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Uhl M, Schoeters G, Govarts E, Bil W, Fletcher T, Haug LS, Hoogenboom R, Gundacker C, Trier X, Fernandez MF, Calvo AC, López ME, Coertjens D, Santonen T, Murínová ĽP, Richterová D, Brouwere KD, Hauzenberger I, Kolossa-Gehring M, Halldórsson ÞI. PFASs: What can we learn from the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative HBM4EU. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 250:114168. [PMID: 37068413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114168] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were one of the priority substance groups selected which have been investigated under the ambitious European Joint programme HBM4EU (2017-2022). In order to answer policy relevant questions concerning exposure and health effects of PFASs in Europe several activities were developed under HBM4EU namely i) synthesis of HBM data generated in Europe prior to HBM4EU by developing new platforms, ii) development of a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program covering 12 biomarkers of PFASs, iii) aligned and harmonized human biomonitoring studies of PFASs. In addition, some cohort studies (on mother-child exposure, occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium) were initiated, and literature researches on risk assessment of mixtures of PFAS, health effects and effect biomarkers were performed. The HBM4EU Aligned Studies have generated internal exposure reference levels for 12 PFASs in 1957 European teenagers aged 12-18 years. The results showed that serum levels of 14.3% of the teenagers exceeded 6.9 μg/L PFASs, which corresponds to the EFSA guideline value for a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg for some of the investigated PFASs (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA and PFHxS). In Northern and Western Europe, 24% of teenagers exceeded this level. The most relevant sources of exposure identified were drinking water and some foods (fish, eggs, offal and locally produced foods). HBM4EU occupational studies also revealed very high levels of PFASs exposure in workers (P95: 192 μg/L in chrome plating facilities), highlighting the importance of monitoring PFASs exposure in specific workplaces. In addition, environmental contaminated hotspots causing high exposure to the population were identified. In conclusion, the frequent and high PFASs exposure evidenced by HBM4EU strongly suggests the need to take all possible measures to prevent further contamination of the European population, in addition to adopting remediation measures in hotspot areas, to protect human health and the environment. HBM4EU findings also support the restriction of the whole group of PFASs. Further, research and definition for additional toxicological dose-effect relationship values for more PFASs compounds is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Wieneke Bil
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Tony Fletcher
- UK Health Security Agency, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, England, UK
| | | | - Ron Hoogenboom
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Xenia Trier
- European Environment Agency, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | | | | | - Katleen De Brouwere
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
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2
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Lobo Vicente J, Ganzleben C, Gasol R, Marnane I, Gilles L, Buekers J, Bessems J, Colles A, Gerofke A, David M, Barouki R, Uhl M, Sepai O, Loots I, Crabbé A, Coertjens D, Kolossa-Gehring M, Schoeters G. HBM4EU results support the Chemicals' Strategy for Sustainability and the Zero-Pollution Action Plan. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 248:114111. [PMID: 36706581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114111] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
One of the major goals of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) was to bridge the gap between science and policy by consulting both policy makers and national scientists and generating evidence of the actual exposure of residents to chemicals and whether that exposure would be suggest a potential health risk. Residents' perspectives on chemical exposure and risk were also investigated. HBM4EU's research was designed to answer specific short-term and long-term policy questions at national and European levels, and for its results to directly support regulatory action on chemicals. A strategy was established to prioritise chemicals for analysis in human matrices, with a total of 18 substances/substance groups chosen to be investigated throughout the five-and a -half-year project. HBM4EU produced new evidence of human exposure levels, developed reference values for exposure, investigated determinants of exposure and derived health-based guidance values for those substances. In addition, HBM4EU promoted the use of human biomonitoring data in chemical risk assessment and developed innovative tools and methods linking chemicals to possible health impacts, such as effect biomarkers. Furthermore, HBM4EU advanced understand of effects from combined exposures and methods to identify emerging chemicals. With the aim of supporting policy implementation, science-to-policy workshops were organised, providing opportunities for joint reflection and dialogue on research results. I, and indicators were developed to assess temporal and spatial patterns in the exposure of European population. A sustainable human biomonitoring monitoring framework, producing comparable quality assured data would allow: the evaluation of time trends; the exploration of spatial trends: the evaluation of the influence of socio-economic conditions on chemical exposure. Therefore, such a framework should be included in the European Chemicals' Strategy for Sustainability and the data would support the Zero Pollution Action Plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Lobo Vicente
- European Environment Agency (EEA), Kongens Nytorv 6, 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Catherine Ganzleben
