Pub Date : 2024-09-26DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114463
Win Wah , Asmare Gelaw , Deborah C. Glass , Malcolm R. Sim , Ryan F. Hoy , Janneke Berecki-Gisolf , Karen Walker-Bone
Background
Wildfire smoke contains numerous hazardous air pollutants which pose serious health risks to humans. Despite this, there has been a limited focus on the assessment of the acute physiological and longer-term respiratory effects of wildfire exposure on firefighters and other emergency workers. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review of the evidence about the respiratory impacts of occupational wildfire smoke exposure among wildfire fighters (WFF).
Methods
Eligible studies from Medline, Embase and Scopus databases were included if they described the relationship between wildfire exposure and respiratory function, symptoms, measures and diseases amongst emergency personnel or firefighters who had responded to wildfires.
Results
Twenty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. 24 out of 26 (22 out of 23 moderate/high quality) studies provided evidence of adverse respiratory effects, including reduced lung function, increased airway dysfunction and airway inflammation, upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms and increased asthma incidence related to wildfires or prescribed burns exposure among WFF and police responders. Fourteen out of 19 studies showed statistically significant declines in spirometry measures of lung function (mostly short-term studies). Two studies using complex lung function tests showed a significant effect on peripheral airway function.
Discussion
This review found a convincing body of evidence that occupational exposure to wildfires or prescribed burns has both acute and possibly longer-term respiratory effects among WFFs and some other emergency personnel. Given that these events are increasing, more needs to be done to identify those most at risk and mitigate these risks.
{"title":"Systematic review of impacts of occupational exposure to wildfire smoke on respiratory function, symptoms, measures and diseases","authors":"Win Wah , Asmare Gelaw , Deborah C. Glass , Malcolm R. Sim , Ryan F. Hoy , Janneke Berecki-Gisolf , Karen Walker-Bone","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Wildfire smoke contains numerous hazardous air pollutants which pose serious health risks to humans. Despite this, there has been a limited focus on the assessment of the acute physiological and longer-term respiratory effects of wildfire exposure on firefighters and other emergency workers. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review of the evidence about the respiratory impacts of occupational wildfire smoke exposure among wildfire fighters (WFF).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eligible studies from Medline, Embase and Scopus databases were included if they described the relationship between wildfire exposure and respiratory function, symptoms, measures and diseases amongst emergency personnel or firefighters who had responded to wildfires.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. 24 out of 26 (22 out of 23 moderate/high quality) studies provided evidence of adverse respiratory effects, including reduced lung function, increased airway dysfunction and airway inflammation, upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms and increased asthma incidence related to wildfires or prescribed burns exposure among WFF and police responders. Fourteen out of 19 studies showed statistically significant declines in spirometry measures of lung function (mostly short-term studies). Two studies using complex lung function tests showed a significant effect on peripheral airway function.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This review found a convincing body of evidence that occupational exposure to wildfires or prescribed burns has both acute and possibly longer-term respiratory effects among WFFs and some other emergency personnel. Given that these events are increasing, more needs to be done to identify those most at risk and mitigate these risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 114463"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142324024","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 : 2024-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114469
Trisha Saha , M. Corinaud J. Gbemavo , Linda Booij , Tye E. Arbuckle , Jillian Ashley-Martin , Mandy Fisher , Gina Muckle , Bruce Lanphear , Elizabeth Asztalos , Jean Séguin , Maryse F. Bouchard
Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is ubiquitous and may be associated with neurodevelopmental toxicity. However, epidemiological studies report mixed results on the risks of gestational PFAS exposure for children's neurobehavioral impairment. We aimed to examine the associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and children's neurobehavioral and social problems.
We measured plasma concentrations of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulphonate (PFHxS) in first-trimester blood from 757 women from the Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. Children were assessed at 3–4 years with the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) (n = 756 and 496, respectively). We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations between individual and summed log2-transformed PFAS and scores on these assessments. Effect modification by sex was evaluated through interaction terms and stratified analyses.
In the sample combining both sexes, a doubling of maternal PFOA was significantly associated with lower T-scores on the following SRS-2 scales: Social Motivation, DSM-Social Communication, and SRS Total score (B ranging from -1.08 to -0.78), suggesting lesser impairments with higher exposure. In sex-stratified analysis, PFOA was related to significantly lower T-scores in boys for these BASC-2 scales: Behavioral Symptoms Index, Externalizing Problems, Aggression, and Hyperactivity (B ranging from -1.32 to -1.03). In girls, however, PFAS were significantly associated more problem behaviors, but most associations were small and the CIs included the null, with the exception of PFOA being significantly associated with higher T-scores for the BASC-2Anxiety scale (B = 1.84, 95% CI: 0.36, 3.32).
In conclusion, we did not observe strong associations between prenatal exposure to the PFAS evaluated and children's neurobehavioral and social development in this population with low exposure levels. The results show mixed findings, depending on children's sex, neurodevelopmental outcome, and specific PFAS.
