International journal of hygiene and environmental health最新文献

Rapid quantification of Legionella in agricultural air purification systems from fattening pig houses with culture-independent methods

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-03-02 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114547

Gerhard Schwaiger , Marco Matt , Sarah Bromann , Marcus Clauß , Martin Elsner , Michael Seidel

Fattening pig houses often utilize biological agricultural exhaust air purification systems (APS) that employ an active microbiome to degrade nitrogen. Consequently, disinfection cannot be applied, and a neutral pH value must be maintained. However, the biofilm in biotrickling filters and a higher temperature can potentially facilitate the growth of Legionella spp. To investigate the occurrence of Legionella spp. or even the pathogen Legionella pneumophila in these systems, traditional cultivation methods proved impractical due to overgrowth and long turnaround times from sampling in the field to results in the laboratory. Therefore, innovative concepts for rapid and cultivation-independent analysis of Legionella spp. are highly demanded. In this study, two rapid analysis methods were applied using a standard addition qPCR method for the detection of L. pneumophila Sg1 and Legionella spp. as well as flow cytometry coupled with immunomagnetic separation (IMS-FCM) for the detection of viable L. pneumophila. Three APS were monitored over a period of more than a year during summer, winter, and intermediate seasons. While cultivation failed to quantify any Legionella spp., the standard addition qPCR quantified 230 to 9500 Legionella spp. cells per m³ in air passing through the APS (clean gas). In process water that is used for circulating washing of the APS a high occurrence of 10⁴ to 2.9 × 10⁵ Legionella spp. cells/mL was measured. By IMS-FCM it was confirmed that viable L. pneumophila in concentrations higher than 100 cells/mL for process water and higher than 100 cells/m³ in clean gas were found in all seasons. In contrast, Legionella spp. or L. pneumophila were rarely found in air directly from the barn (raw gas). We see no risk coming from the closed barn itself but there is a health risk, because the contamination of viable L. pneumophila in process water is not efficiently reduced in clean gas.

{"title":"Rapid quantification of Legionella in agricultural air purification systems from fattening pig houses with culture-independent methods","authors":"Gerhard Schwaiger , Marco Matt , Sarah Bromann , Marcus Clauß , Martin Elsner , Michael Seidel","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114547","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114547","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fattening pig houses often utilize biological agricultural exhaust air purification systems (APS) that employ an active microbiome to degrade nitrogen. Consequently, disinfection cannot be applied, and a neutral pH value must be maintained. However, the biofilm in biotrickling filters and a higher temperature can potentially facilitate the growth of <em>Legionella</em> spp. To investigate the occurrence of <em>Legionella</em> spp. or even the pathogen <em>Legionella pneumophila</em> in these systems, traditional cultivation methods proved impractical due to overgrowth and long turnaround times from sampling in the field to results in the laboratory. Therefore, innovative concepts for rapid and cultivation-independent analysis of <em>Legionella</em> spp. are highly demanded. In this study, two rapid analysis methods were applied using a standard addition qPCR method for the detection of <em>L. pneumophila</em> Sg1 and <em>Legionella</em> spp. as well as flow cytometry coupled with immunomagnetic separation (IMS-FCM) for the detection of viable <em>L. pneumophila</em>. Three APS were monitored over a period of more than a year during summer, winter, and intermediate seasons. While cultivation failed to quantify any <em>Legionella</em> spp., the standard addition qPCR quantified 230 to 9500 <em>Legionella</em> spp. cells per m<sup>3</sup> in air passing through the APS (clean gas). In process water that is used for circulating washing of the APS a high occurrence of 10<sup>4</sup> to 2.9 × 10<sup>5</sup> <em>Legionella</em> spp. cells/mL was measured. By IMS-FCM it was confirmed that viable <em>L. pneumophila</em> in concentrations higher than 100 cells/mL for process water and higher than 100 cells/m<sup>3</sup> in clean gas were found in all seasons. In contrast, <em>Legionella</em> spp. or <em>L. pneumophila</em> were rarely found in air directly from the barn (raw gas). We see no risk coming from the closed barn itself but there is a health risk, because the contamination of viable <em>L. pneumophila</em> in process water is not efficiently reduced in clean gas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114547"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143528847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

BTEX exposure and metabolite levels in Taiwan schoolchildren near petrochemical areas

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-03-02 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114545

Wei-shan Chin , Ching-chun Huang , Yu-cheng Chen , Jing-fang Hsu , Chih-Da Wu , Pinpin Lin , Pau-chung Chen , Yue Leon Guo

Introduction

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) in ambient air pose significant health risks for residents near petrochemical facilities. However, limited research has investigated the correlation between BTEX exposure and urinary metabolites in children. This is the first study to determine this association among primary school children near petrochemical industrial parks (PIPs) in Taiwan.

