RESUMO
The chemical UV filter 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) is used in various personal-care products. The dermal and oral metabolism of EHS have already been targeted by different studies. However, toxicokinetic data after a single dermal exposure to EHS was missing. In our study, three volunteers were dermally exposed to a commercial EHS-containing sunscreen for 9 h with an application dose of 2 mg sunscreen per cm2 body surface area. The exposure was performed indoors, and sunscreen was applied on about 75% of the total skin area. Complete urine voids were collected over 72 h and eight blood samples were drawn from each subject. Urine samples were analyzed for EHS and seven known metabolites (5OH-EHS, 4OH-EHS, 2OH-EHS, 6OH-EHS, 4oxo-EHS, 5oxo-EHS, and 5cx-EPS) by online-SPE UPLC MS/MS. The peaks of urinary elimination occurred 10-11 h after application. The elimination half-lives (Phase 1) were between 6.6 and 9.7 h. The dominant urinary biomarkers were EHS itself, followed by 5OH-EHS, 5cx-EPS, 5oxo-EHS, and 4OH-EHS. 2OH-EHS, 6OH-EHS, and 4oxo-EHS were detected only in minor amounts. An enhanced analysis of conjugation species revealed marginal amounts of unconjugated metabolites and up to 40% share of sulfate conjugates for 5OH-EHS, 5oxo-EHS, and 5cx-EPS. The results demonstrated a delayed systemic resorption of EHS via the dermal route. Despite an extensive metabolism, the parent compound occurred as main urinary parameter. The delayed dermal resorption as well as the slow elimination of EHS indicate an accumulation up to toxicological relevant doses during daily repeated dermal application to large skin areas.
RESUMO
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) is an organic UV filter which is used in sunscreen and other personal care products. The dermal uptake of EHS was studied in several dermal-exposure experiments. This paper aims to coherently assess urine samples after dermal exposure for the biomarkers EHS, 5OH-EHS, 5oxo-EHS, and 5cx-EPS as well as further biomarkers of interest, specifically 4OH-EHS, 4oxo-EHS, 2OH-EHS, and 6OH-EHS, for the first time. Samples from 18 participants of a pre-existing dermal exposure study under real-life conditions were reassessed using a comprehensive LC-MS/MS method. EHS accounts for 34â¯% of the cumulative excretion of all analytes within 24â¯h after exposure, followed by 5OH-EHS (19â¯%), 5cx-EPS (18â¯%), 4OH-EHS (15â¯%) and 5oxo-EHS (11â¯%). Further metabolites were only quantified in minor amounts. EHS as the most prominent excretion parameter in this study demonstrates the missing first-pass effect after dermal absorption. Furthermore, the applied novel comprehensive analytical procedure revealed oxidation at the ω (5cx-EPS, 6OH-EHS), ω-1 (5OH-EHS, 5oxo-EHS), and ω-2 positions (4OH-EHS, 4oxo-EHS) in the main chain of the ethylhexyl group as well as oxidation in the side chain (2OH-EHS). The presented data are of high relevance for a reliable toxicological risk assessment of dermal exposure to EHS.
RESUMO
2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) is used as a UV filter in personal-care products, such as sunscreen, to prevent skin damage through UV radiation. The application of EHS-containing products leads to systemic EHS absorption, metabolization and excretion. To measure EHS and its corresponding metabolite levels in urine, a comprehensive analytical procedure based on an extended enzymatic hydrolysis, on-line-SPE, and UPLC-MS/MS was developed. The method covers a large profile of seven metabolites (including isomeric structures) as well as EHS itself in a run time only of 18 min. Easy sample preparation, consisting of a 2-h hydrolysis step, followed by on-line enrichment and purification, add to the efficiency of the method. An update, compared to a previous method for the determination of EHS and metabolites in urine, is that, during hydrolysis, both glucuronide and sulfate conjugates are considered. The method was furthermore applied to urine samples after a real-life exposure scenario to EHS-containing sunscreen. The method is highly sensitive with limits of detection ranging from 6 to 65 ng/L. Moreover, it is characterized by good precision data, accuracy, and robustness to matrix influences. Application of the method to urine samples following dermal exposure to an EHS-containing sunscreen revealed EHS as the main biomarker after dermal exposure, followed by the major biomarkers 5OH-EHS, 5cx-EPS, 4OH-EHS and 5oxo-EHS. The expansion and optimization of this method decisively contributes to the research on the dermal metabolism of EHS and can be applied in exposure studies and for human biomonitoring.