{"title":"Prenatal exposure to PFAS and the association with neurobehavioral and social development during childhood","authors":"Trisha Saha , M. Corinaud J. Gbemavo , Linda Booij , Tye E. Arbuckle , Jillian Ashley-Martin , Mandy Fisher , Gina Muckle , Bruce Lanphear , Elizabeth Asztalos , Jean Séguin , Maryse F. Bouchard","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114469","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114469","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is ubiquitous and may be associated with neurodevelopmental toxicity. However, epidemiological studies report mixed results on the risks of gestational PFAS exposure for children's neurobehavioral impairment. We aimed to examine the associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and children's neurobehavioral and social problems.</div><div>We measured plasma concentrations of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulphonate (PFHxS) in first-trimester blood from 757 women from the Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. Children were assessed at 3–4 years with the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2) and the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) (n = 756 and 496, respectively). We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations between individual and summed log<sub>2</sub>-transformed PFAS and scores on these assessments. Effect modification by sex was evaluated through interaction terms and stratified analyses.</div><div>In the sample combining both sexes, a doubling of maternal PFOA was significantly associated with lower T-scores on the following SRS-2 scales: Social Motivation, DSM-Social Communication, and SRS Total score (B ranging from -1.08 to -0.78), suggesting lesser impairments with higher exposure. In sex-stratified analysis, PFOA was related to significantly lower T-scores in boys for these BASC-2 scales: Behavioral Symptoms Index, Externalizing Problems, Aggression, and Hyperactivity (B ranging from -1.32 to -1.03). In girls, however, PFAS were significantly associated more problem behaviors, but most associations were small and the CIs included the null, with the exception of PFOA being significantly associated with higher T-scores for the BASC-2Anxiety scale (B = 1.84, 95% CI: 0.36, 3.32).</div><div>In conclusion, we did not observe strong associations between prenatal exposure to the PFAS evaluated and children's neurobehavioral and social development in this population with low exposure levels. The results show mixed findings, depending on children's sex, neurodevelopmental outcome, and specific PFAS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 114469"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142319636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114444
Anne Thoustrup Saber , Marcus Levin , Pete Kines , Kukka Aimonen , Lucas Givelet , Christina Andersen , Anja Julie Huusom , Tanja Carøe , Niels Erik Ebbehøj , Frans Møller Christensen , Zheshun Jiang , Thomas Lundh , Håkan Tinnerberg , Maria Albin , Malin Engfeldt , Karin Broberg , Julia Catalan , Katrin Loeschner , Karsten Fuglsang , Ulla Vogel
<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a carcinogen. Exposure to Cr(VI) may occur in different industrial processes such as chrome plating and stainless steel welding. The aim of this study was to assess occupational exposure to Cr(VI) in Denmark.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study included 28 workers and 8 apprentices with potential Cr(VI) exposure and 24 within company controls, all recruited from six companies and one vocational school. Use of occupational safety and health (OSH) risk prevention measures were assessed through triangulation of interviews, a questionnaire and systematic observations. Inhalable Cr(VI) and Cr-total were assessed by personal air exposure measurements on Cr(VI) exposed participants and stationary measurements. Cr concentrations were measured in urine and in red blood cells (RBC) (the latter reflecting Cr(VI)). Genotoxicity was assessed by measurement of micronuclei in peripheral blood reticulocytes (MNRET).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At announced visits, a consistent high degree of compliance to OSH risk prevention measures were seen in ‘chromium bath plating’ for both technical devices (e.g. ventilation, plastic balls, sheet coverings) and in the use of personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, respirators), yet a lesser degree of compliance was observed in ‘stainless steel welding’. The geometric mean of the air concentration of Cr(VI) was 0.26 μg/m<sup>3</sup> (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12–0.57) for the Cr(VI)-exposed workers and 3.69 μg/m<sup>3</sup> (95% CI: 1.47–9.25) for the Cr(VI)-exposed apprentices. Subdivided by company type, the exposure levels were 0.13 μg/m<sup>3</sup> (95% CI: 0.04–0.41) for companies manufacturing and processing metal products, and 0.81 μg/m<sup>3</sup> (95% CI: 0.46–1.40) for bath plating companies. Workers with occupational exposure to Cr(VI) had significantly higher median levels of urinary Cr (2.42 μg/L, 5th-95th percentile 0.28–58.39), Cr in RBC (0.89 μg/L, 0.54–4.92) and MNRET (1.59 ‰, 0.78–10.92) compared to the within company controls (urinary: 0.40 μg/L, 0.16–21.3, RBC: 0.60 μg/L, 0.50–0.93,MNRET: 1.06 ‰, 0.71–2.06). When sub-dividing by company type, urinary Cr (4.61 μg/L, 1.72–69.5), Cr in RBC (1.33 μg/L, 0.95–4.98) and MNRET (1.89 μg/L, 0.78–12.92) levels were increased for workers with potential Cr(VI) exposure in bath-plating companies, and when subdividing by work task, workers engaged in process operation had increased levels of urinary Cr (8.51 μg/L, 1.71–69.5), Cr in RBC (1.33 μg/L, 0.95–4.98) and MNRET (1.89 μg/L, 0.82–12.92) levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This biomonitoring study shows that bath platers were highly exposed to Cr(VI), as suggested by relatively high levels of urinary Cr, Cr in RBC and increased levels of micronuclei. The urinary Cr concentrations were high when compared to the French biological limit value of 2.5 μg Cr/L, corresponding to the Danish occupational e
