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1.
Environ Res ; 141: 31-41, 2015 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25499539

RESUMO

A communication strategy was developed by The Consortium to Perform Human Biomonitoring on a European Scale (COPHES), as part of its objectives to develop a framework and protocols to enable the collection of comparable human biomonitoring data throughout Europe. The framework and protocols were tested in the pilot study DEMOCOPHES (Demonstration of a study to Coordinate and Perform Human biomonitoring on a European Scale). The aims of the communication strategy were to raise awareness of human biomonitoring, encourage participation in the study and to communicate the study results and their public health significance. It identified the audiences and key messages, documented the procedure for dissemination of results and was updated as the project progressed. A communication plan listed the tools and materials such as press releases, flyers, recruitment letters and information leaflets required for each audience with a time frame for releasing them. Public insight research was used to evaluate the recruitment material, and the feedback was used to improve the documents. Dissemination of results was coordinated in a step by step approach by the participating countries within DEMOCOPHES, taking into account specific national messages according to the needs of each country. Participants received individual results, unless they refused to be informed, along with guidance on what the results meant. The aggregate results and policy recommendations were then communicated to the general public and stakeholders, followed by dissemination at European level. Several lessons were learnt that may assist other future human biomonitoring studies. Recruitment took longer than anticipated and so social scientists, to help with community engagement, should be part of the research team from the start. As a European study, involving multiple countries, additional considerations were needed for the numerous organisations, different languages, cultures, policies and priorities. Therefore, communication documents should be seen as templates with essential information clearly indicated and the option for each country to tailor the material to reflect these differences. Future studies should consider setting up multidisciplinary networks of medical professionals and communication experts, and holding training workshops to discuss the interpretation of results and risk communication. Publicity and wide dissemination of the results helped to raise awareness of human biomonitoring to the general public, policy makers and other key stakeholders. Effective and timely communication, at all stages of a study, is essential if the potential of human biomonitoring research to improve public health is to be realised.


Assuntos
Comunicação , Participação da Comunidade , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Grupos Focais , Cooperação Internacional , Desenvolvimento de Programas , Europa (Continente) , Política de Saúde , Humanos , Disseminação de Informação , Política Pública , Projetos de Pesquisa , Estudos de Amostragem
2.
Biomarkers ; 19(6): 481-7, 2014 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25019424

RESUMO

Rhinitis and asthma are the most common respiratory diseases in children. We assessed whether airway inflammation markers were associated with nasal allergies and self-reported symptoms of wheeze and rhinitis in 130 children 6-12 year old in an epidemiological context. Independent of sex and age, the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and nasal mast cell (MC) activation (tryptase ≥ 5 ng/mL) were positively associated with wheeze, rhinitis and with nasal allergy. Nasal eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) markers (pH, 8-isoprostane, interleukin-1ß) were not associated with symptoms or with nasal allergy. In conclusion, FeNO and nasal tryptase reflect allergic inflammation in the respiratory system.


Assuntos
Mucosa Nasal/enzimologia , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Rinite Alérgica/metabolismo , Triptases/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Criança , Expiração , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Sons Respiratórios
3.
Environ Int ; 131: 104979, 2019 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31387080

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Bio-accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment and in the food chain can lead to high pollutant concentrations in human fat-containing tissues and breast milk. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify the maternal characteristics that determined POP concentrations in breast milk of primiparous mothers in Belgium. METHODS: Breast milk samples were obtained from a cross-sectional sample of 206 primiparous mothers in 2014. POP concentrations in breast milk samples were determined by GC-ECNI-MS and GC-EI-MS/MS depending on the analytes' sensitivity. Associations between POP concentrations in breast milk and potential determinants were investigated using two-way contingency tables and multivariable generalized linear models. RESULTS: Fifteen of the 23 screened POPs were detected in the breast milk samples. Four organochlorine compounds (p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, HCB and ß-HCH) and two brominated flame retardant congeners (BDE-47, BDE-153) were detected at concentrations above the limit of quantification in >50% of the breast milk samples. Maternal age and BMI were usually associated with higher POP concentrations. Rural residency and consumption of home-produced eggs, fatty fish and fish oil supplements were associated with higher concentrations of DDT and DDE. Consumption of fatty fish and being breastfed during childhood were associated with higher concentrations of HCB and ß-HCH. Fish oil supplements and home-produced eggs were associated with higher concentrations of BDEs, but for BDE congeners exposure routes other than diet require further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary and non-dietary determinants predict individual POP concentrations in breast milk.


Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Leite Humano/química , Adulto , Bélgica , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Dieta , Feminino , Retardadores de Chama/análise , Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas , Éteres Difenil Halogenados/análise , Hexaclorocicloexano/análise , Humanos , Hidrocarbonetos Clorados/análise , Mães , Paridade , Bifenil Polibromatos/análise , Gravidez , População Rural , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem
4.
Environ Health ; 7: 26, 2008 Jun 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18522717

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: This study intended to investigate whether residence in areas polluted by heavy industry, waste incineration, a high density of traffic and housing or intensive use of pesticides, could contribute to the high incidence of cancer observed in Flanders. METHODS: Subjects were 1583 residents aged 50-65 from 9 areas with different types of pollution. Cadmium, lead, p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene, PCBs and dioxin-like activity (Calux test) were measured in blood, and cadmium, t,t'-muconic acid and 1-hydroxypyrene in urine. Effect biomarkers were prostate specific antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen and p53 protein serum levels, number of micronuclei per 1000 binucleated peripheral blood cells, DNA damage (comet assay) in peripheral blood cells and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine in urine. Confounding factors were taken into account. RESULTS: Overall significant differences between areas were found for carcinoembryonic antigen, micronuclei, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine and DNA damage. Compared to a rural area with mainly fruit production, effect biomarkers were often significantly elevated around waste incinerators, in the cities of Antwerp and Ghent, in industrial areas and also in other rural areas. Within an industrial area DNA strand break levels were almost three times higher close to industrial installations than 5 kilometres upwind of the main industrial installations (p < 0.0001). Positive exposure-effect relationships were found for carcinoembryonic antigen (urinary cadmium, t,t'-muconic acid, 1-hydroxypyrene and blood lead), micronuclei (PCB118), DNA damage (PCB118) and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (t,t'-muconic acid, 1-hydroxypyrene). Also, we found significant associations between values of PSA above the p90 and higher values of urinary cadmium, between values of p53 above the p90 and higher serum levels of p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene and marker PCBs (PCB 138, 153 and 180) and between serum levels of p,p'-DDE above the p90 and higher serum values of carcinoembryonic antigen. Significant associations were also found between effect biomarkers and occupational or lifestyle parameters. CONCLUSION: Levels of internal exposure, and residence near waste incinerators, in cities, or close to important industries, but not in areas with intensive use of pesticides, showed positive correlations with biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis and thus probably contribute to risk of cancer. In some rural areas, the levels of these biomarkers were not lower than in the rest of Flanders.


Assuntos
Antígeno Carcinoembrionário/sangue , Dano ao DNA , Poluentes Ambientais/sangue , Poluentes Ambientais/urina , Antígeno Prostático Específico/sangue , Proteína Supressora de Tumor p53/sangue , Idoso , Bélgica , Biomarcadores/sangue , Cádmio/sangue , Cádmio/urina , Estudos Transversais , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/sangue , Monitoramento Ambiental , Feminino , Hexaclorobenzeno/sangue , Humanos , Chumbo/sangue , Masculino , Micronúcleos com Defeito Cromossômico , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Bifenilos Policlorados/sangue , Pirenos/metabolismo , Ácido Sórbico/análogos & derivados , Ácido Sórbico/metabolismo
5.
BMJ Open ; 5(6): e007453, 2015 Jun 30.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26129633

