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Liao G, Weng X, Wang F, Yu YHK, Arrandale VH, Chan AHS, Lu S, Tse LA. Urinary metals and their associations with DNA oxidative damage among e-waste recycling workers in Hong Kong. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 284:116872. [PMID: 39146595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116872] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Recycling electronic waste (e-waste) poses risks of metal exposure, potentially leading to health impairments. However, no previous study has focused on this issue in Hong Kong. Therefore, from June 2021 to September 2022, this study collected urine samples from 101 e-waste workers and 100 office workers in Hong Kong to compare their urinary levels of metals using ICP-MS. Among the 15 included metals (with detection rates above the 70 % threshold), eight showed significantly higher urinary concentrations (unit: μg/g creatinine) in e-waste workers compared to office workers: Li (25.09 vs. 33.36), Mn (1.78 vs. 4.15), Ni (2.10 vs. 2.77), Cu (5.81 vs. 9.23), Zn (404.35 vs. 431.52), Sr (151.33 vs. 186.26), Tl (0.35 vs. 0.43), and Pb (0.69 vs. 1.16). E-waste workers in Hong Kong generally exhibited lower metal levels than those in developing regions but higher than their counterparts in developed areas. The urine level of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was determined by HPLC-MS/MS, and no significant difference was found between the two groups. Multiple linear regression models revealed no significant association between individual metal and urinary 8-OHdG concentrations. However, the metal mixture was identified to marginally elevate the 8-OHdG concentrations (1.12, 95 %CI: 0.04, 2.19) by quantile g‑computation models, with Mn and Cd playing significant roles in such effect. In conclusion, while the metal levels among Hong Kong e-waste workers compared favorably with their counterparts in other regions, their levels were higher than those of local office workers. This underscores the need for policymakers to prioritize attention to this unique industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengze Liao
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; The CUHK Centre for Public Health and Primary Care (Shenzhen) & Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueqiong Weng
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Feng Wang
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; The CUHK Centre for Public Health and Primary Care (Shenzhen) & Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | | | | | - Alan Hoi-Shou Chan
- Department of Systems Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shaoyou Lu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Lap Ah Tse
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; The CUHK Centre for Public Health and Primary Care (Shenzhen) & Shenzhen Municipal Key Laboratory for Health Risk Analysis, Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China; Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Luo KH, Tu HP, Chang HC, Yang CC, Weng WC, Chen TH, Yang CH, Chuang HY. Mediation analysis for TNF-α as a mediator between multiple metal exposure and kidney function. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 283:116837. [PMID: 39121655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116837] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The association between metal mixtures and kidney function has been reported. However, reports on the mechanism of metal toxicity were limited. Oxidative stress was reported as a possible cause. This study aimed to determine the association between of kidney function and metals, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), and to explore the possible mediating role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) between metal toxicity and kidney function. In this study, we recruited 421 adults from a health examination. The concentration of blood metals was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We used linear regression models to assess the association between metals and TNF-α. Then, mediation analysis was applied to investigate the relationship between metal exposure, TNF-α, and kidney function. In univariate linear regression, blood As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn levels significantly increased TNF-α and decreased kidney function. Higher blood As and Pb levels significantly increased TNF-α in multivariable linear regressions after adjusting for covariates. We found that blood levels of As (coefficients = -0.021, p = 0.011), Pb (coefficients = -0.060, p < 0.001), and Zn (coefficients = -0.230, p < 0.001) showed a significant negative association with eGFR in the multiple-metal model. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that TNF-α mediated 41.7 %, 38.8 %, and 20.8 % of blood Cd, As and Pb, respectively. Among the essential elements, TNF-α mediated 24.5 %, 21.5 % and 19.9 % in the effects of blood Co, Cu, and Zn on kidney function, respectively. TNF-α, acting as a mediator, accounted for 20.1 % of the contribution between the WQS score of metal mixtures and the eGFR (p < 0.001). This study suggested that TNF-α may be a persuasive pathway mediating the association between metals and kidney function. Inflammation and kidney injury could be the underlying mechanisms of metal exposure. However, there is still a need to clarify the biochemical mechanism in follow-up studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuei-Hau Luo
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medicine University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Pin Tu
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Huang-Chih Chang
