Quantitation and Stability of Nicotine in Canadian Vaping Liquids.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vaping products) have become increasingly popular, with recent increases in use associated with closed systems delivering higher concentrations of nicotine. Most vaping products designed as an alternative to combustible cigarettes contain nicotine. A number of published studies have examined the reported concentrations of nicotine in vaping liquids (e-liquids) and found discrepancies between labelled and measured levels. Some discrepancy can also be explained by the lack of stability of nicotine in these types of products. Recently, a chemical analysis method for the quantitative determination of low and high levels of nicotine in vaping liquids was developed. This method uses dilution with acetonitrile prior to analysis with gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in single ion monitoring mode (SIM). The developed method was validated using a laboratory-prepared vaping liquid as well as commercially available, nicotine-free products fortified with nicotine in the laboratory. The method detection limit (MDL) and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) for nicotine were calculated to be 0.002 mg/mL and 0.006 mg/mL, respectively. The newly developed method was applied to quantify nicotine in commercially available vaping liquids of various flavour profiles and across a wide range of nicotine concentrations, including those with nicotine salts. Furthermore, a subset of vaping liquids were analyzed to elucidate nicotine stability in various product subtypes. After a period of six months of accelerated storage to mimic one year, the overall mean percent of the original nicotine concentration remaining in the salt-based vaping products was 85% (minimum 64%, maximum 99%) while in the free-base nicotine products it was 74% (minimum 31%, maximum 106%). Nicotine stability in vaping liquids was found to be influenced by the nicotine form (pH) of formulation and its chemical composition. Non-targeted, qualitative analysis of chemical composition of vaping products showed that most constituents were identified and found to be remaining in the products following stability trials; however, three new compounds were tentatively identified in some vaping liquids at the end of the stability trials. Stability studies and the accurate quantitation of nicotine in vaping products can help inform product standards related to the safety, quality and utility of vaping products as a smoking cessation tool.

Exposure of men living in the greater Montreal area to organophosphate esters: Association with hormonal balance and semen quality.

Exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) is extensive, yet few studies have investigated their association with hormone levels or semen quality. Here, we studied the association between urinary concentrations of OPEs and their metabolites with hormone levels and semen parameters in men (n = 117) predominantly in the 20-29 years age range who were recruited from the greater Montreal area between 2009 and 2012. Urine, serum, and semen samples were analyzed for OPEs, hormones, and semen quality, respectively. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (BEHP), bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) hydrogen phosphate (B2,4DtBPP), tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), bis (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP) and di-cresyl phosphate (DCPs) were detected in urine at a frequency ≥ 95%. The highest geometric mean concentration was observed for DPHP (18.54 ng/mL) and the second highest was B2,4DtBPP (6.23 ng/mL). Associations between a doubling in analyte concentrations in urine and hormone levels and semen quality parameters were estimated using multivariable linear regression. B2,4DtBPP levels were positively associated with total T3 (ß = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.17). DPHP was inversely associated with estradiol (ß = -2.56; 95% CI: -5.00, -0.17), and TCIPP was inversely associated with testosterone (ß = -0.78; 95% CI: -1.40, -0.17). Concentrations of BCIPP were inversely associated with sperm concentrations (ß = -7.76; 95% CI: -14.40, -0.61), progressive motility (ß = - 4.98; 95% CI: -8.71, -1.09), and the sperm motility index (ß = -9.72; 95% CI: -17.71, -0.96). In contrast, urinary DPHP concentrations were positively associated with the sperm motility (ß = 4.37; 95% CI: 0.76, 8.12) and fertility indices (ß = 6.64; 95% CI: 1.96, 11.53). Thus, OPE detection rates were high and exposure to several OPEs was associated with altered hormone levels and semen parameters. The possibility that OPEs affect male reproduction warrants further investigation.

Occurrence of legacy and replacement plasticizers, bisphenols, and flame retardants in potable water in Montreal and South Africa.

