Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114721
Yu-Sheng Lin , Viktor Morozov , Kuen-Yuh Wu
Background
Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a human carcinogen, and cigarette smoke is the leading source of exposure in the general population. In blood, EtO alkylates the N-terminal valine of hemoglobin to form N-(2-hydroxyethyl)valine (HEV), a stable biomarker. Yet HEV levels vary widely, even among smokers. This variability reflects differences in nicotine intake, smoking behavior, endogenous ethylene oxidation, and demographic factors.
Objective
We estimated the contribution of cigarette smoking to HEV levels and evaluated whether combining HEV with nicotine-derived and other tobacco biomarkers improves exposure assessment.
Methods
We analyzed adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014, the only cycle with both HEV and supplemental smoking biomarkers. Cigarette consumption was estimated from serum cotinine and entered into a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to predict HEV formation from cigarette-derived EtO. Predicted values were compared with measured HEV levels. Survey-weighted regression examined how demographic factors and other biomarkers contributed to variability.
Results
HEV and other biomarkers were highest in active smokers, followed by passive smokers, and lowest in non-smokers. Predicted HEV matched observed patterns but was consistently 20–30 pmol/g globin lower than measured values. Body weight was a major source of variability, while age and others contributed less. Serum cotinine showed the strongest link with HEV. 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and 2-hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid (2-HEMA) added complementary information across different exposure windows.
Conclusions
Cigarette smoking is the primary source of HEV in the U.S. Using PBPK modeling alongside tobacco biomarkers helps explain variability and supports exposure assessment.
{"title":"Integrating PBPK modeling and tobacco biomarkers to interpret N-(2-hydroxyethyl)valine (HEV) hemoglobin adducts in the U.S. population","authors":"Yu-Sheng Lin , Viktor Morozov , Kuen-Yuh Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114721","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114721","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a human carcinogen, and cigarette smoke is the leading source of exposure in the general population. In blood, EtO alkylates the N-terminal valine of hemoglobin to form N-(2-hydroxyethyl)valine (HEV), a stable biomarker. Yet HEV levels vary widely, even among smokers. This variability reflects differences in nicotine intake, smoking behavior, endogenous ethylene oxidation, and demographic factors.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We estimated the contribution of cigarette smoking to HEV levels and evaluated whether combining HEV with nicotine-derived and other tobacco biomarkers improves exposure assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2014, the only cycle with both HEV and supplemental smoking biomarkers. Cigarette consumption was estimated from serum cotinine and entered into a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to predict HEV formation from cigarette-derived EtO. Predicted values were compared with measured HEV levels. Survey-weighted regression examined how demographic factors and other biomarkers contributed to variability.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HEV and other biomarkers were highest in active smokers, followed by passive smokers, and lowest in non-smokers. Predicted HEV matched observed patterns but was consistently 20–30 pmol/g globin lower than measured values. Body weight was a major source of variability, while age and others contributed less. Serum cotinine showed the strongest link with HEV. 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) and 2-hydroxyethyl mercapturic acid (2-HEMA) added complementary information across different exposure windows.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Cigarette smoking is the primary source of HEV in the U.S. Using PBPK modeling alongside tobacco biomarkers helps explain variability and supports exposure assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114721"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145776774","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114730
Ian Zammit , Yuya Cheng , Daniel Bury , Xianyu Wang , Jochen F. Mueller , Holger M. Koch
Human biomonitoring assesses exposure to xenobiotics via human samples such as urine. Xenobiotics can undergo Phase I and II metabolism, with Phase II forming conjugates such as glucuronides and sulfates. Deconjugation enzymes hydrolyse conjugates to the free biomarker form for analytical quantification. Deconjugation enzymes are commercially available and include digestive enzyme mixtures from molluscs and from recombinant microorganisms. This paper provides contextual information on the metabolism of xenobiotics and the role of deconjugation enzymes, outlining good practices and pitfalls to avoid. Contamination of enzyme extracts is an important consideration, as the tested extracts contained background levels of bisphenol A and several oxidative stress biomarkers. Concentrations ranged from tens of ng/mL for bisphenol A (73 ng/mL) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (26 ng/mL) to thousands of ng/mL for N-carboxymethyllysine (2850 ng/mL) and N-carboxyethyllysine (1080 ng/mL). This work also demonstrates potential incompatibilities of deconjugation enzymes with workflows for certain compound classes. Several Helix pomatia extracts (e.g. HP-2) are shown to be incompatible with ester-containing analytes. Phthalates showed conversion from diesters to monoesters, with butyl phthalate the highest at >80 %. These monoesters are also Phase I metabolism products. If exposure assessment relied only on these monoesters as biomarkers, the use of Helix pomatia extract would result in overestimations, as at least part of these compounds would originate from enzymatic breakdown rather than true systemic human metabolism. When employed well, deconjugation enzymes are particularly valuable because they simplify analytical workflows and enhance data reliability and consistency between studies. This work provides guidance to support these objectives.