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: Rotavirus vaccination has been reimbursed in Belgium since November 2006 with a high uptake (>85%). Economic analyses of the vaccine have been reported, including estimates of indirect cost gain related to the reduction in work absenteeism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the latter parameter using real-life data. DESIGN AND SETTING: A simple model estimated the reduction in absent workdays per working mother with a firstborn baby after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine. Next, data on work absences were retrospectively analysed (from 2003 to 2012) using a database of administrative employees (n=11,600 working women per year) in the City of Antwerp. Observed reductions in absenteeism after the introduction of the vaccine were compared with the results from the model. These reductions would most likely be observed during the epidemic periods of rotavirus (from January to the end of May) for short-duration absences of ≤ 5 days. We compared data from outside epidemic periods (from June to December), expecting no changes over time prevaccine and postvaccine introduction, as well as with a control group of women aged 30-35 years with no first child. RESULTS: Model estimates were 0.73 working days gained per working mother. In the database of the City of Antwerp, we identified a gain of 0.88 working days during the epidemic period, and an accumulated gain of 2.24 days over a 3-year follow-up period. In the control group, no decrease in absenteeism was measured. Giving vaccine access to working mothers resulted in an estimated accumulated net cost gain of €187 per mother. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in absenteeism among working mothers was observed during periods of the epidemic after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in Belgium. This reduction is in line with estimates of indirect cost gains used in economic evaluations of the rotavirus vaccine. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: HO-12-12768.


Assuntos
Absenteísmo , Infecções por Rotavirus/prevenção & controle , Vacinas contra Rotavirus , Pessoal Administrativo/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Bélgica , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Mães/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Infecções por Rotavirus/economia , Vacinação/economia
6.
Int J Hyg Environ Health ; 218(2): 232-45, 2015 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25547368

RESUMO

In this paper, based on the Flemish biomonitoring programs, we describe the associations between internal exposure to organochlorine pollutants and to cadmium (measured in 2004-2005 for adults aged 50-65 years) and self-reported health status obtained through a questionnaire in November 2011. Dioxin-like activity in serum showed a significant positive association with risk of cancer for women. After adjustment for confounders and covariates, the odds ratio for an exposure equal to the 90th percentile was 2.4 times higher than for an exposure equal to the 10th percentile. For both men and women dioxin-like activity and serum hexachlorobenzene (HCB) showed a significant positive association with risk of diabetes and of hypertension. Detailed analysis suggested that an increase in BMI might be part of the mechanism through which HCB contributes to diabetes and hypertension. Serum dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) concentration showed a significant positive association with diabetes and hypertension in men, but not in women. Serum polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 118 showed a significant positive association with diabetes in both men and women, and after adjustment for correlated exposures, also with hypertension in men. Urinary cadmium concentrations showed a significant positive association with hypertension. Urinary cadmium concentrations were (in 2004-2005) significantly higher in persons who felt in less than good health (in 2011) than in persons who felt in very good health. After adjustment for correlated exposures (to HCB, p,p'-DDE and PCB118) marker PCBs showed a significant negative association with diabetes and hypertension. Serum p,p'-DDE showed in men a significant negative association with risk of diseases based on atheromata. Our findings suggest that exposure to pollutants can lead to an important increase in the risk of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Some pollutants may possibly also decrease the risk of some health problems, although this requires confirmation by other approaches.


Assuntos
Cádmio/urina , Exposição Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/sangue , Poluentes Ambientais/urina , Nível de Saúde , Hidrocarbonetos Clorados/sangue , Autorrelato , Idoso , Bélgica , Biomarcadores/sangue , Biomarcadores/urina , Índice de Massa Corporal , Cádmio/toxicidade , Diabetes Mellitus/etiologia , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/sangue , Dioxinas/sangue , Dioxinas/toxicidade , Monitoramento Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/efeitos adversos , Feminino , Hexaclorobenzeno/sangue , Hexaclorobenzeno/metabolismo , Humanos , Hidrocarbonetos Clorados/toxicidade , Hipertensão/etiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/etiologia , Razão de Chances , Placa Aterosclerótica/sangue , Bifenilos Policlorados/sangue , Estudos Prospectivos , Risco , Fatores Sexuais
7.
Environ Int ; 73: 440-6, 2014 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25244707