Methods

Between October 2019 and December 2020, 1295 children from 20 primary schools near PIPs were recruited. Morning midstream urine samples were collected, and urinary BTEX metabolites concentrations were analyzed using isotope dilution and modified liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Ambient BTEX at the schools was measured using 6-L stainless-steel canisters over three consecutive days before urine collection, following US EPA Method TO-15. Multivariate linear regression was employed to assess the relationship between ambient BTEX and urinary metabolites.

Results

The mean ambient BTEX concentrations were 0.44, 5.17, 0.21, and 0.75 ppb, respectively. Geometric mean urinary concentrations of S-phenyl mercapturic acid (SPMA), benzyl mercapturic acid (BMA), phenyl glyoxylic acid (PGA), and methyl hippuric acids (MHAs) were 0.18, 6.63, 214.01, and 178.33 μg/g creatinine, respectively. Children within 1 km of PIPs exhibited significantly higher SPMA (0.21 μg/g creatinine) and BMA (6.67 μg/g creatinine) levels. A positive correlation was observed between ambient benzene levels and urinary SPMA (beta = 0.19, p = 0.017).

Conclusions

The study reveals that children attending schools within 1 km of PIPs face higher benzene exposure. This comprehensive research highlights elevated BTEX levels and urinary metabolites, emphasizing the need for monitoring and safeguarding vulnerable children.

{"title":"BTEX exposure and metabolite levels in Taiwan schoolchildren near petrochemical areas","authors":"Wei-shan Chin , Ching-chun Huang , Yu-cheng Chen , Jing-fang Hsu , Chih-Da Wu , Pinpin Lin , Pau-chung Chen , Yue Leon Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) in ambient air pose significant health risks for residents near petrochemical facilities. However, limited research has investigated the correlation between BTEX exposure and urinary metabolites in children. This is the first study to determine this association among primary school children near petrochemical industrial parks (PIPs) in Taiwan.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Between October 2019 and December 2020, 1295 children from 20 primary schools near PIPs were recruited. Morning midstream urine samples were collected, and urinary BTEX metabolites concentrations were analyzed using isotope dilution and modified liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Ambient BTEX at the schools was measured using 6-L stainless-steel canisters over three consecutive days before urine collection, following US EPA Method TO-15. Multivariate linear regression was employed to assess the relationship between ambient BTEX and urinary metabolites.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean ambient BTEX concentrations were 0.44, 5.17, 0.21, and 0.75 ppb, respectively. Geometric mean urinary concentrations of S-phenyl mercapturic acid (SPMA), benzyl mercapturic acid (BMA), phenyl glyoxylic acid (PGA), and methyl hippuric acids (MHAs) were 0.18, 6.63, 214.01, and 178.33 μg/g creatinine, respectively. Children within 1 km of PIPs exhibited significantly higher SPMA (0.21 μg/g creatinine) and BMA (6.67 μg/g creatinine) levels. A positive correlation was observed between ambient benzene levels and urinary SPMA (beta = 0.19, <em>p</em> = 0.017).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study reveals that children attending schools within 1 km of PIPs face higher benzene exposure. This comprehensive research highlights elevated BTEX levels and urinary metabolites, emphasizing the need for monitoring and safeguarding vulnerable children.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"266 ","pages":"Article 114545"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143528848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Association between maternal urinary cotinine concentrations during pregnancy and neonatal blood thyroid-stimulating hormone levels: The Japan environment and Children's study (JECS)

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-02-25 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114544

Keiko Yamasaki , Naw Awn J-P , Naomi Mitsuda , Masamitsu Eitoku , Nagamasa Maeda , Ryuhei Nagai , Hiroaki Hisakawa , Narufumi Suganuma

