Exposure to benzotriazoles and benzothiazoles in Czech male population and its associations with biomarkers of liver function, serum lipids and oxidative stress.

INTRODUCTION: Benzotriazoles and benzothiazoles (BTs) are high-production volume chemicals as well as widely distributed emerging pollutants with potential health risk. However, information about human exposure to BTs and associated health outcomes is limited. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterise exposure to BTs among Czech men, including possible occupational exposure among firefighters, its predictors, and its associations with liver function, serum lipids and oxidative stress. METHODS: 165 participants (including 110 firefighters) provided urine and blood samples that were used to quantify the urinary levels of 8 BTs (high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), and 4 liver enzymes, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine. Linear regression was used to assess associations with population characteristics and biomarkers of liver function, serum lipids and oxidative stress. Regression models were adjusted for potential confounding variables and false discovery rate procedure was applied to account for multiplicity. RESULTS: The BTs ranged from undetected up to 46.8 ng/mL. 2-hydroxy-benzothiazole was the most predominant compound (detection frequency 83%; median 1.95 ng/mL). 1-methyl-benzotriazole (1M-BTR) was measured in human samples for the first time, with a detection frequency 77% and median 1.75 ng/mL. Professional firefighters had lower urinary 1M-BTR compared to non-firefighters. Urinary 1M-BTR was associated with levels of γ-glutamyl transferase (ß = - 17.54%; 95% CI: - 26.127, - 7.962). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to investigate BT exposure in Central Europe, including potentially exposed firefighters. The findings showed a high prevalence of BTs in the study population, the relevance of 1M-BTR as a new biomarker of exposure, and an urgent need for further research into associated adverse health outcomes.

Effects of pesticide exposure on oxidative stress and DNA methylation urinary biomarkers in Czech adults and children from the CELSPAC-SPECIMEn cohort.

Current-use pesticide (CUP) exposure occurs mainly through diet and environmental application in both agricultural and urban settings. While pesticide exposure has been associated with many adverse health outcomes, the intermediary molecular mechanisms are still not completely elucidated. Among others, their roles in epigenetics (DNA methylation) and DNA damage due to oxidative stress are presumed. Scientific evidence on urinary biomarkers of such body response in general population is limited, especially in children. A total of 440 urine samples (n = 110 parent-child pairs) were collected during the winter and summer seasons in order to describe levels of overall DNA methylation (5-mC, 5-mdC, 5-hmdC, 7-mG, 3-mA) and oxidative stress (8-OHdG) biomarkers and investigate their possible associations with metabolites of pyrethroids (3-PBA, t/c-DCCA), chlorpyrifos (TCPY), and tebuconazole (TEB-OH). Linear mixed-effects models accounting for intraindividual and intrahousehold correlations were utilized. We applied false discovery rate procedure to account for multiplicity and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Higher urinary levels of most biological response biomarkers were measured in winter samples. In adjusted repeated measures models, interquartile range (IQR) increases in pyrethroid metabolites were associated with higher oxidative stress. t/c-DCCA and TCPY were associated with higher urinary levels of cytosine methylation biomarkers (5-mC and/or 5-mdC). The most robust association was observed for tebuconazole metabolite with 3-mA (-15.1% change per IQR increase, 95% CI = -23.6, -5.69) suggesting a role of this pesticide in reduced demethylation processes through possible DNA glycosylase inhibition. Our results indicate an urgent need to extend the range of analyzed environmental chemicals such as azole pesticides (e.g. prothioconazole) in human biomonitoring studies. This is the first study to report urinary DNA methylation biomarkers in children and associations between CUP metabolites and a comprehensive set of biomarkers including methylated and oxidized DNA alterations. Observed associations warrant further large-scale research of these biomarkers and environmental pollutants including CUPs.

Pesticide exposure among Czech adults and children from the CELSPAC-SPECIMEn cohort: Urinary biomarker levels and associated health risks.

