Bisphenol F (BPF), a substitute for the widely recognized environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), is increasingly utilized in consumer products. Despite the well-established association of BPA with adverse reproductive outcomes, the association with BPF exposure on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes remains largely unknown, particularly regarding paternal exposure, given that male factors already account for approximately 40 % of global infertility. We aimed to evaluate the associations between exposure to BPA and BPF and IVF outcomes among men undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. The study enrolled 128 men undergoing ART treatment from a prospective cohort study in Shenyang, China, between September 2020 and February 2021. Urinary levels of bisphenols using mass spectrometry. Compared to the lowest quartile, men with urinary BPA concentrations in the highest quartile had 0.10 lower adjusted fertilization rate (95 % CI: 0.18, −0.02). Men with urinary BPA concentrations in the highest quartile had a lower probability of live birth compared to those with concentrations in the lowest quartile (adjusted RR = 0.27, 95 % CI: 0.09, −0.86). The quantile g-computation (QGC) model revealed that per quantile increase in the bisphenol mixture was inversely associated with fertilization rate (adjusted β = −0.04, 95 % CI: 0.07, −0.01) and probability of live birth (adjusted RR = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.34, 0.85). Male co-exposure to BPA and BPF was inversely associated with IVF outcomes, including reduced fertilization rate and the probability of a live birth. Public health initiatives should prioritize reducing bisphenol exposure in men to mitigate infertility risks, not merely focusing on women.
{"title":"Paternal preconception urinary concentrations of bisphenol A and F in relation to in vitro fertilization outcomes: A prospective cohort study","authors":"Ningxin Zhang , Yue Zhao , Lingling Zhai , Yannan Zhao , Kuai Yu , Lihong Jia","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114739","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114739","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bisphenol F (BPF), a substitute for the widely recognized environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), is increasingly utilized in consumer products. Despite the well-established association of BPA with adverse reproductive outcomes, the association with BPF exposure on <em>in vitro</em> fertilization (IVF) outcomes remains largely unknown, particularly regarding paternal exposure, given that male factors already account for approximately 40 % of global infertility. We aimed to evaluate the associations between exposure to BPA and BPF and IVF outcomes among men undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. The study enrolled 128 men undergoing ART treatment from a prospective cohort study in Shenyang, China, between September 2020 and February 2021. Urinary levels of bisphenols using mass spectrometry. Compared to the lowest quartile, men with urinary BPA concentrations in the highest quartile had 0.10 lower adjusted fertilization rate (95 % CI: 0.18, −0.02). Men with urinary BPA concentrations in the highest quartile had a lower probability of live birth compared to those with concentrations in the lowest quartile (adjusted RR = 0.27, 95 % CI: 0.09, −0.86). The quantile g-computation (QGC) model revealed that per quantile increase in the bisphenol mixture was inversely associated with fertilization rate (adjusted β = −0.04, 95 % CI: 0.07, −0.01) and probability of live birth (adjusted RR = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.34, 0.85). Male co-exposure to BPA and BPF was inversely associated with IVF outcomes, including reduced fertilization rate and the probability of a live birth. Public health initiatives should prioritize reducing bisphenol exposure in men to mitigate infertility risks, not merely focusing on women.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114739"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145807198","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 : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114736
Elizabeth Scharnetzki , Lisa B. Rokoff , Katherine Senechal , Michelle Bosquet Enlow , Abby F. Fleisch , Rachel Criswell
Few studies have evaluated how awareness of PFAS contamination impacts psychosocial distress. We sought to quantify psychosocial distress associated with awareness of drinking water PFAS contamination in the Maine Biosolids Study (n=146), a rural cohort affected by agricultural biosolids spreading. Participants had residential well water PFAS concentrations measured by the Department of Environmental Protection and were notified about concentrations above or below the Maine Interim Drinking Water Standard [∑6 PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA, PFDA) ≥20 ng/L]. We utilized negative binomial mixed effects regression to study associations of awareness of water PFAS above the Standard with PFAS-related psychosocial outcomes and state-dependent anxiety. We explored effect modification by pre-existing mental health diagnoses and resilience coping style. Fifty-eight percent of participants had drinking water PFAS above the Standard, and 35% had pre-existing mental health diagnoses. Affected participants with drinking water PFAS above the Standard had greater PFAS-related anxiety, worry and fears about health risk, and perceived stigma [for example, IRRperceivedstigma (95% CI): 1.69 (1.32, 2.15)]. Knowledge of elevated water PFAS was associated with greater state-dependent anxiety, although confidence intervals included the null [IRR (95% CI): 1.21 (0.90, 1.61)]. Associations of awareness of water PFAS with worry about PFAS health risk and state-dependent anxiety were stronger among individuals without a prior mental health diagnosis [e.g., IRRworry (95% CI): 2.30 (1.49, 3.57) versus 1.27 (0.80, 2.02)]. We found no effect modification by resilience coping style. Individuals with knowledge of elevated drinking water PFAS had greater PFAS-related psychosocial distress. Mental health support and community education are public health needs in PFAS-affected communities.