{"title":"Deconjugation enzymes - pitfalls, contamination risks, and practical insights from human biomonitoring of bisphenols, phthalates, and oxidative stress markers","authors":"Ian Zammit , Yuya Cheng , Daniel Bury , Xianyu Wang , Jochen F. Mueller , Holger M. Koch","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114730","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114730","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human biomonitoring assesses exposure to xenobiotics via human samples such as urine. Xenobiotics can undergo Phase I and II metabolism, with Phase II forming conjugates such as glucuronides and sulfates. Deconjugation enzymes hydrolyse conjugates to the free biomarker form for analytical quantification. Deconjugation enzymes are commercially available and include digestive enzyme mixtures from molluscs and from recombinant microorganisms. This paper provides contextual information on the metabolism of xenobiotics and the role of deconjugation enzymes, outlining good practices and pitfalls to avoid. Contamination of enzyme extracts is an important consideration, as the tested extracts contained background levels of bisphenol A and several oxidative stress biomarkers. Concentrations ranged from tens of ng/mL for bisphenol A (73 ng/mL) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (26 ng/mL) to thousands of ng/mL for <em>N</em>-carboxymethyllysine (2850 ng/mL) and <em>N</em>-carboxyethyllysine (1080 ng/mL). This work also demonstrates potential incompatibilities of deconjugation enzymes with workflows for certain compound classes. Several <em>Helix pomatia</em> extracts (e.g. HP-2) are shown to be incompatible with ester-containing analytes. Phthalates showed conversion from diesters to monoesters, with butyl phthalate the highest at >80 %. These monoesters are also Phase I metabolism products. If exposure assessment relied only on these monoesters as biomarkers, the use of <em>Helix pomatia</em> extract would result in overestimations, as at least part of these compounds would originate from enzymatic breakdown rather than true systemic human metabolism. When employed well, deconjugation enzymes are particularly valuable because they simplify analytical workflows and enhance data reliability and consistency between studies. This work provides guidance to support these objectives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114730"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145776776","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-15DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114733
Kelsi A. Morris , Maria E. Cinzori , Brad A. Ryva , Nicole Talge , Khyatiben V. Pathak , Brooke Lovell , Patrick Pirrotte , Susan L. Schantz , Rita S. Strakovsky
Background
Pregnant women are ubiquitously exposed to the herbicide glyphosate and its major metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). Therefore, we examined associations of glyphosate and AMPA with birth outcomes.
Methods
Pregnant women from the Illinois Kids Development Study (I-KIDS) participating in this pilot study (n = 300) provided first-morning urine samples at median 13-weeks gestation for glyphosate and AMPA measurement. We calculated gestational-age-at-birth using the last menstrual period after ultrasound confirmation, abstracted birthweight from electronic medical records, and calculated sex-specific birthweight-for-gestational-age z-scores (BWz). We measured birth length (cm) and anogenital distance (AGD) within 24 h of birth and calculated the anogenital index (AGI, mm/m) by dividing each AGD value (in mm) by the body length (in m). Multivariable linear regression models evaluated associations of glyphosate or AMPA with birth outcomes and differences in associations by newborn sex.
Results
In all newborns, only 2-fold higher AMPA was associated with −0.07 cm shorter birth length (95 %CI: −0.16, 0.02). In males, each 2-fold higher glyphosate was associated with −0.06 lower BWz (95 % CI: −0.13, 0.01), −0.14 cm shorter birth length (95 %CI: −0.31, 0.04), and 0.63 longer AGIlong (95 %CI: −0.19, 1.44). In females, each two-fold higher glyphosate was associated with 0.54 longer AGIlong (95 %CI: −0.16, 1.25). AMPA was associated with 0.61 (95 %CI: −0.01, 1.24) and 0.48 (95 %CI: 0.02, 0.94) longer AGIlong in males and females, respectively. Some associations gained precision in sensitivity analyses removing infants born preterm or after controlling for gestational-age-at-birth.
Conclusions
Glyphosate or AMPA were associated with smaller birth size and longer AGIlong, with evidence of sexual-dimorphism, although most findings were imprecise. Larger studies are needed, including those that consider implications of these findings for child lifelong health.