{"title":"The SAM-Krom biomonitoring study shows occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium and increased genotoxicity in Denmark","authors":"Anne Thoustrup Saber , Marcus Levin , Pete Kines , Kukka Aimonen , Lucas Givelet , Christina Andersen , Anja Julie Huusom , Tanja Carøe , Niels Erik Ebbehøj , Frans Møller Christensen , Zheshun Jiang , Thomas Lundh , Håkan Tinnerberg , Maria Albin , Malin Engfeldt , Karin Broberg , Julia Catalan , Katrin Loeschner , Karsten Fuglsang , Ulla Vogel","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114444","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114444","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a carcinogen. Exposure to Cr(VI) may occur in different industrial processes such as chrome plating and stainless steel welding. The aim of this study was to assess occupational exposure to Cr(VI) in Denmark.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional study included 28 workers and 8 apprentices with potential Cr(VI) exposure and 24 within company controls, all recruited from six companies and one vocational school. Use of occupational safety and health (OSH) risk prevention measures were assessed through triangulation of interviews, a questionnaire and systematic observations. Inhalable Cr(VI) and Cr-total were assessed by personal air exposure measurements on Cr(VI) exposed participants and stationary measurements. Cr concentrations were measured in urine and in red blood cells (RBC) (the latter reflecting Cr(VI)). Genotoxicity was assessed by measurement of micronuclei in peripheral blood reticulocytes (MNRET).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At announced visits, a consistent high degree of compliance to OSH risk prevention measures were seen in ‘chromium bath plating’ for both technical devices (e.g. ventilation, plastic balls, sheet coverings) and in the use of personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, respirators), yet a lesser degree of compliance was observed in ‘stainless steel welding’. The geometric mean of the air concentration of Cr(VI) was 0.26 μg/m<sup>3</sup> (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12–0.57) for the Cr(VI)-exposed workers and 3.69 μg/m<sup>3</sup> (95% CI: 1.47–9.25) for the Cr(VI)-exposed apprentices. Subdivided by company type, the exposure levels were 0.13 μg/m<sup>3</sup> (95% CI: 0.04–0.41) for companies manufacturing and processing metal products, and 0.81 μg/m<sup>3</sup> (95% CI: 0.46–1.40) for bath plating companies. Workers with occupational exposure to Cr(VI) had significantly higher median levels of urinary Cr (2.42 μg/L, 5th-95th percentile 0.28–58.39), Cr in RBC (0.89 μg/L, 0.54–4.92) and MNRET (1.59 ‰, 0.78–10.92) compared to the within company controls (urinary: 0.40 μg/L, 0.16–21.3, RBC: 0.60 μg/L, 0.50–0.93,MNRET: 1.06 ‰, 0.71–2.06). When sub-dividing by company type, urinary Cr (4.61 μg/L, 1.72–69.5), Cr in RBC (1.33 μg/L, 0.95–4.98) and MNRET (1.89 μg/L, 0.78–12.92) levels were increased for workers with potential Cr(VI) exposure in bath-plating companies, and when subdividing by work task, workers engaged in process operation had increased levels of urinary Cr (8.51 μg/L, 1.71–69.5), Cr in RBC (1.33 μg/L, 0.95–4.98) and MNRET (1.89 μg/L, 0.82–12.92) levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This biomonitoring study shows that bath platers were highly exposed to Cr(VI), as suggested by relatively high levels of urinary Cr, Cr in RBC and increased levels of micronuclei. The urinary Cr concentrations were high when compared to the French biological limit value of 2.5 μg Cr/L, corresponding to the Danish occupational e","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"264 ","pages":"Article 114444"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142335204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114465
Yujing Li , Jiawei Zhang , Jasper Schipperijn , Stéphane Tuffier , Samuel Hyman , Marie Bergmann , Matthias Ketzel , Claus Backalarz , Zorana Jovanovic Andersen , Youn-Hee Lim , Thomas Cole-Hunter
Background
Few cohort studies have examined the associations of natural surroundings (green and blue space) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and show mixed findings. We aimed to investigate the associations between long-term exposure to green and blue space and incidence of CVD in the Danish Nurse Cohort.
Methods
We followed 19,070 female nurses living in Denmark from 1993/1999 to 2018. The shortest Euclidian distance from a residence to three types of green space (park, woodland, and heathland) and four types of blue space (lake, river, coast, and wetland), along with total count of all types of natural surroundings within a 500 meter (m), 1000 m, and 5000 m radius from a residence, were calculated using GeoDanmark data from 2005. Distance was log-transformed to correct for a right-skewed data distribution. Residential air pollution and road traffic noise data for 2005 were estimated by the Danish air pollution modeling system (‘DEHM/UBM/AirGIS’) and Nord2000 model, respectively. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations between green and blue space and the first-ever incidence of total CVD and certain CVD subtypes after adjusting for individual factors, air pollution, and noise. We examined effect modification by age, smoking status, occupational status, household income, and urbanicity level. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were presented per e unit (equivalent to ∼2.72 fold) increase in distance.
Results
8179 new cases of CVD were observed over 344,084 person-years. Living further from woodland was associated with higher stroke incidence (HR: 1.153; 95% CI: 1.029–1.293), while living further from heathland was associated with reduced total CVD incidence (HR: 0.975; 95% CI: 0.955–0.996). No associations were found between distance to park, woodland, lake, river, coast, or wetland and total CVD incidence. Total count of all types of green and blue spaces within a 5000 m radius was linked to a reduced risk of CVD incidence. Adjusting for air pollution or road traffic noise did not alter observed associations. Younger individuals (<50 years old) were observed to have lower HRs when living closer to all types of natural surroundings.
Conclusion
We found that proximity to woodland was associated with a reduced risk of stroke, whilst no significant or even inverse associations were observed between proximity to other types of natural surroundings and CVD incidence. Total count of all types of natural surroundings within a 5000 m radius was negatively associated with CVD incidence, suggesting cumulative benefits of these areas.