{"title":"Psychosocial distress among individuals residing in a rural PFAS-contaminated community","authors":"Elizabeth Scharnetzki , Lisa B. Rokoff , Katherine Senechal , Michelle Bosquet Enlow , Abby F. Fleisch , Rachel Criswell","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114736","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114736","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Few studies have evaluated how awareness of PFAS contamination impacts psychosocial distress. We sought to quantify psychosocial distress associated with awareness of drinking water PFAS contamination in the Maine Biosolids Study (<em>n</em>=146), a rural cohort affected by agricultural biosolids spreading. Participants had residential well water PFAS concentrations measured by the Department of Environmental Protection and were notified about concentrations above or below the Maine Interim Drinking Water Standard [∑6 PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFHpA, PFDA) ≥20 ng/L]. We utilized negative binomial mixed effects regression to study associations of awareness of water PFAS above the Standard with PFAS-related psychosocial outcomes and state-dependent anxiety. We explored effect modification by pre-existing mental health diagnoses and resilience coping style. Fifty-eight percent of participants had drinking water PFAS above the Standard, and 35% had pre-existing mental health diagnoses. Affected participants with drinking water PFAS above the Standard had greater PFAS-related anxiety, worry and fears about health risk, and perceived stigma [for example, IRR<sub>perceived</sub> <sub>stigma</sub> (95% CI): 1.69 (1.32, 2.15)]. Knowledge of elevated water PFAS was associated with greater state-dependent anxiety, although confidence intervals included the null [IRR (95% CI): 1.21 (0.90, 1.61)]. Associations of awareness of water PFAS with worry about PFAS health risk and state-dependent anxiety were stronger among individuals without a prior mental health diagnosis [e.g., IRR<sub>worry</sub> (95% CI): 2.30 (1.49, 3.57) versus 1.27 (0.80, 2.02)]. We found no effect modification by resilience coping style. Individuals with knowledge of elevated drinking water PFAS had greater PFAS-related psychosocial distress. Mental health support and community education are public health needs in PFAS-affected communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114736"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145787320","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 : 2025-12-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114735
Julia R. Kaplan , Dana Dabelea , Antonia M. Calafat , John L. Adgate , Anne P. Starling
Background
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread and persistent contaminants detected in most humans. PFAS exposure has been linked to adverse health conditions, including excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), though results have been inconsistent.
Methods
Participants (n = 539) were enrolled in the Healthy Start Study, a Colorado-based cohort (2009–2014). Eleven PFAS were measured in serum collected during pregnancy (median 27 weeks of gestation). GWG was quantified in four ways: absolute change in weight during pregnancy; GWG adjusted for the duration of pregnancy (z-score); 3rd trimester rate of weight gain; and categories of recommended GWG according to Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. PFAS detectable in >60 % of samples (perfluorohexane sulfonate [PFHxS], perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS], perfluorooctanoate [PFOA], perfluorononanoate [PFNA], and perfluorodecanoate [PFDA]) were analyzed. We fit covariate-adjusted general linear models for continuous outcomes and multinomial logistic regression models for the categorical outcome. We evaluated effect modification by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories.
Results
Serum concentrations of PFHxS and PFOS were positively associated with GWG, GWG z-score and greater odds of excessive weight gain. In stratified models, positive associations with GWG were stronger among women with pre-pregnancy BMI classified as overweight compared to those with BMI in the obesity or normal/underweight categories. Mixture analyses suggested that positive associations were largely due to PFOS.
Discussion
In a diverse population of pregnant women with PFAS serum concentrations typical of the U.S. general population, PFOS and PFHxS concentrations were associated with greater GWG. The influence of PFAS may differ by women's BMI status entering pregnancy.
{"title":"Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances serum concentrations during pregnancy and gestational weight gain in the Healthy Start Study","authors":"Julia R. Kaplan , Dana Dabelea , Antonia M. Calafat , John L. Adgate , Anne P. Starling","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114735","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2025.114735","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread and persistent contaminants detected in most humans. PFAS exposure has been linked to adverse health conditions, including excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), though results have been inconsistent.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants (n = 539) were enrolled in the Healthy Start Study, a Colorado-based cohort (2009–2014). Eleven PFAS were measured in serum collected during pregnancy (median 27 weeks of gestation). GWG was quantified in four ways: absolute change in weight during pregnancy; GWG adjusted for the duration of pregnancy (z-score); 3rd trimester rate of weight gain; and categories of recommended GWG according to Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. PFAS detectable in >60 % of samples (perfluorohexane sulfonate [PFHxS], perfluorooctane sulfonate [PFOS], perfluorooctanoate [PFOA], perfluorononanoate [PFNA], and perfluorodecanoate [PFDA]) were analyzed. We fit covariate-adjusted general linear models for continuous outcomes and multinomial logistic regression models for the categorical outcome. We evaluated effect modification by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Serum concentrations of PFHxS and PFOS were positively associated with GWG, GWG z-score and greater odds of excessive weight gain. In stratified models, positive associations with GWG were stronger among women with pre-pregnancy BMI classified as overweight compared to those with BMI in the obesity or normal/underweight categories. Mixture analyses suggested that positive associations were largely due to PFOS.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>In a diverse population of pregnant women with PFAS serum concentrations typical of the U.S. general population, PFOS and PFHxS concentrations were associated with greater GWG. The influence of PFAS may differ by women's BMI status entering pregnancy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 114735"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145787321","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 : 2025-12-17DOI: 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}
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