- European Environment Agency (EEA), Kongens Nytorv 6, 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Roser Gasol
- European Environment Agency (EEA), Kongens Nytorv 6, 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Ian Marnane
- European Environment Agency (EEA), Kongens Nytorv 6, 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Liese Gilles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Buekers
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Jos Bessems
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Ann Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Antje Gerofke
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Madlen David
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency, Spittelauer Lände 5, Vienna, 1090, Austria
| | - Ovnair Sepai
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Harwell Science Park, Chilton, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Ilse Loots
- University of Antwerp, Department of Sociology (CRESC and IMDO), Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Crabbé
- University of Antwerp, Department of Sociology (CRESC and IMDO), Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dries Coertjens
- University of Antwerp, Department of Sociology (CRESC and IMDO), Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Dept of Biomedical Sciences and Toxicological Centre, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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3
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Lasters R, Groffen T, Eens M, Coertjens D, Gebbink WA, Hofman J, Bervoets L. Home-produced eggs: An important human exposure pathway of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS). Chemosphere 2022; 308:136283. [PMID: 36075366 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136283] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Humans are generally exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through their diet. Whilst plenty of data are available on commercial food products, little information exists on the contribution of self-cultivated food, such as home-produced eggs (HPE), to the dietary PFAS intake in humans. The prevalence of 17 legacy and emerging PFAS in HPE (N = 70) from free-ranging laying hens was examined at 35 private gardens, situated within a 10 km radius from a fluorochemical plant in Antwerp (Belgium). Potential influences from housing conditions (feed type and number of individuals) and age of the chickens on the egg concentrations was examined, and possible human health risks were evaluated. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were detected in all samples. PFOS was the dominant compound and concentrations (range: 0.13-241 ng/g wet weight) steeply decreased with distance from the fluorochemical plant, while there was no clear distance trend for other PFAS. Laying hens receiving an obligate diet of kitchen leftovers, exhibited higher PFOS and PFOA concentrations in their eggs than hens feeding only on commercial food, suggesting that garden produce may be a relevant exposure pathway to both chickens and humans. The age of laying hens affected egg PFAS concentrations, with younger hens exhibiting significantly higher egg PFOA concentrations. Based on a modest human consumption scenario of two eggs per week, the European health guideline was exceeded in ≥67% of the locations for all age classes, both nearby and further away (till 10 km) from the plant site. These results indicate that PFAS exposure via HPE causes potential human health risks. Extensive analysis in other self-cultivated food items on a larger spatial scale is highly recommended, taking into account potential factors that may affect PFAS bioavailability to garden produce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lasters
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Thimo Groffen
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium; Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Marcel Eens
- Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Dries Coertjens
- Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | | | - Jelle Hofman
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Lieven Bervoets
- ECOSPHERE, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Schoeters G, Verheyen VJ, Colles A, Remy S, Martin LR, Govarts E, Nelen V, Den Hond E, De Decker A, Franken C, Loots I, Coertjens D, Morrens B, Bastiaensen M, Gys C, Malarvannan G, Covaci A, Nawrot T, De Henauw S, Bellemans M, Leermakers M, Van Larebeke N, Baeyens W, Jacobs G, Voorspoels S, Nielsen F, Bruckers L. Internal exposure of Flemish teenagers to environmental pollutants: Results of the Flemish Environment and Health Study 2016-2020 (FLEHS IV). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 242:113972. [PMID: 35453051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS) collects information on internal exposure to a broad range of environmental chemicals in the general population in Flanders, the Northern region of Belgium. The aim is to establish biomonitoring exposure distributions for the general population in support of public health and environmental policy, environmental risk assessment and risk management decisions. In 2017-2018, urine and blood samples were collected from 428 teenagers by a stratified clustered two stage randomized design. Samples were analyzed for a broad range of biomarkers related to exposure to chlorinated and newer pesticides, brominated and organophosphate flame retardants (BFR/OPFR), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenols, phthalates and alternative plasticizers, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, metals and trace elements. The geometric mean levels and percentiles of the distribution were estimated for each biomarker, for the whole study population and following stratification for sex, the household educational attainment and the residence area's urbanicity. Geometric means of biomarkers of lead, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), PCBs, PAHs, regulated phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) were lower than in the previous FLEHS cycles. Most biomarker levels