can adversely influence fetal development and growth in a dose⁻response relationship. Diet and lifestyle factors are important sources of toxic heavy metals and deviant levels of essential metals. The high frequency of smokers in early pregnancy is of concern, and prenatal exposure to heavy metals and other environmental contaminants in the Greenlandic Inuit needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per I. Bank-Nielsen
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (P.I.B.-N.); (M.L.)
| | - Manhai Long
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (P.I.B.-N.); (M.L.)
| | - Eva C. Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (P.I.B.-N.); (M.L.)
- Greenland Center for Health Research, University of Greenland, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
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11
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Belmonte LJ, Ottosen LM, Kirkelund GM, Jensen PE, Vestbø AP. Screening of heavy metal containing waste types for use as raw material in Arctic clay-based bricks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32831-32843. [PMID: 27832436 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-8040-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In the vulnerable Arctic environment, the impact of especially hazardous wastes can have severe consequences and the reduction and safe handling of these waste types are therefore an important issue. In this study, two groups of heavy metal containing particulate waste materials, municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly and bottom ashes and mine tailings (i.e., residues from the mineral resource industry) from Greenland were screened in order to determine their suitability as secondary resources in clay-based brick production. Small clay discs, containing 20 or 40% of the different particulate waste materials, were fired and material properties and heavy metal leaching tests were conducted before and after firing. Remediation techniques (washing in distilled water and electrodialytical treatment) applied to the fly ash reduced leaching before firing. The mine tailings and bottom ash brick discs obtained satisfactory densities (1669-2007 kg/m3) and open porosities (27.9-39.9%). In contrast, the fly ash brick discs had low densities (1313-1578 kg/m3) and high open porosities (42.1-51. %). However, leaching tests on crushed brick discs revealed that heavy metals generally became more available after firing for all the investigated materials and that further optimisation is therefore necessary prior to incorporation in bricks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Josefine Belmonte
- Arctic Technology Centre, DTU Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth M Ottosen
- Arctic Technology Centre, DTU Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Gunvor Marie Kirkelund
- Arctic Technology Centre, DTU Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Erland Jensen
- Arctic Technology Centre, DTU Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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12
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Heat Exposure and Maternal Health in the Face of Climate Change. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14080853. [PMID: 28758917 PMCID: PMC5580557 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14080853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Climate change will increasingly affect the health of vulnerable populations, including maternal and fetal health. This systematic review aims to identify recent literature that investigates increasing heat and extreme temperatures on pregnancy outcomes globally. We identify common research findings in order to create a comprehensive understanding of how immediate effects will be sustained in the next generation. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guide, we systematically reviewed articles from PubMed and Cochrane Reviews. We included articles that identify climate change-related exposures and adverse health effects for pregnant women. There is evidence that temperature extremes adversely impact birth outcomes, including, but not limited to: changes in length of gestation, birth weight, stillbirth, and neonatal stress in unusually hot temperature exposures. The studies included in this review indicate that not only is there a need for further research on the ways that climate change, and heat in particular, may affect maternal health and neonatal outcomes, but that uniform standards for assessing the effects of heat on maternal fetal health also need to be established.
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Environmental pollutants and lifestyle factors induce oxidative stress and poor prenatal development. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 29:17-31. [PMID: 24813750 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Developmental toxicity caused by exposure to a mixture of environmental pollutants has become a major health concern. Human-made chemicals, including xenoestrogens, pesticides and heavy metals, as well as unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, mainly tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and medical drug abuse, are major factors that adversely influence prenatal development and increase susceptibility of offspring to diseases. There is evidence to suggest that the developmental toxicological mechanisms of chemicals and lifestyle factors involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular oxidative damage. Overproduction of ROS induces oxidative stress, a state where increased ROS generation overwhelms antioxidant protection and subsequently leads to oxidative damage of cellular macromolecules. Data on the involvement of oxidative stress in the mechanism of developmental toxicity following exposure to environmental pollutants are reviewed in an attempt to provide an updated basis for future studies on the toxic effect of such pollutants, particularly the notion of increased risk for developmental toxicity due to combined and cumulative exposure to various environmental pollutants. The aims of such studies are to better understand the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants adversely affect conceptus development and to elucidate the impact of cumulative exposures to multiple pollutants on post-natal development and health outcomes. Developmental toxicity caused by exposure to mixture of environmental pollutants has become a major health concern. Human-made chemicals, including xenoestrogens, pesticides and heavy metals, as well as unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, mainly tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and medical drug abuse, are major factors that adversely influence prenatal development and increase the susceptibility of offspring to development complications and diseases. There is evidence to suggest that the developmental toxicological mechanisms of human-made chemicals and unhealthy lifestyle factors involve the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular oxidative damage. Overproduction of ROS induces oxidative stress, a state where increased generation of ROS overwhelms antioxidant protection and subsequently leads to oxidative damage of cellular macromolecules. Exposure to various environmental pollutants induces synergic and cumulative dose-additive adverse effects on prenatal development, pregnancy outcomes and neonate health. Data from the literature on the involvement of oxidative stress in the mechanism of developmental toxicity following in vivo exposure to environmental pollutants will be reviewed in an attempt to provide an updated basis for future studies on the toxic effect of such pollutants, particularly the notion of increased risk for developmental toxicity due to combined and cumulative exposure to various environmental pollutants. The aims of such studies are to better understand the mechanisms by which environmental pollutants adversely affect conceptus development and to elucidate the impact of cumulative exposures to multiple pollutants on postnatal development and health outcomes.