Assuntos
Salicilatos , Extração em Fase Sólida , Protetores Solares , Humanos , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão/métodos , Hidrólise , Espectrometria de Massa com Cromatografia Líquida , Salicilatos/urina , Salicilatos/metabolismo , Protetores Solares/metabolismo , Protetores Solares/química , Raios UltravioletaRESUMO
2-Phenoxyethanol (PhE) is an aromatic glycol ether and is used in a variety of functions and applications, e.g., as preservative in pharmaceuticals, cosmetic and personal care products, as biocide in disinfectants (e.g. human hygiene), or as a solvent in formulations (e.g. coatings, functional fluids). Despite its widespread use, little is yet known on its biotransformation and toxicokinetics in humans. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted with oral administration of PhE (5 mg/kg body weight) to five volunteers. Blood and urine samples were collected and analyzed for PhE and three of its presumed metabolites up to 48 h post-exposure. Additionally, one volunteer was dermally exposed to PhE and monitored until 72 h post-exposure. PhE was rapidly resorbed following both oral and dermal application with tmax-levels in blood of about 1 h and 3 h, respectively. Metabolism of PhE was observed to be rather extensive with phenoxyacetic acid (PhAA) and 4-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid (4-OH-PhAA) as the main metabolites found in blood and urine following oral and dermal exposure. PhE was excreted rapidly and efficiently via urine mostly in metabolized form: following oral exposure, on average 77% and 12% of the applied dose was excreted within 48 h as PhAA and 4-OH-PhAA, respectively. A similar metabolism pattern was observed following the single dermal exposure experiment. The obtained data on biotransformation and toxicokinetics of PhE in humans provide valuable information on this important chemical and will be highly useful for pharmacokinetic modelling and evaluation of human PhE exposure.
Assuntos
Biotransformação , Etilenoglicóis , Toxicocinética , Humanos , Administração Oral , Projetos Piloto , Etilenoglicóis/farmacocinética , Etilenoglicóis/toxicidade , Adulto , Masculino , Feminino , Administração Cutânea , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Aluminum (Al) adjuvants have been used in vaccines and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for decades. Despite indisputable neurotoxic properties of Al, there is no clear evidence of a causal relationship between their use and any neurotoxic side effects. However, recent rat studies have shown an accumulation of Al from adjuvants in tissues, especially in bones. OBJECTIVES: Since the human toxicokinetics of Al-adjuvants are poorly understood, this study aimed to evaluate whether up-dosed or long-term SCIT with Al-coupled extracts leads to increased Al load in humans. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional case-control study explored Al excretion in hymenoptera venom allergy patients recruited in 2020 before initiation (n = 10) and during ongoing (n = 12) SCIT with Al-based preparations. Urine samples were collected before and 24 h after the SCIT injections and analyzed for aluminum content by using atomic absorption spectrometry. The cumulative administered Al dose was extracted from patient records. Patients receiving long-term immunotherapy were treated between 2.8 and 13.6 years (mean 7.1). Other potential sources of Al exposure were surveyed. RESULTS: Patients who had received Al-coupled immunotherapy for several years showed significantly (p < 0.001) higher Al excretion than the controls at initiation of immunotherapy (mean 18.2 µg/gC vs. 7.9 µg/gC) and predominantly (73%) were above the 95th percentile of the general populations' exposure (>15 µg/gC), however, without reaching levels of toxicological concern (>50 µg/gC). Taking both groups together excreted Al levels correlated with the cumulative administered Al dose from SCIT (linear regression: Alurine = 8.258 + 0.133*Alcum; p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: These results suggest a relevant iatrogenic contribution of long-term SCIT to human internal Al burden and potential accumulation. Considering the medical benefits of Al-adjuvants and SCIT a differentiated risk-benefit analysis is needed. For certain scenarios of potential toxicological concern in clinical practice biomonitoring might be advisable.