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The current study aimed at assessing the associations between black carbon (BC) exposure and markers for airway inflammation and oxidative stress in primary school children in a Western European urban area. METHODS: In 130 children aged 6-12 years old, the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), exhaled breath condensate (EBC) pH, 8-isoprostane and interleukin (IL)-1ß were measured in two seasons. BC concentrations on the sampling day (2-h average, 8:00-10:00 AM) and on the day before (24-h average) were assessed using measurements at a central monitoring site. Land use regression (LUR) models were applied to estimate weekly average BC exposure integrated for the time spent at home and at school, and seasonal average BC exposure at the home address. Associations between exposure and biomarkers were tested using linear mixed effect regression models. Next to single exposure models, models combining different BC exposure metrics were used. RESULTS: In single exposure models, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in 2-h BC (3.10 µg/m(3)) was linked with a 5.9% (95% CI: 0.1 to 12.0%) increase in 8-isoprostane. FeNO increased by 16.7% (95% CI: 2.2 to 33.2%) per IQR increase in 24-h average BC (4.50 µg/m(3)) and by 12.1% (95% CI: 2.5 to 22.8%) per IQR increase in weekly BC (1.73 µg/m(3)). IL-1ß was associated with weekly and seasonal (IQR=1.70 µg/m(3)) BC with respective changes of 38.4% (95% CI: 9.0 to 75.4%) and 61.8% (95% CI: 3.5 to 153.9%) per IQR increase in BC. An IQR increase in weekly BC was linked with a lowering in EBC pH of 0.05 (95% CI: -0.10 to -0.01). All associations were observed independent of sex, age, allergy status, parental education level and meteorological conditions on the sampling day. Most of the associations remained when different BC exposure metrics were combined in multiple exposure models, after additional correction for sampling period or after exclusion of children with airway allergies. In additional analyses, FeNO was linked with 24-h PM10 levels, but the effect size was smaller than for BC. 8-Isoprostane was not linked with either 2-h or 24-h concentrations of PM2.5 or PM10. CONCLUSION: BC exposure on the morning of sampling was associated with airway oxidative stress while 24-h and weekly exposures were linked with airway inflammation.


Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos/toxicidade , Exposição Ambiental , Estresse Oxidativo , Sistema Respiratório/química , Fuligem/toxicidade , Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Criança , Dinoprosta/análogos & derivados , Dinoprosta/análise , Expiração , Feminino , Humanos , Mediadores da Inflamação/análise , Interleucina-1beta/análise , Masculino , Óxido Nítrico/análise , Material Particulado/análise , Fuligem/análise
8.
Int J Hyg Environ Health ; 217(2-3): 239-47, 2014 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23920476

RESUMO

Due to possible health risks, quantification of mercury accumulation in humans was included in the Flemish biomonitoring programmes FLEHS I (2002-2006) and FLEHS II (2007-2011). The general objective of FLEHS I was to assess regional exposure levels in order to link possible differences in these internal exposure levels to different types of local environmental pressure. Therefore, Hg and MMHg (methylmercury) were only measured in pooled blood samples per region and per age class. In FLEHS II, mercury concentrations were measured in hair of each participant. About 200 adolescents and 250 mothers (reference group) and two times 200 adolescents (2 hotspots) were screened. The main objectives of the FLEHS II study were: (1) to determine reference levels of mercury in hair for Flanders; (2) to assess relations between mercury exposure and possible sources like fish consumption; (3) to assess dose-effect relations between mercury exposure and health effect markers. The results showed that mercury concentrations in the Flemish population were rather low compared to other studies. Mercury levels in the Flemish populations were strongly related to the age of the participants and consumption of fish. Significant negative associations were observed between mercury in hair and asthma, having received breast feeding as a newborn, age at menarche in girls, allergy for animals and free testosterone levels. Significant correlations were also observed between mercury in hair and genes JAK2, ARID4A, Hist1HA4L (boys) and HLAdrb5, PIAS2, MANN1B1, GIT and ABCA1 (girls).