were below health-based guidance values (HB-GVs). However, HB-GVs of urinary arsenic, blood lead, blood cadmium, sum of serum perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluoro-1-hexanesulfonate (PFHxS) and the urinary pyrethroid metabolite (3-PBA) were exceeded in respectively 25%, 12%, 39.5%, 10% and 22% of the teenagers. These results suggest that the levels of exposure in the Flemish population to some environmental chemicals might be of concern. At the same time, we noticed that biomarkers for BPA substitutes, metabolites of OPFRs, an expanded list of PFAS, glyphosate and its metabolite could be measured in substantial proportions of participants. Interpretation of these levels in a health-risk context remains uncertain as HB-GVs are lacking. Household educational attainment and residential urbanicity were significant exposure determinants for many biomarkers and could influence specific biomarker levels up to 70% as shown by multiple regression analysis. The research consortium also took care of the broader external communication of results with participants, policy makers, professional groups and civil society organizations. Our study demonstrated that teenagers are exposed to a wide range of chemicals, it demonstrates the success of public policies to reduce exposure but also points to concern and further priorities and needs for follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - V J Verheyen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - A Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - S Remy
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - L Rodriguez Martin
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - E Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - V Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - E Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A De Decker
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - C Franken
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - I Loots
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - D Coertjens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B Morrens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Bastiaensen
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - C Gys
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - G Malarvannan
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - A Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - T Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - S De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Bellemans
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Leermakers
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo- Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Van Larebeke
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo- Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - W Baeyens
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo- Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Jacobs
- VITO GOAL, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - S Voorspoels
- VITO GOAL, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - F Nielsen
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - L Bruckers
- BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
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Cosemans C, Van Larebeke N, Janssen BG, Martens DS, Baeyens W, Bruckers L, Den Hond E, Coertjens D, Nelen V, Schoeters G, Hoppe HW, Wolfs E, Smeets K, Nawrot TS, Plusquin M. Glyphosate and AMPA exposure in relation to markers of biological aging in an adult population-based study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 240:113895. [PMID: 34883335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Glyphosate, a broad-spectrum herbicide, and its main metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) are persistent in the environment. Studies showed associations between glyphosate or AMPA exposure and several adverse cellular processes, including metabolic alterations and oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE To determine the association between glyphosate and AMPA exposure and biomarkers of biological aging. METHODS We examined glyphosate and AMPA exposure, mtDNA content and leukocyte telomere length in 181 adults, included in the third cycle of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHSIII). DNA was isolated from leukocytes and the relative mtDNA content and telomere length were determined using qPCR. Urinary glyphosate and AMPA concentrations were measured by Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). We used multiple linear regression models to associate mtDNA content and leukocyte telomere length with glyphosate or AMPA exposure while adjusting for confounding variables. RESULTS A doubling in urinary AMPA concentration was associated with 5.19% (95% CI: 0.49 to 10.11; p = 0.03) longer leukocyte telomere length, while no association was observed with urinary glyphosate concentration. No association between mtDNA content and urinary glyphosate nor AMPA levels was observed. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that AMPA exposure may be associated with telomere biology in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Cosemans
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Van Larebeke
- Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Department of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Dries Coertjens
- Faculty of Social Sciences and IMDO, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Faculty of Social Sciences and IMDO, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- Environmental Risk and Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Esther Wolfs
- Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Hasselt University, Belgium
| | - Karen Smeets
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium; School of Public Health, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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6