{"title":"Long-term exposure to green and blue space and incidence of cardiovascular disease: A Danish Nurse Cohort study","authors":"Yujing Li , Jiawei Zhang , Jasper Schipperijn , Stéphane Tuffier , Samuel Hyman , Marie Bergmann , Matthias Ketzel , Claus Backalarz , Zorana Jovanovic Andersen , Youn-Hee Lim , Thomas Cole-Hunter","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114465","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Few cohort studies have examined the associations of natural surroundings (green and blue space) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and show mixed findings. We aimed to investigate the associations between long-term exposure to green and blue space and incidence of CVD in the Danish Nurse Cohort.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We followed 19,070 female nurses living in Denmark from 1993/1999 to 2018. The shortest Euclidian distance from a residence to three types of green space (park, woodland, and heathland) and four types of blue space (lake, river, coast, and wetland), along with total count of all types of natural surroundings within a 500 meter (m), 1000 m, and 5000 m radius from a residence, were calculated using GeoDanmark data from 2005. Distance was log-transformed to correct for a right-skewed data distribution. Residential air pollution and road traffic noise data for 2005 were estimated by the Danish air pollution modeling system (‘DEHM/UBM/AirGIS’) and Nord2000 model, respectively. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations between green and blue space and the first-ever incidence of total CVD and certain CVD subtypes after adjusting for individual factors, air pollution, and noise. We examined effect modification by age, smoking status, occupational status, household income, and urbanicity level. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were presented per <em>e</em> unit (equivalent to ∼2.72 fold) increase in distance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>8179 new cases of CVD were observed over 344,084 person-years. Living further from woodland was associated with higher stroke incidence (HR: 1.153; 95% CI: 1.029–1.293), while living further from heathland was associated with reduced total CVD incidence (HR: 0.975; 95% CI: 0.955–0.996). No associations were found between distance to park, woodland, lake, river, coast, or wetland and total CVD incidence. Total count of all types of green and blue spaces within a 5000 m radius was linked to a reduced risk of CVD incidence. Adjusting for air pollution or road traffic noise did not alter observed associations. Younger individuals (<50 years old) were observed to have lower HRs when living closer to all types of natural surroundings.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We found that proximity to woodland was associated with a reduced risk of stroke, whilst no significant or even inverse associations were observed between proximity to other types of natural surroundings and CVD incidence. Total count of all types of natural surroundings within a 5000 m radius was negatively associated with CVD incidence, suggesting cumulative benefits of these areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 114465"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463924001469/pdfft?md5=e33cac815fcb8035a318a8e0fe7d95e3&pid=1-s2.0-S1438463924001469-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142309493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114467
Joanna Świetlik, Marta Magnucka
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) released into drinking water from transmission pipes can pose a potential health risk to consumers. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of PE and PVC pipes after long-term operation in drinking water distribution networks, which confirmed that degradable polymers can be a significant source of MPs. Both plastics age relatively quickly, and the degree of damage to the pipe surface depends on the time and operating conditions. During aging, polymer chains deteriorate, leading to a weakening of the structure and increased amorphousness of the plastics. As a result, the surfaces of PE and PVC crack and peel, resulting in the formation of particles with sizes corresponding to NP and MP with high potential for release into water. The magnitude of the phenomenon increases as the diameter of the pipes decreases, indicating that the most vulnerable customers are those at the ends of the network to which drinking water is supplied through small-diameter pipes. Aging PE and PVC pipes should be considered a real and very important source of MPs and NPs in drinking water, and water quality in this aspect should be monitored by manufacturers.
{"title":"Aging of drinking water transmission pipes during long-term operation as a potential source of nano- and microplastics","authors":"Joanna Świetlik, Marta Magnucka","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114467","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114467","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) released into drinking water from transmission pipes can pose a potential health risk to consumers. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of PE and PVC pipes after long-term operation in drinking water distribution networks, which confirmed that degradable polymers can be a significant source of MPs. Both plastics age relatively quickly, and the degree of damage to the pipe surface depends on the time and operating conditions. During aging, polymer chains deteriorate, leading to a weakening of the structure and increased amorphousness of the plastics. As a result, the surfaces of PE and PVC crack and peel, resulting in the formation of particles with sizes corresponding to NP and MP with high potential for release into water. The magnitude of the phenomenon increases as the diameter of the pipes decreases, indicating that the most vulnerable customers are those at the ends of the network to which drinking water is supplied through small-diameter pipes. Aging PE and PVC pipes should be considered a real and very important source of MPs and NPs in drinking water, and water quality in this aspect should be monitored by manufacturers.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 114467"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463924001482/pdfft?md5=e045e7c1b8bcc5867a75a7459a24b6d5&pid=1-s2.0-S1438463924001482-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142274147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114466
Girma Mulisa , Roger Pero-Gascon , Valerie McCormack , Jordan E. Bisanz , Fazlur Rahman Talukdar , Tamrat Abebe , Marthe De Boevre , Sarah De Saeger
Background
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a malignancy with a poor prognosis and a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. It is the ninth most frequent cancer globally and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The incidence of EC has been found to vary significantly by geography, indicating the importance of environmental and lifestyle factors along with genetic factors in the onset of the disease. In this work, we investigated mycotoxin exposure in a case-control study from the Arsi-Bale districts of Oromia regional state in Ethiopia, where there is a high incidence of EC while alcohol and tobacco use – two established risk factors for EC – are very rare.