Thyroid hormones are crucial for neurodevelopment and somatic growth, with blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels indicating thyroid function. The effects of maternal smoking on neonatal TSH levels remain inconclusive. In this study, we used data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study to investigate the relationship between maternal urinary cotinine concentrations during pregnancy and neonatal blood TSH levels, stratified by newborn sex. We analyzed data from 52,552 mother–child pairs. Maternal smoking status was categorized as non-smoker, passive smoker, or active smoker based on urinary cotinine concentrations. For visual analysis, cotinine concentrations were divided into deciles. Linear and modified Poisson regression models were used to examine the relationship between maternal smoking and neonatal TSH levels. Increasing maternal urinary cotinine concentrations were associated with higher neonatal blood TSH levels in both sexes, with a more pronounced increase in female newborns. Beyond a specific cotinine threshold, indicative of higher passive smoking exposure, TSH levels declined in both male and female newborns. Passive smoking was significantly associated with increased TSH levels in female newborns compared to those born to non-smoking mothers. No such associations were observed for active smoking status in either male or female newborns. Maternal tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy was associated with a dose-dependent increase in blood TSH levels in offspring of both sexes. In particular, female neonates whose mothers were exposed to higher levels of passive smoking had the highest risk of elevated TSH levels, suggesting potential adverse effects on neonatal thyroid function.

{"title":"Association between maternal urinary cotinine concentrations during pregnancy and neonatal blood thyroid-stimulating hormone levels: The Japan environment and Children's study (JECS)","authors":"Keiko Yamasaki , Naw Awn J-P , Naomi Mitsuda , Masamitsu Eitoku , Nagamasa Maeda , Ryuhei Nagai , Hiroaki Hisakawa , Narufumi Suganuma","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thyroid hormones are crucial for neurodevelopment and somatic growth, with blood thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels indicating thyroid function. The effects of maternal smoking on neonatal TSH levels remain inconclusive. In this study, we used data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study to investigate the relationship between maternal urinary cotinine concentrations during pregnancy and neonatal blood TSH levels, stratified by newborn sex. We analyzed data from 52,552 mother–child pairs. Maternal smoking status was categorized as non-smoker, passive smoker, or active smoker based on urinary cotinine concentrations. For visual analysis, cotinine concentrations were divided into deciles. Linear and modified Poisson regression models were used to examine the relationship between maternal smoking and neonatal TSH levels. Increasing maternal urinary cotinine concentrations were associated with higher neonatal blood TSH levels in both sexes, with a more pronounced increase in female newborns. Beyond a specific cotinine threshold, indicative of higher passive smoking exposure, TSH levels declined in both male and female newborns. Passive smoking was significantly associated with increased TSH levels in female newborns compared to those born to non-smoking mothers. No such associations were observed for active smoking status in either male or female newborns. Maternal tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy was associated with a dose-dependent increase in blood TSH levels in offspring of both sexes. In particular, female neonates whose mothers were exposed to higher levels of passive smoking had the highest risk of elevated TSH levels, suggesting potential adverse effects on neonatal thyroid function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 114544"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143480477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Serum concentrations of persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals in U.S. military personnel: A comparison by race/ethnicity and sex

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-02-19 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114540

Karl C. Alcover , Jordan McAdam , Hristina Denic-Roberts , Celia Byrne , Andreas Sjodin , Mark Davis , Richard Jones , Yawei Zhang , Jennifer A. Rusiecki

Objectives/background

We evaluated patterns of serum concentrations of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in a U.S. military sample by race/ethnicity (R/E) and sex.

Methods

Twenty-three EDCs were measured in stored serum samples obtained between 1995 and 2010 for 708 service members from the Department of Defense Serum Repository. For each EDC, geometric means (GM) were estimated using log-transformed concentrations in a linear regression model, for eight combined R/E/sex groups: non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), non-Hispanic Asian (NHA), and Hispanic men and women, adjusted for age and service branch and stratified by age tertile (“younger age”: 17–23, “middle age”: 24–30, and “older age”: 31–52 years). Comparisons were made between our military sample and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2004 data for NHW and NHB groups.