Current-use pesticides (CUP) are extensively applied in both agricultural and urban settings. Exposure occurs mainly via the dietary pathway; however, other pathways such as inhalation or skin contact are also important. In this study, urinary levels of 12 CUP metabolites were investigated among 110 parent-child pairs during two seasons of 2020. Metabolites of pyrethroids (3-PBA, t/c-DCCA), chlorpyrifos (TCPY), and tebuconazole (TEB-OH) were detected in more than 60% of the samples. Chlorpyrifos metabolite was found at the highest concentration and tebuconazole was detected in almost all samples. CUP urinary metabolite levels were significantly higher in children in comparison to adults, except for tebuconazole, which was similar in both groups. In children, winter samples had significantly higher concentrations of pyrethroid and chlorpyrifos metabolites in comparison to the summer samples, but in adults, only chlorpyrifos metabolite concentrations were higher in the winter. No association between CUP urinary metabolite levels and proximity/surface of agricultural areas around residences was observed. Based on our findings, we suspect that CUP exposure is mainly driven by diet and that the effect of environmental exposure is less significant. Daily Intakes were estimated with three possible scenarios considering the amount of the metabolite excreted in urine and were compared to Acceptable Daily Intake values. Using a realistic scenario, exposure to chlorpyrifos exhibited the highest health risk, but still within a safe level. The Acceptable Daily Intake was exceeded only in one child in the case of cypermethrin. The cumulative risk assessment of pesticide mixtures having an effect on the nervous system, based on the total margin of exposure calculations, did not indicate any risk. The overall risk associated with pesticide exposure in the observed population was low. However, the risk observed using the worst-case scenario suggests the need for continuous evaluation of human exposure to such compounds, especially in children.

New probabilistic risk assessment of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate: Comparing the genotoxic effects of trans- and cis-EHMC.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is a widely used UV filter present in a large number of personal care products (PCPs). Under normal conditions, EHMC occurs in a mixture of two isomers: trans-EHMC and cis-EHMC in a ratio of 99:1. When exposed to sunlight, the trans isomer is transformed to the less stable cis isomer and the efficiency of the UV filter is reduced. To date, the toxicological effects of the cis-EHMC isomer remain largely unknown. We developed a completely new method for preparing cis-EHMC. An EHMC technical mixture was irradiated using a UV lamp and 98% pure cis-EHMC was isolated from the irradiated solution using column chromatography. The genotoxic effects of the isolated cis-EHMC isomer and the nonirradiated trans-EHMC were subsequently measured using two bioassays (SOS chromotest and UmuC test). In the case of trans-EHMC, significant genotoxicity was observed using both bioassays at the highest concentrations (0.5 - 4 mg mL-1 ). In the case of cis-EHMC, significant genotoxicity was only detected using the UmuC test at concentrations of 0.25 - 1 mg mL-1 . Based on these results, the NOEC was calculated for both cis- and trans-EHMC, 0.038 and 0.064 mg mL-1 , respectively. Risk assessment of dermal, oral and inhalation exposure to PCPs containing EHMC was carried out for a female population using probabilistic simulation and by using Quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE). The risk of cis-EHMC was found to be ∼1.7 times greater than trans-EHMC. In the case of cis-EHMC, a hazard index of 1 was exceeded in the 92nd percentile. Based on the observed differences between the isomers, EHMC application in PCPs requires detailed reassessment. Further exploration of the toxicological effects and properties of cis-EHMC is needed in order to correctly predict risks posed to humans and the environment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 569-580, 2017.

Pine Needles for the Screening of Perfluorinated Alkylated Substances (PFASs) along Ski Tracks.

Perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs) are today considered persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative contaminants. Perfluorooctansulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are currently listed as priority substances under the UNEP global convention for the regulation of POPs. A previous study reported higher levels of PFASs in pine needles near ski areas. Their application as stain repellents in modern outdoor clothes and in ski waxes is assumed to be a potential source. Pine trees (Pinus mugo in Slovakia and Pinus sylvestris in Norway) were chosen for sampling in ski resorts. Relative distributions, overall concentrations, trend estimates, elevation patterns, and distance from primary sources were assessed. PFOA was the predominant PFAS constituent in pine needles from Slovakia (8-93%). In Norway, the most-abundant PFAS was perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA: 3-66%). A difference in product composition (particularly in ski waxes) and differences in Norwegian and Slovakian regulations are considered to be the primary reason for these differences. Open application of PFOA in industry and products has been banned in Norway since 2011. The replacement of PFOA with short-chain substitutes is thus considered the reason for the observed pattern differences in the analyzed pine needles. Regular monitoring and screening programs are recommended.