Assuntos
Asma/etiologia , Dieta , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Peixes , Mercúrio/efeitos adversos , Compostos de Metilmercúrio/efeitos adversos , Transcriptoma/efeitos dos fármacos , Adolescente , Adulto , Animais , Asma/sangue , Asma/metabolismo , Bélgica , Aleitamento Materno , Exposição Ambiental/análise , Monitoramento Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/efeitos adversos , Poluentes Ambientais/sangue , Poluentes Ambientais/metabolismo , Feminino , Cabelo/metabolismo , Humanos , Hipersensibilidade/sangue , Hipersensibilidade/etiologia , Hipersensibilidade/metabolismo , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Menarca , Mercúrio/sangue , Mercúrio/metabolismo , Mercúrio/farmacologia , Compostos de Metilmercúrio/sangue , Compostos de Metilmercúrio/metabolismo , Compostos de Metilmercúrio/farmacologia , Gravidez , Testosterona/sangue , Adulto Jovem
9.
Sci Total Environ ; 472: 730-40, 2014 Feb 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24333995

RESUMO

A harmonized human biomonitoring pilot study was set up within the frame of the European projects DEMOCOPHES and COPHES. In 17 European countries, biomarkers of some environmental pollutants, including urinary cadmium and hair mercury, were measured in children and their mothers in order to obtain European-wide comparison values on these chemicals. The Belgian participant population consisted in 129 school children (6-11 years) and their mothers (≤ 45 years) living in urban or rural areas of Belgium. The geometric mean levels for mercury in hair were 0.383 µg/g and 0.204 µg/g for respectively mothers and children. Cadmium in mother's and children's urine was detected at a geometric mean concentration of respectively 0.21 and 0.04 µg/l. For both biomarkers, levels measured in the mothers and their child were correlated. While the urinary cadmium levels increased with age, no trend was found for hair mercury content, except the fact that mothers hold higher levels than children. The hair mercury content increased significantly with the number of dental amalgam fillings, explaining partially the higher levels in the mothers by their higher presence rate of these amalgams compared to children. Fish or seafood consumption was the other main parameter determining the mercury levels in hair. No relationship was found between smoking status and cadmium or mercury levels, but the studied population included very few smokers. Urinary cadmium levels were higher in both mothers and children living in urban areas, while for mercury this difference was only significant for children. Our small population showed urinary cadmium and hair mercury levels lower than the health based guidelines suggested by the WHO or the JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). Only 1% had cadmium level slightly higher than the German HBM-I value (1 µg/l for adults), and 9% exceeded the 1 µg mercury/g hair suggested by the US EPA.


Assuntos
Cádmio/urina , Exposição Ambiental/análise , Poluentes Ambientais/metabolismo , Cabelo/metabolismo , Mercúrio/metabolismo , Bélgica , Criança , Dieta/estatística & dados numéricos , Exposição Ambiental/estatística & dados numéricos , Monitoramento Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/urina , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Alimentos Marinhos/estatística & dados numéricos
10.
Environ Int ; 59: 225-31, 2013 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23845936

RESUMO

Animal studies showed that the developing brain is particularly sensitive to chemical exposure. Human studies carried out in areas with high exposures have proven neurodevelopmental disorders in relation to e.g. lead and PCBs. Whether these chemicals are associated with behavioural problems in childhood at current environmental levels is not well known. Therefore, we assessed the association between prenatal exposure to lead, cadmium, PCBs, dioxin-like compounds, HCB and p,p'-DDE and behavioural problems in 7-8year old children. Prenatal exposure data were obtained from the Flemish mother-new-born cohort. Lead, cadmium, PCBs, dioxin-like compounds, HCB and p,p'-DDE were analysed in cord blood. When the child reached 7-8years, 270 mothers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire assessing their children's behavioural health. We found that doubling the prenatal lead exposure (cord blood lead levels) was associated with a 3.43 times higher risk for hyperactivity in both boys and girls. In addition, total difficulties were 5.08 times more likely in the highest tertile for prenatal lead exposure compared to the lowest tertile. In girls, total difficulties were 4.92 more likely when doubling cord blood p,p'-DDE, whereas no significant association was found in boys. Further, we noted in boys a 1.53 times higher risk for emotional problems when doubling cord blood cadmium, whereas no significant association was found in girls. These results indicate that the presence of environmental contaminants influences the mental health of the next generation.