{"title":"Associations of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) concentrations with birth outcomes in pregnant women from the Midwestern U.S.","authors":"Kelsi A. Morris , Maria E. Cinzori , Brad A. Ryva , Nicole Talge , Khyatiben V. Pathak , Brooke Lovell , Patrick Pirrotte , Susan L. Schantz , Rita S. Strakovsky","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114733","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114733","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pregnant women are ubiquitously exposed to the herbicide glyphosate and its major metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). Therefore, we examined associations of glyphosate and AMPA with birth outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Pregnant women from the Illinois Kids Development Study (I-KIDS) participating in this pilot study (n = 300) provided first-morning urine samples at median 13-weeks gestation for glyphosate and AMPA measurement. We calculated gestational-age-at-birth using the last menstrual period after ultrasound confirmation, abstracted birthweight from electronic medical records, and calculated sex-specific birthweight-for-gestational-age z-scores (BWz). We measured birth length (cm) and anogenital distance (AGD) within 24 h of birth and calculated the anogenital index (AGI, mm/m) by dividing each AGD value (in mm) by the body length (in m). Multivariable linear regression models evaluated associations of glyphosate or AMPA with birth outcomes and differences in associations by newborn sex.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In all newborns, only 2-fold higher AMPA was associated with −0.07 cm shorter birth length (95 %CI: −0.16, 0.02). In males, each 2-fold higher glyphosate was associated with −0.06 lower BWz (95 % CI: −0.13, 0.01), −0.14 cm shorter birth length (95 %CI: −0.31, 0.04), and 0.63 longer AGI<sub>long</sub> (95 %CI: −0.19, 1.44). In females, each two-fold higher glyphosate was associated with 0.54 longer AGI<sub>long</sub> (95 %CI: −0.16, 1.25). AMPA was associated with 0.61 (95 %CI: −0.01, 1.24) and 0.48 (95 %CI: 0.02, 0.94) longer AGI<sub>long</sub> in males and females, respectively. Some associations gained precision in sensitivity analyses removing infants born preterm or after controlling for gestational-age-at-birth.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Glyphosate or AMPA were associated with smaller birth size and longer AGI<sub>long</sub>, with evidence of sexual-dimorphism, although most findings were imprecise. Larger studies are needed, including those that consider implications of these findings for child lifelong health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114733"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145770477","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-10DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114731
Caitlin G. Niven , Mahfuza Islam , Anna Nguyen , Andrew Mertens , Amy J. Pickering , Laura H. Kwong , Mahfuja Alam , Debashis Sen , Sharmin Islam , Mahbubur Rahman , Leanne Unicomb , Alan E. Hubbard , Stephen P. Luby , Jessica A. Grembi , John M. Colford Jr. , Benjamin F. Arnold , Jade Benjamin-Chung , Ayse Ercumen
Weather can influence the environmental spread and survival of fecal pathogens, potentially affecting the effectiveness of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions. We assessed whether rainfall and temperature modified effects of an on-site sanitation intervention on fecal contamination among households in the WASH Benefits trial in rural Bangladesh. The intervention included double-pit latrines, potties, feces removal tools and behavior change promotion. We longitudinally visited households from intervention and control groups to enumerate E. coli. Samples (n = 23,238) included drinking water from tubewells and storage containers, prepared food, caregiver and child hand rinses, pond water, courtyard soil, and flies. We geospatially matched E. coli measurements to daily weather data and estimated intervention effects with and without stratification by weather. The intervention resulted in greater reduction in contamination following higher rainfall for four pathways (mother/child hands, ponds, flies), and following higher temperatures for five pathways (food, mother/child hands, soil, ponds). Compared to controls, E. coli levels were reduced by approximately 1-log for flies and 0.25-log in ponds after higher rainfall, 0.2-log on child hands, 0.3–0.4 log in soil and ponds after higher temperatures (interaction p-values<0.20), and 0.1-log in stored drinking water under most conditions. Intervention effects were minimal when not stratified by weather, with <0.1-log reductions for stored drinking water and child hands, and no effects on other pathways. Sanitation interventions may deliver greater protection against environmental contamination during wetter, warmer conditions, and assessments that average over time may conceal differential intervention effects. WASH trials should incorporate spatiotemporal weather data into impact evaluations.