Particle size distribution of halogenated flame retardants and implications for atmospheric deposition and transport.

This study investigates the distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and a group of novel flame retardants (NFRs) on atmospheric aerosols. Two high volume cascade impactors were used to collect particulate fractions of ambient air over a one year period at urban and rural sites. The majority of FRs were found on the finest aerosols (<0.95 µm). Concentrations of HBCD were higher than those of ΣPBDEs. Moreover, we noted seasonality and spatial differences in particle size distributions, yet a large portion of the observed differences were due to differences in particulate matter (PM) itself. When normalized by PM, the size distributions of the FRs exhibited much greater heterogeneity. Differences existed between the FR distributions by molecular weight, with the higher molecular weight FRs (e.g., BDE-209, Dechlorane Plus) distributed more uniformly across all particulate size fractions. The seasonal, spatial, and compound-specific differences are of crucial importance when estimating dry and wet deposition of FRs as smaller aerosols have longer atmospheric residence times. Estimated wet and dry deposition of four representative FRs (BDE-47, BDE-209, HBCD, and Dechlorane Plus) using size-segregated aerosol data resulted in lower deposition estimates than when bulk aerosol data were used. This has implications for estimates of long-range atmospheric transport and atmospheric residence times, as it suggests that without size-specific distributions, these parameters could be underestimated for FRs.

Countrywide analysis of heat- and cold-related mortality trends in the Czech Republic: growing inequalities under recent climate warming.

BACKGROUND: Only little is known about trends in temperature-mortality associations among the most vulnerable subgroups, especially in the areas of central and eastern Europe, which are considered major climatic hotspots in terms of heatwave exposure. Thus, we aimed to assess trends in temperature-related mortality in the Czech Republic by sex, age and cause of death, and to quantify the temporal evolution of possible inequalities. METHODS: We collected daily time series of all-cause (1987-2019) and cause-specific (1994-2019) mortality by sex and age category, and population-weighted daily mean 2-metre temperatures for each region of the Czech Republic. We applied a quasi-Poisson regression model to estimate the trends in region-specific temperature-mortality associations, with distributed lag non-linear models and multivariate random-effects meta-analysis to derive average associations across the country. We then calculated mortality attributable to non-optimal temperatures and implemented the indicator of sex- and age-dependent inequalities. RESULTS: We observed a similar risk of mortality due to cold temperatures for men and women. Conversely, for warm temperatures, a higher risk was observed for women. Results by age showed a clear pattern of increasing risk due to non-optimum temperatures with increasing age category. The relative risk (RR) related to cold was considerably attenuated in most of the studied subgroups during the study period, whereas an increase in the RR associated with heat was seen in the overall population, in women, in the age category 90+ years and with respect to respiratory causes. Moreover, underlying sex- and age-dependent inequalities experienced substantial growth. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest ongoing adaptation to cold temperatures. Mal/adaptation to hot temperatures occurred unequally among population subgroups and resulted in growing inequalities between the sexes and among age categories.

Internal Flames: Metal(loid) Exposure Linked to Alteration of the Lipid Profile in Czech Male Firefighters (CELSPAC-FIREexpo Study).

