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Mergler D, Philibert A, Fillion M, Da Silva J. The Contribution across Three Generations of Mercury Exposure to Attempted Suicide among Children and Youth in Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada: An Intergenerational Analysis. Environ Health Perspect 2023; 131:77001. [PMID: 37466317 PMCID: PMC10355150 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For 60 y, the people of Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) have endured the effects of massive mercury (Hg) contamination of their river system, central to their traditions, culture, livelihood, and diet. In the years following the Hg discharge into the English-Wabigoon River system by a chloralkali plant in the early 1970s, there was a dramatic increase in youth suicides. Several authors attributed this increase solely to social disruption caused by the disaster. OBJECTIVE This research examined the possible contribution of Hg exposure across three generations on attempted suicides among today's children (5-11 y old) and youth (12-17 y old), using a matrilineal intergenerational paradigm. METHODS Information from the 2016-2017 Grassy Narrows Community Health Assessment (GN-CHA) survey was merged with Hg biomonitoring data from government surveillance programs (1970-1997). Data from 162 children/youth (5-17 years of age), whose mothers (n=80) had provided information on themselves, their parents, and children, were retained for analyses. Direct and indirect indicators of Hg exposure included a) grandfather had worked as a fishing guide, and b) mother's measured and estimated umbilical cord blood and childhood hair Hg and her fish consumption during pregnancy with this child. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine significant links from grandparents (G0) to mothers' exposure and mental health (G1) and children/youth (G2) risk for attempted suicide. RESULTS Mothers' (G1) median age was 33 y, 86.3% of grandmothers (G0) had lived in Grassy Narrows territory during their pregnancy, and 52.5% of grandfathers (G0) had worked as fishing guides. Sixty percent of children (G2) were <12 years of age. Mothers reported that among teenagers (G2: 12-17 years of age), 41.2% of girls and 10.7% of boys had ever attempted suicide. The SEM suggested two pathways that significantly linked grandparents (G0) to children's (G2) attempted suicides: a) through mothers' (G1) prenatal and childhood Hg exposure and psychological distress, and b) through maternal fish consumption during pregnancy (G1/G2), which is an important contributor to children's emotional state and behavior. DISCUSSION Despite minimal individual information on G0 and G1 past life experiences, the findings support the hypothesis that Hg exposure over three generations contributes to the mental health of today's children and youth. The prevalence of Grassy Narrows youth ever having attempted suicide is three times that of other First Nations in Canada. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11301.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Mergler
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Aline Philibert
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Myriam Fillion
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TÉLUQ, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Judy Da Silva
- Grassy Narrows First Nation, Grassy Narrows, Ontario, Canada
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Tousignant B, Chatillon A, Philibert A, Da Silva J, Fillion M, Mergler D. Visual Characteristics of Adults with Long-Standing History of Dietary Exposure to Mercury in Grassy Narrows First Nation, Canada. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:4827. [PMID: 36981736 PMCID: PMC10049103 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1960s, Grassy Narrows First Nation (Ontario, Canada) has been exposed to methyl mercury (Hg) through fish consumption, resulting from industrial pollution of their territorial waters. This cross-sectional study describes the visual characteristics of adults with documented Hg exposure between 1970 and 1997. Oculo-visual examinations of 80 community members included visual acuity, automated visual fields, optical coherence tomography [OCT], color vision and contrast sensitivity. Median age was 57 years (IQR 51-63) and 55% of participants were women. Median visual acuity was 0.1 logMAR (Snellen 6/6.4; IQR 0-0.2). A total of 26% of participants presented a Visual Field Index inferior to 62%, and qualitative losses assessment showed concentric constriction (18%), end-stage concentric loss (18%), and complex defects (24%). On OCT, retinal nerve fiber layer scans showed 74% of participants within normal/green range. For color testing with the Hardy, Rand, and Rittler test, 40% presented at least one type of color defect, and with the Lanthony D-15 test, median color confusion index was 1.59 (IQR 1.33-1.96). Contrast sensitivity showed moderate loss for 83% of participants. These findings demonstrate important loss of visual field, color vision, and contrast sensitivity in older adults in a context of long-term exposure to Hg in Grassy Narrows First Nation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Tousignant
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, 3744 Jean-Brillant, Montreal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Annie Chatillon
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, 3744 Jean-Brillant, Montreal, QC H3T 1P1, Canada
| | - Aline Philibert
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur le Bien-être, la Santé, la Société et L’environnement (Cinbiose), Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Judy Da Silva
- Grassy Narrows First Nation, General Delivery, Grassy Narrows, ON P0X 1B0, Canada
| | - Myriam Fillion
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur le Bien-être, la Santé, la Société et L’environnement (Cinbiose), Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TÉLUQ, 5800, Rue Saint-Denis, Bureau 1105, Montréal, QC H2S 3L5, Canada
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur le Bien-être, la Santé, la Société et L’environnement (Cinbiose), Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
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Landrigan P, Bose-O'Reilly S, Elbel J, Nordberg G, Lucchini R, Bartrem C, Grandjean P, Mergler D, Moyo D, Nemery B, von Braun M, Nowak D. Reducing disease and death from Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) - the urgent need for responsible mining in the context of growing global demand for minerals and metals for climate change mitigation. Environ Health 2022; 21:78. [PMID: 36028832 PMCID: PMC9412790 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00877-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) takes place under extreme conditions with a lack of occupational health and safety. As the demand for metals is increasing due in part to their extensive use in 'green technologies' for climate change mitigation, the negative environmental and occupational consequences of mining practices are disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries. The Collegium Ramazzini statement on ASM presents updated information on its neglected health hazards that include multiple toxic hazards, most notably mercury, lead, cyanide, arsenic, cadmium, and cobalt, as well as physical hazards, most notably airborne dust and noise, and the high risk of infectious diseases. These hazards affect both miners and mining communities as working and living spaces are rarely separated. The impact on children and women is often severe, including hazardous exposures during the child-bearing age and pregnancies, and the risk of child labor. We suggest strategies for the mitigation of these hazards and classify those according to primordial, primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Further, we identify knowledge gaps and issue recommendations for international, national, and local governments, metal purchasers, and employers are given. With this statement, the Collegium Ramazzini calls for the extension of efforts to minimize all hazards that confront ASM miners and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Landrigan
- Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good, Global Observatory on Planetary Health, Boston College, Boston, USA.
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco City, Monaco.
| | - Stephan Bose-O'Reilly
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Elbel
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gunnar Nordberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Roberto Lucchini
- Institute of Occupational Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Casey Bartrem
- TerraGraphics International Foundation, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health, Wellbeing, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dingani Moyo
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Occupational Health Division, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Margrit von Braun
- TerraGraphics International Foundation, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
- Environmental Science Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Carvalho CF, Santos-Lima C, Souza-Marques B, de Mendonça Filho EJ, Lorenzo RG, França RJAF, Araújo-Dos-Santos B, Veloso TJ, Rodrigues JLG, Araújo CFS, Dos Santos NR, Bandeira MJ, Anjos ALS, Mergler D, Abreu N, Menezes-Filho JA. Executive functions in school-aged children exposed to airborne manganese: A multilevel analysis. Environ Res 2022; 210:112940. [PMID: 35182597 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychological alterations have been identified in populations heavily exposed to metals with neurotoxic potential, such as manganese (Mn). This study examined the associations between Mn environmental exposure in school-aged children and executive functions, using structural equation modeling. Children, aged between 7 and 12 years (N = 181), were recruited from four elementary schools located in a region that is under the influence of atmospheric emissions from a ferro-manganese alloy plant in the municipality of Simões Filho, Bahia, Brazil. The following cognitive functions were evaluated: Intelligence, Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, Verbal and Design Fluency, Verbal and Visual Working Memory and Attention. We performed structural equation modeling to identify the following executive functions latent variables: working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. We further analyzed the relations between executive functions and Mn measured in hair (MnH) and toenails (MnTn) with linear mixed models, after controlling for co-variables. A positive effect at the individual level on working memory, inhibition control and cognitive flexibility was observed with MnTn after controlling for co-variables, but no association was found with MnH levels. However, children attending school most environmentally exposed to Mn emissions, which had the highest rate of Mn dust deposition, had the poorest scores on working memory. These findings suggest both benefits and risk of Mn on children's cognitive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrissie F Carvalho
- Laboratório de Neuropsicologia Cognitiva e Escolar, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil; Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychological Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Cassio Santos-Lima
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychological Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Breno Souza-Marques
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychological Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Medicine and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo G Lorenzo
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychological Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo J A F França
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychological Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca Araújo-Dos-Santos
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychological Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Tainã J Veloso
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychological Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Juliana L G Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Cecília F S Araújo
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Nathália R Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Matheus J Bandeira
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura S Anjos
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur la Biologie, la Santé, la Société et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec a Montreal, Canada
| | - Neander Abreu
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychological Research Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - José A Menezes-Filho
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
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Philibert A, Fillion M, Da Silva J, Lena TS, Mergler D. Past mercury exposure and current symptoms of nervous system dysfunction in adults of a First Nation community (Canada). Environ Health 2022; 21:34. [PMID: 35292021 PMCID: PMC8925187 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00838-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The watershed in Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) territory has been contaminated by mercury (Hg) since 1962, resulting in very high Hg concentrations in fish, central to the community's culture, traditions, economy and diet. Biomarkers of Hg exposure (umbilical cord blood and hair/blood samples), monitored between 1970 and 1997, decreased over time. A recent Grassy Narrows Community Health Assessment (GN-CHA) survey included current symptoms of nervous system dysfunction. The present study aimed to cluster self-reported symptoms and examine their associations with past Hg exposure. METHODS The GN-CHA included 391 adults. Symptom clustering used a two-step segmentation approach. Umbilical cord Hg and/or yearly measurements of equivalent hair Hg were available for 242 participants. Structural Equation Models (SEM) displayed the associations between Hg exposure and clusters, with Hg exposure modelled as a latent variable or in separate variables (prenatal, childhood and having had hair Hg ≥ 5 μg/g at least once over the sampling period). Longitudinal Mixed Effects Models (LMEM) served to examine past hair Hg with respect to clusters. RESULTS A total of 37 symptoms bonded into 6 clusters, representing Extrapyramidal impairment, Sensory impairment, Cranial nerve disturbances, Gross motor impairment, Neuro-cognitive deficits and Affect/Mood disorders. Median Hg concentrations were 5 μg/L (1-78.5) and 1.1 μg/g (0.2-16) for umbilical cord and childhood hair, respectively. More than one-third (36.6%) had hair Hg ≥ 5 μg/g at least once. In SEM, latent Hg was directly associated with Extrapyramidal and Sensory impairment, Cranial nerve disturbances and Affect/Mood disorders. Direct associations were observed for prenatal exposure with Affect/Mood disorders, for childhood exposure with Extrapyramidal impairment and Cranial nerve disturbances, and for hair Hg ≥ 5 μg/g with Extrapyramidal and Sensory impairment. For all clusters, a further association between past Hg exposure and symptom clusters was mediated by diagnosed nervous system disorders. LMEM showed higher past hair Hg among those with higher scores for all clusters, except Affect/Mood disorders. CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence that in this First Nation community, past Hg exposure from fish consumption was associated with later-life clusters of coexisting symptoms of nervous system dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Philibert
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Cinbiose), CP 8888, Succ. Centreville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Myriam Fillion
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Cinbiose), CP 8888, Succ. Centreville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TÉLUQ, 5800 Saint Denis St, Montréal, Québec, H2S 3L4, Canada
| | - Judy Da Silva
- Grassy Narrows First Nation, General Delivery, P0X 1B0, Grassy Narrows, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Donna Mergler
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Cinbiose), CP 8888, Succ. Centreville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada.