Assuntos
Transtornos do Comportamento Infantil/epidemiologia , Exposição Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/toxicidade , Exposição Materna , Efeitos Tardios da Exposição Pré-Natal/epidemiologia , Bélgica/epidemiologia , Cádmio/sangue , Cádmio/toxicidade , Criança , Transtornos do Comportamento Infantil/induzido quimicamente , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/sangue , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/toxicidade , Dioxinas/sangue , Dioxinas/toxicidade , Poluentes Ambientais/sangue , Feminino , Sangue Fetal/química , Humanos , Chumbo/toxicidade , Masculino , Bifenilos Policlorados/sangue , Bifenilos Policlorados/toxicidade , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/sangue , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/toxicidade , Gravidez , Efeitos Tardios da Exposição Pré-Natal/induzido quimicamente , Inquéritos e Questionários
11.
Environ Int ; 59: 418-24, 2013 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23917442

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation changes are potential pathways of environmentally induced health effects. We investigated whether exposure to ambient concentrations of NO2, PM10, PM2.5 and O3 and traffic parameters were associated with global DNA methylation in blood of healthy adults. METHODS: 48 non-smoking adults (25 males) with a median age of 39years were sampled in winter and summer. Global DNA methylation in whole blood (% 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine, %5mdC) was analyzed with HPLC. Exposure to air pollutants at the home address was assessed using interpolated NO2, PM10, PM2.5 and O3 concentrations for various exposure windows (60- to 1-day moving average exposures and yearly averages) and GIS-based traffic parameters. Associations between pollutants and %5mdC were tested with multiple mixed effects regression models. RESULTS: Average %5mdC (SD) was 4.30 (0.08) in winter and 4.29 (0.08) in summer. Men had higher %5mdC compared to women both in winter (4.32 vs. 4.26) and summer (4.31 vs. 4.27). When winter and summer data were analyzed together, various NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 moving average exposures were associated with changes in %5mdC (95% CI) ranging from -0.04 (-0.09 to 0.00) to -0.14 (-0.28 to 0.00) per IQR increase in pollutant. NO2, PM10, PM2.5 and O3 moving average exposures were associated with decreased %5mdC (95% CI) varying between -0.01 (-0.03 to 0.00) and -0.17 (-0.27 to -0.06) per IQR increase in pollutant in summer but not in winter. CONCLUSION: Decreased global DNA methylation in whole blood was associated with exposure to NO2, PM10, PM2.5 and O3 at the home addresses of non- adults. Most effects were observed for the 5- to 30-day moving average exposures.


Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise , Poluição do Ar/análise , Metilação de DNA/efeitos dos fármacos , Material Particulado/análise , Adulto , Poluentes Atmosféricos/toxicidade , Clima , Desoxicitidina/análogos & derivados , Desoxicitidina/análise , Desoxicitidina/toxicidade , Feminino , Seguimentos , Substâncias Perigosas/análise , Substâncias Perigosas/toxicidade , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Material Particulado/toxicidade , Estações do Ano , Fatores de Tempo
12.
Int J Hyg Environ Health ; 215(2): 102-8, 2012 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22178406

RESUMO

Since 2002 a human biomonitoring network has been established in Flanders (Belgium) as part of a programme on environmental health surveillance. The human biomonitoring network should support environmental health policy by identifying priorities for further action. The first cycle of the programme (2002-2006) confirmed the hypotheses that living in areas with different environmental pressure is reflected in different loads of environmental chemicals in the residents. In the second cycle of the programme (2007-2011) the number of environmental chemicals for which human biomonitoring data were obtained was expanded substantially. The goal of the Flemish programme is to use and translate the scientific results into policy actions. Its further orientation in the second cycle to human biomonitoring in hot spots and sensitive age groups or susceptible persons with underlying complications (e.g. persons with diabetes) are linked to these goals. Interaction with stakeholders is embedded in the programme emphasizing transparency of the choices that are made and direct communication. The Flemish human biomonitoring programme is organized centrally with major involvement of research partners from different disciplines which allows engrafting environmental health research on the programme. One of the major focuses is the question whether combinations of pollutants in the general population are associated with biological effects. The objective of this paper is to review and discuss the options that were taken in the human biomonitoring programme in order to achieve its goals.