Increased wildfire activity increases the demands on fire rescue services and firefighters' contact with harmful chemicals. This study aimed to determine firefighters' exposure to toxic metal(loid)s and its association with the lipid profile. CELSPAC-FIREexpo study participants (including 110 firefighters) provided urine and blood samples to quantify urinary levels of metal(loid)s (arsenic, cadmium (Cd), mercury, and lead (Pb)), and serum lipid biomarkers (cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (TG)). The associations were investigated by using multiple linear regression and Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) regression. Higher levels of Pb were observed in firefighters. Pb was positively associated with CHOL and TG. Cd was negatively associated with HDL. In the BWQS model, the mixture of metal(loid)s was associated positively with CHOL (ß = 14.75, 95% CrI = 2.45-29.08), LDL (ß = 15.14, 95% CrI = 3.39-29.35), and TG (ß = 14.79, 95% CrI = 0.73-30.42), while negatively with HDL (ß = -14.96, 95% CrI = -25.78 to -1.8). Pb emerged as a key component in a metal(loid) mixture. The results suggest that higher exposure to lead and the mixture of metal(loid)s is associated with the alteration of the lipid profile, which can result in an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile, especially in occupationally exposed firefighters.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their metabolites in bronchoalveolar lavage and urine samples from patients with inhalation injury throughout their hospitalization: A prospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Specific toxic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their metabolites, may affect the inhalation injury (INHI) grade, patients' status, and prognosis for recovery. This pilot prospective study aimed to: i) evaluate the suitability of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for determination of PAHs in the LRT and of urine for determination of hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PAHs) in patients with INHI, ii) describe the dynamic changes in the levels of these toxic compounds, and iii) correlate these findings with clinical variables of the patients with INHI. METHODS: The BAL and urine samples from 10 patients with INHI were obtained on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 of hospitalization, if possible, and PAHs (BAL) and OH-PAHs (urine) were analyzed using chromatographic methods (GC-MS and HPLC). RESULTS: Concentrations of analyzed PAHs were in most cases and time points below the limit of quantification in BAL samples. Nine OH-PAHs were detected in the urine samples; however, their concentrations sharply decreased within the first three days of the hospitalization. On Day 14, the total amount of OH-PAHs in urine was higher in surviving patients with High-grade INHI (≥3) than in those with Low-grade INHI (<3, p = 0.032). Finally, a significant correlation between certain OH-PAHs and clinical variables (AST/ALT, TBSA, ABSI) from Day 1 of the hospitalization was observed (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BAL samples are not suitable for the analysis of PAHs. However, the OH-PAHs levels in urine can be measured reliably and were correlated with several clinical variables. Moreover, High-grade INHI was associated with higher total concentrations of OH-PAHs in urine.

Current-use pesticide exposure pathways in Czech adults and children from the CELSPAC-SPECIMEn cohort.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to characterise exposure to pyrethroids, organophosphates, and tebuconazole through multiple pathways in 110 parent-child pairs participating in the CELSPAC-SPECIMEn study. METHODS: First, we estimated the daily intake (EDI) of pesticides based on measured urinary metabolites. Second, we compared EDI with estimated pesticide intake from food. We used multiple linear regression to identify the main predictors of urinary pesticide concentrations. We also assessed the relationship between urinary pesticide concentrations and organic and non-organic food consumption while controlling for a range of factors. Finally, we employed a model to estimate inhalation and dermal exposure due to spray drift and volatilization after assuming pesticide application in crop fields. RESULTS: EDI was often higher in children in comparison to adults, especially in the winter season. A comparison of food intake estimates and EDI suggested diet as a critical pathway of tebuconazole exposure, less so in the case of organophosphates. Regression models showed that consumption per g of peaches/apricots was associated with an increase of 0.37% CI [0.23% to 0.51%] in urinary tebuconazole metabolite concentrations. Consumption of white bread was associated with an increase of 0.21% CI [0.08% to 0.35%], and consumption of organic strawberries was inversely associated (-61.52% CI [-79.34% to -28.32%]), with urinary pyrethroid metabolite concentrations. Inhalation and dermal exposure seemed to represent a relatively small contribution to pesticide exposure as compared to dietary intake. CONCLUSION: In our study population, findings indicate diet plays a significant role in exposure to the analysed pesticides. We found an influence of potential exposure due to spray drift and volatilization among the subpopulation residing near presumably sprayed crop fields to be minimal in comparison. However, the lack of data indicating actual spraying occurred during the critical 24-hour period prior to urine sample collection could be a significant contributing factor.

