HBM4EU chromates study - PFAS exposure in electroplaters and bystanders.

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.

Application of human biomonitoring data to support policy development, raise awareness and environmental public health protection among countries within the HBM4EU project.

Most countries have acknowledged the importance of assessing and quantifying their population's internal exposure from chemicals in air, water, soil, food and other consumer products due to the potential health and economic impact. Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a valuable tool which can be used to quantify such exposures and effects. Results from HBM studies can also contribute to improving public health by providing evidence of individuals' internal chemical exposure as well as data to understand the burden of disease and associated costs thereby stimulating the development and implementation of evidence-based policy. To have a holistic view on HBM data utilisation, a multi-case research approach was used to explore the use of HBM data to support national chemical regulations, protect public health and raise awareness among countries participating in the HBM4EU project. The Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) Initiative (https://www.hbm4eu.eu/) is a collaborative effort involving 30 countries, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission (contracting authority) to harmonise procedures across Europe and advance research into the understanding of the health impacts of environmental chemical exposure. One of the aims of the project was to use HBM data to support evidence based chemical policy and make this information timely and directly available for policy makers and all partners. The main data source for this article was the narratives collected from 27 countries within the HBM4EU project. The countries (self-selection) were grouped into 3 categories in terms of HBM data usage either for public awareness, policy support or for the establishment HBM programme. Narratives were analysed/summarised using guidelines and templates that focused on ministries involved in or advocating for HBM; steps required to engage policy makers; barriers, drivers and opportunities in developing a HBM programme. The narratives reported the use of HBM data either for raising awareness or addressing environmental/public health issues and policy development. The ministries of Health and Environment were reported to be the most prominent entities advocating for HBM, the involvement of several authorities/institutions in the national hubs was also cited to create an avenue to interact, discuss and gain the attention of policy makers. Participating in European projects and the general population interest in HBM studies were seen as drivers and opportunities in developing HBM programmes. A key barrier that was cited by countries for establishing and sustaining national HBM programmes was funding which is mainly due to the high costs associated with the collection and chemical analysis of human samples. Although challenges and barriers still exist, most countries within Europe were already conversant with the benefits and opportunities of HBM. This article offers important insights into factors associated with the utilisation of HBM data for policy support and public awareness.

Determinants of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in the Italian population in the last decades.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial products extensively used in the past. Because of their widespread presence and toxic effects, the international community adopted control measures to reduce their release into the environment. Currently, PCB concentrations are decreasing, but humans are still exposed. In this paper, we reported the results of a study concerning PCB concentrations in human serum samples collected in Italy over two decades. The aim of the study was to investigate the trend of major determinants of PCB human exposure, several decades after the end of their production. PCB concentrations ranged over three orders of magnitude (from 0.4 to 958 ng/g lipid), with a median value of 85 ng/g lipid. We identified age, sampling year, body mass index, sex, and living near hot spots or being occupationally exposed as relevant factors in determining body burden. Our results can give indications to refine regulatory policies on PCBs in Italy, with particular attention to the disposal of residue PCB-containing products. To improve control measures can further decrease the exposure of citizens to PCBs, limit health implications, and improve citizens' perception about chemical risk management.

An integrated approach for chemical water quality assessment of an urban river stretch through Effect-Based Methods and emerging pollutants analysis with a focus on genotoxicity.