Assuntos
Exposição Ambiental , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Substâncias Perigosas , Desenvolvimento de Programas , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Bélgica , Biomarcadores/sangue , Biomarcadores/urina , Criança , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Exposição Ambiental/análise , Exposição Ambiental/normas , Monitoramento Ambiental/normas , Feminino , Substâncias Perigosas/efeitos adversos , Substâncias Perigosas/sangue , Substâncias Perigosas/urina , Política de Saúde , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Comunicação Interdisciplinar , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Valores de Referência , Medição de Risco/métodos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto Jovem
13.
J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol ; 21(1): 106-13, 2011.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20010975

RESUMO

Flanders is densely populated with much industry and intensive farming. Hormonal status of 14- to 15-year-old male adolescents was studied in relation to internal exposure to pollutants. A total of 887 participants were selected as a random sample of the adolescents residing in the study areas. Confounding factors and significant covariates were taken into account. Serum levels of testosterone, free testosterone and estradiol, and the aromatase index showed significant positive associations with serum levels of marker polychlorobiphenyls (sum of PCBs 138, 153, and 180) and of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and a negative association with urinary cadmium concentration. Serum levels of estradiol also showed a positive association with serum levels of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE). A doubling of serum concentrations of marker PCBs and HCB and of urinary concentration of cadmium were, respectively, associated with an increase of 16.4% (P<0.00001) and 16.6% (P<0.001) and a decrease of 9.6% (P<0.001) in serum testosterone concentration. Similar findings were made after additional adjustment for concurrent exposures. Associations between biological effects and internal exposures were, in terms of the regression coefficient, often stronger at exposures below the median. Environmental exposures to pollutants resulting in "normal" levels of internal exposure were associated with quite substantial differences in hormone concentrations.


Assuntos
Exposição Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/sangue , Poluentes Ambientais/urina , Estradiol/sangue , Testosterona/sangue , Adolescente , Bélgica , Biomarcadores/sangue , Biomarcadores/urina , Cádmio/urina , Estudos Transversais , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/sangue , Hexaclorobenzeno/sangue , Humanos , Masculino , Bifenilos Policlorados/sangue
14.
J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol ; 21(3): 224-33, 2011.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20197795

RESUMO

Flanders is densely populated with much industry and intensive farming. Sexual maturation of adolescents (aged 14-15 years) was studied in relation to internal exposure to pollutants. Serum levels of pollutants and sex hormones were measured in 1679 participants selected as a random sample of the adolescents residing in the study areas. Data on sexual development were obtained from the medical school examination files. Self-assessment questionnaires provided information on health, use of medication and lifestyle factors. In boys, serum levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p'-DDE and polychlorinated biphenyls (sum of marker PCB138, 153 and 180) were significantly and positively associated with pubertal staging (pubic hair and genital development). Higher levels of serum HCB and blood lead were associated with, respectively, a lower and a higher risk of gynecomastia. In girls, significant and negative associations were detected between blood lead and pubic hair development; higher exposure to PCBs was significantly associated with a delay in timing of menarche. Environmental exposures to pollutants at levels actually present in the Flemish population are associated with measurable effects on pubertal development. However, further understanding of toxic mode of action and sensitive windows of exposure is needed to explain the current findings.


Assuntos
Disruptores Endócrinos/toxicidade , Exposição Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/toxicidade , Maturidade Sexual , Adolescente , Biomarcadores/sangue , Disruptores Endócrinos/sangue , Poluentes Ambientais/sangue , Feminino , Finlândia , Hormônios Esteroides Gonadais/sangue , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , Inquéritos e Questionários
15.
Environ Int ; 36(4): 330-337, 2010 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20181395

RESUMO

Flanders is densely populated with much industry and intensive farming. Body size of 14- to 15-year old adolescents and of adults aged 50-65 was studied in relation to internal exposure to pollutants. 1679 adolescents (887 boys and 792 girls), 775 men and 808 women were selected as a random sample of the population. Concentrations of pollutants in blood or urine were measured in accordance with quality control/quality assurance procedures. Self-assessment questionnaires provided information on personal and life-style factors. Height and weight of subjects were measured. Confounding factors and significant covariates were taken into account. For boys and girls, height and body mass index (BMI) showed a negative association with urinary concentration of cadmium and BMI also with serum concentration of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and with the sum of serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 138, 153, and 180 (marker PCBs), whereas BMI showed a positive association with serum concentration of PCB 118. For boys, height showed a negative association with urinary concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and positive associations with serum concentrations of HCB and PCB 118. For adults no significant associations between internal exposure and height were observed. For men, BMI showed negative associations with urinary cadmium concentration and with serum levels of marker PCBs and positive associations with serum levels of HCB, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), PCB 118 and the dioxin fraction of dioxin-like activity. For women, BMI showed a negative association with urinary cadmium concentration, with blood lead concentration and with the concentration of marker PCBs in serum, and a positive association with serum concentrations of HCB, p,p'-DDE and PCB 118. Associations between biological effects and internal exposures were, in terms of the regression coefficient, often stronger at exposures below the median. Environmental exposures to pollutants resulting in "normal" levels of internal exposure were associated with quite substantial differences in body mass index.