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Verheyen VJ, Remy S, Govarts E, Colles A, Koppen G, Martin LR, Nielsen F, Bruckers L, Bijnens EM, Vos S, Morrens B, Coertjens D, Loots I, De Decker A, Franken C, Den Hond E, Nelen V, De Henauw S, Covaci A, Van Larebeke N, Teughels C, Nawrot TS, Schoeters G. Determinants of Chronic Biological Stress, Measured as Hair Cortisol Concentration, in a General Population of Adolescents: From Individual and Household Characteristics to Neighborhood Urbanicity. Front Public Health 2021; 9:669022. [PMID: 34888272 PMCID: PMC8650704 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.669022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic biological stress may adversely affect adolescents' physical and mental health, but insight in the personal and environmental factors that determine chronic stress is limited. We measured 3-month cumulative hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in 419 adolescents, participating in the Flemish Environment and Health Study. Adolescents' health and lifestyle characteristics, household and neighborhood socio-economic status as well as neighborhood urbanicity were assessed as potential determinants of HCC, using multiple linear regression models. We additionally explored heterogeneity of our results by sex. HCC were significantly higher in boys from densely populated neighborhoods, the association was not significant in girls. Accordingly, boys living outside cities had significantly lower HCC than boys, living in cities. HCC was significantly lower in adolescents with an optimal vitality, a measure of a positive mental health status. In adolescent girls, menarcheal status (pre-/postmenarche) was a significant determinant of HCC. Our findings are the first to suggest that residential urbanicity may have an impact on chronic biological stress in a general population of adolescent boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle J Verheyen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Flemming Nielsen
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Stijn Vos
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bert Morrens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dries Coertjens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilse Loots
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annelies De Decker
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Provincial Research Centre for Environment and Health, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carmen Franken
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Provincial Research Centre for Environment and Health, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Provincial Research Centre for Environment and Health, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Provincial Research Centre for Environment and Health, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Van Larebeke
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Teughels
- Flemish Planning Bureau for the Environment and Spatial Development, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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7
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Verheyen VJ, Remy S, Govarts E, Colles A, Rodriguez Martin L, Koppen G, Voorspoels S, Bruckers L, Bijnens EM, Vos S, Morrens B, Coertjens D, De Decker A, Franken C, Den Hond E, Nelen V, Covaci A, Loots I, De Henauw S, Van Larebeke N, Teughels C, Nawrot TS, Schoeters G. Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites Are Associated with Biomarkers of Chronic Endocrine Stress, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Adolescents: FLEHS-4 (2016-2020). Toxics 2021; 9:toxics9100245. [PMID: 34678941 PMCID: PMC8537433 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9100245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants of public health concern. Multiple biological mechanisms have been hypothesized to contribute to PAHs-associated adverse health effects. Little is known about the impact of PAHs on endocrine stress and inflammation in adolescence. We examined 393 Flemish adolescents (14-15 years) cross-sectionally, measured urinary concentrations of hydroxylated naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene and pyrene metabolites, and calculated the sum of all measured metabolites. We determined hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as endocrine stress biomarker, leucocyte counts and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood as inflammatory biomarkers, and urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) concentration as oxidative stress biomarker. Exposure-response associations were analyzed by multiple regression, adjusted for a priori selected covariates. A doubling of 1-hydroxypyrene concentration was associated with a factor of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.24) increase in HCC and a factor of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.13) increase in 8-oxodG. Doublings of 2- and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene concentrations were associated with a factor of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.14) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.12) increase in 8-oxodG, respectively. Doubling of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene and of the sum of 2- and 3-hydroxyfluorene was associated with, respectively, a factor of 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.14) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.13) increase in NLR. Our results indicate the glucocorticoid pathway as a potential target for PAH exposure in adolescents and suggest oxidative stress, endocrine stress, and inflammation in adolescence as underlying mechanisms and early markers for PAH-related adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle J. Verheyen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Sylvie Remy
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Ann Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Laura Rodriguez Martin
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Stefan Voorspoels
- VITO GOAL, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium;
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium;
| | - Esmée M. Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.M.B.); (S.V.); (T.S.N.)