Assuntos
Alumínio , Hipersensibilidade , Humanos , Animais , Ratos , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Estudos Transversais , Dessensibilização Imunológica/efeitos adversos , Dessensibilização Imunológica/métodos , AlérgenosRESUMO
The study aims to reveal the exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in workers in different industry sectors with exposures to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The PFAS exposure of in total 172 individuals from 4 countries was assessed by the determination of 8 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and 4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids in plasma samples. The participants were 52 chrome plating workers, 43 welders, 3 surface treating workers and 74 workers without any occupational Cr exposure as controls. Significant differences between workers with Cr exposure and controls were found for the perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids, particularly for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The median and maximum levels were, respectively, 4.83 and 789 µg/l for chrome plating workers, 4.97 and 1513 µg/l for welders, and 3.65 and 13.9 µg/l for controls. The considerably high PFOS exposure in Cr platers and welders can be explained by the former application of PFOS as mist suppressants in electroplating baths, which resulted in an exposure of the directly involved operators, but also of welders performing maintenance and repair service at these workplaces.
Assuntos
Ácidos Alcanossulfônicos , Fluorocarbonos , Exposição Ocupacional , Humanos , Cromatos , Ferreiros , Ácidos SulfônicosRESUMO
Little is known about exposure determinants of acrylamide (AA), a genotoxic food-processing contaminant, in Europe. We assessed determinants of AA exposure, measured by urinary mercapturic acids of AA (AAMA) and glycidamide (GAMA), its main metabolite, in 3157 children/adolescents and 1297 adults in the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative. Harmonized individual-level questionnaires data and quality assured measurements of AAMA and GAMA (urine collection: 2014-2021), the short-term validated biomarkers of AA exposure, were obtained from four studies (Italy, France, Germany, and Norway) in children/adolescents (age range: 3-18 years) and six studies (Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Iceland) in adults (age range: 20-45 years). Multivariable-adjusted pooled quantile regressions were employed to assess median differences (ß coefficients) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) in AAMA and GAMA (µg/g creatinine) in relation to exposure determinants. Southern European studies had higher AAMA than Northern studies. In children/adolescents, we observed significant lower AA associated with high socioeconomic status (AAMA:ß = - 9.1 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI - 15.8, - 2.4; GAMA: ß = - 3.4 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI - 4.7, - 2.2), living in rural areas (AAMA:ß = - 4.7 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI - 8.6, - 0.8; GAMA:ß = - 1.1 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI - 1.9, - 0.4) and increasing age (AAMA:ß = - 1.9 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI - 2.4, - 1.4; GAMA:ß = - 0.7 µg/g creatinine, 95% CI - 0.8, - 0.6). In adults, higher AAMA was also associated with high consumption of fried potatoes whereas lower AAMA was associated with higher body-mass-index. Based on this large-scale study, several potential determinants of AA exposure were identified in children/adolescents and adults in European countries.
Assuntos
Acrilamida , Monitoramento Biológico , Adolescente , Humanos , Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Adulto Jovem , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Acrilamida/toxicidade , Creatinina , Biomarcadores , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Previous studies demonstrated a release of toxic metals, e.g. nickel and chromium, from stainless steel bars used for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). In the present study, we investigated the impact of titanium nitride coating on the metal release and exposure of MIRPE patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the courses of nickel and chromium levels in blood, urine and local tissue in patients undergoing MIRPE with a titanium nitride coated pectus bar between 03/2017 and 10/2018. Sample collection was scheduled prior to MIRPE, at defined postoperative time points and at bar removal. Additionally, we evaluated irritative symptoms. Results were compared to a control group who received uncoated stainless steel bars in a previous time period (03/2015-02/2017). RESULTS: 12 patients received coated pectus bars (mean age 15.7 years). The control group included 28 patients. After implantation of a titanium nitride coated bar, significant increase in systemic nickel and chromium levels after one, two and three years was noted. In an interim analysis one year after MIRPE, we observed patients with coated bars to have significantly elevated trace metal values compared to the control group. This elevation persisted throughout the observation period. Tissue metal values were also significantly increased. Irritative symptoms occurred significantly more often in study patients compared to controls (50.0% vs. 14.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Coating of pectus bars with titanium nitride failed to reduce metal contamination after MIRPE. Instead, it resulted in a significant increase of trace metal levels after MIRPE, compared to patients with stainless steel bars, which may be explained by wear of the coating and inter-component mobilization processes.