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Corrales Vargas A, Peñaloza Castañeda J, Rietz Liljedahl E, Mora AM, Menezes-Filho JA, Smith DR, Mergler D, Reich B, Giffin A, Hoppin JA, Lindh CH, van Wendel de Joode B. Exposure to common-use pesticides, manganese, lead, and thyroid function among pregnant women from the Infants' Environmental Health (ISA) study, Costa Rica. Sci Total Environ 2022; 810:151288. [PMID: 34756903 PMCID: PMC9162492 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pesticides and metals may disrupt thyroid function, which is key to fetal brain development. OBJECTIVES To evaluate if current-use pesticide exposures, lead and excess manganese alter free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in pregnant women from the Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA). METHODS At enrollment, we determined women's (n = 400) specific-gravity corrected urinary pesticide (μg/L) metabolite concentrations of mancozeb (ethylene thiourea (ETU)), pyrimethanil, thiabendazole, chlorpyrifos, synthetic pyrethroids, and 2,4-D. We also measured manganese hair (MnH) (μg/g) and blood (MnB) (μg/L), and blood lead (PbB) (μg/L) concentrations. To detect an immediate and late effect on thyroid homeostasis, we determined TSH, FT4 and FT3 in serum obtained at the same visit (n = 400), and about ten weeks afterwards (n = 245). We assessed associations between exposures and outcomes with linear regression and general additive models, Bayesian multivariate linear regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression. RESULTS About 80%, 94%, and 100% of the women had TSH, FT4, and FT3 within clinical reference ranges, respectively. Women with higher urinary ETU, and pyrimethanil-metabolites, had lower FT4: β = -0.79 (95%CI = -1.51, -0.08) and β = -0.29 (95%CI = -0.62, -0.03), respectively, for each tenfold increase in exposure. MnB was positively associated with FT4 (β = 0.04 (95%CI = 0.00, 0.07 per 1 μg/L increase), and women with high urinary pyrethroid-metabolite concentrations had decreased TSH (non-linear effects). For the late-effect analysis, metabolites of pyrethroids and chlorpyrifos, as well as MnH, and PbB were associated decreased TSH, or increased FT4 and/or FT3. DISCUSSION Mancozeb (ETU) and pyrimethanil may inhibit FT4 secretion (hypothyroidism-like effect), while chlorpyrifos, pyrethroids, MnB, MnH, PbB and Mn showed hyperthyroidism-like effects. Some effects on thyroid homeostasis seemed to be immediate (mancozeb (ETU), pyrimethanil, MnB), others delayed (chlorpyrifos, MnH, PbB), or both (pyrethroids), possibly reflecting different mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Corrales Vargas
- Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Jorge Peñaloza Castañeda
- Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Emelie Rietz Liljedahl
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ana María Mora
- Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica; Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), University of California at Berkeley, United States
| | - Jose Antonio Menezes-Filho
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Barão de Jeremoabo s/n Campus Universitário de Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Donald R Smith
- Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, United States
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Brian Reich
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, United States; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, United States
| | - Andrew Giffin
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, United States; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, United States
| | - Jane A Hoppin
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, United States
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica.
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Mergler D. Ecosystem approaches to mercury and human health: A way toward the future : This article belongs to Ambio's 50th Anniversary Collection. Theme: Environmental contaminants. Ambio 2021; 50:527-531. [PMID: 33469822 PMCID: PMC7882643 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01455-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
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Tahir E, Ayotte P, Little M, Bélanger RE, Lucas M, Mergler D, Laouan Sidi EA, McHugh NGL, Lemire M. Anemia, iron status, and associated protective and risk factors among children and adolescents aged 3 to 19 years old from four First Nations communities in Quebec. Can J Public Health 2020; 111:682-693. [PMID: 32170646 PMCID: PMC7501325 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-020-00304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anemia and iron deficiency (ID) are frequent among Indigenous children of Canada, but few data are available in Quebec. The present study aimed to characterize anemia and ID prevalence and associated protective and risk factors among First Nations youth in Quebec. METHODS The 2015 First Nations (JES!-YEH!) pilot study was conducted among children and adolescents (3 to 19 years; n = 198) from four First Nations communities in Quebec. Blood and urine samples and anthropometric measurements were collected. Hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), plasma hs-CRP, and urinary cotinine levels were measured. Factors associated with anemia and ID (including traditional and market food consumption) were assessed using an interview-administered food frequency questionnaire, based on which nutritional intakes were calculated. Structural equation models were used to test associations. RESULTS The prevalence of anemia and ID was elevated (16.8% and 20.5% respectively). Traditional meat, fruit, and fruit juice (natural and powdered)-via their positive association with vitamin C intake-were the only food variables positively associated with SF (coefficient [95% CI] 0.017 [0.000, 0.114]; 0.090 [0.027, 0.161]; and 0.237 [0.060, 0.411]). Male sex was also associated with higher SF (0.295 [0.093, 0.502]). Inflammation status (hs-CRP > 5 mg/L) was inversely associated with Hb (- 0.015 [- 0.025, - 0.005]), whereas SF was positively associated with Hb (0.066 [0.040, 0.096]). Fruit and juice consumption was also positively associated with Hb, via vitamin C intake and SF (0.004 [0.001, 0.010]; 0.008 [0.003, 0.017]). CONCLUSIONS Interventions fostering healthier food environments as well as higher consumption of traditional meats and foods naturally rich in vitamin C, which is known to enhance iron absorption, and fighting inflammation could contribute to decrease the high prevalence of anemia and ID in this young Indigenous population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Tahir
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de toxicologie du Québec, INSPQ, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Matthew Little
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Richard E Bélanger
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Département de pédiatrie, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michel Lucas
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Donna Mergler
- CINBIOSE, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elhadji A Laouan Sidi
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nancy Gros-Louis McHugh
- First Nations of Québec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission, Wendake, QC, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050 chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec City, QC, G1S 4L8, Canada.
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9
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Oestreicher JS, do Amaral DP, Passos CJS, Fillion M, Mergler D, Davidson R, Lucotte M, Romaña CA, Mertens F. Rural development and shifts in household dietary practices from 1999 to 2010 in the Tapajós River region, Brazilian Amazon: empirical evidence from dietary surveys. Global Health 2020; 16:36. [PMID: 32321543 PMCID: PMC7178734 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00564-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on changing dietary practices is rare in lower and middle income countries, and understanding the impact of global economic processes on population health and nutrition is important, especially of rural communities. We analyzed the diet of 22 families in Brasília Legal, a riverside community in the Tapajós River region of the Brazilian Amazon, using nonparametric tests to compare dietary surveys taken in 1999 and 2010. RESULTS Data from the two surveys show that food obtained through commercial supply chains became more frequent in household diets, corresponding to significant increases in daily consumption of food items rich in energy, protein, and sugar. At the same time, there was a decline in traditional Amazonian food intake. CONCLUSIONS Comparing these results with household socio-economic characteristics and drawing on open-ended interviews, we consider the multiple influences that economic development processes may have had on local diets. The introduction of new income sources and employment opportunities, infrastructural and transportation expansion, as well as environmental change appear to have influenced the observed dietary shifts. Such shifts are likely to have important implications for the nutritional status of communities in the Amazon, highlighting concerning trade-offs between current development trajectories and human health. Public policies and health education programs must urgently consider the interactions between sustainable development priorities in order to address emerging health risks in this rapidly changing region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Sky Oestreicher
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Gleba A, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil
| | - Deusilene Pereira do Amaral
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Gleba A, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil
| | - Carlos José Sousa Passos
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Gleba A, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Marc Lucotte
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Frédéric Mertens
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Gleba A, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900 Brazil
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10
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Philibert A, Fillion M, Mergler D. Mercury exposure and premature mortality in the Grassy Narrows First Nation community: a retrospective longitudinal study. Lancet Planet Health 2020; 4:e141-e148. [PMID: 32353294 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(20)30057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the influence of toxic exposures on reduced life expectancy in First Nations people in Canada. The Grassy Narrows First Nation community have lived with the consequences of one of the worst environmental disasters in Canadian history. In the early 1960s, 10 000 kg of mercury (Hg) was released into their aquatic ecosystem. Although Hg concentration in fish, their dietary staple, decreased over time, it remains high. We aimed to examine whether elevated Hg exposure over time contributes to premature mortality (younger than 60 years) in this community. METHODS We did longitudinal and case-control analyses with data for individuals of the Grassy Narrows First Nation community. In 2019, the community obtained their historical Hg biomarker data from a government surveillance programme, which was then shared with the authors. A matched-pair approach allowed us to compare longitudinal hair Hg concentration between cases (individuals who died aged younger than 60 years) and controls (individuals who lived beyond 60 years). Matching criteria included year of birth (allowing 2 years either side), sex, and a minimum of four hair Hg concentration measures, of which at least two were in the same year. Analyses included change-point detection, interrupted time series, mixed models, and Cox survival models. FINDINGS We analysed data collected between Jan 1, 1970, and Jan 31, 1997, for 657 individuals (319 women and 338 men, born between 1884 and 1991) for whom we assembled a retrospective database of yearly measures of hair Hg concentration (n=3603). Hair Hg concentration decreased over time. A subgroup of 222 individuals (107 women and 115 men) reached or could have reached 60 years old by August, 2019. There was an increased risk of dying at a younger age among those with at least one hair Hg measure of 15 μg/g or more (adjusted hazard ratio 1·55, 95% CI 1·11-2·16; p=0·0088). Among the deceased individuals (n=154), longevity decreased by 1 year with every 6·25 μg/g (4·35-14·29) increase in hair Hg concentration. Analyses of 36 matched pairs showed that hair Hg concentration of those who died aged younger than 60 years was 4·7 times higher (3·4-5·9) than controls. INTERPRETATION The consistent findings between our different analyses support an association between long-term Hg exposure from freshwater fish consumption and premature mortality in this First Nation community. There is a need to do risk-benefit analyses of freshwater fish consumption in environmentally contaminated regions. FUNDING Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Philibert
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Cinbiose), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Myriam Fillion
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Cinbiose), Montréal, QC, Canada; Département Science et Technologie, Université TÉLUQ, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Donna Mergler
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (Cinbiose), Montréal, QC, Canada.