The impact of emerging chemical pollutants, on both status and functionality of aquatic ecosystems is worldwide recognized as a relevant issue of concern that should be assessed and managed by researchers, policymakers, and all relevant stakeholders. In Europe, the Reach Regulation has registered more than 100.000 chemical substances daily released in the environment. Furthermore, the effects related to the mixture of substances present in aquatic ecosystems may not be predictable on the basis of chemical analyses alone. This evidence, coupled with the dramatic effects of climate changes on water resources through water scarcity and flooding, makes urgent the application of innovative, fast and reliable monitoring methods. In this context, Effect-Based Methods (EBMs) have been applied in the urban stretch of the Tiber River (Central Italy) with the aim of understanding if detrimental pressures affect aquatic environmental health. In particular, different eco-genotoxicological assays have been used in order to detect genotoxic activity of chemicals present in the river, concurrently characterized by chemical analysis. Teratogenicity and embryo-toxicity have been studied in order to cover additional endpoints. The EBMs have highlighted the presence of diffuse chemical pollution and ecotoxicological effects in the three sampling stations, genotoxicological effects have been also detected through the use of different tests and organisms. The chemical analyses confirmed that in the aquatic ecosystems there is a diffuse presence, even at low concentrations, of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, not routinely monitored pesticides, personal care products, PFAS. The results of this study can help to identify an appropriate battery of EBMs for future studies and the application of more appropriate measures in order to monitor, mitigate or eliminate chemical contamination and remediate its adverse/detrimental effects on the ecosystem health.

A Simple and Rapid Method for Quantitative HPLC MS/MS Determination of Selected Perfluorocarboxylic Acids and Perfluorosulfonates in Human Serum.

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, present in the environment and in the human body. They have raised global concern because of their diffusion in the environment, particularly in water, causing cases of human overexposure due to consumption of contaminated drinking water. Human biomonitoring is the most effective way to characterize human exposure to PFASs, and it is important that as many labs as possible could easily perform this kind of analysis. Analytical methods for quantitation of PFAS mixtures in human serum have been developed, but most of them required materials that are not always easily available in all the laboratories. This paper describes a very simple and accessible HPLC MS/MS method of analysis and quantification of 13 perfluorocarboxylic acids and perfluorosulfonate compounds (belonging to the class of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs)) in human serum. Method development data provide detailed descriptions of the optimization process in terms of sample preparation, laboratory analysis of human serum samples, determination of analytes by HPLC MS/MS, and describing the pump gradient time, working conditions, and acquisition.

Serum concentrations of perfluorinated alkyl substances in farmers living in areas affected by water contamination in the Veneto Region (Northern Italy).

Human exposure to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) is a major public health concern because in the last decades several cases of overexposure of people to PFASs, in particular through contaminated water, occurred worldwide. In 2013-2017 a PFAS drinking water contamination was discovered and investigated in northern Italy (Veneto region) and high PFAS serum levels were detected in exposed people. 629 subjects were enrolled: 257 residing in municipalities in the areas under impact, 250 residing in municipalities in areas at presumed background exposure and 122 farmers living in contaminated rural areas producing and consuming own livestock and vegetables and frequently using well water. The highest PFAS serum concentrations (median PFOA concentrations 40 ng/g) were found in the subgroup of farmers. The main factors influencing PFAS serum levels of farmers were residence area and the related extent of drinking water contamination, gender, years of residence in the municipalities, well water consumption and consumption of own produced food. PFOA serum concentrations in farmers residing in the areas of the Veneto region impacted by PFAS contamination are among the highest found worldwide.

Biomonitoring of the adult population in the area of turin waste incinerator: Baseline levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was assessed in a cohort of 394 subjects, 198 residing in three small municipalities near a new waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerator located in the Turin area, and 196 residing in neighbouring control areas in the town (of Turin). The assessment of exposure to PAHs was part of a human biomonitoring study aimed at assessing potential incremental exposure to pollutants related to incineration activities through the analysis of such pollutants before the plant start-up, and after one and three years of operation. The exposure assessment described in this study was carried out before the start-up of the WTE incinerator. Ten monohydroxy-PAHs (OH-PAHs) were analyzed in urine samples, consisting in the principal metabolites of naphthalene (NAP), fluorene (FLU), phenanthrene (PHE), and pyrene (PYR). Concentrations of the sum of OH-PAHs (Σ10OH-PAHs) were in the range of 525-85200 ng/g creatinine, with P50 equal to 6770 ng/g creatinine. Metabolites of naphthalene were found at the highest concentrations (P50 values of 892 and 4300 ng/g creatinine for 1- and 2-OH-NAP, respectively) followed by the three OH-FLUs (P50 values of individual compounds in the range of 58.2-491 ng/g creatinine), the four OH-PHEs (P50 values in the range of 30.5-145 ng/g creatinine), and 1-OH-PYR (P50 value of 82.8 ng/g creatinine). Concentrations of 1-OH-NAP, 9-OH-FLU, 1-, 2-, 3, 4-OH-PHE, and 1-OH-PYR were significantly lower in subjects living near the WTE plant compared to those living in the town of Turin, with differences between the two groups in the range 14-31%. Smoking habits markedly influence the urinary concentrations OH-PAHs. Median concentrations of the single metabolites in smokers were from 1.4 fold (for 4-OH-PHE) to 14 fold higher (for 3-OH-FLU) than those observed in non-smokers. The heating system used also resulted to be a major contributor to PAH exposure. Concentrations of OH-PAHs were generally comparable with those observed in other industrialized countries. The profile pattern was consistent with those reported in the literature. Concentrations of OH-PAHs assessed in this study may be considered indicative of the background exposure to PAHs for adult population living in an urban and industrialized area.