- Divisions of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Cheng Yang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medicine University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan; Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 812, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun Weng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 802, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hua Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung 801, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hong Yang
- Department of Information Management, Tainan University of Technology, Tainan 71002, Taiwan; Department of Electronic Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 80778, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yi Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medicine University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan; Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medicine University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medicine University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Environmental and Occupational Medicine, College of Medicine, and Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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Kaifie A. Commentary on: Lead exposure by E-waste disposal and recycling in Agbogbloshie, Ghana by Püschel et al. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 259 (2024). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024:114445. [PMID: 39227242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- A Kaifie
- Institute and Outpatient Unit for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, Henkestrasse 9-11, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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Eze C, Vinken M. E-waste: mechanisms of toxicity and safety testing. FEBS Open Bio 2024. [PMID: 38987214 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13863] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, information on the toxicity profile of the majority of the identified e-waste chemicals, while extensive and growing, is admittedly fragmentary, particularly at the cellular and molecular levels. Furthermore, the toxicity of the chemical mixtures likely to be encountered by humans during and after informal e-waste recycling, as well as their underlying mechanisms of action, is largely unknown. This review paper summarizes state-of-the-art knowledge of the potential underlying toxicity mechanisms associated with e-waste exposures, with a focus on toxic responses connected to specific organs, organ systems, and overall effects on the organism. To overcome the complexities associated with assessing the possible adverse outcomes from exposure to chemicals, a growing number of new approach methodologies have emerged in recent years, with the long-term objective of providing a human-based and animal-free system that is scientifically superior to animal testing, more effective, and acceptable. This encompasses a variety of techniques, typically regarded as alternative approaches for determining chemical-induced toxicities and holds greater promise for a better understanding of key events in the metabolic pathways that mediate known adverse health outcomes in e-waste exposure scenarios. This is crucial to establishing accurate scientific knowledge on mixed e-waste chemical exposures in shorter time frames and with greater efficacy, as well as supporting the need for safe management of hazardous chemicals. The present review paper discusses important gaps in knowledge and shows promising directions for mechanistically anchored effect-based monitoring strategies that will contribute to the advancement of the methods currently used in characterizing and monitoring e-waste-impacted ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuebuka Eze
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Eckhardt B, Kaifie A. Bridging the knowledge gap! Health outcomes in informal e-waste workers. J Occup Med Toxicol 2024; 19:11. [PMID: 38622584 PMCID: PMC11017591 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-024-00410-z] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies analyzed the impact of e-waste recycling on human health, most publications did not differ between e-waste workers and bystanders, such as residents. This could lead to an underestimation of health effects in workers. In addition, frequently reported surrogate findings do not properly reflect clinical significant health outcomes. The aim of this review was to analyze the direct health effects of informal e-waste recycling in informal e-waste workers. METHODS According to PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched 3 databases (Embase®, PubMed®, Web of Science) for studies from low- and middle-income countries published in German or English between 1980 and 1 November 2021. Of the 2613 hits, 26 studies (cross-sectional, longitudinal and case-control studies) met the specified criteria and were included. We categorized the results into hormonal, respiratory, renal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal health and general symptoms in informal e-waste workers. RESULTS Exposure to e-waste was associated with altered lipid metabolism, thyroid hormonal imbalances, impaired fertility, renal dysfunction, increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, asthma, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, injuries in up to 89% and skin disorders in up to 87.5-100% of e-waste workers. CONCLUSION Due to inconsistent findings, weak associations or poor study quality, it has rarely been possible to establish a causal relationship between informal e-waste work and health effects, except for injuries or skin conditions. Besides high-quality studies, a collective national and international political focus on e-waste disposal is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béla Eckhardt