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11
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Kullar SS, Shao K, Surette C, Foucher D, Mergler D, Cormier P, Bellinger DC, Barbeau B, Sauvé S, Bouchard MF. A benchmark concentration analysis for manganese in drinking water and IQ deficits in children. Environ Int 2019; 130:104889. [PMID: 31200154 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manganese is an essential nutrient, but in excess, can be a potent neurotoxicant. We previously reported findings from two cross-sectional studies on children, showing that higher concentrations of manganese in drinking water were associated with deficits in IQ scores. Despite the common occurrence of this neurotoxic metal, its concentration in drinking water is rarely regulated. OBJECTIVE We aimed to apply a benchmark concentration analysis to estimate water manganese levels associated with pre-defined levels of cognitive impairment in children, i.e. drop of 1%, 2% and 5% in Performance IQ scores. METHODS Data from two studies conducted in Canada were pooled resulting in a sample of 630 children (ages 5.9-13.7 years) with data on tap water manganese concentration and cognition, as well as confounders. We used the Bayesian Benchmark Dose Analysis System to compute weight-averaged median estimates for the benchmark concentration (BMC) of manganese in water and the lower bound of the credible interval (BMCL), based on seven different exposure-response models. RESULTS The BMC for manganese in drinking water associated with a decrease of 1% Performance IQ score was 133 μg/L (BMCL, 78 μg/L); for a decrease of 2%, this concentration was 266 μg/L (BMCL, 156 μg/L) and for a decrease of 5% it was 676 μg/L (BMCL, 406 μg/L). In sex-stratified analyses, the manganese concentrations associated with a decrease of 1%, 2% and 5% Performance IQ in boys were 185, 375 and 935 μg/L (BMCLs, 75, 153 and 386 μg/L) and 78, 95, 192 μg/L (BMCLs, 9, 21 and 74 μg/L) for girls. CONCLUSION Studies suggest that a maximum acceptable concentration for manganese in drinking water should be set to protect children, the most vulnerable population, from manganese neurotoxicity. The present risk analysis can guide decision-makers responsible for developing these standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savroop S Kullar
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montreal, 2375 Chemin de la Côte Ste-Catherine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kan Shao
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Céline Surette
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Avenue Antonine-Maillet, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Delphine Foucher
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, 18 Avenue Antonine-Maillet, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Biology, Health, Society and Environment (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Cormier
- School of Psychology, Université de Moncton, 18 Avenue Antonine-Maillet, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - David C Bellinger
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, École Polytechnique de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sébastien Sauvé
- Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montreal, 2375 Chemin de la Côte Ste-Catherine, Montréal, Québec, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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12
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Rodrigues JLG, Araújo CFS, Dos Santos NR, Bandeira MJ, Anjos ALS, Carvalho CF, Lima CS, Abreu JNS, Mergler D, Menezes-Filho JA. Airborne manganese exposure and neurobehavior in school-aged children living near a ferro-manganese alloy plant. Environ Res 2018; 167:66-77. [PMID: 30007874 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Excessive exposure to Mn can lead to its accumulation in the brain with neurotoxic consequences. In children, elevated Mn has been associated with deficits in certain neuropsychological domains such as cognition, motor function, memory and attention, and in some instances, hyperactivity and behavioral problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate behavioral effects in school-aged children living near a ferro-manganese alloy plant and examine their association with Mn exposure. Occipital hair, toenails and blood samples were collected from 225 children (7-12 years old) enrolled in four elementary schools with different levels of exposure to Mn, based on dust Mn deposition rates. Full data set collection was completed and run from 165 children. Mn in hair (MnH), toenails (MnTn), blood (MnB) and blood lead levels (PbB) were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Children's behavior was assessed with the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) reported by parents. Median levels and range of MnH, MnT and MnB were, respectively, 0.73 µg/g (0.16-8.79), 0.84 µg/g (0.15-9.29) and 8.98 μg/L (1.51-40.43). Median and range of PbB were 1.2 µg/dL (0.2-15.6). MnH and MnB were not associated with any scale of the CBCL behavior scores. We found a positive association between logMnTn and raw total CBCL score (β = 10.17, p = 0.034), adjusting for sex, age, maternal IQ and logPbB. Analyses using Generalized Additive Model showed non-linear associations between MnTn and externalizing behavior (p = 0.035), as well as with the related subscales: aggressive behavior (p = 0.045) and rule-breaking behavior (p = 0.024). Further positive associations were observed between MnTn and thought problems (p = 0.031) and social problems (p = 0.027). These findings corroborate previous studies showing an association between Mn exposures and externalizing behavior. Our results suggest that toenail Mn, as a biomarker of environmental exposure, is associated with disruptive behavior in children living near a ferro-manganese alloy plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana L G Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Cecília F S Araújo
- Environmental and Public Health Program, National School of Public Health, Oswald Cruz Foundation. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Nathália R Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Matheus J Bandeira
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Ana Laura S Anjos
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | | | - Cassio S Lima
- Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | | | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur le Bien-Être, la Santé, la Société et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montreal, Canada.
| | - José A Menezes-Filho
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
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13
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Menezes-Filho JA, Carvalho CF, Rodrigues JLG, Araújo CFS, Dos Santos NR, Lima CS, Bandeira MJ, Marques BLDS, Anjos ALS, Bah HAF, Abreu N, Philibert A, Mergler D. Environmental Co-Exposure to Lead and Manganese and Intellectual Deficit in School-Aged Children. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:E2418. [PMID: 30384464 PMCID: PMC6266231 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that, for urban children, dust represents the main exposure to sources of metals like lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn). We aimed to investigate the exposure to these metals and their association with intellectual deficit in children living in an industrial region. This cross-sectional study recruited volunteers from four elementary schools in the town of Simões Filho, Brazil. We evaluated 225 school-aged children (7⁻12 years) for blood lead (PbB) and manganese hair (MnH) and toenails (MnTn) by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Child and maternal IQs were estimated using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale for Intelligence (WASI). Median and range PbB were 1.2 (0.3⁻15.6) μg/dL. MnH and MnTn medians (ranges) were 0.74 (0.16⁻8.79) μg/g and 0.85 (0.15⁻13.30) μg/g, respectively. After adjusting for maternal IQ, age and Mn exposure, child IQ drops by 8.6 points for a 10-fold increase in PbB levels. Moreover, an effect modification of Mn co-exposure was observed. In children with low MnTn, association between Pb and child IQ was not significant (β = -6.780, p = 0.172). However, in those with high MnTn, the association was increased by 27.9% (β = -8.70, p = 0.036). Low Pb exposure is associated with intellectual deficit in children, especially in those with high MnTn.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Menezes-Filho
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Chrissie F Carvalho
- Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Juliana L G Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Cecília F S Araújo
- Environmental and Public Health Program, National School of Public Health, Oswald Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil.
| | - Nathália R Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Cássio S Lima
- Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Matheus J Bandeira
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Breno L de S Marques
- Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Ana Laura S Anjos
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Homegnon A F Bah
- Laboratory of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Neander Abreu
- Institute of Psychology, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, Brazil.
| | - Alline Philibert
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur la Biologie, la Santé, la Société et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec a Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada.
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur la Biologie, la Santé, la Société et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec a Montreal, Montreal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada.
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14
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Mora AM, Córdoba L, Cano JC, Hernandez-Bonilla D, Pardo L, Schnaas L, Smith DR, Menezes-Filho JA, Mergler D, Lindh CH, Eskenazi B, van Wendel de Joode B. Prenatal Mancozeb Exposure, Excess Manganese, and Neurodevelopment at 1 Year of Age in the Infants' Environmental Health (ISA) Study. Environ Health Perspect 2018; 126:057007. [PMID: 29847083 PMCID: PMC6072008 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although growing evidence suggests that early-life excess manganese (Mn) impairs neurodevelopment, data on the neurodevelopmental effects of mancozeb, a fungicide containing Mn, and its main metabolite ethylenethiourea (ETU) are limited. OBJECTIVE We examined whether prenatal mancozeb exposure and excess Mn were associated with neurodevelopment in 355 1-y-old infants living near banana plantations with frequent aerial mancozeb spraying in Costa Rica. METHODS We measured urinary ETU, hair Mn, and blood Mn concentrations in samples collected 1-3 times during pregnancy from mothers enrolled in the Infants' Environmental Health (ISA) study. We then assessed neurodevelopment in their 1-y-old infants using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (BSID-III). We estimated exposure-outcome associations using linear regression models adjusted for maternal education, parity, gestational age at birth, child age, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment score, and location of neurodevelopmental assessment. RESULTS Median (P25-P75) urinary ETU, hair Mn, and blood Mn measured during pregnancy were 3.3 μg/L (2.4-4.9; specific gravity-corrected), 1.7 μg/g (0.9-4.1), and 24.0 μg/L (20.3-28.0), respectively. Among girls, higher ETU was associated with lower social-emotional scores [β per 10-fold increase=-7.4 points (95% CI: -15.2, 0.4)], whereas higher hair Mn was associated with lower cognitive scores [-3.0 (-6.1, 0.1)]. Among boys, higher hair Mn was associated with lower social-emotional scores [-4.6 (-8.5, -0.8)]. We observed null associations for blood Mn, language, and motor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that maternal exposure to mancozeb and excess Mn during pregnancy may have adverse and sex-specific effects on infant neurodevelopment. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1955.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Mora
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Leonel Córdoba
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Juan Camilo Cano
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | | | - Larissa Pardo
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Lourdes Schnaas
- Division of Research in Community Interventions, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Donald R Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | | | - Donna Mergler
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Health, Well-being, Society and Environment (CINBIOSE), University of Quebec in Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
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15
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Rodrigues JLG, Bandeira MJ, Araújo CFS, Dos Santos NR, Anjos ALS, Koin NL, Pereira LC, Oliveira SSP, Mergler D, Menezes-Filho JA. Manganese and lead levels in settled dust in elementary schools are correlated with biomarkers of exposure in school-aged children. Environ Pollut 2018; 236:1004-1013. [PMID: 29287923 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we showed that manganese (Mn) levels in settled dust in elementary schools increased at a rate of 34.1% per km closer to a ferro-manganese alloy plant in the rainy season. In this study, we investigated how this environmental pollution indicator varied in the dry season and if there was an association with Mn biomarker levels in school-aged children. Dust samples were collected with passive samplers (disposable Petri dishes) placed in interior and exterior environments of 14 elementary schools. Occipital hair, toenails and blood samples were collected from 173 students aged 7-12 years from three of these schools, with varying distance from the industrial plant. Mn and lead (Pb) levels were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Mn concentration geometric means (GM) in dust fall accumulation in interior environments of schools located at 2, 4, 6 and > 6 km-radii from the plant were 2212, 584, 625 and 224 μg Mn/m2/30 days, respectively. The modelled rate of change of dust Mn levels decreases by 59.8% for each km further from the plant. Pb levels in settled dust varied between 18 and 81 μg/m2/30 days with no association with distance from the plant. Blood lead levels median (range) were 1.2 μg/dL (0.2-15.6), of which 97.8% were <5 μg/dL. Mn in hair and toenails were 0.66 μg/g (0.16-8.79) and 0.86 μg/g (0.15-13.30), respectively. Mn loading rates were positively associated with log MnH (β = 1.42 × 10-5, p < 0.001) after adjusting for children's age; and also with log MnTn (β = 2.31 × 10-5, p < 0.001) independent of age. Mn loading rates explained 18.5% and 28.5% of the variance in MnH and MnTn levels, respectively. School-aged children exposure to Mn, independently of age, increases significantly with school proximity to the ferro-manganese alloy plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana L G Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Matheus J Bandeira
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Cecília F S Araújo
- Environmental and Public Health Program, National School of Public Health, Oswald Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Nathália R Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Ana Laura S Anjos
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Ng Lai Koin
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Laiz C Pereira
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Sérgio S P Oliveira
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur le Bien-Être, la Santé, la Société et l'Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montreal, Canada.