| | - Stijn Vos
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.M.B.); (S.V.); (T.S.N.)
| | - Bert Morrens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (B.M.); (D.C.); (I.L.)
| | - Dries Coertjens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (B.M.); (D.C.); (I.L.)
| | - Annelies De Decker
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.D.); (C.F.); (E.D.H.); (V.N.)
| | - Carmen Franken
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.D.); (C.F.); (E.D.H.); (V.N.)
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.D.); (C.F.); (E.D.H.); (V.N.)
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.D.D.); (C.F.); (E.D.H.); (V.N.)
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
| | - Ilse Loots
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (B.M.); (D.C.); (I.L.)
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Nicolas Van Larebeke
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Teughels
- Flemish Planning Bureau for the Environment and Spatial Development, Koning Albert II laan 20, bus 8, 1000 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (E.M.B.); (S.V.); (T.S.N.)
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.R.); (E.G.); (A.C.); (L.R.M.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Verheyen VJ, Remy S, Bijnens EM, Colles A, Govarts E, Martin LR, Koppen G, Bruckers L, Nielsen F, Vos S, Morrens B, Coertjens D, De Decker A, Franken C, Den Hond E, Nelen V, Covaci A, Loots I, De Henauw S, van Larebeke N, Teughels C, Nawrot TS, Schoeters G. Long-term residential exposure to air pollution is associated with hair cortisol concentration and differential leucocyte count in Flemish adolescent boys. Environ Res 2021; 201:111595. [PMID: 34186082 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to air pollution and traffic noise are associated with adverse health outcomes in adolescents. Chronic endocrine stress and systemic inflammation have been hypothesized to underlie the adverse health effects. Simultaneous assessment of inflammation and chronic endocrine stress in epidemiological studies is lacking. The aim of the study was to investigate biomarkers of chronic endocrine stress and inflammation in relation to long-term residential exposure to air pollution and traffic noise in adolescents. METHODS In Flemish adolescents (14-15 years), we determined hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as a chronic stress biomarker in 3-cm scalp-near hair sections (n = 395), and leucocyte and leucocyte subtype counts (neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes) as inflammatory biomarkers in peripheral blood (n = 385). Daily particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and black carbon (BC) concentrations were modelled at the residential address and averaged over 3-month and 1-year periods prior to sampling. Residential traffic noise level was estimated and classified in 5 dB intervals. Sex-specific associations between residential exposures and effect biomarkers were studied using linear regression models, adjusted for a priori selected covariates. RESULTS In boys, HCC increased with a factor 1.30 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.54) for an increase in 1-year mean NO2 from the 25th to 75th percentile (p75/p25), after adjustment for age, BMI, personal and neighborhood socioeconomic status. The corresponding estimate for PM10 was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.51). Total leucocyte count in boys, adjusted for the aforementioned covariates and recent health complaints, was positively associated with PM2.5, PM10, NO2 and BC. In particular, the neutrophil count increased with a factor 1.11 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.19) for a (p75/p25)-factor increase in 1-year mean BC, corresponding estimates for PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 were 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.19), 1.10 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.20) and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.16). Lymphocyte count increased with a factor 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.10) for a (p75/p25)-factor increase in 1-year mean NO2. Similar results were observed for 3-month mean exposures. Results were robust to adjustment for recent air pollution exposure. In girls, air pollutants were not associated with HCC or differential leucocyte count. Residential traffic noise level was not associated with HCC or leucocyte counts in boys nor girls. CONCLUSIONS Long-term residential exposure to air pollutants was positively associated with chronic endocrine stress and inflammation in adolescent boys, not in girls. This study may contribute to a better understanding of the early pathophysiological changes that may underlie adverse health effects of air pollution exposure in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle J Verheyen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Sylvie Remy
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ann Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Laura Rodriguez Martin
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 17A, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Stijn Vos