Assuntos
Exposição Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/sangue , Poluentes Ambientais/urina , Adolescente , Bélgica , Tamanho Corporal , Feminino , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Soro/química , Inquéritos e Questionários , Urina/química
16.
Environ Int ; 35(1): 9-13, 2009 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18602159

RESUMO

Dioxin-like activity was measured in the serum of 1425 Flemish men and women via the CALUX assay. The adults, aged between 50 and 65 years, participated in a large biomonitoring program, executed by the Flemish Center of Expertise for Environment and Health between 2002 and 2006. Within the context of this biomonitoring program also dietary intake of dioxin-like contaminants was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire. The relation between the estimated dietary intake and the dioxin-like activity in serum was evaluated using multivariate analyses: a logistic model was performed on the total population, while a linear regression analysis was done on the subsample with quantifiable dioxin activity levels in serum. Region, gender, age, BMI, smoking status, as well as dietary habits were entered in the model, with dioxin level as an outcome estimate. Both the logistic and linear model confirmed the contribution of dietary intake to the dioxin activity measured in serum. Also BMI and region were found to be associated with dioxin activity levels.


Assuntos
Análise Química do Sangue , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/análogos & derivados , Idoso , Bélgica , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise Multivariada , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/sangue , Dibenzodioxinas Policloradas/metabolismo , Fatores de Risco , Inquéritos e Questionários
17.
Environ Int ; 35(7): 1015-22, 2009 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19539994

RESUMO

To collect regional information on internal levels of pollutants in humans in Flanders, 1196 mother-child pairs were systematically recruited in 2002-2003 via 25 maternities across Flanders. Cd, Pb, PCB congeners 118, 170, 138, 153 and 180, p,p'-DDE - a key metabolite of DDT- and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were measured in cord blood or plasma. Cd was detected in 64% of the samples (geometric mean 0.21 microg/L cord blood). p,p'-DDE (110 ng/g plasma lipids) and Pb (14.7 microg/L blood), were measurable in nearly all samples. The individual PCB congeners could be detected in 40 to 81% of the newborns (138+153+180=64.4 ng/g plasma lipids). HCB (18.9 ng/g plasma lipids) and dioxin-like compounds measured by DR-CALUX(R) (23 pg CALUX-TEQ/g lipids) were above detection limit in more than 75% of the samples. Age and smoking habits of the mothers, did not influence the cord blood Pb and Cd levels. The organochlorines increased 4 to 9% per year of the mother's age (partial R(2)=0.05 to 0.22). Mothers had 2.6% less PCBs in cord blood (partial R(2)=0.02) for each unit increase in pre-pregnancy BMI. Season of delivery, breastfeeding previous children or consumption of local dairy products, were minor determinants. Up to 20% of the variability in organochlorine concentrations was explained by residence area. It was concluded that the place of birth in Flanders is an important determinant of the load of pollutants measured at the start of life. This underlines the validity of human biomonitoring on (relatively) small geographical scale.


Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais/sangue , Hidrocarbonetos Clorados/sangue , Recém-Nascido/sangue , Metais Pesados/sangue , Adulto , Peso Corporal , Cádmio/sangue , Demografia , Diclorodifenil Dicloroetileno/sangue , Feminino , Sangue Fetal/metabolismo , Geografia , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Humanos , Chumbo/sangue , Masculino , Exposição Materna , Países Baixos/epidemiologia , Bifenilos Policlorados/sangue , Gravidez
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