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Kaifie
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Institute and Outpatient Unit for Occupational Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
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Kumari H, Yadav S. A comparative study on metal pollution from surface dust of informal and formal e-waste recycling sectors in national capital region of New Delhi and associated risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166791. [PMID: 37678522 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166791] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is considered as resource and secondary source of metals, and is being recycled for recovery of precious and base metals. But the processes of recycling and the waste generated during e-waste recycling in informal and formal sectors contribute toxic metals in to the environment. This work aimed to compare the environmental and health impacts of informal and formal e-waste recycling facilities at New Delhi and Bhiwadi Industrial area in India, respectively. Here, concentrations of Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, Zn, and Ag, and As in surface dust collected from informal and formal recycling sectors and their associated pollution, human health and ecological risk are presented. Metal concentrations were higher than the background levels in both sectors. Contamination factor (Cf), contamination degree (Cdeg), pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EnF) of metals indicated severe pollution levels in both sectors. However, contamination in informal sector was comparatively higher than the formal sector. Sampling sites in both sectors had very high ecological risk. Storage, dismantling/shredding and recycling techniques were contributors of metals in surface dust in formal sector whereas fumes deposition, re-suspension, and dried by-products during acid bath treatments were additional sources in informal sector. Metal pollution depends on metal(s), e-waste type(s) and recycling sector(s). Total non-carcinogenic health risk due to metals was 6.5E+00 and 6.0E+01 and 6.2E+00 and 5.5E+01 in adult and children in informal and formal sectors, respectively. Total carcinogenic risk was 3.3E-03 and 7.2E-03 in informal and formal sectors, respectively. Ingestion was major pathways of metals followed by dermal and inhalation and children were more prone to risk compared to adults. Formal sectors too cause metal pollution but to lesser degree compared to informal. More effective pollution control measures are required in formal sector to control environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Kumari
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sudesh Yadav
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India.
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Shoukat A, Nurulain SM, Hussain S, Khan SA, Ahmed H, Muneer Z, Abbas Shah ST, Raza S, Eqani SAMS. Chronic exposure to electronic waste poses risk to liver toxicity with molecular interaction of GSTM1, GSTT1 null variants, and GSTP1. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122204. [PMID: 37453685 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122204] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to electronic waste (e-waste) is becoming a serious concern for health among individuals exposed to it. E-waste has been reported to contain heavy metals, trace elements, and persistent organic pollutants which can trigger health issues through different biological pathways. The liver is a major metabolic and detoxifying organ in the body. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a liver enzyme for phase II detoxification that catalyzes glutathione (GSH) conjugation with environmental pollutants. This research aimed to investigate the liver toxicity caused by long-term exposure to e-wastes, exploring the potential association with null variants of GSTT1 and GSTMI, as well as GSTP1. The study was designed as a cross-sectional investigation, in which 256 adult males who were chronically exposed to e-waste and 200 non-exposed control participants, matched for age and gender, were recruited randomly. Standard colorimetric and enzymatic methods were used to analyze biochemical parameters such as serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (T. Bil), albumin, and reduced glutathione. Genotypic analysis of the null variant GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genes was conducted by standard molecular methods. The study findings indicated a notable surge in ALP, ALT, and albumin levels while T. Bil and GSH levels showed a reduction, suggesting a potential risk of liver toxicity. Additionally, analysis of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 genotypes revealed a possible association with GSH levels and the hepatotoxicity risk. The study concluded that the individuals exposed to e-waste exhibited dysregulation of liver enzymes that results in liver toxicity. Moreover, analysis of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 at a molecular level revealed that these genes could potentially serve as risk factors for liver toxicity in e-waste chronic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneela Shoukat
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Park Road Tarlai, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Syed Muhammad Nurulain
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Park Road Tarlai, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan.