Assuntos
Tórax em Funil , Oligoelementos , Humanos , Adolescente , Tórax em Funil/cirurgia , Níquel , Aço Inoxidável , Metais , Cromo , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Minimamente Invasivos/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Plastic medical devices, e.g. infusion sets, blood bags or tubing material, that are used manifold in the medical treatment of hospital patients, usually contain considerable amounts of plasticizers. Whereas several studies showed highly elevated inner plasticizer levels of patients treated with plasticized medical devices, little is known about the exposure situation of hospital staff. The present pilot study aimed to evaluate the urinary plasticizer metabolite levels of selected hospital workers of the blood bank (medical technical assistants, MTA) and of perfusionists that are regularly handling plasticized medical devices in order to estimate the work-related amount of the inner individual plasticizer exposure. The study subjects were asked to collect pre- and post-shift spot urine samples over the course of a working week, that were subsequently analyzed for selected urinary metabolites of the plasticizers DEHP, DINCH, DEHTP and TEHTM. Although the observed differences were rather low, a differentiated approach revealed a perceptible impact of the respective workplace environment on the individual urinary plasticizer metabolite levels. Thus, the group of blood bank MTA showed significantly elevated increment levels of urinary DEHP and DINCH metabolites, while the group of perfusionists, showed a considerable higher detection frequency of the main urinary TEHTM metabolite. All in all, however, it can be cautiously concluded by the results of the presented pilot study that a regular handling of plasticized medical devices by hospital employees (via inhalation or dermal contact) contributes demonstrably but yet only marginally to the individual internal plasticizer exposure.
RESUMO
HBM reference values, in contrast to toxicologically derived values, are statistically derived values that provide information on the exposure of the population. The exceedance frequency (if applicable for individual population groups) is often a first assessment standard for the local exposure situation for municipalities. More than 25 years have passed since the German Human Biomonitoring Commission (HBMC) formulated the first recommendations for the derivation of population-based reference values (HBM reference values, RV95) for substance concentrations based on HBM studies. A fundamental revision is timely, for several reasons. There have been considerable advances in relevant statistical methods, which meant that previously time-consuming and inaccessible procedures and calculations are now widely available. Furthermore, not all steps for the derivation of HBM reference values were clearly elaborated in the first recommendations. With this revision we intended to achieve a rigorous standardization of the entire process of deriving HBM reference values, also to realise a higher degree of transparency. In accordance with established international practice, it is recommended to use the 95th percentile of the reference distribution as the HBM reference value. To this end, the empirical 95th percentile of a suitable sample should be rounded, ensuring that the rounded value is within the two-sided 95% confidence interval of the percentile. All estimates should be based on distribution-free methods, and the confidence interval should be estimated using a bootstrap approach, if possible, according to the BCa ("bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap"). A minimum sample size of 80 observations is considered necessary. The entire procedure ensures that the derived HBM reference value is robust against at least two extreme values and can also be used for underlying mixed distributions. If it is known in advance that certain subgroups (different age groups, smokers, etc.) show differing internal exposures, it is recommended that group-specific HBM reference values should be derived. Especially when the sample sizes for individual subgroups are too small, individual datasets with potential outliers can be excluded in advance to homogenize the reference value population. In the second part, new HBM reference values based on data of the German Environmental Survey for Children and Adolescents (GerES V, 2014-2017) were derived in accordance with the revised recommendations. The GerES V is the most recent population-representative monitoring of human exposure to pollutants in Germany on children and adolescents aged 3-17 years (N = 2294). RV95 for GerES V are reported for four subgroups (males/females and 3-11/12-17 years) for 108 different substances including phthalates and alternative plasticisers, metals, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), parabens, aprotic solvents, chlorophenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and UV filter, in total 135 biomarkers. Algorithms implemented in R were used for the statistics and the determination of the HBM reference values. To facilitate a quality control of the study data, the corresponding R source code is given, together with graphical representations of results. The HBM reference values listed in this article replace earlier RV95 values derived by the HBMC for children and adolescents from data of precedent GerES studies (e.g. published in Apel et al., 2017).