The occurrence of thirty-nine contaminants including plasticizers, bisphenols, and flame retardants in potable water from Montreal and South Africa was analyzed to determine their presence and concentrations in different water sources. In Montreal, five bottled water (BW) brands and three drinking water treatment plants (DWTP) were included. In South Africa, water was sampled from one urban DWTP located in Pretoria, Gauteng, and one rural DWTP located in Vhembe, along with water from the same rural DWTP which had been stored in small and large plastic containers. A combination of legacy compounds, typically with proven toxic effects, and replacement compounds was investigated. Bisphenols, Dechlorane-602, Dechlorane-603, and s-dechlorane plus (s-DP) were not detected in any water samples, and a-dechlorane plus (a-DP) was only detected in one sample from Pretoria at a concentration of 1.09 ng/L. Lower brominated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)s were detected more frequently than higher brominated PBDEs, always at low concentrations of <2 ng/L, and total PBDE levels were statistically higher in South Africa than in Montreal. Replacement flame retardants, organophosphate esters (OPEs), were detected at statistically higher concentrations in Montreal's BW (68.56 ng/L), drinking water (DW) (421.45 ng/L) and Vhembe (198.33 ng/L) than legacy PBDEs. Total OPE concentrations did not demonstrate any geographical trend; however, levels were statistically higher in Montreal's DW than Montreal's BW. Plasticizers were frequently detected in all samples, with legacy compounds DEHP, DBP, and replacement DINCH being detected in 100 % of samples with average concentrations ranging from 6.89 ng/L for DEHP in Pretoria to 175.04 ng/L for DINCH in Montreal's DW. Total plasticizer concentrations were higher in Montreal than in South Africa. The replacement plasticizers (DINCH, DINP, DIDA, and DEHA) were detected at similar frequencies and concentrations as legacy plasticizers (DEHP, DEP, DBP, MEHP). For the compounds reported in earlier studies, the concentrations detected in the present study were similar to other locations. These compounds are not currently regulated in drinking water but their frequent detection, especially OPEs and plasticizers, and the presence of replacement compounds at similar or higher levels than their legacy compounds demonstrate the importance of further investigating the prevalence and the ecological or human health effects of these compounds.

Open Characterization of Vaping Liquids in Canada: Chemical Profiles and Trends.

Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the diversity of chemicals present in vaping liquids. To address this gap, a non-targeted analysis of 825 vaping liquids collected between 2017 and 2019 from Canadian retailers was conducted. Prior to mass spectrometry analysis, samples were diluted 1:500 v/v with methanol or acetonitrile. Chemical compound separation and analysis was carried out using gas chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) systems operated in the full scan mode and mass range of 35-450 m/z. Mass spectrum for each sample was obtained in electron ionization at 70 eV and processed. Non-targeted identification workflow included use of automated mass spectral deconvolution and identification system (AMDIS), where required, as well as a number of commercially available spectral libraries. In order to validate identities, an in-house database of expected compounds previously detected in vaping liquids was used along with genuine analytical standards for compounds of interest. This resulted in a dataset of over 1,500 unique detected chemicals. Approximately half of these chemical compounds were detected only once in a single product and not in multiple products analyzed. For any sample analyzed, on average, 40% of the chemical constituents appeared to have flavouring properties. The remainder were nicotine and related alkaloids, processing, degradation or indirect additives, natural extractives and compounds with unknown roles. Data published here from the project on the Open Characterization of vaping liquids is unique as it offers a detailed understanding of products' flavour chemical profiles, the presence and frequency of chemicals of potential health concern, as well as trends and changes in products' chemical complexity over a three-year period. Non-targeted chemical surveillance such as this present valuable tools to public health officials and researchers in responding to emergent issues such as vaping associated lung injury or informing chemical based strategies which may be aimed at addressing product safety or appeal.