| | - Sabir Hussain
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Park Road Tarlai, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Sosan Andleeb Khan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Park Road Tarlai, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Hussain Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Park Road Tarlai, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Zahid Muneer
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Park Road Tarlai, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Syed Tahir Abbas Shah
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Park Road Tarlai, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
| | - Saqlain Raza
- Respiratory Care Department, College of Applied Medical Science in Jubail, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Jubail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Ali Musstjab Shah Eqani
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus, Park Road Tarlai, Islamabad, 45550, Pakistan
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Issah I, Arko-Mensah J, Agyekum TP, Dwomoh D, Fobil JN. Electronic waste exposure and DNA damage: a systematic review and meta-analysis. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:15-31. [PMID: 34727591 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Inappropriate processing and disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) expose workers and surrounding populations to hazardous chemicals, including clastogens and aneugens. Recently, considerable literature has grown around e-waste recycling, associated chemical exposures and intermediate health outcomes, including DNA damage. Micronuclei (MN) frequency has been widely used as a biomarker to investigate DNA damage in human populations exposed to genotoxic agents. We conducted a systematic review of published studies to assess DNA damage in e-waste-exposed populations and performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between e-waste exposure and DNA damage. METHODS This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement checklist. Articles published in English from January 2000 through December 2020 investigating the associations between e-waste exposure and DNA damage were retrieved from the following three major databases: MEDLINE, ProQuest, and Scopus. Studies that reported the use of MN assay as a biomarker of DNA damage were included for meta-analysis. Studies that also reported other DNA damage biomarkers such as chromosomal aberrations, comet assay biomarkers, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), telomere length, apoptosis rate were reported using narrative synthesis. RESULTS A total of 20 publications were included in this review, of which seven studies were within the occupational setting, and the remaining 13 studies were ecological studies. The review found six biomarkers of DNA damage (micronuclei, comets assay parameters (tail length, % tail DNA, tail moment, and olive tail moment), 8-OHdG, telomere length, apoptosis rate and chromosomal aberrations) which were assessed using seven different biological matrices (buccal cells, blood, umbilical cord blood, placenta, urine and semen). Most studies showed elevated levels of DNA damage biomarkers among e-waste exposed populations than in control populations. The most commonly used biomarkers were micronuclei frequency (n=9) in peripheral blood lymphocytes or buccal cells and 8-OHdG (n=7) in urine. The results of the meta-analysis showed that electronic waste recycling has contributed to an increased risk of DNA damage measured using MN frequency with a pooled estimate of the standardized mean difference (SMD) of 2.30 (95% CI: 1.36, 3.24, p<0.001) based on 865 participants. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, evidence from this systematic review with meta-analysis suggest that occupational and non-occupational exposure to e-waste processing is associated with increased risk of DNA damage measured through MN assay and other types of DNA damage biomarkers. However, more studies from other developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia are needed to confirm and increase these results' generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Issah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Thomas P Agyekum
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Duah Dwomoh
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - Julius N Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, Ghana
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Gomes WR, Devóz PP, Rocha BA, Grotto D, Serpeloni JM, Batista BL, Asimakopoulos AG, Kannan K, Barbosa Jr. F, Barcelos GRM. Association between Polymorphisms of Hemochromatosis (HFE), Blood Lead (Pb) Levels, and DNA Oxidative Damage in Battery Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3513. [PMID: 36834208 PMCID: PMC9967888 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043513] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to lead (Pb) continues to be a serious public health concern and may pose an elevated risk of genetic oxidative damage. In Brazil, car battery manufacturing and recycling factories represent a great source of Pb contamination, and there are no guidelines on how to properly protect workers from exposure or to dispose the process wastes. Previous studies have shown that Pb body burden is associated with genetic polymorphisms, which consequently may influence the toxicity of the metal. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of Pb exposure on DNA oxidative damage, as well as the modulation of hemochromatosis (HFE) polymorphisms on Pb body burden, and the toxicity of Pb, through the analysis of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), in subjects occupationally exposed to the metal. Male Pb-exposed workers (n = 236) from car battery manufacturing and recycling factories in Brazil participated in the study. Blood and plasma lead levels (BLL and PLL, respectively) were determined by ICP-MS and urinary 8-OHdG levels were measured by LC-MS/MS, and genotyping of HFE SNPs (rs1799945, C → G; and 1800562, G → A) was performed by TaqMan assays. Our data showed that carriers of at least one variant allele for HFE rs1799945 (CG + GG) tended to have higher PLL than those with the non-variant genotype (β = 0.34; p = 0.043); further, PLL was significantly correlated with the levels of urinary 8-OHdG (β = 0.19; p = 0.0060), while workers that carry the variant genotype for HFE rs1800562 (A-allele) showed a prominent increase in 8-OHdG, as a function of PLL (β = 0.78; p = 0.046). Taken together, our data suggest that HFE polymorphisms may modulate the Pb body burden and, consequently, the oxidative DNA damage induced by the metal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Robert Gomes
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Paula Pícoli Devóz
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Bruno Alves Rocha
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Denise Grotto
- University of Sorocaba, Rodovia Raposo Tavares, km 92.5, Sorocaba 18023-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana Mara Serpeloni
- Department of General Biology, State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, km 380, Londrina 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lemos Batista
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Santo André 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, D2-163, Gløshaugen, Høgskoleringen 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Bioactive Natural Products Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fernando Barbosa Jr.
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron Barcelos
- Department of Biosciences, Institute for Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua XV de Novembro, 195, Santos 11101-151, Brazil
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Issah I, Arko-Mensah J, Rozek LS, Zarins KR, Dwomoh D, Agyekum TP, Basu N, Batterman S, Robins TG, Fobil JN. Association between toxic and essential metals in blood and global DNA methylation among electronic waste workers in Agbogbloshie, Ghana. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:72946-72956. [PMID: 35614359 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20954-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant global DNA methylation status is a known biomarker for increased disease risk, especially cancer. There is little published data on the association between toxic and essential metal mixtures and global DNA methylation in electronic waste (e-waste) workers. We aimed to establish the association between toxic and essential metals in blood and the effect of their interactions on global DNA methylation among e-waste recyclers and a reference group in Ghana. We used ICP-MS to measure the level of five metals (Se, Zn, Mn, Cd, and Pb) in the blood of 100 e-waste workers and 51 controls. We quantified blood DNA methylation levels of LINE-1 as an indicator of global DNA methylation. Cd, Mn, and Se levels were significantly higher in the reference group than in e-waste workers. Only Pb was significantly higher in the e-waste workers compared to the controls. Our linear regression analysis results showed a significant inverse association between Zn and LINE-1 DNA methylation (βZn = - 0.912; 95% CI, - 1.512, - 0.306; p = 0.003) which corresponds to a 0.009 decrease in %LINE-1 methylation (95% CI, - 0.015, - 0.003; p = 0.003) for a 1% increase in Zn concentration. Potential interactions between Cd and Zn on global DNA methylation were observed. In summary, co-exposure to toxic and essential metals is associated with global (LINE-1) DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Issah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - John Arko-Mensah
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Laura S Rozek
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Katie R Zarins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Duah Dwomoh
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Thomas P Agyekum
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Thomas G Robins
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Julius N Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Frazzoli C, Ruggieri F, Battistini B, Orisakwe OE, Igbo JK, Bocca B. E-WASTE threatens health: The scientific solution adopts the one health strategy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113227. [PMID: 35378120 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The aggressively extractive advanced technology industry thrives on intensive use of non-renewable resources and hyper-consumeristic culture. The environmental impact of its exponential growth means extreme mining, hazardous labour practices including child labour, and exposure burden to inorganic and organic hazardous chemicals for the environment and current and future human generations. Globally, processes such as in-country reduce, reuse and recycle have so far received less attention than outer-circle strategies like the uncontrolled dumping of e-waste in countries that are unprotected by regulatory frameworks. Here, in the absence of infrastructures for sound hazardous e-waste management, the crude recycling, open burning and dumping into landfills of e-waste severely expose people, animal and the environment. Along with economic, political, social, and cultural solutions to the e-waste global problem, the scientific approach based on risk analysis encompassing risk assessment, risk management and risk communication can foster a technical support to resist transgenerational e-waste exposure and health inequalities. This paper presents the latest public health strategies based on the use of integrated human and animal biomonitoring and appropriate biomarkers to assess and manage the risk of e-waste embracing the One Health approach. Advantages and challenges of integrated biomonitoring are described, along with ad-hoc biomarkers of exposure, effect and susceptibility with special focus on metals and metalloids. Indeed, the safe and sustainable management of novel technologies will benefit of the integration and coordination of human and animal biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Frazzoli