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais , Humanos , Criança , Masculino , Feminino , Adolescente , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Valores de Referência , Monitoramento Biológico , Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Alemanha , Exposição Ambiental/análiseRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Foaming and spraying are common application techniques for biocidal products. In the past, inhalation and dermal exposure during spraying have been investigated extensively. Currently, however, no exposure data are available for foaming, hindering a reliable risk assessment for foam applications of biocidal products. The focus of this project was the quantification of inhalation and potential dermal exposure to non-volatile active substances during the foam application of biocidal products in occupational settings. In some settings, exposure during spray application was measured for comparative purposes. METHODS: The inhalation and dermal exposure of operators were investigated during the application of benzalkonium chlorides and pyrethroids by foaming and spraying, considering both small- and large-scale application devices. Inhalation exposure was measured by personal air sampling; potential dermal exposure was measured using coveralls and gloves. RESULTS: Potential dermal exposure was substantially higher than inhalation exposure. Changing from spraying to foaming reduced inhalation exposure to airborne non-volatile active substances, but had no relevant effect on potential dermal exposure. However, for potential dermal exposure, considerable differences were observed between the application device categories. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study presents the first comparative exposure data for the foam and spray application of biocidal products in occupational settings with detailed contextual information. The results indicate a reduction of inhalation exposure with foam application compared to spray application. However, special attention is necessary for dermal exposure, which is not reduced by this intervention.
Assuntos
Exposição Ocupacional , Humanos , Exposição por Inalação , Medição de RiscoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are developing joint estimates of the work-related burden of disease and injury (WHO/ILO Joint Estimates), with contributions from a large number of individual experts. Evidence from human, animal and mechanistic data suggests that occupational exposure to dusts and/or fibres (silica, asbestos and coal dust) causes pneumoconiosis. In this paper, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and coal dust. These estimates of prevalences and levels will serve as input data for estimating (if feasible) the number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years that are attributable to occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and coal dust, for the development of the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyse estimates of the prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and coal dust among working-age (≥ 15 years) workers. DATA SOURCES: We searched electronic academic databases for potentially relevant records from published and unpublished studies, including Ovid Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and CISDOC. We also searched electronic grey literature databases, Internet search engines and organizational websites; hand-searched reference lists of previous systematic reviews and included study records; and consulted additional experts. STUDY ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA: We included working-age (≥ 15 years) workers in the formal and informal economy in any WHO and/or ILO Member State but excluded children (< 15 years) and unpaid domestic workers. We included all study types with objective dust or fibre measurements, published between 1960 and 2018, that directly or indirectly reported an estimate of the prevalence and/or level of occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and/or coal dust. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: At least two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts against the eligibility criteria at a first stage and full texts of potentially eligible records at a second stage, then data were extracted from qualifying studies. We combined prevalence estimates by industrial sector (ISIC-4 2-digit level with additional merging within Mining, Manufacturing and Construction) using random-effects meta-analysis. Two or more review authors assessed the risk of bias and all available authors assessed the quality of evidence, using the ROB-SPEO tool and QoE-SPEO approach developed specifically for the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates. RESULTS: Eighty-eight studies (82 cross-sectional studies and 6 longitudinal studies) met the inclusion criteria, comprising > 2.4 million measurements covering 23 countries from all WHO regions (Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, Europe, and Western Pacific). The target population in all 88 included studies was from major ISCO groups 3 (Technicians and Associate Professionals), 6 (Skilled Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Workers), 7 (Craft and Related Trades Workers), 8 (Plant and Machine Operators and Assemblers), and 9 (Elementary Occupations), hereafter called manual workers. Most studies were performed in Construction, Manufacturing and Mining. For occupational exposure to silica, 65 studies (61 cross-sectional studies and 4 longitudinal studies) were included with > 2.3 million measurements collected in 22 countries in all six WHO regions. For occupational exposure to asbestos, 18 studies (17 cross-sectional studies and 1 longitudinal) were included with > 20,000 measurements collected in eight countries in five WHO regions (no data for Africa). For occupational exposure to coal dust, eight studies (all cross-sectional) were included comprising > 100,000 samples in six countries in five WHO regions (no data for Eastern Mediterranean). Occupational exposure to silica, asbestos and coal dust was assessed with personal or stationary active filter sampling; for silica and