| | - José A Menezes-Filho
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil; Graduate Program in Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
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Bowler RM, Adams SW, Gocheva VV, Li J, Mergler D, Brackbill R, Cone JE. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Gender, and Risk Factors: World Trade Center Tower Survivors 10 to 11 Years After the September 11, 2001 Attacks. J Trauma Stress 2017; 30:564-570. [PMID: 29131407 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ten to eleven years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was evaluated in 1,755 World Trade Center (WTC) evacuees based on data from the WTC Health Registry. Characteristics of men and women were compared and factors associated with PTSD symptom severity were examined using the PTSD Checklist (PCL). Compared with men (n = 1,015, 57.8%), women (n = 740, 42.2%) were younger and of lower socioeconomic status. Ten to eleven years after September 11, 2001, 13.7% of men and 24.1% of women met criteria for PTSD. Results indicated that when considered with all other variables (i.e., demographic, socioeconomic and social resources, exposure to the attacks, life events), gender was not a significant predictor of PTSD symptom severity. Being younger on September 11, 2001, unemployed, less educated, and/or having higher exposure to the attacks, unmet mental health care needs, and less social support predicted higher PCL scores for both genders (βs = .077 to .239). Demographic characteristics and socioeconomic resources (ΔR2 = .113) accounted for the largest amount of variance in PCL scores over and above exposure/evacuation, mental healthcare needs, and social support variables (ΔR2 = .093 to .102). When trends of unmet mental healthcare needs were analyzed, the most prevalent response for men was that they preferred to manage their own symptoms (15.1%), whereas the most prevalent response for women was that they could not afford to pay for mental health care (14.7%). Although the prevalence of probable PTSD in women tower survivors was approximately twice as high as it was for men, this is attributable largely to demographic and socioeconomic resource factors and not gender alone. Implications for treatment and interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemarie M Bowler
- San Francisco State University, Department of Psychology, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shane W Adams
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York, Department of Psychology, New York, New York, USA.,The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Department of Psychology, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vihra V Gocheva
- San Francisco State University, Department of Psychology, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jiehui Li
- World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA
| | - Donna Mergler
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Wellness, Health, Society and Environment, Montreal, Canada
| | - Robert Brackbill
- World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA
| | - James E Cone
- World Trade Center Health Registry, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, New York, USA
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Webb J, Coomes OT, Ross N, Mergler D. Mercury concentrations in urine of amerindian populations near oil fields in the peruvian and ecuadorian amazon. Environ Res 2016; 151:344-350. [PMID: 27525667 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury is a global contaminant with toxic, persistent effects on human health. Petroleum extraction is an important source of elemental mercury; little is known about human exposure levels near oil fields in the Amazon basin. OBJECTIVES To characterize mercury levels in people living near oil production sites in the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon, controlling for fish consumption, occupation, source of water and socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS Analyze mercury levels in urine samples using cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry from 76 indigenous men and women in eight riverine communities situated near oil wells or pipelines. Subjects answered a questionnaire soliciting socio-demographic, occupational and dietary information. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression modeling. RESULTS The mean value of U-Hg was 2.61μg/g creatinine (95% CI: 2.14-3.08), with 7% of the sample recording values above the global background standard suggested by The World Health Organization (5μg/g creatinine). Women who used water from a surface source had two and a half times the amount of mercury in their urine (mean=3.70μg/g creatinine, 95% CI: 2.26-5.15) compared with women who used other water sources (mean =1.39μg/g creatinine, 95% CI: 0.51-2.25). Men who were involved in an oil clean-up operation had twice as much mercury in their urine (mean =3.07μg/g creatinine, 95% CI: 1.97-4.16) as did those who worked on other tasks (mean =1.56μg/g creatinine, 95% CI: 1.48-2.65). Mercury levels were not associated with the number of fish meals per week. CONCLUSIONS Indigenous peoples of the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon living near oil production sites generally had urine mercury levels within the global background standard suggested by the World Health Organization. Increased levels of mercury in urine were detected for men involved in oil spill remediation and for women who relied on surface water for household needs. These findings signal the need for strict safety measures to limit the amount of oil entering the waterways in Andean Amazonia so as to protect the health of indigenous people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jena Webb
- Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A2K6.
| | - Oliver T Coomes
- Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A2K6.
| | - Nancy Ross
- Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A2K6.
| | - Donna Mergler
- CINBIOSE,UQAM, Université du Québec à Montréal, Case postale 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3C3P8.
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Hernández-Bonilla D, Escamilla-Núñez C, Mergler D, Rodríguez-Dozal S, Cortez-Lugo M, Montes S, Tristán-López LA, Catalán-Vázquez M, Schilmann A, Riojas-Rodriguez H. Effects of manganese exposure on visuoperception and visual memory in schoolchildren. Neurotoxicology 2016; 57:230-240. [PMID: 27737811 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal involved in multiple physiological functions. Environmental exposure to airborne Mn is associated with neurocognitive deficits in humans. Children, whose nervous system is in development, are particularly susceptible to Mn neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the association between Mn environmental exposure, and effects on visuoperception and visual memory in schoolchildren. METHODS We assessed schoolchildren between 7 and 11 years old, with similar socioeconomic status, from the mining district of Molango (n=148) and Agua Blanca (n=119, non-mining area) in Hidalgo state, Mexico. The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test was used to assess visuoperception and short-term visual memory. Hair manganese (MnH) concentrations were determined. Linear regression models were constructed to estimate the associations between MnH and ROCF scores, adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS The geometric mean MnH was nine times higher in schoolchildren from the Mn mining area (5.25μg/g) than in schoolchildren from the non-mining area (0.55μg/g). For the ROCF Copy trial, MnH was significantly associated with an increase in distortion errors (tangency, closure), angle errors, overtracing (partial overtracing). In the Immediate Recall trial, MnH was significantly associated with increased overtracing (partial overtracing) and omissions, and negatively associated with the number of perceptual drawn units, total score and percentage immediate recall. CONCLUSIONS MnH is associated with alterations in visuoperception and short-term visual memory in schoolchildren exposed to airborne Mn.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hernández-Bonilla
- National Institute of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP 62100, Mexico.
| | - C Escamilla-Núñez
- National Institute of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP 62100, Mexico.
| | - D Mergler
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Health and Well-being, Society and Environment (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada.
| | - S Rodríguez-Dozal
- National Institute of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP 62100, Mexico.
| | - M Cortez-Lugo
- National Institute of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP 62100, Mexico.
| | - S Montes
- National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Neurochemistry Department, Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, CP 14269, Mexico.
| | - L A Tristán-López
- National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Neurochemistry Department, Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, CP 14269, Mexico.
| | - M Catalán-Vázquez
- National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Clinical Epidemiology Department, Mexico City, CP 14080, Mexico.
| | - A Schilmann
- National Institute of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP 62100, Mexico.
| | - Horacio Riojas-Rodriguez
- National Institute of Public Health, Environmental Health Department, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP 62100, Mexico.
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van Wendel de Joode B, Mora AM, Lindh CH, Hernández-Bonilla D, Córdoba L, Wesseling C, Hoppin JA, Mergler D. Pesticide exposure and neurodevelopment in children aged 6-9 years from Talamanca, Costa Rica. Cortex 2016; 85:137-150. [PMID: 27773359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Certain pesticides may affect children's neurodevelopment. We assessed whether pesticide exposure was associated with impaired neurobehavioral outcomes in children aged 6-9 years. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 140 children living near banana plantations and plantain farms in the Talamanca County, Costa Rica and assessed their neurobehavioral performance. Exposure was determined by analyzing urinary metabolites of chlorpyrifos (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, TCPy), mancozeb (ethylenethiourea, ETU), and pyrethroids (3-phenoxybenzoic acid, 3-PBA). Repeated urine samples were obtained for 36 children. We estimated associations of pesticide concentrations with neurobehavioral outcomes using multivariable linear and logistic regression models. Median (25th-75th percentiles) TCPy, ETU, and 3-PBA concentrations were 1.4 (.7-3.1), 1.2 (.7-3.0), and .8 (.5-1.5) μg/L, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged between .32 and .67. After adjustment for potential confounders, higher urinary TCPy concentrations were associated with poorer working memory in boys (n = 59) (β per 10-fold increase in TCPy concentrations = -7.5, 95% CI: -14.4, -.7); poorer visual motor coordination (β = -1.4, 95% CI: -2.7, -.1); increased prevalence of parent-reported cognitive problems/inattention (adjusted OR per 10-fold increase in urinary concentrations = 5.8, 95% CI: 1.6, 22.9), oppositional disorders (aOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.0, 16.0), and ADHD (aOR = 6.8, 95% CI: 1.8, 28.6), and; decreased ability to discriminate colors (aOR = 6.6, 95% CI: 1.6, 30.3; the higher the score the worse). Higher ETU concentrations were associated with poorer verbal learning outcomes (β = -7.0, 95% CI: -12.7, -1.3). Higher 3-PBA concentrations were associated with poorer processing speed scores, particularly in girls (β = -8.8, 95% CI: -16.1, -1.4). Our findings indicate that children living near banana and plantain plantations are exposed to pesticides that may affect their neurodevelopment, which for certain domains may differ between boys and girls. We recommend the implementation of measures to reduce pesticide exposure in children living nearby banana plantations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Ana M Mora
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Leonel Córdoba
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Catharina Wesseling
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jane A Hoppin
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, United States
| | - Donna Mergler
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Health, Well-being, Society and Environment (CINBIOSE), University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada
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Kiefer M, Rodríguez-Guzmán J, Watson J, van Wendel de Joode B, Mergler D, da Silva AS. Worker health and safety and climate change in the Americas: issues and research needs. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2016; 40:192-197. [PMID: 27991978 PMCID: PMC5176103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SYNOPSIS This report summarizes and discusses current knowledge on the impact that climate change can have on occupational safety and health (OSH), with a particular focus on the Americas. Worker safety and health issues are presented on topics related to specific stressors (e.g., temperature extremes), climate associated impacts (e.g., ice melt in the Arctic), and a health condition associated with climate change (chronic kidney disease of non-traditional etiology). The article discusses research needs, including hazards, surveillance, and risk assessment activities to better characterize and understand how OSH may be associated with climate change events. Also discussed are the actions that OSH professionals can take to ensure worker health and safety in the face of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Kiefer