Methods
Internal exposure to 39 mycotoxins and metabolites was assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in plasma samples of EC cases (n = 166) and location-matched healthy controls (n = 166) who shared similar dietary sources. Demographic and lifestyle data were collected using structured questionnaires. Principal Component Analysis and machine learning models were used to identify the most relevant demographic, lifestyle, and mycotoxin (co-)exposure variables associated with EC. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess EC risk.
Result
Evidence of mycotoxin exposure was observed in all plasma samples, with 10 different mycotoxins being detected in samples from EC cases, while only 6 different mycotoxins were detected in samples from healthy controls. Ochratoxin A was detected in plasma from all cases and controls, while tenuazonic acid was detected in plasma of 145 (87.3%) cases and 71 (42.8%) controls. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, exposure to tenuazonic acid (AOR = 1.88 [95% CI: 1.68–2.11]) and to multiple mycotoxins (AOR = 2.54 [95% CI: 2.10–3.07]) were positively associated with EC.
Conclusion
All cases and controls were exposed to at least one mycotoxin. Cases were exposed to a statistically significantly higher number of mycotoxins than controls. Exposure to tenuazonic acid and to multiple mycotoxins were associated with increased risk of EC in the study population. Although aflatoxin B1-lysine and the ratio of sphinganine to sphingosine (as a biomarker of effect to fumonisin exposure) were not assessed in this study, our result emphasizes the need to characterize the effect of mycotoxin co-exposure as part of the exposome and include it in risk assessment, since the current mycotoxin safety levels do not consider the additive or synergistic effects of mycotoxin co-exposure. Moreover, a prospective study design with regular sampling should be considered in this high incidence area of EC in Ethiopia to obtain conclusive results on the role of mycotoxin exposure in the onset and development of the disease.
{"title":"Multiple mycotoxin exposure assessment through human biomonitoring in an esophageal cancer case-control study in the Arsi-Bale districts of Oromia region of Ethiopia","authors":"Girma Mulisa , Roger Pero-Gascon , Valerie McCormack , Jordan E. Bisanz , Fazlur Rahman Talukdar , Tamrat Abebe , Marthe De Boevre , Sarah De Saeger","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Esophageal cancer (EC) is a malignancy with a poor prognosis and a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. It is the ninth most frequent cancer globally and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The incidence of EC has been found to vary significantly by geography, indicating the importance of environmental and lifestyle factors along with genetic factors in the onset of the disease. In this work, we investigated mycotoxin exposure in a case-control study from the Arsi-Bale districts of Oromia regional state in Ethiopia, where there is a high incidence of EC while alcohol and tobacco use – two established risk factors for EC – are very rare.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Internal exposure to 39 mycotoxins and metabolites was assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in plasma samples of EC cases (n = 166) and location-matched healthy controls (n = 166) who shared similar dietary sources. Demographic and lifestyle data were collected using structured questionnaires. Principal Component Analysis and machine learning models were used to identify the most relevant demographic, lifestyle, and mycotoxin (co-)exposure variables associated with EC. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess EC risk.</p></div><div><h3>Result</h3><p>Evidence of mycotoxin exposure was observed in all plasma samples, with 10 different mycotoxins being detected in samples from EC cases, while only 6 different mycotoxins were detected in samples from healthy controls. Ochratoxin A was detected in plasma from all cases and controls, while tenuazonic acid was detected in plasma of 145 (87.3%) cases and 71 (42.8%) controls. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, exposure to tenuazonic acid (AOR = 1.88 [95% CI: 1.68–2.11]) and to multiple mycotoxins (AOR = 2.54 [95% CI: 2.10–3.07]) were positively associated with EC.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>All cases and controls were exposed to at least one mycotoxin. Cases were exposed to a statistically significantly higher number of mycotoxins than controls. Exposure to tenuazonic acid and to multiple mycotoxins were associated with increased risk of EC in the study population. Although aflatoxin B1-lysine and the ratio of sphinganine to sphingosine (as a biomarker of effect to fumonisin exposure) were not assessed in this study, our result emphasizes the need to characterize the effect of mycotoxin co-exposure as part of the exposome and include it in risk assessment, since the current mycotoxin safety levels do not consider the additive or synergistic effects of mycotoxin co-exposure. Moreover, a prospective study design with regular sampling should be considered in this high incidence area of EC in Ethiopia to obtain conclusive results on the role of mycotoxin exposure in the onset and development of the disease.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 114466"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463924001470/pdfft?md5=2e339520117dba3c1bd3fa78e7ce1ce4&pid=1-s2.0-S1438463924001470-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142274146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114458
Kristina R. Nermo , Kjersti S. Bakken , Jan L. Lyche , Anuschka Polder , Aina Jansen , Siri Kaldenbach , Gabrielle Haddad-Weiser , Tor A. Strand , Merete Å. Eggesbø
Introduction
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are stable compounds characterized by their resistance to degradation. From the 1960–70's organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as DDTs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) raised concerns regarding health and environmental impacts. This has led to the banning of POPs in the USA and Europe including Norway in 1980 and worldwide under the 2004 Stockholm Convention. The exposure of nursing infants to POPs has been a significant focus, prompting extensive research into the presence of these substances in human breast milk. In this study, we explored the temporal trends of POPs concentrations in breast milk sampled between 2002 and 2021 by comparing the concentration across the mother's year of birth.
Method
Two Norwegian cohorts of lactating women were utilized (the HUMIS study and the “Iodine in Early Life”-Study). Concentrations of 15 different POPs, including PCBs, OCPs, and brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) were measured in 513 breast milk samples that had been collected over two decades in a subset of first-time mothers.