Results

Within our military sample, the highest PCB concentrations were among older age NHB men and women and highest OCP concentrations among older age NHB women and NHA men. PBDE concentrations were generally highest in middle age Hispanic women and NHA men, though based on small sample size. Generally, NHB men and women had higher concentrations of EDCs in both the military and NHANES.

Conclusions

We found patterns of elevated EDC concentrations among NHB, NHA, and Hispanic groups in the military sample and for NHB men and women in NHANES. There were no consistent patterns of higher or lower EDCs comparing the military to NHANES. Future studies of EDCs and health outcomes should stratify by R/E/sex to account for potential disparities in EDC concentrations.

{"title":"Serum concentrations of persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals in U.S. military personnel: A comparison by race/ethnicity and sex","authors":"Karl C. Alcover , Jordan McAdam , Hristina Denic-Roberts , Celia Byrne , Andreas Sjodin , Mark Davis , Richard Jones , Yawei Zhang , Jennifer A. Rusiecki","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114540","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114540","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives/background</h3><div>We evaluated patterns of serum concentrations of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in a U.S. military sample by race/ethnicity (R/E) and sex.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-three EDCs were measured in stored serum samples obtained between 1995 and 2010 for 708 service members from the Department of Defense Serum Repository. For each EDC, geometric means (GM) were estimated using log-transformed concentrations in a linear regression model, for eight combined R/E/sex groups: non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), non-Hispanic Asian (NHA), and Hispanic men and women, adjusted for age and service branch and stratified by age tertile (“younger age”: 17–23, “middle age”: 24–30, and “older age”: 31–52 years). Comparisons were made between our military sample and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2004 data for NHW and NHB groups.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Within our military sample, the highest PCB concentrations were among older age NHB men and women and highest OCP concentrations among older age NHB women and NHA men. PBDE concentrations were generally highest in middle age Hispanic women and NHA men, though based on small sample size. Generally, NHB men and women had higher concentrations of EDCs in both the military and NHANES.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We found patterns of elevated EDC concentrations among NHB, NHA, and Hispanic groups in the military sample and for NHB men and women in NHANES. There were no consistent patterns of higher or lower EDCs comparing the military to NHANES. Future studies of EDCs and health outcomes should stratify by R/E/sex to account for potential disparities in EDC concentrations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 114540"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143438069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

DNA methylation of genes that mediate autophagosome formation contributes to iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis: A population-based study conducted at regions with different iodine levels in China

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-02-17 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114537

Bingxuan Ren , Yun Chen , Jinjin Liu , Zheng Zhou , Yanhong He , Siyuan Wan , Yao Chen , Xianhao Wu , Mengxue Du , Haiyan Gao , Lixiang Liu , Hongmei Shen

Purpose

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) results from a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. This study aims to examine the methylation patterns of genes that mediate autophagosome formation (MAF) between AIT patients and controls from areas with different water iodine levels.

Methods

A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to explore the interactions of autophagy-related genes (ARGs). The MCODE plugin in Cytoscape software identified two functional epigenetic modules. We included 176 AIT cases from regions with varying water iodine concentrations and matched controls at a 1:1 ratio. The MethylTarget™ assay was employed to assess DNA methylation changes in six MAF-related genes and analyzed the association between iodine levels and epigenetic modifications.

Results

Significant methylation differences were observed in 11 targets with 75 CpG sites on MAF-related genes between AIT patients and controls (P < 0.05). Methylation levels were generally lower in AIT patients. A negative correlation was found between the methylation status of PRKAB1_36 and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) (r_s = −0.208, P = 0.006). In iodine-fortification areas (IFA), AIT patients exhibited significantly higher mRNA expression levels of six MAF-related genes in whole blood compared to controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Environmental water iodine concentration influences the DNA methylation status of MAF-related genes. Hypomethylated targets and sites in these genes were identified, and the relative mRNA expression levels of these genes were significantly increased in AIT cases from regions with a history of prolonged iodine deficiency followed by iodine supplementation.