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, United States of America
| | | | - Joanna Watson
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, United States of America
| | - Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Donna Mergler
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Health, Well-being, Environment and Society, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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van Wendel de Joode B, Barbeau B, Bouchard MF, Mora AM, Skytt Å, Córdoba L, Quesada R, Lundh T, Lindh CH, Mergler D. Manganese concentrations in drinking water from villages near banana plantations with aerial mancozeb spraying in Costa Rica: Results from the Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA). Environ Pollut 2016; 215:247-257. [PMID: 27208757 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Elevated manganese (Mn) in drinking water has been reported worldwide. While, naturally occurring Mn in groundwater is generally the major source, anthropogenic contamination by Mn-containing fungicides such as mancozeb may also occur. The main objective of this study was to examine factors associated with Mn and ethylenethiourea (ETU), a degradation product of mancozeb, in drinking water samples from villages situated near banana plantations with aerial spraying of mancozeb. Drinking water samples (n = 126) were obtained from 124 homes of women participating in the Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA, for its acronym in Spanish), living nearby large-scale banana plantations. Concentrations of Mn, iron (Fe), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and ethylenethiourea (ETU), a degradation product of mancozeb, were measured in water samples. Only six percent of samples had detectable ETU concentrations (limit of detection (LOD) = 0.15 μg/L), whereas 94% of the samples had detectable Mn (LOD = 0.05 μg/L). Mn concentrations were higher than 100 and 500 μg/L in 22% and 7% of the samples, respectively. Mn was highest in samples from private and banana farm wells. Distance from a banana plantation was inversely associated with Mn concentrations, with a 61.5% decrease (95% CI: -97.0, -26.0) in Mn concentrations for each km increase in distance. Mn concentrations in water transported with trucks from one village to another were almost 1000 times higher than Mn in water obtained from taps in houses supplied by the same well but not transported, indicating environmental Mn contamination. Elevated Mn in drinking water may be partly explained by aerial spraying of mancozeb; however, naturally occurring Mn in groundwater, and intensive agriculture may also contribute. Drinking water risk assessment for mancozeb should consider Mn as a health hazard. The findings of this study evidence the need for health-based World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on Mn in drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Infants' Environmental Health Program (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal, NSERC-Industrial Chair in Drinking Water, Department of Civil, Mining and Geological Engineering, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Montreal, CHUSJ Research Center, Canada
| | - Ana María Mora
- Infants' Environmental Health Program (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Åsa Skytt
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Leonel Córdoba
- Infants' Environmental Health Program (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Rosario Quesada
- Infants' Environmental Health Program (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur la Biologie, la Santé, la Société et l' Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Pavillon des Sciences, 141, Avenue du Président Kennedy, H2× 1Y4, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Abstract
The objective of the present study was to compare the physical and psychological health of three groups of African Americans (N = 310): acute sulfuric acid exposed, nonacute exposed, and unexposed controls. Instruments included a health questionnaire, a Toxic Symptom Checklist, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Post-Traumatic Stress and the Neurotoxic Anxiety scales of the MMPI-2, the Impact of Event Scale, the Symptom Check List 90-Revised (SCL 90-R), and several brief mood and personality scales. Blood pressure and pulse rates were also taken. Matching produced 51 three-way pairs. MANOVA results indicate significant effects for exposure. Significant univariate Fs (p < .05) were foundfor all the scales across the exposed groups exceptfor the Toxic Symptom category of memory/concentration, POMS depression, and 5 of the 9 SCL 90-R subscales. The t-test results using adjusted a = .0167 indicate both exposed groups had more mood and health symptoms than the controls. The acute were the most symptomatic, and both exposed groups had more respiratory problems, skin rashes, and allergies; results that are consistent with chemical exposure. Results also indicate all three groups had higher than average blood pressure, and the SCL 90-R scores for all three groups were higher than reported in the manual.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guy Huel
- LN.S.E.R.M., Paris, and University of Quebec at Montreal
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Menezes-Filho JA, Souza KOFD, Rodrigues JLG, Santos NRD, Bandeira MDJ, Koin NL, Oliveira SSDP, Godoy ALPC, Mergler D. Manganese and lead in dust fall accumulation in elementary schools near a ferromanganese alloy plant. Environ Res 2016; 148:322-329. [PMID: 27107708 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown elevated airborne manganese (Mn) in villages adjacent to a Mn alloy production plant in Brazil and negative associations between biomarkers of Mn and children's cognition and behavior. Since small Mn particles may be carried for long distances, we measured manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) dust fall accumulation in 15 elementary schools, located between 1.25 and 6.48km from the plant in the municipality of Simões Filho, Bahia, Brazil. Passive samplers (polyethylene Petri dishes) were set in interior and exterior environments. After 30 days, the samplers' content was solubilized with diluted nitric acid and Mn and Pb levels were analyzed by electrothermal absorption spectrometry. The overall geometric mean and range of Mn and Pb accumulation in dust fall (loading rates) were 1582μg Mn/m(2)/30 days (37-37,967) and 43.2μg Pb/m(2)/30 days (2.9-210.4). A logarithmic decrease in interior and exterior Mn loading rates was observed with distance from the ferro-manganese alloy plant. Multiple regression analyses of log-transformed Mn loading rate within the schools showed a positive association with Mn levels in outdoor dust, a negative association with distance from the plant; as well, wind direction (downwind>upwind) and school location (urban>rural) entered significantly into the model. For the interior school environments, located within a 2-km radius from the plant, loading rate was, on average, 190 times higher than the Mn levels reported by Gulson et al., (2014) in daycare centers in Sydney, Australia, using a similar method. Pb loading rates were not associated with distance from the plant and were lower than the rates observed in the same daycare centers in Sydney. Our findings suggest that a significant portion of the children in this town in Brazil may be exposed to airborne Mn at concentrations that may affect their neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Menezes-Filho
- Federal University of Bahia, College of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Avenue Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Karine O Fraga de Souza
- Federal University of Bahia, College of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Avenue Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Juliana L Gomes Rodrigues
- Federal University of Bahia, College of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Avenue Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Nathália Ribeiro Dos Santos
- Federal University of Bahia, College of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Avenue Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Matheus de Jesus Bandeira
- Federal University of Bahia, College of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Avenue Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Ng Lai Koin
- Federal University of Bahia, College of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Avenue Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Sérgio S do Prado Oliveira
- Federal University of Bahia, College of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Avenue Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Ana Leonor P Campos Godoy
- Federal University of Bahia, College of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Toxicology, Avenue Barão Jeremoabo, s/n, Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur le bien-être, la santé, la société et l'environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montreal, Canada.
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Hernández-Bonilla D, Escamilla-Nuñez C, Mergler D, Schilmann-Halbinger A, Rodríguez-Dozal S, Montes S, Riojas-Rodríguez H. Effects of environmental exposure to manganese on the visuoperception and visual memory in Mexican children. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.04.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Mergler D. A retrospective of studies on toxic induced loss of color vision and contrast sensitivity: What have we learned? Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Mora AM, van Wendel de Joode B, Mergler D, Córdoba L, Cano C, Quesada R, Smith DR, Menezes-Filho JA, Eskenazi B. Maternal blood and hair manganese concentrations, fetal growth, and length of gestation in the ISA cohort in Costa Rica. Environ Res 2015; 136:47-56. [PMID: 25460620 PMCID: PMC4262687 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal studies have shown that both deficiency and excess manganese (Mn) may result in decreased fetal size and weight, but human studies have reported inconsistent results. METHODS We examined the association of blood and hair Mn concentrations measured at different times during pregnancy with fetal growth among term births and length of gestation in a cohort of 380 mother-infant pairs living near banana plantations aerially sprayed with Mn-containing fungicides in Costa Rica. We used linear regression and generalized additive models to test for linear and nonlinear associations RESULTS Mean (± SD) blood Mn concentration was 24.4 ± 6.6 μg/L and geometric mean (geometric SD) hair Mn concentration was 1.8 (3.2) μg/g. Hair Mn concentrations during the second and third trimesters of gestation were positively related to infant chest circumference (β for 10-fold increase = 0.62 cm; 95% CI: 0.16, 1.08; and β = 0.55 cm; 95% CI: -0.16, 1.26, respectively). Similarly, average maternal hair Mn concentrations during pregnancy were associated with increased chest circumference (β for 10-fold increase = 1.19 cm; 95% CI: 0.43, 1.95) in infants whose mothers did not have gestational anemia, but not in infants of mothers who had gestational anemia (β = 0.39 cm; 95% CI: -0.32, 1.10; pINT=0.14). All these associations were linear. Blood Mn concentrations did not show consistent linear nor nonlinear relationships with any of the birth outcomes CONCLUSIONS Mn plays an important role in fetal development, but the extent to which environmental exposures may cause adverse health effects to the developing fetus is not well understood. Among women living near banana plantations in Costa Rica, we did not observe linear or nonlinear associations of Mn concentrations with lowered birth weight or head circumference, as reported in previous studies. However, we did find positive linear associations between maternal hair Mn concentrations during pregnancy and infant chest circumference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Mora
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica; Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 1995 University Ave, Suite 265, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA.
| | - Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur la Biologie, la Santé, la Société et l' Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Pavillon des sciences, 141, Avenue du Président Kennedy, H2× 1Y4 Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Leonel Córdoba
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Camilo Cano
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Rosario Quesada
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica.
| | - Donald R Smith
- Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
| | - José A Menezes-Filho
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Barão de Jeremoabo s/n Campus Universitário de Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, 1995 University Ave, Suite 265, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA.