{"title":"Rainfall and temperature influence effectiveness of on-site sanitation intervention against E. coli contamination in Bangladeshi households","authors":"Caitlin G. Niven , Mahfuza Islam , Anna Nguyen , Andrew Mertens , Amy J. Pickering , Laura H. Kwong , Mahfuja Alam , Debashis Sen , Sharmin Islam , Mahbubur Rahman , Leanne Unicomb , Alan E. Hubbard , Stephen P. Luby , Jessica A. Grembi , John M. Colford Jr. , Benjamin F. Arnold , Jade Benjamin-Chung , Ayse Ercumen","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114731","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114731","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Weather can influence the environmental spread and survival of fecal pathogens, potentially affecting the effectiveness of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions. We assessed whether rainfall and temperature modified effects of an on-site sanitation intervention on fecal contamination among households in the WASH Benefits trial in rural Bangladesh. The intervention included double-pit latrines, potties, feces removal tools and behavior change promotion. We longitudinally visited households from intervention and control groups to enumerate <em>E. coli</em>. Samples (n = 23,238) included drinking water from tubewells and storage containers, prepared food, caregiver and child hand rinses, pond water, courtyard soil, and flies. We geospatially matched <em>E. coli</em> measurements to daily weather data and estimated intervention effects with and without stratification by weather. The intervention resulted in greater reduction in contamination following higher rainfall for four pathways (mother/child hands, ponds, flies), and following higher temperatures for five pathways (food, mother/child hands, soil, ponds). Compared to controls, <em>E. coli</em> levels were reduced by approximately 1-log for flies and 0.25-log in ponds after higher rainfall, 0.2-log on child hands, 0.3–0.4 log in soil and ponds after higher temperatures (interaction p-values<0.20), and 0.1-log in stored drinking water under most conditions. Intervention effects were minimal when not stratified by weather, with <0.1-log reductions for stored drinking water and child hands, and no effects on other pathways. Sanitation interventions may deliver greater protection against environmental contamination during wetter, warmer conditions, and assessments that average over time may conceal differential intervention effects. WASH trials should incorporate spatiotemporal weather data into impact evaluations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114731"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145734087","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114732
Hannah Van Wyk , Andrew F. Brouwer , Jesse Contreras , Mahbubur Rahman , Mahfuza Islam , Amy J. Pickering , Benjamin F. Arnold , Stephen P. Luby , John M. Colford , Matthew Freeman , Ayse Ercumen , Joseph N.S. Eisenberg
Background
Neighborhood-level sanitation coverage may offer significant indirect protection against diarrheal disease, an observation that has been supported by several studies.
Methods
We analyzed the protective effect of neighborhood sanitation coverage using harmonized data from two studies: a randomized control trial (RCT) examining the effectiveness of improved compound-level sanitation and an observational study that collected information on compounds within 100 m of the RCT study compounds. We developed the Neighborhood Sanitation & Fecal Exposure (NSFE) metric, which estimates the fecal contamination at a study compound based on the demographic and sanitation characteristics of the neighborhood. NSFE is a function of the number of individuals and latrine quality at surrounding compounds, the distance to neighboring compounds, and the effectiveness of hygienic and unhygienic latrines relative to open defecation. We modeled the relationship between NSFE and childhood diarrheal prevalence within RCT study compounds. Finally, we examined counterfactual scenarios to understand how much of the observed diarrheal burden was attributable to neighbors’ latrine quality.
Results
We estimated a 3.6-fold increase in diarrheal prevalence between compounds with the highest and lowest NSFE, with about two-thirds of this association concentrated in compounds between the 90th and 100th percentile of NSFE values. In counterfactual scenarios, we estimate that 15.5 % of the entire diarrheal disease burden in children living in the study compounds would be eliminated if all neighboring compounds had high-quality latrines.
Conclusion
Community effects associated with neighborhood sanitation coverage are important drivers of diarrheal disease and should be considered in future designs of sanitation interventions. Our findings support the importance of universal basic sanitation as a target for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.
{"title":"Examining the effect of neighborhood sanitation coverage on childhood diarrheal disease in rural Bangladesh","authors":"Hannah Van Wyk , Andrew F. Brouwer , Jesse Contreras , Mahbubur Rahman , Mahfuza Islam , Amy J. Pickering , Benjamin F. Arnold , Stephen P. Luby , John M. Colford , Matthew Freeman , Ayse Ercumen , Joseph N.S. Eisenberg","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114732","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114732","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Neighborhood-level sanitation coverage may offer significant indirect protection against diarrheal disease, an observation that has been supported by several studies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed the protective effect of neighborhood sanitation coverage using harmonized data from two studies: a randomized control trial (RCT) examining the effectiveness of improved compound-level sanitation and an observational study that collected information on compounds within 100 m of the RCT study compounds. We developed the Neighborhood Sanitation & Fecal Exposure (NSFE) metric, which estimates the fecal contamination at a study compound based on the demographic and sanitation characteristics of the neighborhood. NSFE is a function of the number of individuals and latrine quality at surrounding compounds, the distance to neighboring compounds, and the effectiveness of hygienic and unhygienic latrines relative to open defecation. We modeled the relationship between NSFE and childhood diarrheal prevalence within RCT study compounds. Finally, we examined counterfactual scenarios to understand how much of the observed diarrheal burden was attributable to neighbors’ latrine quality.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We estimated a 3.6-fold increase in diarrheal prevalence between compounds with the highest and lowest NSFE, with about two-thirds of this association concentrated in compounds between the 90th and 100th percentile of NSFE values. In counterfactual scenarios, we estimate that 15.5 % of the entire diarrheal disease burden in children living in the study compounds would be eliminated if all neighboring compounds had high-quality latrines.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Community effects associated with neighborhood sanitation coverage are important drivers of diarrheal disease and should be considered in future designs of sanitation interventions. Our findings support the importance of universal basic sanitation as a target for United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114732"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145727906","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}