asbestos, gravimetric assessment was followed by technical analysis. Risk of bias profiles varied between the bodies of evidence looking at asbestos, silica and coal dust, as well as between industrial sectors. However, risk of bias was generally highest for the domain of selection of participants into the studies. The largest bodies of evidence for silica related to the industrial sectors of Construction (ISIC 41-43), Manufacturing (ISIC 20, 23-25, 27, 31-32) and Mining (ISIC 05, 07, 08). For Construction, the pooled prevalence estimate was 0.89 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.93, 17 studies, I2 91%, moderate quality of evidence) and the level estimate was rated as of very low quality of evidence. For Manufacturing, the pooled prevalence estimate was 0.85 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.91, 24 studies, I2 100%, moderate quality of evidence) and the pooled level estimate was rated as of very low quality of evidence. The pooled prevalence estimate for Mining was 0.75 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.82, 20 studies, I2 100%, moderate quality of evidence) and the pooled level estimate was 0.04 mg/m3 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.05, 17 studies, I2 100%, low quality of evidence). Smaller bodies of evidence were identified for Crop and animal production (ISIC 01; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level); Professional, scientific and technical activities (ISIC 71, 74; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level); and Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (ISIC 35; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level). For asbestos, the pooled prevalence estimate for Construction (ISIC 41, 43, 45,) was 0.77 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.87, six studies, I2 99%, low quality of evidence) and the level estimate was rated as of very low quality of evidence. For Manufacturing (ISIC 13, 23-24, 29-30), the pooled prevalence and level estimates were rated as being of very low quality of evidence. Smaller bodies of evidence were identified for Other mining and quarrying (ISIC 08; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level); Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (ISIC 35; very low quality of evidence for both prevalence and level); and Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation (ISIC 37; very low quality of evidence for levels). For coal dust, the pooled prevalence estimate for Mining of coal and lignite (ISIC 05), was 1.00 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.00, six studies, I2 16%, moderate quality of evidence) and the pooled level estimate was 0.77 mg/m3 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.86, three studies, I2 100%, low quality of evidence). A small body of evidence was identified for Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (ISIC 35); with very low quality of evidence for prevalence, and the pooled level estimate being 0.60 mg/m3 (95% CI -6.95 to 8.14, one study, low quality of evidence). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we judged the bodies of evidence for occupational exposure to silica to vary by industrial sector between very low and moderate quality of evidence for prevalence, and very low and low for level. For occupational exposure to asbestos, the bodies of evidence varied by industrial sector between very low and low quality of evidence for prevalence and were of very low quality of evidence for level. For occupational exposure to coal dust, the bodies of evidence were of very low or moderate quality of evidence for prevalence, and low for level. None of the included studies were population-based studies (i.e., covered the entire workers' population in the industrial sector), which we judged to present serious concern for indirectness, except for occupational exposure to coal dust within the industrial sector of mining of coal and lignite. Selected estimates of the prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to silica by industrial sector are considered suitable as input data for the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates, and selected estimates of the prevalences and levels of occupational exposure to asbestos and coal dust may perhaps also be suitable for estimation purposes. Protocol identifier: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2018.06.005. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018084131.
Assuntos
Amianto , Doenças Profissionais , Exposição Ocupacional , Humanos , Adolescente , Doenças Profissionais/etiologia , Poeira/análise , Prevalência , Dióxido de Silício/análise , Estudos Transversais , Carvão Mineral/análise , Vapor , Exposição Ocupacional/efeitos adversos , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Organização Mundial da Saúde , Efeitos Psicossociais da DoençaRESUMO
The application of biocidal products by foam is considered an alternative to droplet spraying when disinfecting surfaces or fighting infestations. Inhalation exposure to aerosols containing the biocidal substances cannot be ruled out during foaming. In contrast to droplet spraying, very little is known about aerosol source strength during foaming. In this study, the formation of inhalable aerosols was quantified according to the aerosol release fractions of the active substance. The aerosol release fraction is defined as the mass of active substance transferred into inhalable airborne particles during foaming, normalised to the total amount of active substance released through the foam nozzle. Aerosol release fractions were measured in control chamber experiments where common foaming technologies were operated according to their typical conditions of use. These investigations include foams generated mechanically by actively mixing air with a foaming liquid as well as systems that use a blowing agent for foam formation. The values of the aerosol release fraction ranged from 3.4 × 10-6 to 5.7 × 10-3 (average values). For foaming processes based on mixing air and the foaming liquid, the release fractions could be correlated to the process and foam parameters such as foam exit velocity, nozzle dimensions, and foam expansion ratio.