The exposure of Czech firefighters to perfluoroalkyl substances and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: CELSPAC - FIREexpo case-control human biomonitoring study.

The CELSPAC - FIREexpo biomonitoring study investigates the long-term effects of chemical exposure on firefighters' wellness and fitness. It aims to provide science-based measures to minimize the health risks of the firefighting occupation. Here, we present the study design, cohort profile, and first results with respect to internal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) levels in study participants. Participants (n = 166) were divided into three subcohorts: i) newly recruited firefighters, ii) professional firefighters with several years' experience, and iii) the control group. Participants underwent physical performance tests, provided information on their lifestyle and diet, and urine and blood samples 1-4 times within an 11-week period. 12 serum PFAS and 10 urinary hydroxylated PAH (OH-PAH) levels were determined using HPLC-MS/MS and compared between subcohorts and samplings. The association of internal exposure with reported lifestyles and occupational factors was investigated using Spearman's correlation, principal component analysis, and multivariate regression analysis. ΣPFAS levels in firefighters were significantly higher than in the control group and were mostly associated with the length of firefighting career, age, blood donation, and population size. 10.9 % and 7.6 % of measurements exceeded the HBM-I or HBM-II value for PFOS and PFOA, respectively. Urinary ΣPAH levels increased significantly after training with burning wooden pallets, but none of them exceeded the no observed genotoxic effect level. Firefighters' occupational exposure, its sources, and pathways, need to be systematically monitored and investigated on a long-term and individual basis. The CELSPAC - FIREexpo study helps to clarify the degree of occupational exposure to the given compounds and the subsequent risks to firefighters.

Firefighters and the liver: Exposure to PFAS and PAHs in relation to liver function and serum lipids (CELSPAC-FIREexpo study).

INTRODUCTION: Firefighting is one of the most hazardous occupations due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Such exposure is suspected to affect the cardiometabolic profile, e.g., liver function and serum lipids. However, only a few studies have investigated the impact of this specific exposure among firefighters. METHODS: Men included in the CELSPAC-FIREexpo study were professional firefighters (n = 52), newly recruited firefighters in training (n = 58), and controls (n = 54). They completed exposure questionnaires and provided 1-3 samples of urine and blood during the 11-week study period to allow assessment of their exposure to PFAS (6 compounds) and PAHs (6 compounds), and to determine biomarkers of liver function (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin (BIL)) and levels of serum lipids (total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (TG)). The associations between biomarkers were investigated both cross-sectionally using multiple linear regression (MLR) and Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) regression and prospectively using MLR. The models were adjusted for potential confounders and false discovery rate correction was applied to account for multiplicity. RESULTS: A positive association between exposure to PFAS and PAH mixture and BIL (ß = 28.6%, 95% CrI = 14.6-45.7%) was observed by the BWQS model. When the study population was stratified, in professional firefighters and controls the mixture showed a positive association with CHOL (ß = 29.5%, CrI = 10.3-53.6%) and LDL (ß = 26.7%, CrI = 8.3-48.5%). No statistically significant associations with individual compounds were detected using MLR. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the associations between exposure to PFAS and PAHs and biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in the Czech men, including firefighters. The results suggest that higher exposure to a mixture of these compounds is associated with an increase in BIL and the alteration of serum lipids, which can result in an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile.

Assessment of exposure to pesticide mixtures in five European countries by a harmonized urinary suspect screening approach.