Environmental pollutants—including heavy metals, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (assessed via urinary 1-hydroxypyrene), and volatile organic compounds (assessed via benzene metabolites)—have been linked to metabolic dysfunction. Yet, population-based evidence across age groups remains limited. This study examined associations between exposure to multiple pollutants and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, focusing on novel obesity-related anthropometric indices that capture subtle metabolic alterations. Originally designed as a case–control study, it was analyzed cross-sectionally among 536 participants aged ≥10 years at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Biomarkers of metals, phthalates, BPA, PAHs, and benzene were quantified in blood and urine. MetS components and advanced anthropometric indices—A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), Conicity Index (CI), Waist-Triglyceride Index (WTI), Body Roundness Index, Visceral Adiposity Index, Lipid Accumulation Product, and Cardiometabolic Index—were evaluated using multivariable logistic and linear regression adjusted for relevant covariates, with percent change expressing relative change in outcomes per ln-unit increase in pollutant concentration. In adults (≥18 years), no pollutant was significantly associated with MetS; however, blood cadmium was linked to higher WHtR (+2.4 %) and CI (+1.1 %) and lower fasting glucose (−3.1 %), while mercury increased fasting glucose (+1.7 %), ABSI (+0.6 %), and CI (+0.6 %). Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene was positively associated with ABSI and CI (∼+0.9 %), and the cumulative blood-metal index increased ABSI (+1.9 %) and CI (+2.1 %). In children (<18 years), arsenic increased systolic pressure (+1.2 %), whereas lead and DEHP metabolites showed inverse associations with diastolic pressure, triglycerides, and central adiposity indices. Metals exerted stronger effects in adults, whereas phthalate-related associations appeared inverse in children, underscoring age- and matrix-dependent exposure–response differences and the value of advanced anthropometric indices for detecting early pollutant-related metabolic alterations.
{"title":"Associations between exposure to environmental pollutants, metabolic syndrome risk, and obesity-related anthropometric indices","authors":"Iman Al-Saleh , Rola Elkhatib , Reem Alswayeh , Reem Al-Rouqi , Mawadah Baali , Yara Aljerayed , Sophia S. De Padua , Hissah Alnuwaysir , Ghada Hussein , Habiba Sultana , Naveed Yousaf , Abass Waqar , Khalid Alhusayn , Shoaib Khan , Amber Shammama , Abdullah Aldowaish , Fadiah Alkattabi , Ghadah Almansour , Gamal Mohamed , Edward Devol","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114720","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114720","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental pollutants—including heavy metals, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (assessed via urinary 1-hydroxypyrene), and volatile organic compounds (assessed via benzene metabolites)—have been linked to metabolic dysfunction. Yet, population-based evidence across age groups remains limited. This study examined associations between exposure to multiple pollutants and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, focusing on novel obesity-related anthropometric indices that capture subtle metabolic alterations. Originally designed as a case–control study, it was analyzed cross-sectionally among 536 participants aged ≥10 years at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Biomarkers of metals, phthalates, BPA, PAHs, and benzene were quantified in blood and urine. MetS components and advanced anthropometric indices—A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), Conicity Index (CI), Waist-Triglyceride Index (WTI), Body Roundness Index, Visceral Adiposity Index, Lipid Accumulation Product, and Cardiometabolic Index—were evaluated using multivariable logistic and linear regression adjusted for relevant covariates, with percent change expressing relative change in outcomes per ln-unit increase in pollutant concentration. In adults (≥18 years), no pollutant was significantly associated with MetS; however, blood cadmium was linked to higher WHtR (+2.4 %) and CI (+1.1 %) and lower fasting glucose (−3.1 %), while mercury increased fasting glucose (+1.7 %), ABSI (+0.6 %), and CI (+0.6 %). Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene was positively associated with ABSI and CI (∼+0.9 %), and the cumulative blood-metal index increased ABSI (+1.9 %) and CI (+2.1 %). In children (<18 years), arsenic increased systolic pressure (+1.2 %), whereas lead and DEHP metabolites showed inverse associations with diastolic pressure, triglycerides, and central adiposity indices. Metals exerted stronger effects in adults, whereas phthalate-related associations appeared inverse in children, underscoring age- and matrix-dependent exposure–response differences and the value of advanced anthropometric indices for detecting early pollutant-related metabolic alterations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114720"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145703666","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114728
Jennifer A. Rao, Kristen L. Jellison
The presence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in drinking water systems, along with the pathogens they harbor, is a global concern. Free-living amoebae are ubiquitous microorganisms found in both natural and man-made environments. Some FLA can cause fatal infections such as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and amoebic keratitis (AK). Additionally, certain FLA may harbor pathogenic bacteria and play a role in their fate and transport.