Biomonitoring of perfluorinated compounds in adults exposed to contaminated drinking water in the Veneto Region, Italy.

In 2013 a contamination of drinking water by perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) was discovered in areas of the Veneto Region (northern Italy). In this study the exposure to PFASs of people living in the aforesaid areas was characterized: contaminant serum concentrations were measured and compared with those of a control population group living in neighboring areas at background exposure (based on available drinking water data). The enrolled population was also genotyped for the OATP1A2*3 allelic variant, possibly affecting PFAS excretion and hence the internal dose. The difference in PFAS concentrations between exposed and not exposed subjects was significantly larger for nine of the 12 substances analyzed, and confirmed that water contamination had resulted in an appreciable high exposure of the residing population over time. Within the group of exposed subjects, subgroups at different exposure levels were identified. The contamination of drinking water of the residence area was found to be the main factor influencing PFAS serum levels; in addition to water contamination, other relevant influencing factors were sex, the years of residence and raising own livestock. No relationship with the genetic trait for the studied renal transporter was evidenced. These results provide a baseline characterization of PFAS exposure of the monitored population groups for further studies, planned to be carried out in the near future.

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorodibenzofurans, and polychlorobiphenyls in women of reproductive age in Italy: A human biomonitoring study.

BACKGROUND: Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that represent a major concern for women of reproductive age because of the neurodevelopmental effects associated to perinatal exposure. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at characterizing exposure of women of reproductive age to PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs as a function of residence in different Italian Regions, in areas at presumable different environmental contamination and human exposure to these pollutants. METHODS: Study participants were enrolled in 2011-2012 in 6 Italian Regions representative of Northern, Central and Southern Italy; in each region, areas at presumed different exposure (rural, urban and industrial) were selected for enrolment. Each participant provided a serum sample for the analysis of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs. RESULTS: Median concentrations of PCDDs+PCDFs, DL-PCBs, NDL6-PCBs and NDL9-PCBs in serum samples were respectively 6.0 and 3.5 pgWHO-TE05/g fat, and 75 and 93ng/g fat. Age was the variable that most affected median serum concentrations. Age adjusted concentrations were found significantly different between geographical zones: women from Northern Italy showed the highest values, followed by Central and Southern Italy. PCDDs+PCDFs concentrations were significantly higher in the group of women residing in industrial areas compared to the group residing in rural areas. A clear diminishing temporal trend was observed compared to levels reported in previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study produced the largest dataset on serum concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in women of childbearing age in Italy. RESULTS: confirmed that environmental and lifestyle factors may influence exposure to these contaminants and thereby the body burden. The observed marked temporal decline in body burden during three decades is in agreement with the general trend observed worldwide.