Investigation of the migration of bisphenols from baby bottles and sippy cups.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used as a monomer in a number of consumer products, including baby bottles and sippy cups. Some jurisdictions around the world (including Canada) have regulated the production, advertising or selling polycarbonate baby bottles with BPA. Following the ban, makers have opted for alternative materials to BPA [named BPA analogues, BPAAs], which may not be as safe as promoted. The objective of this project was to conduct a migration study in baby bottles and sippy cups, and analyze 16 BPAAs, as a follow-up on the BPA migration study conducted by Health Canada in 2009. Baby bottles (20 brands) and sippy cups (13 brands) were tested for migration of BPAAs. The most commonly detected analytes in baby bottles were BPS, BPA, BPF, BPAF, BPM and BPTMC with detection frequency (DF) of more than 50%. In sippy cups, only BPA, BPS and BPF were frequently detected. The mean concentration of BPA in baby bottle leachate was 31.5 ng/L in water simulant whereas a 1.4-fold increase was seen in 50% EtOH simulant. Similarly, a 1.4-fold increase was seen in the mean concentration of BPS in 50% EtOH simulant, when compared to the mean concentration of 2.33 ng/L in water simulant. Increasing median concentration was observed for BPA as the ethanol content of the simulant increased (water<10% EtOH<50% EtOH). The concentration of BPS and BPA was higher in sippy cups than that in their matched brand of baby bottles with the 50% EtOH simulant. Although most of the target analytes were detected in baby bottles, their concentrations were low and no migration was observed for any of the analytes with increasing incubation time. Therefore, it is likely that known BPA analogues are not present in the polymers used in the manufacture of most of the baby bottle brands sold in Canada.

Challenges associated with quantification of selected urinary biomarkers of exposure to tobacco products.

Tobacco use, of which cigarette smoking is the most common, is a global health concern and is directly linked to over 7 million premature deaths annually. Measurement of the levels of tobacco-related biomarkers in biological matrices reflects human exposure to the chemicals in tobacco products. Nicotine, nicotine metabolites, anatabine, and anabasine are specific to tobacco and nicotine containing products. However, as nicotine and its metabolites are ubiquitous in the environment, background contamination during sample preparation can occur, making the quantification of target analytes challenging. The main purpose of the present study was to examine quality control measures needed in the determination of urinary nicotine, nicotine metabolites, anatabine, and anabasine. Urine samples (n = 75) and NIST standard reference materials SRM 3671 and SRM 3672 were analysed. A one-step extraction procedure using cold acetone was used in this study, which involved no additional clean up. The blank matrices investigated included synthetic urine prepared with HPLC-grade water, synthetic urine prepared with Milli-Q water, and bovine urine. By adopting strategies for minimizing the background levels, very low detection limits for all the target analytes ranging from 0.025 ng/mL for 3-hydroxycotinine to 0.634 ng/mL for nicotine, were achieved. Recoveries ranged between 67% and 118% with RSD values below 20%. Intra-day and inter-day precisions were in the range of 1.1-11.7% and 4.8-25.2%, respectively. The levels of all target analytes were higher in daily smokers than in non-smokers, with the largest difference observed for 3-hydroxycotinine. No difference was observed in the levels of target analytes between individuals who were former smokers, who never smoked or who were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), except for total nicotine equivalents (TNE), which was significantly higher in non-smokers exposed to environmental tobacco smoke compared with study participants who never smoked. The results obtained from SRM 3671 and SRM 3672 could inform a potential certification of additional biomarkers of exposure to tobacco products in those standard reference materials.

Synthetic Musk Compounds in Human Biological Matrices: Analytical Methods and Occurrence-A Review.