In this study, we investigated the presence of FLA and the endosymbiotic opportunistic pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in drinking water delivery networks. Known for its multi-drug resistance, S. maltophilia has been associated with infections in immunocompromised people, especially those in hospitals.
From January 2022 to December 2023, raw and finished water samples were collected approximately monthly from two Pennsylvania water utilities. Free-living amoebae were detected by filtration and plating. Results showed 74 % (56/76) of all raw water samples, and 22 % (15/69) and 14 % (12/83) of finished water samples from the two utilities, respectively, were positive for FLA by microscopy. Confirmatory testing using DNA extraction, PCR, and Sanger sequencing showed that 47 % (36/76) of all raw water samples, and 20 % (14/69) and 14 % (12/83) of finished water samples from the two utilities, respectively, were positive for at least one of the targeted FLA. Vermamoeba vermiformis was the most frequently recovered FLA, followed by Acanthamoeba spp. Potentially endosymbiotic S. maltophilia was recovered at various locations throughout the water treatment plants and the distribution system, demonstrating that FLA can serve as vectors that transport bacteria through conventional water treatment processes.
{"title":"Detection of free-living amoebae and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in two drinking water networks in eastern Pennsylvania","authors":"Jennifer A. Rao, Kristen L. Jellison","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114728","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114728","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The presence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in drinking water systems, along with the pathogens they harbor, is a global concern. Free-living amoebae are ubiquitous microorganisms found in both natural and man-made environments. Some FLA can cause fatal infections such as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and amoebic keratitis (AK). Additionally, certain FLA may harbor pathogenic bacteria and play a role in their fate and transport.</div><div>In this study, we investigated the presence of FLA and the endosymbiotic opportunistic pathogen <em>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</em> in drinking water delivery networks. Known for its multi-drug resistance, <em>S. maltophilia</em> has been associated with infections in immunocompromised people, especially those in hospitals.</div><div>From January 2022 to December 2023, raw and finished water samples were collected approximately monthly from two Pennsylvania water utilities. Free-living amoebae were detected by filtration and plating. Results showed 74 % (56/76) of all raw water samples, and 22 % (15/69) and 14 % (12/83) of finished water samples from the two utilities, respectively, were positive for FLA by microscopy. Confirmatory testing using DNA extraction, PCR, and Sanger sequencing showed that 47 % (36/76) of all raw water samples, and 20 % (14/69) and 14 % (12/83) of finished water samples from the two utilities, respectively, were positive for at least one of the targeted FLA. <em>Vermamoeba vermiformis</em> was the most frequently recovered FLA, followed by <em>Acanthamoeba</em> spp. Potentially endosymbiotic <em>S. maltophilia</em> was recovered at various locations throughout the water treatment plants and the distribution system, demonstrating that FLA can serve as vectors that transport bacteria through conventional water treatment processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114728"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683217","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-05DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114729
Chieh-Ming Wu , Kathleen Clark , Olorunfemi Adetona , Kathleen Navarro DuBose , Corey Butler , Alejandra Ramirez-Cardenas , James Odei , Molly West , Christa Hale
Introduction
Long-term pulmonary effects of wildland firefighting are unclear even though lung function declines have been observed following wildfire season and firefighting shift.
Methods
Spirometry and airway inflammation indicated as fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were measured among 152 wildland firefighters (WFFs) at the beginning (pre-season, April & May) and end (post-season, September & October) of the 2018 and/or 2019 wildfire seasons and among 19 WFFs at across 3 days of firefighting during a 2019 mid-season wildfire deployment.
Results
Overall peak expiratory flow (PEF) and percent of predicted PEF (PEF%) significantly decreased across fire season when 2018 and 2019 measurements were combined (−0.15 ± 0.07 L/s, p = 0.04; −1.87 ± 0.71%, p = 0.01; respectively), more so due to 2018 declines. PEF% and percent of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) significantly improved between 2018 post-season and 2019 pre-season (i.e., off-season) (3.08 ± 1.26%, p = 0.02; 0.99 ± 0.41%, p = 0.02; respectively). FVC and FVC% significantly decreased across a firefighting shift on the first day of wildfire deployment (−0.12 ± 0.03 L, p < 0.01; −2.35 ± 0.64%, p < 0.01). FeNO significantly decreased across the 2018 and 2019 fire seasons (p < 0.01) and significantly increased during the off-season (p < 0.01). FeNO also showed statistically significant cross-shift decreases on the second day of wildfire deployment (−3.50 ± 0.95 ppm, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Seasonal wildland firefighting were associated with decreases in lung function and FeNO as well as increases in respiratory symptom score in this cohort. While lung function recovered during the off-season among the WFFs, the results suggest a need for longer-term studies to determine the impact of chronic wildland firefighting on pulmonary health.