Assuntos
Exposição Ocupacional , Humanos , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Aerossóis , Exposição por Inalação/análiseRESUMO
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aluminum can be released into food by aluminum-containing food-contact materials (Al-FCM) during preparation or storage. There is considerable concern that extra aluminum intake may have negative effects on public health, especially with regard to its high background exposure and neurotoxic properties of aluminum in high exposures. Human in-vivo data on the additional aluminum load from Al-FCM, however, are lacking. As such, the objective of this study was to explore whether the consumption of a diet highly exposed to such products leads to an increased systemic Al load in real-world conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory, single-arm intervention study with a partially standardized diet was designed and carried out with 11participants. The same 10-day sequence of dishes was repeated three times. Participants were exposed to Al-FCM from Days 11 to 20, whereas control-phase meals were prepared without Al-FCM during the first and last 10-day periods. Spot urine samples were collected each morning and evening and analyzed for their aluminum concentration; appropriate contamination countermeasures were taken. PRINCIPAL RESULTS: Urinary aluminum excretion showed a strong dependency on the creatinine concentration in urine and required adjustment in further analyses. The creatinine-adjusted aluminum excretion during the exposure phase (median 1.98 µg/g creatinine) was higher than in both control phases (1.78 µg/g creatinine each). Two different mixed-effects regression models showed a significant effect in the exposure phase. Considering a discrete time effect, the creatinine-adjusted mean increase in the exposure phase was estimated to be 0.19 µg/L (95% CI: 0.07-0.31; p = 0.0017). MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a measurable but fully reversible additional Al burden in humans from subacute Al-FCM exposure under real-world conditions. The estimated increase from Al-FCM corresponds to 8% of the baseline concentration. These data enable a more robust assessment of human health risks by Al-FCM.
Assuntos
Alumínio , Síndromes Neurotóxicas , Humanos , Alumínio/toxicidade , Alumínio/urina , Creatinina , DietaRESUMO
The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) ran from 2017 to 2022 with the aim of advancing and harmonizing human biomonitoring in Europe. More than 40,000 analyses were performed on human samples in different human biomonitoring studies in HBM4EU, addressing the chemical exposure of the general population, temporal developments, occupational exposure and a public health intervention on mercury in populations with high fish consumption. The analyses covered 15 priority groups of organic chemicals and metals and were carried out by a network of laboratories meeting the requirements of a comprehensive quality assurance and control system. The coordination of the chemical analyses included establishing contacts between sample owners and qualified laboratories and monitoring the progress of the chemical analyses during the analytical phase, also addressing status and consequences of Covid-19 measures. Other challenges were related to the novelty and complexity of HBM4EU, including administrative and financial matters and implementation of standardized procedures. Many individual contacts were necessary in the initial phase of HBM4EU. However, there is a potential to develop more streamlined and standardized communication and coordination in the analytical phase of a consolidated European HBM programme.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Exposição Ocupacional , Humanos , Monitoramento Biológico , Exposição Ambiental/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Europa (Continente)RESUMO
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were included as priority substances for human biomonitoring (HBM) in the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU), which intended to harmonise and advance HBM across Europe. For this project, a specific Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) programme applying Inter-laboratory Comparison Investigations (ICIs) and External Quality Assurance Schemes (EQUASs) was developed to ensure the comparability and accuracy of participating analytical laboratories. This paper presents the results of four ICI/EQUAS rounds for the determination of 13 PAH metabolites in urine, i.e. 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol, 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2-, 3- and 9-hydroxyfluorene, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxypyrene and 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene. However, 4 PAH metabolites could not be evaluated as the analytical capacity of participating laboratories was too low. Across all rounds and biomarkers, 86% of the participants achieved satisfactory results, although low limits of quantification were required to quantify the urinary metabolites at exposure levels of the general population. Using high-performance liquid or gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS; GC-MS) and isotope dilution for calibration as well as performing an enzymatic deconjugation step proved to be favourable for the accurate determination of PAHs in urine. Finally, the HBM4EU QA/QC programme identified an international network of laboratories providing comparable results in the analysis of urinary PAH biomarkers, although covering all parameters initially selected was still too challenging.