Results
Time trend analysis indicated a steady decrease in concentration levels when adjusted for maternal age. The largest reduction was observed in β-HCH, age-adjusted (−17.1%, 95% CI -18.7, −15.4), followed by ∑6BDE (−9.1%, 95% CI -10.5, −7.7), ∑6PCBs (−7.1%, 95% CI -7.7, −6.5), and ∑2DDTs (−7.0%, 95% CI -8.0, −6.0). In contrast, an increasing trend was noted in the median concentrations of β-HCH, ∑2DDTs, and ∑6BDE in the mothers born in 1990–1994 to 1995–2002.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates a decline of most POPs in breast milk, likely attributed to international regulatory efforts like the Stockholm Convention. Notably, an increase in the 95th percentile concentrations of β-HCH, ∑2DDTs, and ∑6BDEs was noted in mothers born in 1990–1994 compared to those born in 1995–2002 suggests demographic shifts that may influence exposure levels. Further research is needed to explore and understand the underlying factors for the rise in median concentrations of ∑6BDEs.
引言 持久性有机污染物（POPs）是一种稳定的化合物，其特点是不易降解。从 20 世纪 60-70 年代开始，有机氯农药（OCPs），如滴滴涕和多氯联苯（PCBs）引起了人们对健康和环境影响的关注。因此，美国和欧洲（包括挪威）于 1980 年开始禁用持久性有机污染物，2004 年《斯德哥尔摩公约》在全球范围内也开始禁用持久性有机污染物。哺乳期婴儿接触持久性有机污染物的问题一直是人们关注的焦点，这促使人们对母乳中是否含有这些物质进行了广泛的研究。在这项研究中，我们通过比较不同母亲出生年份母乳中的持久性有机污染物浓度，探讨了 2002 年至 2021 年母乳采样中持久性有机污染物浓度的时间趋势。结果时间趋势分析表明，在对母亲年龄进行调整后，母乳中 15 种不同的持久性有机污染物（包括多氯联苯、有机氯农药和溴化二苯醚）的浓度水平稳步下降。经年龄调整后，β-HCH 的降幅最大（-17.1%，95% CI -18.7，-15.4），其次是∑6BDE（-9.1%，95% CI -10.5，-7.7）、∑6PCBs（-7.1%，95% CI -7.7，-6.5）和∑2DDTs（-7.0%，95% CI -8.0，-6.0）。与此相反，在 1990-1994 年至 1995-2002 年出生的母亲中，β-HCH、∑2DDTs 和 ∑6BDE 的中位浓度呈上升趋势。值得注意的是，1990-1994 年出生的母亲与 1995-2002 年出生的母亲相比，β-HCH、∑2DDTs 和 ∑6BDEs 的第 95 百分位数浓度有所增加，这表明人口结构的变化可能会影响暴露水平。需要进一步开展研究，探索和了解∑6BDEs 中位浓度上升的根本原因。
{"title":"Trend analyses of persistent organic pollutants in human milk from first-time mothers in Norway between 2002 and 2021","authors":"Kristina R. Nermo , Kjersti S. Bakken , Jan L. Lyche , Anuschka Polder , Aina Jansen , Siri Kaldenbach , Gabrielle Haddad-Weiser , Tor A. Strand , Merete Å. Eggesbø","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are stable compounds characterized by their resistance to degradation. From the 1960–70's organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as DDTs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) raised concerns regarding health and environmental impacts. This has led to the banning of POPs in the USA and Europe including Norway in 1980 and worldwide under the 2004 Stockholm Convention. The exposure of nursing infants to POPs has been a significant focus, prompting extensive research into the presence of these substances in human breast milk. In this study, we explored the temporal trends of POPs concentrations in breast milk sampled between 2002 and 2021 by comparing the concentration across the mother's year of birth.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>Two Norwegian cohorts of lactating women were utilized (the HUMIS study and the “Iodine in Early Life”-Study). Concentrations of 15 different POPs, including PCBs, OCPs, and brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) were measured in 513 breast milk samples that had been collected over two decades in a subset of first-time mothers.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Time trend analysis indicated a steady decrease in concentration levels when adjusted for maternal age. The largest reduction was observed in β-HCH, age-adjusted (−17.1%, 95% CI -18.7, −15.4), followed by ∑<sub>6</sub>BDE (−9.1%, 95% CI -10.5, −7.7), ∑<sub>6</sub>PCBs (−7.1%, 95% CI -7.7, −6.5), and ∑<sub>2</sub>DDTs (−7.0%, 95% CI -8.0, −6.0). In contrast, an increasing trend was noted in the median concentrations of β-HCH, ∑<sub>2</sub>DDTs, and ∑<sub>6</sub>BDE in the mothers born in 1990–1994 to 1995–2002.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our study demonstrates a decline of most POPs in breast milk, likely attributed to international regulatory efforts like the Stockholm Convention. Notably, an increase in the 95th percentile concentrations of β-HCH, ∑<sub>2</sub>DDTs, and ∑<sub>6</sub>BDEs was noted in mothers born in 1990–1994 compared to those born in 1995–2002 suggests demographic shifts that may influence exposure levels. Further research is needed to explore and understand the underlying factors for the rise in median concentrations of ∑<sub>6</sub>BDEs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 114458"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463924001391/pdfft?md5=86403d1d562572b0bca55e8e10f6a67b&pid=1-s2.0-S1438463924001391-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142274145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114462
Coreen Daley , Miranda Doris , Marc-André Verner , Jad Zalzal , Romain Chesnaux , Laura Minet , Mary Kang , Heather L. MacLean , Marianne Hatzopoulou , Naomi Owens-Beek , West Moberly First Nations Chief and Council , Élyse Caron-Beaudoin
Background
In a previous study located in Northeastern British Columbia (Canada), we observed associations between density and proximity of oil and gas wells and indoor air concentrations of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Whether conventional or unconventional well types and phases of unconventional development contribute to these associations remains unknown.