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Bert Morrens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dries Coertjens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annelies De Decker
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Carmen Franken
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilse Loots
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nicolas van Larebeke
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo- Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Radiotherapy and Experimental Cancerology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Caroline Teughels
- Flemish Planning Bureau for the Environment and Spatial Development, Koning Albert II laan 20, bus 8, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
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9
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Colles A, Coertjens D, Morrens B, Den Hond E, Paulussen M, Bruckers L, Govarts E, Covaci A, Koppen G, Croes K, Nelen V, Van Larebeke N, De Henauw S, Fierens T, Van Gestel G, Chovanova H, Mampaey M, Van Campenhout K, Loots I, Baeyens W, Schoeters G. Human Biomonitoring Data Enables Evidence-Informed Policy to Reduce Internal Exposure to Persistent Organic Compounds: A Case Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:5559. [PMID: 34067438 PMCID: PMC8196998 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) monitors levels of environmental pollutants in human samples, which often is a topic of concern for residents near industrially contaminated sites (ICSs). Around an ICS area in Menen (Belgium), including a (former) municipal waste incinerator and a metal recovery plant, increasing environmental concentrations of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were observed, causing growing concern among residents and authorities. The local community succeeded in convincing the responsible authorities to investigate the problem and offer research funding. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in two consecutive HBM studies (2002-2006 and 2010-2011), in the context of the Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS), as well as in soil and locally produced food. Meanwhile, local authorities discouraged consumption of locally produced food in a delineated area of higher exposure risk. Ultimately, HBM and environmental data enabled tailored dietary recommendations. This article demonstrates the usefulness of HBM in documenting the body burdens of residents near the ICS, identifying exposure routes, evaluating remediating actions and providing information for tailored policy strategies aiding to further exposure reduction. It also highlights the role of the local stakeholders as an example of community-based participatory research and how such an approach can create societal support for research and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Colles
- VITO Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.G.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Dries Coertjens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (D.C.); (B.M.); (I.L.)
| | - Bert Morrens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (D.C.); (B.M.); (I.L.)
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (E.D.H.); (M.P.); (V.N.)
| | - Melissa Paulussen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (E.D.H.); (M.P.); (V.N.)
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- i-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium;
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.G.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- VITO Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.G.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Kim Croes
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (K.C.); (N.V.L.); (W.B.)
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (E.D.H.); (M.P.); (V.N.)
| | - Nicolas Van Larebeke
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (K.C.); (N.V.L.); (W.B.)
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Tine Fierens
- Flanders Environment Agency (VMM), Dr. De Moorstraat 24, 9300 Aalst, Belgium;
| | - Griet Van Gestel
- Public Waste Agency of Flanders (OVAM), Stationsstraat 110, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium;
| | - Hana Chovanova
- Flemish Ministry of Welfare, Public Health and Family, Flemish Agency for Care and Health, Environmental Health Section, Koning Albert-II laan 35 bus 33, 1030 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Maja Mampaey
- Department of Environment & Spatial Development, Flemish Planning Bureau for the Environment and Spatial Development, Koning Albert-II laan 20 bus 8, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (M.M.); (K.V.C.)
| | - Karen Van Campenhout
- Department of Environment & Spatial Development, Flemish Planning Bureau for the Environment and Spatial Development, Koning Albert-II laan 20 bus 8, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (M.M.); (K.V.C.)
| | - Ilse Loots
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (D.C.); (B.M.); (I.L.)
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (K.C.); (N.V.L.); (W.B.)
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (E.G.); (G.K.); (G.S.)