{"title":"Changes in lung function and fractional exhaled nitric oxide across wildfire seasons in the wildland firefighter exposure and health effect (WFFEHE) study","authors":"Chieh-Ming Wu , Kathleen Clark , Olorunfemi Adetona , Kathleen Navarro DuBose , Corey Butler , Alejandra Ramirez-Cardenas , James Odei , Molly West , Christa Hale","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114729","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114729","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Long-term pulmonary effects of wildland firefighting are unclear even though lung function declines have been observed following wildfire season and firefighting shift.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Spirometry and airway inflammation indicated as fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were measured among 152 wildland firefighters (WFFs) at the beginning (pre-season, April & May) and end (post-season, September & October) of the 2018 and/or 2019 wildfire seasons and among 19 WFFs at across 3 days of firefighting during a 2019 mid-season wildfire deployment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall peak expiratory flow (PEF) and percent of predicted PEF (PEF%) significantly decreased across fire season when 2018 and 2019 measurements were combined (−0.15 ± 0.07 L/s, <em>p</em> = 0.04; −1.87 ± 0.71%, <em>p</em> = 0.01; respectively), more so due to 2018 declines. PEF% and percent of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) significantly improved between 2018 post-season and 2019 pre-season (i.e., off-season) (3.08 ± 1.26%, <em>p</em> = 0.02; 0.99 ± 0.41%, <em>p</em> = 0.02; respectively). FVC and FVC% significantly decreased across a firefighting shift on the first day of wildfire deployment (−0.12 ± 0.03 L, <em>p</em> < 0.01; −2.35 ± 0.64%, <em>p</em> < 0.01). FeNO significantly decreased across the 2018 and 2019 fire seasons (<em>p</em> < 0.01) and significantly increased during the off-season (<em>p</em> < 0.01). FeNO also showed statistically significant cross-shift decreases on the second day of wildfire deployment (−3.50 ± 0.95 ppm, <em>p</em> < 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Seasonal wildland firefighting were associated with decreases in lung function and FeNO as well as increases in respiratory symptom score in this cohort. While lung function recovered during the off-season among the WFFs, the results suggest a need for longer-term studies to determine the impact of chronic wildland firefighting on pulmonary health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114729"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145683216","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}
Pub Date : 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114719
Sarahna A. Moyd , Robert B. Hood , Qiang Zhang , Lidia Minguez-Alarcon , Russ Hauser , Irene Souter , Audrey J. Gaskins
Background
The ovarian reserve is established in utero, and therefore may be influenced by parental characteristics such as tobacco smoking. However, the epidemiologic literature on parental smoking and adult antral follicle count (AFC) remains conflicted.
Research design and methods
Our study included 631 women enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study, a prospective cohort at an academic fertility center between 2005 and 2019. Exposure was assessed by women self-reporting their mother's and father's overall and pregnancy specific smoking status. Outcome was assessed via AFC measured using transvaginal ultrasonography day 3 of an unstimulated menstrual cycle or progesterone withdrawal bleed. Adjusted multivariable Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to estimate associations between participant maternal and paternal smoking exposure and AFC.
Results
The women in our study were mostly ≥35 years (55 %), never smokers (74 %), college-educated (92 %), White (84 %), and US born (76 %). The median AFC was 13.5 (interquartile range: 8–18). History of maternal smoking was not associated with AFC (ever vs never smoker: 1.3 %, 95 % CI: 8.4 %, 6.4 %) nor was maternal smoking during pregnancy (smoked during pregnancy vs. never smoker: 4.6 %, 95 % CI: 7.6 %, 18.4 %). History of paternal smoking was associated with lower AFC (ever vs never: 9.9 %; 95 % CI: 16.3 %, −2.9 %). Participants who reported that both their parents were ever smokers averaged 10.9 % lower AFC (95 % CI: 18.6 %, −2.5 %) compared to participants whose parents never smoked.
Conclusion
Paternal smoking, including time periods outside the pregnancy window, may negatively influence the long-term ovarian development and function in female offspring.