Assuntos
Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos , Humanos , Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos/urina , Monitoramento Biológico , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão/métodos , Europa (Continente) , Biomarcadores/urina , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodosRESUMO
As one of the core elements of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) a human biomonitoring (HBM) survey was conducted in 23 countries to generate EU-wide comparable HBM data. This survey has built on existing HBM capacity in Europe by aligning national or regional HBM studies, referred to as the HBM4EU Aligned Studies. The HBM4EU Aligned Studies included a total of 10,795 participants of three age groups: (i) 3,576 children aged 6-12 years, (ii) 3,117 teenagers aged 12-18 years and (iii) 4,102 young adults aged 20-39 years. The participants were recruited between 2014 and 2021 in 11-12 countries per age group, geographically distributed across Europe. Depending on the age group, internal exposure to phthalates and the substitute DINCH, halogenated and organophosphorus flame retardants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), cadmium, bisphenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic species, acrylamide, mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol (total DON)), benzophenones and selected pesticides was assessed by measuring substance specific biomarkers subjected to stringent quality control programs for chemical analysis. For substance groups analyzed in different age groups higher average exposure levels were observed in the youngest age group, i.e., phthalates/DINCH in children versus teenagers, acrylamide and pesticides in children versus adults, benzophenones in teenagers versus adults. Many biomarkers in teenagers and adults varied significantly according to educational attainment, with higher exposure levels of bisphenols, phthalates, benzophenones, PAHs and acrylamide in participants (from households) with lower educational attainment, while teenagers from households with higher educational attainment have higher exposure levels for PFASs and arsenic. In children, a social gradient was only observed for the non-specific pyrethroid metabolite 3-PBA and di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP), with higher levels in children from households with higher educational attainment. Geographical variations were seen for all exposure biomarkers. For 15 biomarkers, the available health-based HBM guidance values were exceeded with highest exceedance rates for toxicologically relevant arsenic in teenagers (40%), 3-PBA in children (36%), and between 11 and 14% for total DON, Σ (PFOA + PFNA + PFHxS + PFOS), bisphenol S and cadmium. The infrastructure and harmonized approach succeeded in obtaining comparable European wide internal exposure data for a prioritized set of 11 chemical groups. These data serve as a reference for comparison at the global level, provide a baseline to compare the efficacy of the European Commission's chemical strategy for sustainability and will give leverage to national policy makers for the implementation of targeted measures.
Assuntos
Arsênio , Poluentes Ambientais , Fluorocarbonos , Praguicidas , Adulto Jovem , Humanos , Criança , Adolescente , Monitoramento Biológico , Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Cádmio/análise , Arsênio/análise , Praguicidas/análise , Fluorocarbonos/análise , Biomarcadores , AcrilamidasRESUMO
PURPOSE: Beryllium is known to have adverse health effects and is classified as carcinogenic to humans. However, data on systemic beryllium exposure in humans are rare and especially human toxicokinetics are largely uncharted. As such, the first reported multi-annual course of blood and urine concentrations after a high exposure scenario provides important new insights. METHODS: For a medical follow-up biomonitoring samples were collected for 56 months from a male subject after an accidental and multi-faceted high exposure. Sampling started on day 2 post-exposure for urine and day 147 for blood. The samples were analyzed by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and plotted longitudinally as a function of time. Terminal half-lives were calculated assuming a first-order elimination process. MAIN FINDINGS: Both matrices showed highly increased initial concentrations (about 100-fold), despite the 147-day delay in blood sampling, and a marked decline over time. In urine, a two-phase excretion process was suspected based on the longitudinal data. Calculations gave terminal half-lives of 117.5 days and 666.5 days for phases 1 and 2, respectively. Blood kinetics called for a terminal half-life of 103.5 days. Elimination kinetics in blood and urine were comparable, simultaneously gathered samples showed an excellent correlation (R² = 0.985). PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: The long-term follow-up after a high initial exposure to beryllium provides the first detailed insights into the elimination course of systemically available beryllium in humans. Conform kinetics of beryllium in urine and blood and the strong correlation between both parameters indicate high data validity and support the good representation of the current systemically available beryllium by urine and blood concentration in humans. The relatively long terminal half-lives in both matrices suggest a possible accumulation in humans in case of repeated exposures.