Humans are exposed to a mixture of pesticides through diet as well as through the environment. We conducted a suspect-screening based study to describe the probability of (concomitant) exposure to a set of pesticide profiles in five European countries (Latvia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Spain and the Netherlands). We explored whether living in an agricultural area (compared to living in a peri-urban area), being a a child (compared to being an adult), and the season in which the urine sample was collected had an impact on the probability of detection of pesticides (-metabolites). In total 2088 urine samples were collected from 1050 participants (525 parent-child pairs) and analyzed through harmonized suspect screening by five different laboratories. Fourty pesticide biomarkers (either pesticide metabolites or the parent pesticides as such) relating to 29 pesticides were identified at high levels of confidence in samples across all study sites. Most frequently detected were biomarkers related to the parent pesticides acetamiprid and chlorpropham. Other biomarkers with high detection rates in at least four countries related to the parent pesticides boscalid, fludioxonil, pirimiphos-methyl, pyrimethanil, clothianidin, fluazifop and propamocarb. In 84% of the samples at least two different pesticides were detected. The median number of detected pesticides in the urine samples was 3, and the maximum was 13 pesticides detected in a single sample. The most frequently co-occurring substances were acetamiprid with chlorpropham (in 62 urine samples), and acetamiprid with tebuconazole (30 samples). Some variation in the probability of detection of pesticides (-metabolites) was observed with living in an agricultural area or season of urine sampling, though no consistent patterns were observed. We did observe differences in the probability of detection of a pesticide (metabolite) among children compared to adults, suggesting a different exposure and/or elimination patterns between adults and children. This survey demonstrates the feasibility of conducting a harmonized pan-European sample collection, combined with suspect screening to provide insight in the presence of exposure to pesticide mixtures in the European population, including agricultural areas. Future improvements could come from improved (harmonized) quantification of pesticide levels.

City-scale assessment of long-term air quality impacts on the respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Background: The impact of the urban environment on human health is a contemporary subject of environmental research. Air pollution is often considered a leading environmental driver. However, a plethora of other factors within the urban exposome may be involved. At the same time, the resolution of spatial data is also an important facet to consider. Generally, systematic tools for accurate health risk assessment in the urban environment are missing or are not implemented. Methods: The long-term impact of air quality (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, benzene, and SO2) on respiratory and cardiovascular health was assessed with a log-linear model. We used the most accurate health data in high city scale spatial resolution over the period 2010 to 2018. Selected external exposome parameters were also included in the analysis. Results: Statistically significant associations between air pollution and the health of the urban population were found. The strongest association was between benzene and the incidence of bronchitis in the adult population [RR 1.552 95% CI (1.415-1.704) per 0.5 µg/m3 change in benzene concentration]. A similar relation was observed between NO2 and the same health condition [RR 1.483 95% CI (1.227-1.792) per 8.9 µg/m3 of change in NO2]. Other weaker associations were also found between asthma in children and PMs, NO2, or benzene. Cardiovascular-related hospitalizations in the general population were linked with NO2 [RR 1.218 95% CI (1.119-1.325) per 9.7 µg/m3 change in NO2]. The remaining pollutants were slightly less but still significantly associated with cardiovascular-related hospitalizations. Conclusion: Our findings are mostly highly statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) and are in line with current literature on the adverse effects of air pollution on the human population. The results highlight the need for continual improvements in air quality. We propose the implementation of this approach as a systematic tool for the investigation of possible health risks over a long period of time. However, further research involving other variables is an essential step toward understanding the complex urban exposome and its implications for human health. An increase in data spatial resolution is especially important in this respect as well as for improving city health risk management.

Dietary patterns and birth outcomes in the ELSPAC pregnancy cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify dietary patterns in a Czech pregnancy cohort established in the early postcommunist era and investigate associations between dietary patterns, maternal characteristics and birth outcomes. METHODS: Pregnant women were recruited for the Czech part of the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood. A self-reported questionnaire answered in late pregnancy was used to assess information about the weekly intake of 43 food items. Information about birth outcomes (birth weight, height, ponderal index, head circumference, cephalisation index, gestational length and Apgar score) was obtained from the National Registry of Newborns. Complete details on diet and birth outcomes were available for 4320 mother-infant pairs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The food items were aggregated into 28 variables and used for extraction of two dietary patterns by principal component factor analysis. The patterns were denoted 'unhealthy' and 'healthy/traditional' based on the food items with the highest factor loadings on each pattern. The 'unhealthy' pattern had high positive loadings on meat, processed food and confectionaries. In contrast, the 'healthy/traditional' pattern had high positive loadings on vegetables, dairy, fruits and wholemeal bread. Following adjustment for covariates, we found that high adherence to the unhealthy pattern (expressed as beta for 1 unit increase in pattern score), that is, the higher consumption of less healthy foods, was associated with lower birth weight: -23.8 g (95% CI -44.4 to -3.2) and length: -0.10 cm (95% CI -0.19 to -0.01) and increased cephalisation index: 0.91 µm/g (95% CI 0.23 to 1.60). The 'healthy/traditional' pattern was not associated with any birth outcomes. This study supports the recommendation to eat a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy.