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van Wendel de Joode B, Mora AM, Córdoba L, Cano JC, Quesada R, Faniband M, Wesseling C, Ruepert C, Oberg M, Eskenazi B, Mergler D, Lindh CH. Aerial application of mancozeb and urinary ethylene thiourea (ETU) concentrations among pregnant women in Costa Rica: the Infants' Environmental Health Study (ISA). Environ Health Perspect 2014; 122:1321-8. [PMID: 25198283 PMCID: PMC4256696 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1307679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mancozeb and its main metabolite ethylene thiourea (ETU) may alter thyroid function; thyroid hormones are essential for fetal brain development. In Costa Rica, mancozeb is aerially sprayed at large-scale banana plantations on a weekly basis. OBJECTIVES Our goals were to evaluate urinary ETU concentrations in pregnant women living near large-scale banana plantations, compare their estimated daily intake (EDI) with established reference doses (RfDs), and identify factors that predict their urinary ETU concentrations. METHODS We enrolled 451 pregnant women from Matina County, Costa Rica, which has large-scale banana production. We visited 445 women up to three times during pregnancy to obtain urine samples (n = 872) and information on factors that possibly influence exposure. We determined urinary ETU concentrations using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS Pregnant women's median urinary ETU concentrations were more than five times higher than those reported for other general populations. Seventy-two percent of the women had EDIs above the RfD. Women who lived closest (1st quartile, < 48 m) to banana plantations on average had a 45% (95% CI: 23, 72%) higher urinary ETU compared with women who lived farthest away (4th quartile, ≥ 565 m). Compared with the other women, ETU was also higher in women who washed agricultural work clothes on the day before sampling (11%; 95% CI: 4.9, 17%), women who worked in agriculture during pregnancy (19%; 95% CI: 9.3, 29%), and immigrant women (6.2%; 95% CI: 1.0, 13%). CONCLUSIONS The pregnant women's urinary ETU concentrations are of concern, and the principal source of exposure is likely to be aerial spraying of mancozeb. The factors predicting ETU provide insight into possibilities for exposure reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Programa Infantes y Salud Ambiental (ISA), Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
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Oulhote Y, Mergler D, Barbeau B, Bellinger DC, Bouffard T, Brodeur MÈ, Saint-Amour D, Legrand M, Sauvé S, Bouchard MF. Neurobehavioral function in school-age children exposed to manganese in drinking water. Environ Health Perspect 2014; 122:1343-50. [PMID: 25260096 PMCID: PMC4256698 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1307918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manganese neurotoxicity is well documented in individuals occupationally exposed to airborne particulates, but few data are available on risks from drinking-water exposure. OBJECTIVE We examined associations of exposure from concentrations of manganese in water and hair with memory, attention, motor function, and parent- and teacher-reported hyperactive behaviors. METHODS We recruited 375 children and measured manganese in home tap water (MnW) and hair (MnH). We estimated manganese intake from water ingestion. Using structural equation modeling, we estimated associations between neurobehavioral functions and MnH, MnW, and manganese intake from water. We evaluated exposure-response relationships using generalized additive models. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, a 1-SD increase in log10 MnH was associated with a significant difference of -24% (95% CI: -36, -12%) SD in memory and -25% (95% CI: -41, -9%) SD in attention. The relations between log10 MnH and poorer memory and attention were linear. A 1-SD increase in log10 MnW was associated with a significant difference of -14% (95% CI: -24, -4%) SD in memory, and this relation was nonlinear, with a steeper decline in performance at MnW > 100 μg/L. A 1-SD increase in log10 manganese intake from water was associated with a significant difference of -11% (95% CI: -21, -0.4%) SD in motor function. The relation between log10 manganese intake and poorer motor function was linear. There was no significant association between manganese exposure and hyperactivity. CONCLUSION Exposure to manganese in water was associated with poorer neurobehavioral performances in children, even at low levels commonly encountered in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Oulhote Y, Mergler D, Bouchard MF. Sex- and age-differences in blood manganese levels in the U.S. general population: national health and nutrition examination survey 2011-2012. Environ Health 2014; 13:87. [PMID: 25342305 PMCID: PMC4271487 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-13-87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manganese is an essential element, but excessive manganese exposure has neurotoxic effects. OBJECTIVE To examine blood manganese levels in the general population with respect to sex, age, race/ethnicity, pregnancy and menauposal status, as well as levels of trace elements in blood. METHODS We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a national survey of U.S. residents (n = 7720 participants, ages 1 to 80 years). General linear models and generalized additive models were used to examine the association between blood manganese concentration and participants' characterisics, accounting for the complex survey design. RESULTS Blood manganese levels ranged from 1.6 to 62.5 μg/L, with arithmetic means of 10.6 and 9.2 μg/L for women and men, respectively. The following characteristics were significantly associated with higher blood manganese levels: female sex, younger age, Asian origin, and being pregnant. In addition, there were non-linear relationships between blood manganese levels and cadmium, iron, lead, and mercury levels. CONCLUSION The higher blood manganese levels observed among females suggest sex-related metabolic differences in the regulation of manganese, and elevated levels among pregnant women suggest an important role of manganese in reproduction. The present study supports the need to take into consideration age- and sex-related differences in blood manganese levels, as well as pregnancy status when examining manganese essentiality or toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Oulhote
- />Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- />CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Canada
| | - Donna Mergler
- />CINBIOSE, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- />Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- />CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, Canada
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Mora AM, van Wendel
de Joode B, Mergler D, Córdoba L, Cano C, Quesada R, Smith DR, Menezes-Filho JA, Lundh T, Lindh C, Bradman A, Eskenazi B. Blood and hair manganese concentrations in pregnant women from the infants' environmental health study (ISA) in Costa Rica. Environ Sci Technol 2014; 48:3467-76. [PMID: 24601641 PMCID: PMC3983325 DOI: 10.1021/es404279r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn), an essential nutrient, is a neurotoxicant at high concentrations. We measured Mn concentrations in repeated blood and hair samples collected from 449 pregnant women living near banana plantations with extensive aerial spraying of Mn-containing fungicide mancozeb in Costa Rica, and examined environmental and lifestyle factors associated with these biomarkers. Mean blood Mn and geometric mean hair Mn concentrations were 24.4 μg/L (8.9-56.3) and 1.8 μg/g (0.05-53.3), respectively. Blood Mn concentrations were positively associated with gestational age at sampling (β = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.2), number of household members (β = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.6), and living in a house made of permeable and difficult-to-clean materials (β = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3 to 4.0); and inversely related to smoking (β = -3.1; 95% CI: -5.8 to -0.3). Hair Mn concentrations were inversely associated with gestational age at sampling (% change = 0.8; 95% CI: -1.6 to 0.0); and positively associated with living within 50 m of a plantation (% change = 42.1; 95% CI: 14.2 to 76.9) and Mn concentrations in drinking water (% change = 17.5; 95% CI: 12.2 to 22.8). Our findings suggest that pregnant women living near banana plantations aerially sprayed with mancozeb may be environmentally exposed to Mn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Mora
- Central
American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional,
P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica
- Center
for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California,
Berkeley, 1995 University
Ave, Suite 265, Berkeley, California 94704, United States
- Phone/fax: +506 2263-6375; e-mail:
| | - Berna van Wendel
de Joode
- Central
American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional,
P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre
de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur la Biologie, la Santé,
la Société et l′Environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Pavillon des sciences, 141, Avenue
du Président Kennedy, H2X 1Y4 Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Leonel Córdoba
- Central
American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional,
P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Camilo Cano
- Central
American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional,
P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Rosario Quesada
- Central
American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional,
P.O. Box 86-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Donald R. Smith
- Microbiology
and Environmental Toxicology, University
of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, California 95064, United States
| | - José A. Menezes-Filho
- Laboratory
of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal
University of Bahia, Av. Barão de Jeremoabo s/n Campus Universitário de
Ondina, 40170-115 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Thomas Lundh
- Division
of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory
Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Christian
H. Lindh
- Division
of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory
Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Asa Bradman
- Center
for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California,
Berkeley, 1995 University
Ave, Suite 265, Berkeley, California 94704, United States
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center
for Environmental Research and Children’s Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California,
Berkeley, 1995 University
Ave, Suite 265, Berkeley, California 94704, United States
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Ritz SA, Antle DM, Côté J, Deroy K, Fraleigh N, Messing K, Parent L, St-Pierre J, Vaillancourt C, Mergler D. First steps for integrating sex and gender considerations into basic experimental biomedical research. FASEB J 2013; 28:4-13. [PMID: 24056086 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-233395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades there has been an increasing recognition of the need to account for sex and gender in biology and medicine, in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of biological phenomena and to address gaps in medical knowledge that have arisen due to a generally masculine bias in research. We have noted that as basic experimental biomedical researchers, we face unique challenges to the incorporation of sex and gender in our work, and that these have remained largely unarticulated, misunderstood, and unaddressed in the literature. Here, we describe some of the specific challenges to the incorporation of sex and gender considerations in research involving cell cultures and laboratory animals. In our view, the mainstreaming of sex and gender considerations in basic biomedical research depends on an approach that will allow scientists to address these issues in ways that do not undermine our ability to pursue our fundamental scientific interests. To that end, we suggest a number of strategies that allow basic experimental researchers to feasibly and meaningfully take sex and gender into account in their work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey A Ritz
- 1Northern Ontario School of Medicine, East Campus-Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada.
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Meyer-Baron M, Schäper M, Knapp G, Lucchini R, Zoni S, Bast-Pettersen R, Ellingsen DG, Thomassen Y, He S, Yuan H, Niu Q, Wang XL, Yang YJ, Iregren A, Sjögren B, Blond M, Laursen P, Netterstrom B, Mergler D, Bowler R, van Thriel C. The neurobehavioral impact of manganese: results and challenges obtained by a meta-analysis of individual participant data. Neurotoxicology 2013; 36:1-9. [PMID: 23419685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Results from a meta-analysis of aggregated data provoked a new analysis using individual data on the neuropsychological performance of occupationally exposed workers. Data from eight studies examining 579 exposed and 433 reference participants were included, 28 performance variables analyzed. The performance scores were adjusted for well-known individual-level covariates; the influence of possible, but unknown study-level covariates was attenuated by means of a z-normalization. Associations between performance and exposure were estimated by ANOVAs and ANCOVAs, the latter representing multi-level models. Four cognitive and motor performance variables each indicated significantly lower performances of exposed individuals when confounding was considered; slowed motor performances and deficits in attention and short-term memory were found. Performance on a single test was significantly related to the biomarker manganese in blood. The outcomes on susceptibility were weak. The slowing of responses was the most distinct feature of performances of exposed workers. It remains unclear, whether this result is related to the employed tests or provides important information about early stages of the neurotoxic impairment. More specific cognitive tests need to be employed to answer this question. The lack of dose-response relationships was related to features of the biomarker: it does not reflect the Mn in brain responsible for changes in performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Meyer-Baron
- IfADo, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany.
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van Wendel de Joode B, Barraza D, Ruepert C, Mora AM, Córdoba L, Oberg M, Wesseling C, Mergler D, Lindh CH. Indigenous children living nearby plantations with chlorpyrifos-treated bags have elevated 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy) urinary concentrations. Environ Res 2012; 117:17-26. [PMID: 22749112 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The US Environmental Protection Agency voluntary phased-out residential use of chlorpyrifos in 2001. In contrast, in Costa Rica, chlorpyrifos-treated bags are increasingly used to protect banana and plantain fruits from insects and to fulfill product standards, even in populated areas. OBJECTIVES To evaluate children's exposure to chlorpyrifos in villages situated nearby banana plantations and plantain farms in Costa Rica. METHODS The study targeted two villages with use of chlorpyrifos-treated bags in nearby banana plantations and plantain farms and one village with mainly organic production. For 140 children from these villages, mostly indigenous Ngäbe and Bribri, parent-interviews and urine samples (n=207) were obtained. Urinary 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy) levels were measured as a biomarker for chlorpyrifos exposure. In the banana and plantain village also environmental contamination to chlorpyrifos was explored. RESULTS Children from the banana and plantain villages had statistically significant higher urinary TCPy concentrations than children from the referent village; 2.6 and 2.2 versus 1.3μg/g creatinine, respectively. Chlorpyrifos was detected in 30% of the environmental samples as well as in 92% of the hand/foot wash samples. For more than half of the children their estimated intake exceeded the US EPA chronic population adjusted dose. For some, the acute population adjusted dose and the chronic reference dose were also exceeded. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that children living nearby plantations with chlorpyrifos-treated bags are exposed to chlorpyrifos levels that may affect their health. Interventions to reduce chlorpyrifos exposure are likely to improve children's health and environment in banana and plantain growing regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna van Wendel de Joode
- Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances (IRET), Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica.