Current exposure of Italian women of reproductive age to PFOS and PFOA: A human biomonitoring study.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations were determined in serum samples collected in 2011-2012 from 549 nulliparous Italian women of reproductive age who resided in six different Italian Regions. Assessment of exposure to perfluorinated compounds was part of a large human biomonitoring study (Project Life Plus "Womenbiopop") that aimed at examining the exposure of women of reproductive age to priority organic pollutants. The median concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were 2.43, and 1.55 ng g(-1), respectively. Significant differences in the concentrations of both compounds were observed among the six Regions. Women from central Italy had the highest levels of both compounds, followed by women from northern Italy, and southern Italy. No differences in the PFOS concentrations were found between women from urban/industrial areas and women from rural areas, whereas the levels of PFOA were significantly higher in women residing in urban/industrial areas than in women residing in rural areas. Taken together, the observed concentrations confirm that the overall exposure of the Italian population is among the lowest observed in industrialized countries. A downward temporal trend in exposure was observed for both compounds when comparing the results from the present study with those assessed in a study conducted in 2008.

A biomonitoring study on blood levels of beta-hexachlorocyclohexane among people living close to an industrial area.

BACKGROUND: A chemical plant manufacturing pesticides has been operating since the 1950's in the Sacco River Valley (Central Italy). In 2005, high beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (Beta-HCH) concentrations were found in milk of cows raised and fed near the river. We report the results of a biomonitoring study conducted in this region to evaluate the body burden of Beta-HCH and to identify the determinants of the human contamination. METHODS: We defined four residential areas by their distance from the chemical plant and the river, and selected a stratified random sample of 626 people aged 25-64 years. We evaluated the association, in terms of the geometric mean ratio (GMR), between several potential determinants and Beta-HCH serum concentrations using multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-six serum samples were analysed to assess Beta-HCH levels (mean concentration: 99 ng/g lipid; Standard Deviation: 121; Geometric Mean: 60.6; Geometric Standard Deviation: 2.65). We found a strong association between Beta-HCH and living in the area close to the river (GMR: 2.00; 95%CI: 1.36-2.94). Beta-HCH levels were also associated with age, level of education, use of private wells and consumption of local food. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that people living close to the river may have been contaminated by Beta-HCH, most likely through water from private wells and privately grown food. A programme of epidemiological and clinical surveillance is on-going on this population.

Placental transfer of persistent organic pollutants: a preliminary study on mother-newborn pairs.

The aim of this study was to characterize the placental transfer of some environmental pollutants, and to explore the possibility of quantitatively predicting in utero exposure to these contaminants from concentrations assessed in maternal blood. Levels of toxic substances such as pesticides (p,p'-DDE, ß-HCH, and HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were determined in serum samples of 38 pregnant women living in Rome and in samples of cord blood from their respective newborns. The study was carried out in the years 2008-2009. PCB mean concentrations in maternal serum and cord serum ranged from 0.058 to 0.30, and from 0.018 to 0.064 ng/g · fw respectively. Arithmetic means of PFOS and PFOA concentrations in mothers and newborns were 3.2 and 1.4 ng/g · fw, and 2.9 and 1.6 ng/g · fw. A strong correlation was observed between concentrations in the maternal and the foetal compartment for PFOS (Spearman r = 0.74, p < 0.001), PFOA (Spearman r = 0.70, p < 0.001), PCB 153 (Spearman r = 0.60, p < 0.001), HCB (Spearman r = 0.68, p < 0.001), PCB 180 (Spearman r = 0.55, p = 0.0012), and p,p'-DDE (Spearman r = 0.53, p = 0.0099). A weak correlation (p < 0.1) was observed for PCBs 118 and 138.

Occupational exposure to PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs of metallurgical workers in some industrial plants of the Brescia area, northern Italy.