Objective
To investigate the associations between proximity-based metrics for conventional and unconventional wells and measured indoor air VOC concentrations in the Exposures in the Peace River Valley (EXPERIVA) study samples.
Methods
Eighty-four pregnant individuals participated in EXPERIVA. Passive indoor air samplers were analyzed for 47 VOCs. Oil and gas well legacy data were sourced from the British Columbia Energy Regulator. For each participant's home, 5 km, 10 km and no buffer distances were delineated, then density and Inverse Distance Square Weighted (ID2W) metrics were calculated to estimate exposure to conventional and unconventional wells during pregnancy and the VOC measurement period. Multiple linear regression models were used to test for associations between the well exposure metrics and indoor air VOCs. For exposure metrics with >30% participants having a value of 0, we dichotomized exposure (0 vs. >0) and performed ANOVAs to assess differences in mean VOCs concentrations.
Results
Analyses indicated that: 1) conventional well density and ID2W metrics were positively associated with indoor air acetone and decanal; 2) unconventional well density and ID2W metrics were positively associated with indoor air chloroform and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and negatively associated with decanal; 3) drilling specific ID2W metrics for unconventional wells were positively associated with indoor air chloroform.
Conclusion
Our analysis revealed that the association between the exposure metrics and indoor air acetone could be attributed to conventional wells and the association between exposure metrics and indoor air chloroform and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane could be attributed to unconventional wells.
{"title":"Residential proximity to conventional and unconventional wells and exposure to indoor air volatile organic compounds in the Exposures in the Peace River Valley (EXPERIVA) study","authors":"Coreen Daley , Miranda Doris , Marc-André Verner , Jad Zalzal , Romain Chesnaux , Laura Minet , Mary Kang , Heather L. MacLean , Marianne Hatzopoulou , Naomi Owens-Beek , West Moberly First Nations Chief and Council , Élyse Caron-Beaudoin","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>In a previous study located in Northeastern British Columbia (Canada), we observed associations between density and proximity of oil and gas wells and indoor air concentrations of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Whether conventional or unconventional well types and phases of unconventional development contribute to these associations remains unknown.</p></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To investigate the associations between proximity-based metrics for conventional and unconventional wells and measured indoor air VOC concentrations in the Exposures in the Peace River Valley (EXPERIVA) study samples.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Eighty-four pregnant individuals participated in EXPERIVA. Passive indoor air samplers were analyzed for 47 VOCs. Oil and gas well legacy data were sourced from the British Columbia Energy Regulator. For each participant's home, 5 km, 10 km and no buffer distances were delineated, then density and Inverse Distance Square Weighted (ID<sup>2</sup>W) metrics were calculated to estimate exposure to conventional and unconventional wells during pregnancy and the VOC measurement period. Multiple linear regression models were used to test for associations between the well exposure metrics and indoor air VOCs. For exposure metrics with >30% participants having a value of 0, we dichotomized exposure (0 vs. >0) and performed ANOVAs to assess differences in mean VOCs concentrations.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Analyses indicated that: 1) conventional well density and ID<sup>2</sup>W metrics were positively associated with indoor air acetone and decanal; 2) unconventional well density and ID<sup>2</sup>W metrics were positively associated with indoor air chloroform and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and negatively associated with decanal; 3) drilling specific ID<sup>2</sup>W metrics for unconventional wells were positively associated with indoor air chloroform.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our analysis revealed that the association between the exposure metrics and indoor air acetone could be attributed to conventional wells and the association between exposure metrics and indoor air chloroform and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane could be attributed to unconventional wells.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 114462"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463924001433/pdfft?md5=f8289cbeddae769bdd698f0f0aa62e0c&pid=1-s2.0-S1438463924001433-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142244153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-14DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114461
Louise Ekholm , Stefan Ljunggren , Ingela Helmfrid
Environmental pollution is of global concern. In Southeast Sweden, historical glass production has contaminated communities with toxic metals. Long-term residency in these communities and high consumption of local foods may constitute a risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) or stroke.
The current study investigates if residency in these contaminated sites and long-term consumption of local foods is associated with self-reported CVD and stroke. In addition, the body burden of the toxic metals arsenic, cadmium, and lead, as well as inflammatory protein markers, were studied for association with CVD and stroke.
From an existing questionnaire cohort and biomonitoring sub cohort (n = 2290/882) of people living in the contaminated areas, self-reported CVD cases (n = 366/166) and stroke cases (n = 78/25) were identified. Individuals were grouped based on their residency within a 2 km radius of glassworks with historical high, moderate, or low air-borne lead emissions. Body burden of arsenic, cadmium, and lead was analyzed using ICP-MS. Inflammatory markers were investigated using electrochemiluminescence.
Long-term residency near glassworks with historically high levels of lead emissions, and high consumption of local foods, were associated with CVD. The risk was increasing for each year of residency in high emission areas. Increased body burden of arsenic in blood, and lead in urine, were associated with stroke. Five and two inflammatory markers, respectively, were elevated in CVD and stroke cases after adjusting for confounders.