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Lemire M, Philibert A, Fillion M, Passos CJS, Guimarães JRD, Barbosa F, Mergler D. No evidence of selenosis from a selenium-rich diet in the Brazilian Amazon. Environ Int 2012; 40:128-136. [PMID: 21856002 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential element and a well-known anti-oxidant. In the Lower Tapajós River region of the Brazilian Amazon, biomarkers of Se range from normal to very high. The local traditional diet includes important Se sources such as Brazil nuts, chicken, game meat and certain fish species. Some studies have reported alterations in keratin structure, gastrointestinal problems and paresthesia in populations with high Se intake. The objective of the present study was to evaluate cutaneous and garlic odor of the breath signs and sentinel symptoms of Se toxicity (selenosis) in relation to Se status in communities along the Tapajós River. Participants (N=448), aged 15-87 years, were recruited from 12 communities. Se concentrations were measured in blood (B-Se) and plasma (P-Se) by ICP-MS. A nurse performed an examination of the hair, nails, skin and breath for signs of Se toxicity. Interview-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on socio-demographics, medical history and possible symptoms of Se toxicity. In this population, the median levels of B-Se and P-Se were 228.4 μg/L (range 103.3-1500.2 μg/L) and 134.8 μg/L (range 53.6-913.2 μg/L) respectively. Although B-Se and P-Se surpassed concentrations considered toxic (B-Se: 1000 μg/L (U.S. EPA, 2002)), no dermal or breath signs or symptoms of Se toxicity were associated with the biomarkers of Se status. In the present study population, where Se intake is mostly from traditional diet, there is no evidence of selenosis. These findings support the need to re-assess Se toxicity considering factors such as the chemical form of Se exposure, route of exposure (inhaled versus ingested), co-exposures to toxic elements such as mercury. Considering the current food transition towards a western diet in the Amazon, further studies should address the possible association between high Se status and cardiometabolic health in this study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lemire
- Axe santé des populations et environnementale, Centre de recherche du CHUQ, Université Laval, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la biologie, la santé, la société et l'environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
| | - Aline Philibert
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la biologie, la santé, la société et l'environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
| | - Myriam Fillion
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la biologie, la santé, la société et l'environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
| | | | - Jean Rémy Davée Guimarães
- Laboratório de Traçadores, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| | - Donna Mergler
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la biologie, la santé, la société et l'environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
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Turyk ME, Bhavsar SP, Bowerman W, Boysen E, Clark M, Diamond M, Mergler D, Pantazopoulos P, Schantz S, Carpenter DO. Risks and benefits of consumption of Great Lakes fish. Environ Health Perspect 2012; 120:11-8. [PMID: 21947562 PMCID: PMC3261933 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1003396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beneficial effects of fish consumption on early cognitive development and cardiovascular health have been attributed to the omega-3 fatty acids in fish and fish oils, but toxic chemicals in fish may adversely affect these health outcomes. Risk-benefit assessments of fish consumption have frequently focused on methylmercury and omega-3 fatty acids, not persistent pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls, and none have evaluated Great Lakes fish consumption. OBJECTIVES The risks and benefits of fish consumption have been established primarily for marine fish. Here, we examine whether sufficient data are available to evaluate the risks and benefits of eating freshwater fish from the Great Lakes. METHODS We used a scoping review to integrate information from multiple state, provincial, and federal agency sources regarding the contaminants and omega-3 fatty acids in Great Lakes fish and fish consumers, consumption rates and fish consumption advisories, and health effects of contaminants and omega-3 fatty acids. DATA SYNTHESIS Great Lakes fish contain persistent contaminants--many of which have documented adverse health effects--that accumulate in humans consuming them. In contrast, data are sparse on omega-3 fatty acids in the fish and their consumers. Moreover, few studies have documented the social and cultural benefits of Great Lakes fish consumption, particularly for subsistence fishers and native communities. At this time, federal and state/provincial governments provide fish consumption advisories based solely on risk. CONCLUSIONS Our knowledge of Great Lakes fish has critical gaps, particularly regarding the benefits of consumption. A risk-benefit analysis requires more information than is currently available on the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in Great Lakes fish and their absorption by fish eaters in addition to more information on the social, cultural, and health consequences of changes in the amount of fish consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Turyk
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Nyland JF, Fillion M, Barbosa F, Shirley DL, Chine C, Lemire M, Mergler D, Silbergeld EK. Biomarkers of methylmercury exposure immunotoxicity among fish consumers in Amazonian Brazil. Environ Health Perspect 2011; 119:1733-8. [PMID: 21868305 PMCID: PMC3261989 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1103741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant with neurodevelopmental and immune system effects. An informative biomarker of Hg-induced immunotoxicity could aid studies on the potential contribution to immune-related health effects. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to test the hypothesis that methylmercury (MeHg) exposures affect levels of serum biomarkers and to examine interactions between Hg and selenium (Se) in terms of these responses. METHODS This cross-sectional epidemiological study assessed adults living along the Tapajós River, a system long affected by MeHg. We measured antinuclear (ANA) and antinucleolar (ANoA) autoantibody levels and eight cytokines in serum samples (n = 232). Total Hg (including MeHg) and Se were measured in blood, plasma, hair, and urine. RESULTS The median (range) total Hg concentrations were 14.1 μg/g (1.1-62.4), 53.5 μg/L (4.3-288.9), 8.8 μg/L (0.2-40), and 3.0 μg/L (0.2-16.1) for hair, blood, plasma, and urine, respectively. Elevated titers of ANA (but not ANoA) were positively associated with MeHg exposure (log-transformed, for blood and plasma), unadjusted [odds ratio (OR) = 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 6.2] and adjusted for sex and age (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.5). Proinflammatory [interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ], anti-inflammatory (IL-4), and IL-17 cytokine levels were increased with MeHg exposure; however, in the subset of the population with elevated ANA, proinflammatory IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokine levels were decreased with MeHg exposure. Although Se status was associated with MeHg level (correlation coefficient = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.29, 1.43), Se status was not associated with any changes in ANA and did not modify associations between Hg and ANA titers. CONCLUSIONS MeHg exposure was associated with an increased ANA and changes in serum cytokine profile. Moreover, alterations in serum cytokine profiles differed based on ANA response, suggesting a specific phenotype of MeHg susceptibility. Further research on the potential health implications of these observed immunological changes is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F Nyland
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29209, USA.
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Lemire M, Fillion M, Frenette B, Passos CJS, Guimarães JRD, Barbosa F, Mergler D. Selenium from dietary sources and motor functions in the Brazilian Amazon. Neurotoxicology 2011; 32:944-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2011.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 04/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Mertens F, Saint-Charles J, Mergler D. Social communication network analysis of the role of participatory research in the adoption of new fish consumption behaviors. Soc Sci Med 2011; 75:643-50. [PMID: 22172976 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Revised: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
The formulation and communication of fish advisories are highly complex because of the potential conflict between the nutritional and toxicological issues associated with fish consumption. Government and organization-sponsored fish advisories have had limited success in changing behaviors. Participatory approaches may enhance the understanding of complex issues and the adoption of new behaviors. Here we used social network analysis to investigate the adoption of dietary changes within the context of a community participatory research project. In the Brazilian Amazon, many communities are highly exposed to methylmercury from fish consumption. A participatory intervention based on dietary changes aimed at reducing methylmercury exposure while maintaining fish consumption was initiated in 1995. In 2001, we collected data on individual participation in the research, on the discussion network regarding mercury issues and on changes in fish consumption from 96 of the 110 village households. More than half of men and women had adopted new fish consumption behavior to reduce mercury exposure. Adoption was associated with participation in the research project for both women and men, and with a higher number of discussion partners about mercury issues for women. Adoption was likewise associated with the presence of a female communication partner in the personal networks of both men and women. At the household level, men and women who considered their spouse as a discussion partner were more likely to adopt than those who did not. Opinion le]adership was associated with change in fish consumption only for women. We discuss the contribution of community participation and communication networks to overcome the difficulties in generating complex messages that take into account both health benefits and risks of fish consumption. We also discuss the relevance of building preventive health programs based on participatory research approaches and the roles and relations specific to men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Mertens
- Universidade de Brasília, Centro de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, 70910-900 Brasília, Brazil. ,
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Coelho-Souza SA, Guimarães JRD, Miranda MR, Poirier H, Mauro JBN, Lucotte M, Mergler D. Mercury and flooding cycles in the Tapajós River basin, Brazilian Amazon: the role of periphyton of a floating macrophyte (Paspalum repens). Sci Total Environ 2011; 409:2746-2753. [PMID: 21536317 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) increases mercury (Hg) toxicity and is biomagnified in the trophic chain contaminating riverine Amazon populations. Freshwater macrophyte roots are a main site of Hg methylation in different Brazilian environments. Paspalum repens periphyton was sampled in four floodplain lakes during the dry, rainy and wet seasons for measurement of total Hg (THg), MeHg, Hg methylation potentials, %C, %N, δ(13)C, δ(15)N and bacterial heterotrophic production as (3)H-leucine incorporation rate. THg concentration varied from 67 to 198 ng/g and the potential of Me(203)Hg formation was expressive (1-23%) showing that periphyton is an important matrix both in the accumulation of Hg and in MeHg production. The concentration of MeHg varied from 1 to 6 ng/g DW and was positively correlated with Me(203)Hg formation. Though methylmercury formation is mainly a bacterial process, no significant correlation was observed between the methylation potentials and bacterial production. The multiple regressions analyses suggested a negative correlation between THg and %C and %N and between methylation potential and δ(13)C. The discriminant analysis showed a significant difference in periphyton δ(15)N, δ(13)C and THg between seasons, where the rainy season presented higher δ(15)N and the wet period lighter δ(13)C, lower THg values and higher Me(203)Hg formation. This exploratory study indicates that the flooding cycle could influence the periphyton composition, mercury accumulation and methylmercury production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio A Coelho-Souza
- Lab. Traçadores Wolfgang C. Pfeiffer, SL 049, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho/UFRJ, Bloco G, Centro de Ciências e Saúde, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Fillion M, Philibert A, Mertens F, Lemire M, Passos CJS, Frenette B, Guimarães JRD, Mergler D. Neurotoxic sequelae of mercury exposure: an intervention and follow-up study in the Brazilian Amazon. Ecohealth 2011; 8:210-222. [PMID: 22160443 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-011-0710-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Since 1995, the Caruso Project used an Ecosystem Approach to Human Health to examine mercury (Hg) exposure in fish-eating communities in the Brazilian Amazon and develop interventions to maximise nutrition from traditional diet and minimise toxic risk. In 1995, 2000 and 2006, this study followed fish consumption, Hg levels, and visual and motor functions in 31 villagers. Questionnaires gathered information on socio-demographics and diet. Hair Hg (H-Hg) levels were measured. Visual acuity, colour vision, manual dexterity and grip strength were assessed. Data was analysed using general linear models of repeated measures. Total fish consumption, similar in 1995 and 2000, decreased in 2006. Carnivorous fish consumption initially decreased and then remained stable, whereas non-carnivorous fish consumption first increased and then decreased. H-Hg declined from 17.6 to 7.8 μg/g. Visual functions showed a significant decrease over time, with those with H-Hg ≥ 20 μg/g in 1995 showing greater loss. Motor functions showed initial improvement and then returned to the 1995 performance level. Decrease in Hg exposure is attributed to the intervention and socio-economic changes in the village. While there may be a certain reversibility of motor deficits, visual capacities may decrease progressively with respect to exposure prior to the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Fillion
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la biologie, la santé, la société et l'environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
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Menezes-Filho JA, Novaes CDO, Moreira JC, Sarcinelli PN, Mergler D. Elevated manganese and cognitive performance in school-aged children and their mothers. Environ Res 2011; 111:156-63. [PMID: 20943219 PMCID: PMC3026060 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2010.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence suggests that excess manganese (Mn) in children is associated with neurobehavioral impairments. In Brazil, elevated hair Mn concentrations were reported in children living near a ferro-manganese alloy plant. OBJECTIVES We investigated these children's and caregivers' cognitive function in relation to bioindicators of Mn exposure. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, the WISC-III was administered to 83 children aged between 6 and 12 years; the Raven Progressive Matrix was administered to the primary caregivers (94% mothers), who likewise responded to a questionnaire on socio demographics and birth history. Mn in hair (MnH) and blood (MnB) and blood lead (PbB) were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). RESULTS Children's mean MnB and MnH were 8.2 μg/L (2.7-23.4) and 5.83 μg/g (0.1-86.68), respectively. Mean maternal MnH was 3.50 μg/g (0.10-77.45) and correlated to children's MnH (rho=0.294, p=0.010). Children's MnH was negatively related to Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Verbal IQ; β coefficients for MnH were -5.78 (95% CI -10.71 to -0.21) and -6.72 (-11.81 to -0.63), adjusted for maternal education and nutritional status. Maternal MnH was negatively associated with performance on the Raven's (β=-2.69, 95% CI -5.43 to 0.05), adjusted for education years, family income and age. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm that high MnH in children is associated with poorer cognitive performance, especially in the verbal domain. Primary caregiver's IQ is likewise associated to Mn exposure, suggesting that, in this situation, children's cognition may be affected directly and indirectly by Mn exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Menezes-Filho
- Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil.