BACKGROUND: The study was carried out in order to respond to public concern on the occupational exposure of metallurgical workers to highly toxic PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in the area of the city of Brescia, northern Italy. OBJECTIVES: The study investigated the effects on the haematic burden of occupational exposures to the aforesaid contaminants in different work environments, attempting to establish causal relationships and providing indications for occupational health preventive measures. METHODS: Chemical concentrations were measured in blood serum of "professionally exposed" (PE) and "not professionally exposed" (NPE) subjects. NPE subjects included industrial administrative employees, Brescia inhabitants, and remote rural people. RESULTS: The central tendency indexes of contaminant cumulative concentrations were higher in PE than in NPE samples (for the mean values: PCDDs+PCDFs, 22.9 vs. 19.5 pgWHO-TEQ(1997)/g lb; DL-PCBs, 26.0 vs. 23.6 pgWHO-TEQ(1997)/g lb; PCDDs+PCDFs+DL-PCBs (TEQ(TOT)), 48.9 vs. 43.1 pgWHO-TEQ(1997)/g lb; Σ(6)[NDL-PCBs], 427 vs. 401 ng g(-1)lb); however, no statistical differences were detected at P=0.05. A significant difference for PCDDs+PCDFs and TEQ(TOT) was observed as the NPE data were progressively reduced to those of the remote rural people. The existence of a differential occupational exposure due to different environments was detected by applying the factor analysis to congener-specific data (analytical profiles). CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that metallurgical workers may be exposed to PCDD, PCDF, and PCB more than the general population, in particular due to non-negligible contributions to exposure from workplace ambient air. Findings also suggest that an improvement of preventive measures may be required to avoid chemical overexposure in certain metallurgical workplaces. To identify exposure groups, the DL- and NDL-PCB analytical profiles seemed to be more sensitive to environmental exposure sources/pathways than those of PCDDs and PCDFs.

[Epidemiologic studies on the health status of the population living in the Sacco River Valley]. / Indagini epidemiologiche sullo stato di salute della popolazione residente nell'area della Valle del Sacco.

UNLABELLED: OBIETTIVO: to analyze the health status of the population living in an area close to the Colleferro industrial plant. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: the area of the Sacco River Valley, Central Italy nearby Rome, has been heavily polluted over the years by industrial wastes deriving from the chemical industrial plant in Colleferro. In 2006, it was discovered that the herds of livestock were contaminated by beta-hexachlorocycloexane (ß-HCH, an industrial waste belonging, as well as lindane, to the group of hexachlorocycloexane isomers). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: the analyses of mortality and morbidity were carried out for the 1998-2007 period (calculation of standardized mortality ratios, SMR), and for the period 2003-2007 (calculation of standardized hospitalization ratios, SHR), respectively. The general population in the Lazio Region has been considered as reference. In addition, a biomonitoring study was conducted on a sample of the population living in 4 areas of the Sacco River Valley with different levels of exposure and the following persistent organic pollutants were measured in the blood (α, ß and γ-HCH, HCB p,p'-DDT and p,p'- DDE, 6 NDL-PCB congeners and 12 DL-PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs), and heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb). RESULTS: cancer mortality in men was increased in the area (SMR=1.20), especially for specific cancer sites (stomach, larynx, lungs, pleura, myeloma); in women an excess of mortality from diabetes was detected (SMR=1.44). The analysis of morbidity indicated an excess of hospitalization for various cancers (larynx, myeloma) in men, for respiratory illness and asthma in both genders and for thyroid disease in women. The biomonitoring study found high mean concentration of ß-HCH (mean: 99.05 ng/g fat, SD=121.3), with higher levels in the population living along the river (mean=150 ng/g fat; SD=153.5), likely occurred through water and local food. CONCLUSION: the area of Colleferro has been polluted by multiple sources and the human population has been exposed to industrial chemicals, toxic substances in the workplace, and to the cumulative accumulation of organic pesticides especially through water and food.