An increased risk for CVD was found in areas with historically high emissions of lead but possibly also other toxic metals. Interestingly, there was an indication of a dose-response relationship with increasing risk for CVD per year of residency time. Inhalation and consumption of local food may constitute major pathways for this association. The study shows that long-term exposure to toxic metals in these contaminated areas is associated with CVD and that there is a need to limit exposure in the general population.
{"title":"Historical exposure to metals in contaminated areas and its impact on cardio- and cerebrovascular health","authors":"Louise Ekholm , Stefan Ljunggren , Ingela Helmfrid","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Environmental pollution is of global concern. In Southeast Sweden, historical glass production has contaminated communities with toxic metals. Long-term residency in these communities and high consumption of local foods may constitute a risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) or stroke.</p><p>The current study investigates if residency in these contaminated sites and long-term consumption of local foods is associated with self-reported CVD and stroke. In addition, the body burden of the toxic metals arsenic, cadmium, and lead, as well as inflammatory protein markers, were studied for association with CVD and stroke.</p><p>From an existing questionnaire cohort and biomonitoring sub cohort (n = 2290/882) of people living in the contaminated areas, self-reported CVD cases (n = 366/166) and stroke cases (n = 78/25) were identified. Individuals were grouped based on their residency within a 2 km radius of glassworks with historical high, moderate, or low air-borne lead emissions. Body burden of arsenic, cadmium, and lead was analyzed using ICP-MS. Inflammatory markers were investigated using electrochemiluminescence.</p><p>Long-term residency near glassworks with historically high levels of lead emissions, and high consumption of local foods, were associated with CVD. The risk was increasing for each year of residency in high emission areas. Increased body burden of arsenic in blood, and lead in urine, were associated with stroke. Five and two inflammatory markers, respectively, were elevated in CVD and stroke cases after adjusting for confounders.</p><p>An increased risk for CVD was found in areas with historically high emissions of lead but possibly also other toxic metals. Interestingly, there was an indication of a dose-response relationship with increasing risk for CVD per year of residency time. Inhalation and consumption of local food may constitute major pathways for this association. The study shows that long-term exposure to toxic metals in these contaminated areas is associated with CVD and that there is a need to limit exposure in the general population.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 114461"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463924001421/pdfft?md5=f776610e176d29033fae75c28175a8ca&pid=1-s2.0-S1438463924001421-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142232659","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114456
Marco Daniele Genuardi , Marlies Wiegand , Elisabeth Endres , Oliver Opel
During the storage and distribution of water in buildings, the excessive growth of pathogens can deteriorate the quality of drinking water. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing this growth and propose technical measures for prevention. The analysis is based on an empirical data set comprising 1361 samples from 204 domestic premise plumbing systems. In 14 systems, ultrafiltration plants were installed as microbiological barriers. Legionella cultivation and flow cytometry were used to determine microbiological properties. The study identified elevated total cell counts in tapping valves and pipe end lines in numerous premise plumbing systems, indicating prolonged water stagnation prior to sampling, which facilitates microbiological growth. Higher contamination rates were observed in these systems, with peripheral taps often being contaminated in lieu of the entire system. These systems were classified as microbiologically unstable due to the relevantly higher total cell numbers at hot water taps compared to the hot water tank (>25%). Furthermore, these systems exhibited a Legionella contamination rate that was 22.3% higher than in microbiologically stable systems. In some cases, peripheral contaminations may not accurately represent the entire premise plumbing system. Increasing the discard volume during sampling from 1 L to 3–5 L could provide more precise results during standard testing. Legionella species were primarily detected in the first 1 L of water after tap activation. Additionally, statistically significant relationships were observed between direct temperature and total cell number, as well as between the presence of ultrafiltration and total cell numbers at cold water taps.
{"title":"Statistical analysis of parameters affecting Legionella and total cell growth in premise plumbing systems within buildings: A field study based on an empirical data set","authors":"Marco Daniele Genuardi , Marlies Wiegand , Elisabeth Endres , Oliver Opel","doi":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114456","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114456","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>During the storage and distribution of water in buildings, the excessive growth of pathogens can deteriorate the quality of drinking water. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing this growth and propose technical measures for prevention. The analysis is based on an empirical data set comprising 1361 samples from 204 domestic premise plumbing systems. In 14 systems, ultrafiltration plants were installed as microbiological barriers. <em>Legionella</em> cultivation and flow cytometry were used to determine microbiological properties. The study identified elevated total cell counts in tapping valves and pipe end lines in numerous premise plumbing systems, indicating prolonged water stagnation prior to sampling, which facilitates microbiological growth. Higher contamination rates were observed in these systems, with peripheral taps often being contaminated in lieu of the entire system. These systems were classified as microbiologically unstable due to the relevantly higher total cell numbers at hot water taps compared to the hot water tank (>25%). Furthermore, these systems exhibited a <em>Legionella</em> contamination rate that was 22.3% higher than in microbiologically stable systems. In some cases, peripheral contaminations may not accurately represent the entire premise plumbing system. Increasing the discard volume during sampling from 1 L to 3–5 L could provide more precise results during standard testing. <em>Legionella</em> species were primarily detected in the first 1 L of water after tap activation. Additionally, statistically significant relationships were observed between direct temperature and total cell number, as well as between the presence of ultrafiltration and total cell numbers at cold water taps.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":13994,"journal":{"name":"International journal of hygiene and environmental health","volume":"263 ","pages":"Article 114456"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142229358","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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