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Ageing, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Ruggieri
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Battistini
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Orish E Orisakwe
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria; African Centre of Excellence, Centre for Public Health and Toxicological Research, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
| | | | - Beatrice Bocca
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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Work Task Association with Lead Urine and Blood Concentrations in Informal Electronic Waste Recyclers in Thailand and Chile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010580. [PMID: 34682326 PMCID: PMC8535566 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The informal recycling of electronic waste ("e-waste") is a lucrative business for workers in low- and middle-income countries across the globe. Workers dismantle e-waste to recover valuable materials that can be sold for income. However, workers expose themselves and the surrounding environment to hazardous agents during the process, including toxic metals like lead (Pb). To assess which tools, tasks, and job characteristics result in higher concentrations of urine and blood lead levels among workers, ten random samples of 2 min video clips were analyzed per participant from video recordings of workers at e-waste recycling sites in Thailand and Chile to enumerate potential predictors of lead burden. Blood and urine samples were collected from participants to measure lead concentration. Boosted regression trees (BRTs) were run to determine the relative importance of video-derived work variables and demographics, and their relationship with the urine and blood concentrations. Of 45 variables considered, five job characteristics consisting of close-toed shoes (relative importance of 43.9%), the use of blunt striking instruments (14%), bending the back (5.7%), dismantling random parts (4.4%), and bending the neck (3.5%) were observed to be the most important predictors of urinary Pb levels. A further five job characteristics, including lifting objects <20 lbs. (6.2%), the use of screwdrivers (4.2%), the use of pliers/scissors (4.2%), repetitive arm motion (3.3%), and lifting objects >20 pounds (3.2%) were observed to be among the most important factors of blood Pb levels. Overall, our findings indicate ten job characteristics that may strongly influence Pb levels in e-waste recycling workers' urine and blood.
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13
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Gade M, Comfort N, Re DB. Sex-specific neurotoxic effects of heavy metal pollutants: Epidemiological, experimental evidence and candidate mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111558. [PMID: 34224706 PMCID: PMC8478794 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The heavy metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and are known to exert severe adverse impacts on the nervous system even at low concentrations. In contrast, the heavy metal manganese (Mn) is first and foremost an essential nutrient, but it becomes neurotoxic at high levels. Neurotoxic metals also include the less prevalent metalloid arsenic (As) which is found in excessive concentrations in drinking water and food sources in many regions of the world. Males and females often differ in how they respond to environmental exposures and adverse effects on their nervous systems are no exception. Here, we review the different types of sex-specific neurotoxic effects, such as cognitive and motor impairments, that have been attributed to Pb, Hg, Mn, Cd, and As exposure throughout the life course in epidemiological as well as in experimental toxicological studies. We also discuss differential vulnerability to these metals such as distinctions in behaviors and occupations across the sexes. Finally, we explore the different mechanisms hypothesized to account for sex-based differential susceptibility including hormonal, genetic, metabolic, anatomical, neurochemical, and epigenetic perturbations. An understanding of the sex-specific effects of environmental heavy metal neurotoxicity can aid in the development of more efficient systematic approaches in risk assessment and better exposure mitigation strategies with regard to sex-linked susceptibilities and vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meethila Gade
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Comfort
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diane B Re
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; NIEHS Center of Northern Manhattan, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Motor Neuron Center for Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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