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Rylander C, Odland JØ, Sandanger TM. Climate change and the potential effects on maternal and pregnancy outcomes: an assessment of the most vulnerable--the mother, fetus, and newborn child. Glob Health Action 2013; 6:19538. [PMID: 23481091 PMCID: PMC3595418 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v6i0.19538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented a large amount of evidence about global warming and the impact of human activities on global climate change. The Lancet Commission have identified a number of ways in which climate change can influence human health: lack of food and safe drinking water, poor sanitation, population migration, changing disease patterns and morbidity, more frequent extreme weather events, and lack of shelter. Pregnant women, the developing fetus, and young children are considered the most vulnerable members of our species and are already marginalized in many countries. Therefore, they may have increased sensitivity to the effects of climate change. Published literature in the fields of climate change, human health, tropical diseases, and direct heat exposure were assessed through the regular search engines. This article demonstrates that climate change will increase the risk of infant and maternal mortality, birth complications, and poorer reproductive health, especially in tropical, developing countries. Thus, climate change will have a substantial impact on the health and survival of the next generation among already challenged populations. There is limited knowledge regarding which regions will be most heavily affected. Research efforts are therefore required to identify the most vulnerable populations, fill knowledge gaps, and coordinate efforts to reduce negative health consequences. The effects of malnutrition, infectious diseases, environmental problems, and direct heat exposure on maternal health outcomes will lead to severe health risks for mothers and children. Increased focus on antenatal care is recommended to prevent worsening maternal health and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Interventions to reduce the negative health impacts caused by climate change are also crucial. Every effort should be made to develop and maintain good antenatal care during extreme life conditions as a result of climate change.
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Rylander C, Odland JØ, Sandanger TM. Climate change and environmental impacts on maternal and newborn health with focus on Arctic populations. Glob Health Action 2011; 4:GHA-4-8452. [PMID: 22084626 PMCID: PMC3213927 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v4i0.8452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented a report on global warming and the impact of human activities on global warming. Later the Lancet commission identified six ways human health could be affected. Among these were not environmental factors which are also believed to be important for human health. In this paper we therefore focus on environmental factors, climate change and the predicted effects on maternal and newborn health. Arctic issues are discussed specifically considering their exposure and sensitivity to long range transported contaminants. METHODS Considering that the different parts of pregnancy are particularly sensitive time periods for the effects of environmental exposure, this review focuses on the impacts on maternal and newborn health. Environmental stressors known to affects human health and how these will change with the predicted climate change are addressed. Air pollution and food security are crucial issues for the pregnant population in a changing climate, especially indoor climate and food security in Arctic areas. RESULTS The total number of environmental factors is today responsible for a large number of the global deaths, especially in young children. Climate change will most likely lead to an increase in this number. Exposure to the different environmental stressors especially air pollution will in most parts of the world increase with climate change, even though some areas might face lower exposure. Populations at risk today are believed to be most heavily affected. As for the persistent organic pollutants a warming climate leads to a remobilisation and a possible increase in food chain exposure in the Arctic and thus increased risk for Arctic populations. This is especially the case for mercury. The perspective for the next generations will be closely connected to the expected temperature changes; changes in housing conditions; changes in exposure patterns; predicted increased exposure to Mercury because of increased emissions and increased biological availability. CONCLUSIONS A number of environmental stressors are predicted to increase with climate change and increasingly affecting human health. Efforts should be put on reducing risk for the next generation, thus global politics and research effort should focus on maternal and newborn health.
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