{"title":"DNA methylation of genes that mediate autophagosome formation contributes to iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis: A population-based study conducted at regions with different iodine levels in China","authors":"Bingxuan Ren , Yun Chen , Jinjin Liu , Zheng Zhou , Yanhong He , Siyuan Wan , Yao Chen , Xianhao Wu , Mengxue Du , Haiyan Gao , Lixiang Liu , Hongmei Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114537","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114537","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) results from a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. This study aims to examine the methylation patterns of genes that mediate autophagosome formation (MAF) between AIT patients and controls from areas with different water iodine levels.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to explore the interactions of autophagy-related genes (ARGs). The MCODE plugin in Cytoscape software identified two functional epigenetic modules. We included 176 AIT cases from regions with varying water iodine concentrations and matched controls at a 1:1 ratio. The MethylTarget™ assay was employed to assess DNA methylation changes in six MAF-related genes and analyzed the association between iodine levels and epigenetic modifications.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant methylation differences were observed in 11 targets with 75 CpG sites on MAF-related genes between AIT patients and controls (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Methylation levels were generally lower in AIT patients. A negative correlation was found between the methylation status of PRKAB1_36 and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) (<em>r</em><sub><em>s</em></sub> = −0.208, <em>P</em> = 0.006). In iodine-fortification areas (IFA), AIT patients exhibited significantly higher mRNA expression levels of six MAF-related genes in whole blood compared to controls (<em>P</em> < 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Environmental water iodine concentration influences the DNA methylation status of MAF-related genes. Hypomethylated targets and sites in these genes were identified, and the relative mRNA expression levels of these genes were significantly increased in AIT cases from regions with a history of prolonged iodine deficiency followed by iodine supplementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 114537"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143428117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Serum concentrations of PFAS across Australian States and Territories

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-02-15 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114542

Sandra Nilsson , Nathaniel Kucharski , Julia Orr , Jennifer Bräunig , Kristie Thompson , Olivier Jolliet , Daman Langguth , Carl Kennedy , Peter Hobson , Kevin V. Thomas , Jochen F. Mueller , Leisa-Maree Toms

Background

Australia's long running human biomonitoring (HBM) program has provided information on per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) serum concentrations in the general population since 2002. The program is based on pooling and analysis of surplus, de-identified, pathology specimens predominantly sourced from Australia's north-eastern state Queensland (QLD). To date, potential nationwide spatial differences across Australia have not been assessed.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess spatial variation of background PFAS serum concentrations across all Australian States and Territories, and to assess if the long running HBM program, representing samples biased towards QLD, can be considered a national reference.

Methods

Surplus pathology serum samples were collected and stratified by States/Territories based on postcode. Pools representing three age groups (5–15, 31–45 and ≥ 60 years), stratified by sex were created. Up to two pools for each age/sex strata, consisting of up to 100 individuals, were created for Australian States and major Territories. Samples were analysed for PFAS using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometry.

Results and discussion

There was a high degree of consistency in the PFAS serum concentration for a given age/sex among pools from the different States/Territories, particularly for perfluoro carboxylic acids. This suggests that PFAS serum concentrations and associated exposure is relatively consistent across Australia. PFAS concentrations measured in QLD pools were not statistically different from the national average, suggesting that the current Australian HBM program can be considered as a national reference of background PFAS serum concentrations.

{"title":"Serum concentrations of PFAS across Australian States and Territories","authors":"Sandra Nilsson , Nathaniel Kucharski , Julia Orr , Jennifer Bräunig , Kristie Thompson , Olivier Jolliet , Daman Langguth , Carl Kennedy , Peter Hobson , Kevin V. Thomas , Jochen F. Mueller , Leisa-Maree Toms","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114542","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114542","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Australia's long running human biomonitoring (HBM) program has provided information on per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) serum concentrations in the general population since 2002. The program is based on pooling and analysis of surplus, de-identified, pathology specimens predominantly sourced from Australia's north-eastern state Queensland (QLD). To date, potential nationwide spatial differences across Australia have not been assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim of this study was to assess spatial variation of background PFAS serum concentrations across all Australian States and Territories, and to assess if the long running HBM program, representing samples biased towards QLD, can be considered a national reference.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Surplus pathology serum samples were collected and stratified by States/Territories based on postcode. Pools representing three age groups (5–15, 31–45 and ≥ 60 years), stratified by sex were created. Up to two pools for each age/sex strata, consisting of up to 100 individuals, were created for Australian States and major Territories. Samples were analysed for PFAS using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometry.</div></div><div><h3>Results and discussion</h3><div>There was a high degree of consistency in the PFAS serum concentration for a given age/sex among pools from the different States/Territories, particularly for perfluoro carboxylic acids. This suggests that PFAS serum concentrations and associated exposure is relatively consistent across Australia. PFAS concentrations measured in QLD pools were not statistically different from the national average, suggesting that the current Australian HBM program can be considered as a national reference of background PFAS serum concentrations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 114542"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Prenatal exposure to solvents and fetal outcomes in a Canadian pregnancy cohort