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Colles A, Bruckers L, Den Hond E, Govarts E, Morrens B, Schettgen T, Buekers J, Coertjens D, Nawrot T, Loots I, Nelen V, De Henauw S, Schoeters G, Baeyens W, van Larebeke N. Perfluorinated substances in the Flemish population (Belgium): Levels and determinants of variability in exposure. Chemosphere 2020; 242:125250. [PMID: 31896205 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [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: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Because of their dirt-, water- and oil-repelling properties, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are frequently used in a broad variety of consumer products. They have been detected in human samples worldwide. In Flanders, Belgium, the Flemish Environment and Health Studies (FLEHS) measured the levels of five PFAS biomarkers in four different age groups of the Flemish population and identified determinants of variability in exposure. Cord plasma or peripheric serum samples and questionnaire data were available for 220 mother-newborn pairs (2008-2009), 269 mother-newborn pairs (2013-2014), 199 adolescents (14-15 years old, 2010), 201 adults (20-40 years old, 2008-2009) and 205 adults (50-65 years old, 2014). Measured levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) in Flanders are in the middle or low range compared to concentrations reported in other Western countries. Levels of perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) were below the quantification limit in 98%-100% of the samples. Despite decreasing levels in time for PFOS and PFOA, 77% of the adults (2014) had serum levels exceeding HBM-I values of 5 μg/L for PFOS and 2 μg/L for PFOA. Beside age, sex, fish consumption, parity and breastfeeding, the multiple regression models identified additionally consumption of offal and locally grown food, and use of cosmetics as possible exposures and menstruation as a possible route of elimination. Better knowledge on determinants of exposure is essential to lower PFASs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Colles
- VITO - Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- Hasselt University, Data Science Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Agoralaan - Gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Elly Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO - Health, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Bert Morrens
- University of Antwerp, Department of Sociology, Sint-Jacobstraat 2-4, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thomas Schettgen
- Institut für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Dries Coertjens
- University of Antwerp, Department of Sociology, Sint-Jacobstraat 2-4, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Hasselt University, Centre of Environmental Sciences, Agoralaan - Gebouw D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ilse Loots
- University of Antwerp, Department of Sociology, Sint-Jacobstraat 2-4, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Kronenburgstraat 45, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- University of Ghent, Department of Public Health, C. Heymanslaan 10 - 4K3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Willy Baeyens
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry (AMGC), Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas van Larebeke
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Analytical, Environmental and Geochemistry (AMGC), Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Morrens B, Den Hond E, Schoeters G, Coertjens D, Colles A, Nawrot TS, Baeyens W, De Henauw S, Nelen V, Loots I. Human biomonitoring from an environmental justice perspective: supporting study participation of women of Turkish and Moroccan descent. Environ Health 2017; 16:48. [PMID: 28526013 PMCID: PMC5437637 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental justice research shows how socially disadvantaged groups are more exposed and more vulnerable to environmental pollution. At the same time, these groups are less represented and, thus, less visible in biomedical studies. This socioeconomic participation bias is a form of environmental injustice within research practice itself. METHODS We designed, implemented and evaluated a targeted recruitment strategy to enhance the participation of socially disadvantaged pregnant women in a human biomonitoring study in Belgium. We focused on women of Turkish and Moroccan descent and developed a setup using personal buddies that enabled information transfer about study conditions in the pre-parturition period as well as support and follow-up with questionnaires in the post-parturition period. RESULTS We identified four barriers to the participation of women with a vulnerable social and ethnic background which were related to psychosocial and situational factors. Lack of trust in researchers and no perceived study benefits were important personal barriers; the complex study design and difficult self-administered questionnaires were equally significant barriers. CONCLUSION By investing in direct, person-to-person contact with trusted buddies and supported by practical advice about cultural and linguistic sensitivity, it was possible to increase study participation of socially disadvantaged people. Above all, this required openness and flexibility in the mind-set of researchers so that study design and procedures could be better grounded in the experiences and circumstances of underprivileged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Morrens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Greet Schoeters
- Environmental Health and Risk, VITO, Mol, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dries Coertjens
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Colles
- Environmental Health and Risk, VITO, Mol, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Willy Baeyens
- Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry (AMGC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Vera Nelen
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilse Loots
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
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