Toxicity to bronchial cells and endocrine disruptive potentials of indoor air and dust extracts and their association with multiple chemical classes.

Pollution of indoor environment, where people spend much of their time, comprises complex mixtures of compounds with vastly understudied hazard potential. This study examined several important specific toxic effects and pollutant levels (177 compounds) of indoor samples (air gas phase, PM10 and dust) from different microenvironments after two extractions with focus on their gas/particle/dust distribution and polarity. The endocrine disruptive (ED) potential was assessed by human cell-based in vitro bioassays addressing anti-/estrogenicity, anti-/androgenicity, aryl hydrocarbon, thyroid and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-mediated activities. Potential toxicity to respiratory tract tissue was assessed using human bronchial cell line. The toxicological analyses pointed out the relevance of both inhalation and ingestion exposure, with significant effects detected after exposure to extracts from all three studied matrices with distinct gas/particle distribution patterns. Chemical analyses document the high complexity of indoor pollutant mixtures with greatest levels of phthalates, their emerging alternatives, and PAHs in dust. Despite the detection of up to 108 chemicals, effects were explained only to low extent. This emphasizes data gaps regarding ED potencies of many detected abundant indoor contaminants, but also potential presence of other unidentified ED compounds. The omnipresent ED potentials in indoor environment rise concern regarding associated human health risk.

A large scale multi-laboratory suspect screening of pesticide metabolites in human biomonitoring: From tentative annotations to verified occurrences.

Within the Human Biomonitoring for Europe initiative (HBM4EU), a study to determine new biomarkers of exposure to pesticides and to assess exposure patterns was conducted. Human urine samples (N = 2,088) were collected from five European regions in two different seasons. The objective of the study was to identify pesticides and their metabolites in collected urine samples with a harmonized suspect screening approach based on liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) applied in five laboratories. A combined data processing workflow included comprehensive data reduction, correction of mass error and retention time (RT) drifts, isotopic pattern analysis, adduct and elemental composition annotation, finalized by a mining of the elemental compositions for possible annotations of pesticide metabolites. The obtained tentative annotations (n = 498) were used for acquiring representative data-dependent tandem mass spectra (MS2) and verified by spectral comparison to reference spectra generated from commercially available reference standards or produced through human liver S9 in vitro incubation experiments. 14 parent pesticides and 71 metabolites (including 16 glucuronide and 11 sulfate conjugates) were detected. Collectively these related to 46 unique pesticides. For the remaining tentative annotations either (i) no data-dependent MS2 spectra could be acquired, (ii) the spectral purity was too low for sufficient matching, or (iii) RTs indicated a wrong annotation, leaving potential for more pesticides and/or their metabolites being confirmed in further studies. Thus, the reported results are reflecting only a part of the possible pesticide exposure.

Atmospheric deposition of chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in central Europe analyzed by GC-MS/MS.

Chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ClPAHs and BrPAHs) are persistent organic pollutants that are ubiquitous in the atmospheric environment. The sources, fate, and sinks in the atmosphere of these substances are largely unknown. One of the reasons is the lack of widely accessible analytical instrumentation. In this study, a new analytical method for ClPAHs and BrPAHs using gas-chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry is presented. The method was applied to determine ClPAHs and BrPAHs in total deposition samples collected at two sites in central Europe. Deposition fluxes of ClPAHs and BrPAHs ranged 580 (272-962) and 494 (161-936) pg m-2 day-1, respectively, at a regional background site, Kosetice, and 547 (351-724) and 449 (202-758) pg m-2 day-1, respectively, at a semi-urban site, Praha-Libus. These fluxes are similar to those of PCBs and more than 2 orders of magnitude lower than those of the parent PAHs in the region. Seasonal variations of the deposition fluxes of these halogenated PAHs were found with maxima in summer and autumn, and minima in winter at Kosetice, but vice versa at Praha-Libus. The distribution of ClPAHs and BrPAHs between the particulate and dissolved phases in deposition samples suggests higher degradability of particulate BrFlt/Pyr and BrBaA than of the corresponding ClPAHs. A number of congeners were detected for the first time in the atmospheric environment.

Seasonally and regionally determined indication potential of bioassays in contaminated river sediments.

River sediments are a dynamic system, especially in areas where floods occur frequently. In the present study, an integrative approach is used to investigate the seasonal and spatial dynamics of contamination of sediments from a regularly flooded industrial area in the Czech Republic, which presents a suitable model ecosystem for pollutant distribution research at a regional level. Surface sediments were sampled repeatedly to represent two different hydrological situations: spring (after the peak of high flow) and autumn (after longer period of low flow). Samples were characterized for abiotic parameters and concentrations of priority organic pollutants. Toxicity was assessed by Microtox test; genotoxicity by SOS-chromotest and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-yeast test; and the presence of compounds with specific mode of action by in vitro bioassays for dioxin-like activity, anti-/androgenicity, and anti-/estrogenicity. Distribution of organic contaminants varied among regions and seasonally. Although the results of Microtox and genotoxicity tests were relatively inconclusive, all other specific bioassays led to statistically significant regional and seasonal differences in profiles and allowed clear separation of upstream and downstream regions. The outcomes of these bioassays indicated an association with concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as master variables. There were significant interrelations among dioxin-like activity, antiandrogenicity and content of organic carbon, clay, and concentration of PAHs and PCBs, which documents the significance of abiotic factors in accumulation of pollutants. The study demonstrates the strength of the specific bioassays in indicating the changes in contamination and emphasizes the crucial role of a well-designed sampling plan, in which both spatial and temporal dynamics should be taken into account, for the correct interpretations of information in risk assessments.

Gas-particle partitioning of persistent organic pollutants in the Western Balkan countries affected by war conflicts.

BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE: Bombing and destruction of the industrial and military targets accompanied by complete or incomplete combustion during the war conflict and NATO operation in former Yugoslavia caused the emission of persistent organic pollutants into the atmosphere, water, and soil. A total of 129 ambient air samples from 24 background, urban, and industrial sites, including hot spots, were collected to assess a gas-particle partitioning behavior of various persistent organic pollutants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High volume sampling technique was applied with quartz filters that collect the atmospheric particles and polyurethane foam filters (PUF) that retain the gaseous compounds. Three to ten samples were taken at each site. GFs and PUFs were analyzed separately for their content of polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. RESULTS: Gas phase and particle phase concentrations of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in all samples were converted into the particle-bound fractions Phi. These fractions were found to be highly variable, but generally highest in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to the elevated levels of total suspended material in ambient air. DISCUSSION: Experimental values of particle-associated fraction were compared to the Junge-Pankow model. Interestingly, a model for urban/industrial environments provided a better prediction of partitioning behavior than a model for background and rural background sites. That is probably because the total amount of atmospheric particles is higher in the Balkan region than found in the previously published studies. CONCLUSIONS: Even though it has been stated in previous studies that less than 5% of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are bound to the particles, up to 67% of PCBs were particle associated at several sampling sites in this study. PCB-contaminated soils are probably still one of the strong sources of particles to the atmosphere. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: Information on the particle-bound fractions of POPs is important not only for prediction of their fate but also for an estimation of risks they can pose to the environment as well as to humans. When assessing such hazards, it has to be considered that modeled values of the particle-bound fractions can be seriously underestimated at sites with elevated levels of suspended atmospheric matter or at sites with heavily contaminated soils.