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-02-15 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114541

Jillian Ashley-Martin , Leonora Marro , Muzeyyen Kabasakal , Susan H. MacPherson , Michael M. Borghese , Eric Gaudreau , Gilles Provencher , Tye E. Arbuckle , Mandy Fisher

The solvents N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) are established developmental toxicants; however, epidemiological data are lacking. We quantified associations between urinary NEP and NMP metabolites concentrations and pregnancy outcomes in participants enrolled in the pan-Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals study (n = 1865) (2008–2011). Using discrete time survival analysis and logistic regression, we calculated the odds of preterm birth (PTB) and fetal loss. We used multivariable linear regression to quantify associations between metabolites and birth weight z-scores. Participants with quantifiable concentrations of the NEP metabolite 5-hydroxy-N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (5-HNEP) had a 41% increased odds of PTB (95% CI: 0.92–2.17). An interquartile range increase in concentrations of the NMP metabolite 5-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (5-HNMP) was associated with a reduced odds of fetal loss (OR = 0.51 95% CI: 0.30,0.89). All other effect estimates were centered around the null value. We report widespread, low-level exposure to NMP metabolites yet no evidence of adverse effects on fetal health. Our analysis of fetal loss was most likely subject to selection bias resulting from conditioning on pregnancies with available first trimester urine samples Our finding that 5-HNEP exposure may increase risk of preterm birth provides impetus for further biomonitoring and etiological research in a pregnant population with contemporary NEP exposure.

{"title":"Prenatal exposure to solvents and fetal outcomes in a Canadian pregnancy cohort","authors":"Jillian Ashley-Martin , Leonora Marro , Muzeyyen Kabasakal , Susan H. MacPherson , Michael M. Borghese , Eric Gaudreau , Gilles Provencher , Tye E. Arbuckle , Mandy Fisher","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The solvents N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP) are established developmental toxicants; however, epidemiological data are lacking. We quantified associations between urinary NEP and NMP metabolites concentrations and pregnancy outcomes in participants enrolled in the pan-Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals study (n = 1865) (2008–2011). Using discrete time survival analysis and logistic regression, we calculated the odds of preterm birth (PTB) and fetal loss. We used multivariable linear regression to quantify associations between metabolites and birth weight z-scores. Participants with quantifiable concentrations of the NEP metabolite 5-hydroxy-N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (5-HNEP) had a 41% increased odds of PTB (95% CI: 0.92–2.17). An interquartile range increase in concentrations of the NMP metabolite 5-hydroxy-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (5-HNMP) was associated with a reduced odds of fetal loss (OR = 0.51 95% CI: 0.30,0.89). All other effect estimates were centered around the null value. We report widespread, low-level exposure to NMP metabolites yet no evidence of adverse effects on fetal health. Our analysis of fetal loss was most likely subject to selection bias resulting from conditioning on pregnancies with available first trimester urine samples Our finding that 5-HNEP exposure may increase risk of preterm birth provides impetus for further biomonitoring and etiological research in a pregnant population with contemporary NEP exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"265 ","pages":"Article 114541"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143420725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Filling gaps in population estimates of phthalate exposure globally: A systematic review and meta-analysis of international biomonitoring data

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-02-14 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114539

Jonathan M. Acevedo , Linda G. Kahn , Kristyn A. Pierce , Vittorio Albergamo , Anna Carrasco , Robbie S.J. Manuel , Marissa Singer Rosenberg , Leonardo Trasande

Many phthalates have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals because they alter hormone functions throughout the lifespan. Nationally representative biomonitoring data are available from the United States, Canada, and Europe, but data elsewhere are sparse, making extrapolations of related disease and disability burdens difficult. We therefore examined trends in urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in non-occupationally exposed populations in countries other than the United States, Canada, and Europe, where representative data are already available at the country level.