{"title":"Maternal and paternal smoking and offspring antral follicle count in women from an infertility clinic","authors":"Sarahna A. Moyd , Robert B. Hood , Qiang Zhang , Lidia Minguez-Alarcon , Russ Hauser , Irene Souter , Audrey J. Gaskins","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114719","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114719","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The ovarian reserve is established <em>in utero</em>, and therefore may be influenced by parental characteristics such as tobacco smoking. However, the epidemiologic literature on parental smoking and adult antral follicle count (AFC) remains conflicted.</div></div><div><h3>Research design and methods</h3><div>Our study included 631 women enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) study, a prospective cohort at an academic fertility center between 2005 and 2019. Exposure was assessed by women self-reporting their mother's and father's overall and pregnancy specific smoking status. Outcome was assessed via AFC measured using transvaginal ultrasonography day 3 of an unstimulated menstrual cycle or progesterone withdrawal bleed. Adjusted multivariable Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to estimate associations between participant maternal and paternal smoking exposure and AFC.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The women in our study were mostly ≥35 years (55 %), never smokers (74 %), college-educated (92 %), White (84 %), and US born (76 %). The median AFC was 13.5 (interquartile range: 8–18). History of maternal smoking was not associated with AFC (ever vs never smoker: 1.3 %, 95 % CI: 8.4 %, 6.4 %) nor was maternal smoking during pregnancy (smoked during pregnancy vs. never smoker: 4.6 %, 95 % CI: 7.6 %, 18.4 %). History of paternal smoking was associated with lower AFC (ever vs never: 9.9 %; 95 % CI: 16.3 %, −2.9 %). Participants who reported that both their parents were ever smokers averaged 10.9 % lower AFC (95 % CI: 18.6 %, −2.5 %) compared to participants whose parents never smoked.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Paternal smoking, including time periods outside the pregnancy window, may negatively influence the long-term ovarian development and function in female offspring.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration number</h3><div>NCT00011713.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114719"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145679800","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}
Pub Date : 2025-11-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114716
Lyndsay Caton , Susan MacPherson , Tye E. Arbuckle , Mark Walker , Mandy Fisher
Organophosphates (OP) are commonly used agricultural pesticides. In 2009–2010, 80 pregnant women were recruited from Ottawa, Canada for the Plastics and Personal-care Product use in Pregnancy (P4) Study. A subset (n = 25) collected multiple spot urines (up to 10 each; total n = 431) over two 24-h periods in early pregnancy - one weekday and weekend day - while logging their food consumption beginning 24 h prior to the first urine void and continuing through the following 24-h urine collection period. Urine samples (n = 431 samples) were analyzed for six dialkyl OP metabolites, dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), dimethylphosphate (DMP), diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP), and diethylphosphate (DEP). This is the first study to look at within day variability of OP pesticide metabolites. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC's) were highest for DMP on weekend days (0.82) and lowest for DEDTP (0.35). Using a single spot urine to predict high urinary concentrations compared to the geometric mean of the participant's remaining samples for that day showed median sensitivities ranging from 67 to 87 % (weekday) and 73–81 % (weekend). This study was underpowered to see clear group differences; however molar sum dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolite concentrations over the 24 h weekday collection period increased or remained stable in urine samples collected >6–12 h post-consumption of most food groups. We encourage future research with a larger sample size and more diverse participants, with a focus on OPs that are increasing or remaining stable over time including DEP and metabolites of pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids.
{"title":"Organophosphate pesticide metabolite concentrations in a pregnancy cohort: daily variability, and predictors of exposure","authors":"Lyndsay Caton , Susan MacPherson , Tye E. Arbuckle , Mark Walker , Mandy Fisher","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114716","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114716","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Organophosphates (OP) are commonly used agricultural pesticides. In 2009–2010, 80 pregnant women were recruited from Ottawa, Canada for the Plastics and Personal-care Product use in Pregnancy (P4) Study. A subset (n = 25) collected multiple spot urines (up to 10 each; total n = 431) over two 24-h periods in early pregnancy - one weekday and weekend day - while logging their food consumption beginning 24 h prior to the first urine void and continuing through the following 24-h urine collection period. Urine samples (n = 431 samples) were analyzed for six dialkyl OP metabolites, dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP), dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP), dimethylphosphate (DMP), diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP), diethylthiophosphate (DETP), and diethylphosphate (DEP). This is the first study to look at within day variability of OP pesticide metabolites. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC's) were highest for DMP on weekend days (0.82) and lowest for DEDTP (0.35). Using a single spot urine to predict high urinary concentrations compared to the geometric mean of the participant's remaining samples for that day showed median sensitivities ranging from 67 to 87 % (weekday) and 73–81 % (weekend). This study was underpowered to see clear group differences; however molar sum dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolite concentrations over the 24 h weekday collection period increased or remained stable in urine samples collected >6–12 h post-consumption of most food groups. We encourage future research with a larger sample size and more diverse participants, with a focus on OPs that are increasing or remaining stable over time including DEP and metabolites of pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114716"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617528","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}