Glutathione transferase polymorphisms and risk of endometriosis associated with polychlorinated biphenyls exposure in Italian women: a gene-environment interaction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of a gene-environment interaction between glutathione transferase (GST) gene polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and GSTA1) and serum polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels. This is suggested as possible risk factors for endometriosis, a multifactorial gynecological disease. DESIGN: Case-control study conducted from 2002 to 2005. SETTING: Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome and Italian National Institute for Health, Rome. PATIENT(S): Italian women (N = 343), with laparoscopic diagnosis and histologic confirmation of the presence (cases, N = 181) or the absence (controls, N = 162) of endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): Genomic DNA extraction, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Determination of serum concentrations of selected PCBs by ion-trap mass spectrometry (subgroup, 63 cases and 63 controls). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Endometriosis diagnosis by laparoscopy, GST genotypes, serum PCB levels. RESULT(S): The genotype distributions of GSTM1, GSTA1, and GSTP1 did not show any statistically significant difference between cases and controls. The GSTT1 null genotype was negatively associated with the disease. The GSTP1 wild-type genotype in the presence of medium-high blood levels of PCB153, total PCBs, or of high levels of PCB180 significantly increased the risk of endometriosis, suggesting a multiplicative interaction. CONCLUSION(S): The GSTs polymorphisms per se do not increase the risk of developing endometriosis. However, a gene-environment interaction was observed for GSTP1(Ile/Ile) and GSTM1 null genotypes, modulating the effect of PCB153, PCB180, and of total PCBs on disease risk.

PCDD, PCDF, AND DL-PCB analysis in food: performance evaluation of the high-resolution gas chromatography/low-resolution tandem mass spectrometry technique using consensus-based samples.

Due to safety concerns regarding dietary exposure to POPs, regulatory bodies are issuing detailed guidelines for testing for polychlorodibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) ('dioxins') and dioxin-like (DL)-PCBs in foods of animal origin. Determination of the aforesaid chemicals at regulatory levels requires highly selective and sensitive testing techniques. The new generation of low-resolution mass spectrometers (triple quadrupoles) allows very low levels of quantification to be reached (in the order of tens of femtograms), thus suggesting a potential for their application in food and feed analysis. The performance of the low-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LRMS/MS) approach with triple quadrupoles was assessed on a qualified set of food samples from proficiency tests (PTs) and defense analysis. Accuracy was tested comparing the results with data from high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and with consensus values from PTs. The cumulative TEQ results were characterized by deviations not exceeding 15% of PCDD + PCDF, DL-PCB, and PCDD + PCDF + DL-PCB (TEQ(TOT)) reference consensus values (sample TEQ(TOT) range, 2.29-25.1 pgWHO-TEQ(97)/g fat). Congener analytical variabilities did not influence significantly the WHO-TEQ(97) outcome of the corresponding sample. This preliminary performance evaluation highlights the potential of LRMS/MS as a routine technique for quantitative analysis of PCDDs, PCDFs, and DL-PCBs in food.

[Exploratory biomonitoring study among workers of livestock farms of the Taranto Province]. / Studio esplorativo di biomonitoraggio tra gli allevatori delle masserie della Provincia di Taranto.

OBJECTIVE: to conduct a survey on blood levels of metals and organochlorine compounds (dioxins and PCBs) among workers of livestock farms, and to identify the factors able to explain the magnitude and variability of the measured concentrations. DESIGN: exploratory human biomonitoring study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: a sample of 45 workers from farms (masserie) located in the Province of Taranto was included in the study. The farms, located between 6 and 43 km from the industrial area, are family owned and animals (mainly sheep and goats) are locally reared outdoors. The study subjects have similar eating habits, including food consumption resulting from their production. RESULTS: manganese concentrations and, to a lesser extent, arsenic, cadmium and lead are in the medium-high range of levels observed in the Italian general population. This study does not identify factors able to explain the variability in the blood levels of metals. The amount of dioxins and PCBs, on the other hand, is strongly associated both with subjects age and the distance of farm from the industrial site. CONCLUSION: the results of this survey are suggestive of research hypotheses that need to be confirmed by biomonitoring studies of adequate design and size, in particular the hypothesis that the blood level of dioxins and PCBs decreases with increasing distance from the industrial site. We recommend ad hoc studies to better characterize the exposure of farmers (also associated with agricultural activities), and of the inhabitants of Taranto, to environmental persistent pollutants, also in terms of food matrices locally produced and consumed.

Chemometric data analysis application to Sparus aurata samples from two offshore farming plants along the Apulian (Italy) coastline.