We systematically reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2023 and analyzed changes in urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations across time using mixed-effects meta-regression models with and without a quadratic term for time. We controlled for region, age, and pregnancy status, and identified heterogeneity using Cochran's Q-statistic and I² index.

Our final analysis consisted of 216 studies. Non-pregnant and youth populations exhibited nearly 2.0-fold or greater difference in concentration compared to pregnant and adult populations. Phthalates with significant regional differences had 10-fold higher concentrations in the Middle East and South Asia than in other regions. Our meta-regressions identified an exponential increase in DBP exposure through MnBP concentration internationally (beta: 0.65 ng/mL/year²) and in Eastern and Pacific Asia (EPA) (beta: 0.78 ng/mL/year²). Most DEHP and DnOP metabolites significantly declined internationally and in EPA, while MEP concentration declined by 10.62 ng/mL in Latin America and 8.98 ng/mL in Africa over time.

Our findings fill gaps in phthalate exposure data and set the stage for further analysis of the attributable disease burden and cost at regional and international levels, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

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引用次数: 0

Effects of energy retrofits on the indoor microbiota in Northern European apartments

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-02-11 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114538

Minna Kempe , Ulla Haverinen-Shaughnessy , Pauli Tuoresmäki , Martin Täubel

While the urgent need for energy saving is triggering energy retrofit measures in buildings, there are still large gaps in our understanding of how these measures may impact indoor environmental quality, including particle, chemical, and microbial exposure, and ultimately human health. Here, we explore the effects of energy retrofits on the indoor microbiota characteristics of 193 apartments in 40 apartment buildings in two Northern European countries, Finland and Lithuania. Amplicon sequencing was used to characterise fungal and bacterial microbiota compositions in airborne, settled dust samples collected from apartments before and after energy retrofits, mostly targeting upgrades in insulation, heating and/or ventilation systems, and windows. Pairwise pre versus post testing of the most abundant fungal and bacterial taxa and diversity metrics, (generalized) linear mixed modelling ((G)LMM), and Analysis of Composition of Microbiomes (ANCOM) differential abundance testing were used to explore the effects of retrofits on indoor microbiota while accounting for confounding factors. The results indicated significant, country-dependent changes in the relative abundances of individual bacterial and fungal taxa, and a smaller proportion of human-sourced bacteria in Finnish buildings after compared to before retrofits. As in previous studies, factors such as outdoor temperature and type of ventilation were found to influence both bacterial and fungal composition indoors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first dedicated, multi-country study on impacts of energy retrofits on indoor microbiota. Our novel findings offer a foundation for future research into this topic, including studies on the potential health relevance of energy retrofit associated indoor microbiome changes.

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引用次数: 0

“Is my tap water safe to drink?”: Examining the quality of a national sample of United States drinking water reports

IF 4.5 2区医学 Q1 INFECTIOUS DISEASES

International journal of hygiene and environmental health

Pub Date : 2025-02-08 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114536

Kayla Iuliano , Mary Fox , John H. Munroe , Keeve Nachman , Thomas Burke , Bill Spannhake

The Environmental Protection Agency requires public water systems create an annual “Consumer Confidence Report” (CCR) for their customers. CCRs are meant to communicate water quality results, and are claimed to be the “centerpiece” of consumer right-to-know under the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, previous research indicates that CCRs are not understandable to members of the American public.

This work analyzes a nationally-representative sample of 60 CCRs, collected from water systems of different sizes, and from communities experiencing various levels of social vulnerability. The content and communication quality of CCRs were both evaluated, and the results were analyzed to determine whether CCR quality varies based on water system size or by the demographic served by the utility.

Poorer-quality CCRs were more likely to originate from smaller systems, or those serving vulnerable communities – the same systems that are more likely to experience drinking water violations. Additional legal requirements for CCR content and language could have a marked impact in improving the reports to meet the needs of the American public, by giving underserved communities an important document to use for advocating for themselves – which could promote greater environmental justice in public drinking water.

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引用次数: 0