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Bouchard MF, Sauvé S, Barbeau B, Legrand M, Brodeur MÈ, Bouffard T, Limoges E, Bellinger DC, Mergler D. Intellectual impairment in school-age children exposed to manganese from drinking water. Environ Health Perspect 2011; 119:138-143. [PMID: 20855239 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.119-a138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manganese is an essential nutrient, but in excess it can be a potent neurotoxicant. Despite the common occurrence of manganese in groundwater, the risks associated with this source of exposure are largely unknown. OBJECTIVES Our first aim was to assess the relations between exposure to manganese from drinking water and children's intelligence quotient (IQ). Second, we examined the relations between manganese exposures from water consumption and from the diet with children's hair manganese concentration. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 362 children 6-13 years of age living in communities supplied by groundwater. Manganese concentration was measured in home tap water (MnW) and children's hair (MnH). We estimated manganese intake from water ingestion and the diet using a food frequency questionnaire and assessed IQ with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. RESULTS The median MnW in children's home tap water was 34 µg/L (range, 1-2,700 µg/L). MnH increased with manganese intake from water consumption, but not with dietary manganese intake. Higher MnW and MnH were significantly associated with lower IQ scores. A 10-fold increase in MnW was associated with a decrease of 2.4 IQ points (95% confidence interval: -3.9 to -0.9; p < 0.01), adjusting for maternal intelligence, family income, and other potential confounders. There was a 6.2-point difference in IQ between children in the lowest and highest MnW quintiles. MnW was more strongly associated with Performance IQ than Verbal IQ. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that exposure to manganese at levels common in groundwater is associated with intellectual impairment in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryse F Bouchard
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Biology, Health, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
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Bouchard MF, Sauvé S, Barbeau B, Legrand M, Brodeur MÈ, Bouffard T, Limoges E, Bellinger DC, Mergler D. Intellectual impairment in school-age children exposed to manganese from drinking water. Environ Health Perspect 2011; 119:138-43. [PMID: 20855239 PMCID: PMC3018493 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Manganese is an essential nutrient, but in excess it can be a potent neurotoxicant. Despite the common occurrence of manganese in groundwater, the risks associated with this source of exposure are largely unknown. OBJECTIVES Our first aim was to assess the relations between exposure to manganese from drinking water and children's intelligence quotient (IQ). Second, we examined the relations between manganese exposures from water consumption and from the diet with children's hair manganese concentration. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 362 children 6-13 years of age living in communities supplied by groundwater. Manganese concentration was measured in home tap water (MnW) and children's hair (MnH). We estimated manganese intake from water ingestion and the diet using a food frequency questionnaire and assessed IQ with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. RESULTS The median MnW in children's home tap water was 34 µg/L (range, 1-2,700 µg/L). MnH increased with manganese intake from water consumption, but not with dietary manganese intake. Higher MnW and MnH were significantly associated with lower IQ scores. A 10-fold increase in MnW was associated with a decrease of 2.4 IQ points (95% confidence interval: -3.9 to -0.9; p < 0.01), adjusting for maternal intelligence, family income, and other potential confounders. There was a 6.2-point difference in IQ between children in the lowest and highest MnW quintiles. MnW was more strongly associated with Performance IQ than Verbal IQ. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that exposure to manganese at levels common in groundwater is associated with intellectual impairment in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryse F Bouchard
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Biology, Health, Society and Environment, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
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Lemire M, Fillion M, Frenette B, Mayer A, Philibert A, Passos CJS, Guimarães JRD, Barbosa FJ, Mergler D. Selenium and mercury in the Brazilian Amazon: opposing influences on age-related cataracts. Environ Health Perspect 2010; 118:1584-9. [PMID: 20716509 PMCID: PMC2974697 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Revised: 06/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related cataracts (ARCs) are an important cause of blindness in developing countries. Although antioxidants may be part of the body's defense to prevent ARC, environmental contaminants may contribute to cataractogenesis. In fish-eating populations of the lower Tapajós region, elevated exposure to mercury (Hg) has been reported, and blood levels of selenium (Se) range from normal to very high (> 1,000 microg/L). OBJECTIVES We examined ARCs in relation to these elements among adults (> or = 40 years of age) from 12 riverside communities. METHODS Participants (n = 211) provided blood samples and underwent an extensive ocular examination. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to assess Hg and Se in blood and plasma. RESULTS One-third (n = 69; 32.7%) of the participants had ARC. Lower plasma Se (P-Se; < 25th percentile, 110 microg/L) and higher blood Hg (B-Hg; > or = 25th percentile, 25 microg/L) were associated with a higher prevalence odds ratio (POR) of ARC [adjusted POR (95% confidence interval), 2.69 (1.11-6.56) and 4.45 (1.43-13.83), respectively]. Among participants with high P-Se, we observed a positive but nonsignificant association with high B-Hg exposure, whereas among those with low B-Hg, we observed no association for P-Se. However, compared with the optimum situation (high P-Se, low B-Hg), the POR for those with low P-Se and high B-Hg was 16.4 (3.0-87.9). This finding suggests a synergistic effect. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that persons in this population with elevated Hg, the cataractogenic effects of Hg may be offset by Se. Because of the relatively small sample size and possible confounding by other dietary nutrients, additional studies with sufficient power to assess multiple nutrient and toxic interactions are required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lemire
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la biologie, la santé, la société et l'environnement, Université du Ouébec a Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
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Lemire M, Fillion M, Barbosa F, Guimarães JRD, Mergler D. Elevated levels of selenium in the typical diet of Amazonian riverside populations. Sci Total Environ 2010; 408:4076-4084. [PMID: 20646739 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2010] [Revised: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 05/14/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) intake is generally from food, whose Se content depends on soil Se and plant accumulation. For humans, adequate Se intake is essential for several selenoenzymes. In the Lower Tapajós region of the Brazilian Amazon, Se status is elevated with large inter-community variability. Se intake in this region, where Hg exposure is among the highest in the world, may be important to counteract mercury (Hg) toxicity. The present study was conducted in 2006 with 155 persons from four communities of the Lower Tapajós. The objectives were: i) to evaluate Se content in their typical diet and drinking water; ii) to compare food Se concentrations with respect to geographic location; and iii) to examine the contribution of consumption of different food items to blood Se. More than 400 local foods and 40 drinking water samples were collected. Participants responded to an interview-administered food frequency questionnaire and provided blood samples. Food, water and blood Se levels were assessed by ICP-MS. Since Brazil nuts may also contain significant levels of barium (Ba) and strontium (Sr), these elements were likewise analyzed in nuts. The highest Se concentrations were found in Brazil nuts, but concentrations were highly variable (median: 13.9 microg/g; range: 0.4-158.4 microg/g). Chicken, game meat, eggs and beef also contained considerable levels of Se, with median concentrations from 0.3 to 1.4 microg/g. There was no particular geographic distribution of food Se. Se concentration in drinking water was very low (< 1.4 microg/L). Blood Se covered a (103-1500 microg/L), and was positively related to regular consumption of Brazil nuts, domestic chicken and game meat. Brazil nuts were found to contain highly variable and often very high concentrations of Ba (88.0 microg/g, 1.9-1437 microg/g) and Sr (38.7 microg/g, 3.3-173 microg/g).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lemire
- Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la biologie, la santé, la société et l'environnement (CINBIOSE), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
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Wesseling C, van Wendel de Joode B, Keifer M, London L, Mergler D, Stallones L. Symptoms of psychological distress and suicidal ideation among banana workers with a history of poisoning by organophosphate or n-methyl carbamate pesticides. Occup Environ Med 2010; 67:778-84. [DOI: 10.1136/oem.2009.047266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Mergler D, Wesseling C. 10th International Symposium on Neurobehavioral Methods and Effects in Environmental and Occupational Health: Meeting report. Neurotoxicology 2010; 30:1134. [PMID: 19963101 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Grotto D, Valentini J, Fillion M, Passos CJS, Garcia SC, Mergler D, Barbosa F. Mercury exposure and oxidative stress in communities of the Brazilian Amazon. Sci Total Environ 2010; 408:806-811. [PMID: 19914681 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Revised: 10/11/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to assess possible associations between biomarkers of mercury (Hg) exposure and oxidative stress in fish-eating Amazonian communities. Clinical samples were obtained from riparians living in the Brazilian Amazon. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (glutathione - GSH, glutathione peroxidase - GSH-Px, catalase - CAT, activity and reactivation index of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase - ALA-D (R%) were determined in blood. Total Hg was measured in whole blood (B-Hg), plasma (P-Hg) and hair (H-Hg). Association between biomarkers of Hg exposure and oxidative stress were examined using multiple regression models, including age, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking status, fish consumption and then stratified for gender. Significant inverse relations were observed between GSH-Px, GSH, CAT, ALA-D activity and B-Hg or H-Hg (p<0.05). ALA-D reactivation index was positively related to B-Hg (p<0.0001). P-Hg was directly related to ALA-D reactivation index and inversely associated with GSH-Px, GSH, and ALA-D activity (p<0.05). When stratified for gender, women showed significant inverse associations between all biomarkers of Hg exposure and CAT (p<0.05) or GSH (p<0.05), while for men only P-Hg showed a significant inverse relation with GSH (p<0.001). Our results clearly demonstrated an association between Hg exposure and oxidative stress. Moreover, for B-Hg, P-Hg and H-Hg gender differences were present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Grotto
- Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo
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Jacob-Ferreira ALB, Passos CJS, Jordão AA, Fillion M, Mergler D, Lemire M, Gerlach RF, Barbosa Jr F, Tanus-Santos JE. Mercury Exposure Increases Circulating Net Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 Activities. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2009; 105:281-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2009.00443.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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