The levels of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (DL-PCBs), non-dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (NDL-PCBs), and polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in fish collected from two marine offshore farming plants were determined. Each sample was constituted by specimens of the same size collected at the same time in four different seasons along the farming year. The feeds given were of industrial origin and the plants were positioned in two different sites respectively exposed to different environmental characteristics. A chemometric approach was applied to interpret the subtle differences observed in fish body burdens across the three chemical groups taken into consideration. The approach consisted in a stepwise multivariate process including a hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) and a linear discriminant analysis (DA). The two main clusters determined by CA were subjected to the canonical DA, backward and forward selection procedures to select the best discriminative functions. A clear temporal and spatial discrimination was found among the samples. Across the three chemical groups, the monthly separation seemed to depend on the growth process and the main exposure was due to the feed. In addition, the two plants differed significantly from the environmental point of view and the most important discriminating group of chemicals were the NDL-PCBs. The approach resulted really effective in discriminating the subtle differences and in individuating suggestions to improve the quality of culturing conditions.

Perfluorooctanesulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid exposures of the Italian general population.

The serum concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were determined in 230 subjects of the Italian general population. Participants were enrolled in 2008 in two Italian towns (Brescia, Northern Italy, and Rome, Central Italy) and belonged to the three age ranges: 20-35 years, 36-50 years, and 51-65 years. PFOS and PFOA were quantified by HPLC interfaced to a mass spectrometer operating in the electrospray negative mode. Data were acquired using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The isotope dilution technique was applied throughout. The median serum concentrations of all participants were 6.31 ng g(-1) and 3.59 ng g(-1) for PFOS and PFOA, respectively, and the pertinent 90th percentiles were 12.38 and 6.92. Men had higher concentrations of PFOS and PFOA than women, regardless of age. The differences were statistically significant in the 20-35 and 36-50 years groups, but not in the 51-65 group. An increase of PFOS and PFOA serum concentrations with age was observed. The Median test showed a statistically significant difference (p<<0.01) between the three age groups for both PFOS and PFOA when applied to the entire dataset (males and females). When the test was applied to the groups of males and females separately, a significant difference was observed for females (p<<0.005) but not for males (p>0.1). The observed strong correlation between PFOS and PFOA concentrations suggests same or similar exposure routes.

Maternal exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals and hypospadias in offspring.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are suspected risk factors in the etiology of hypospadias. The aim of this case-control study was to test the hypothesis of an association between maternal environmental exposures to EDCs and hypospadias in the offspring. METHODS: Detailed questionnaire data on occupational and dietary exposures to EDCs in the perinatal period were collected from 80 mothers with hypospadiac infants and from 80 mothers with healthy controls within 24 months of childbirth. Maternal exposure to selected EDCs was also ascertained by measuring the concentration of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, hexachlorobenzene, and several polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in the serum of primiparous mothers of 37 cases and 21 controls. RESULTS: The risk to bear an hypospadiac infant was associated with perinatal maternal occupational exposures to EDCs evaluated by a job-exposure matrix: jobs with exposure to one class of EDCs (odds ratios [OR](crude), 2.83; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.32-6.07; OR(adjusted), 2.44; 95% CI, 1.06-5.61) and jobs with exposure to more than one group of EDCs (OR(crude), 4.27; 95% CI, 1.43-12.78; OR(adjusted), 4.11; 95%CI, 1.34-12.59). Increase in risk was also found among mothers consuming a diet rich in fish or shellfish (OR(crude), 3.41; 95% CI, 1.42-8.23; OR(adjusted), 2.73; 95%CI, 1.09-6.82). Serum hexachlorobenzene concentration above the median of all subjects was significantly associated with the risk of hypospadias (OR(adjusted), 5.50; 95% CI, 1.24-24.31). CONCLUSIONS: This study, although based on a limited number of cases, for the first time provides evidence of an association between maternal exposure to EDCs, in particular elevated plasma hexachlorobenzene concentration, and the development of hypospadias in the offspring.