Extensive use of synthetic musk compounds (SMs) in numerous consumer and personal care products has resulted in direct human exposures via dermal absorption, inhalation of contaminated dust and volatilized fragrances, and oral ingestion of contaminated foods and liquids. SMs and their metabolites are lipophilic, hence commonly detected in various biological matrices such as blood, breast milk, and adipose tissue. Appropriate analytical techniques are needed to detect and quantify SMs in biological matrices to assess their potential effects on human health. Different methods to process and analyze SMs in biological matrices, including sample-pretreatment, solvent extraction, cleanup, and instrumental analysis, are presented in this review. The concentration levels of selected musk compounds in biological samples from different countries/regions are summarized. Finally, research gaps and questions pertaining to the analysis of SMs are identified and suggestions made for future research studies.

A Selective and Sensitive Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Quantitation of Synthetic Musks in Human Serum.

BACKGROUND: Synthetic musk compounds are widely used as fragrances in many consumer products; however, information on human exposure and health effects is limited. Also, analytical methods for their quantification in biological matrices are limited. OBJECTIVE: In this study, an integrated method was developed and validated for the analysis of selected synthetic musk compounds in human serum. METHOD: The method is based on liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), sample clean-up by solid-phase extraction (SPE), and separation and detection by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). RESULTS: The method demonstrated good recoveries (86-105%) and high sensitivity, with low method detection limits (MDLs) ranging from 0.04 to 0.17 µg/L. The method was applied to the analysis of 10 synthetic musk compounds in 40 serum samples collected from Canadian women aged 20-44 years (20 individual samples collected in 2014 and 20 pooled samples collected in 2006). The most commonly detected compound was Galaxolide (HHCB), with median concentrations of 0.59 µg/L in samples collected in 2006, and 0.34 µg/L for samples collected in 2014. Musk ketone (MK) was not detected in any of the samples collected in 2006, but was detected in 60% of the samples collected in 2014 with a median concentration of 0.29 µg/L. Tonalide (AHTN) was detected in only one sample above its MDL (0.12 µg/L). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Canada to report levels of synthetic musks in human. The data generated from this study has been used in risk screening assessment by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada.

Comparison of tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid toxicities in a rat 28-day oral exposure study.

Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP, CAS no. 78-42-2) is a plasticizer and a flame retardant, while di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (DEHPA, CAS no. 298-07-7) is an oil additive and extraction solvent. Publicly-available information on repeated exposure to these two related organophosphate compounds is fragmentary. Hence, adult male and female Fischer rats were exposed to TEHP (300, 1000 and 3000 mg/kg body weight [BW]/day) or DEHPA (20, 60 and 180 mg/kg BW/day) by gavage for 28 consecutive days, to assess and compare their toxicities. Although significantly impaired BW gains and evidence of TEHP enzymatic hydrolysis to DEHPA were observed only in males, exposures to the highest TEHP and DEHPA doses often resulted in similar alterations of hematology, serum clinical chemistry and liver enzymatic activities in both males and females. The squamous epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis observed in the non-glandular forestomach of rats exposed to the middle and high DEHPA doses were most likely caused by the slightly corrosive nature of this chemical. Although tubular degeneration and spermatid retention were observed only in the testes of males exposed to the highest TEHP dose, numerous periodic acid-Schiff stained crystalline inclusions were observed in testis interstitial cells at all TEHP dose levels. No-observed-adverse-effect levels for TEHP and DEHPA are proposed, but the lower serum pituitary hormone levels resulting from TEHP and DEHPA exposures and the perturbations of testicular histology observed in TEHP-treated males deserve further investigation. Improved characterization of the toxicity of flame retardants will contribute to better informed substitution choices for legacy flame retardants phased-out over health concerns.

Are cell phones an indicator of personal exposure to organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers?

BACKGROUND: Exposure to organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants and plasticizers is widespread and is of concern due to their toxicity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate relationships between and within OPE concentrations in air, dust, hands, electronic product wipes and urinary metabolites with the goal of identifying product sources and exposure pathways. METHODS: Women in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada, provided a urine sample, two sets of hand wipes, access to their homes for air and dust sampling, and completed a questionnaire. OPE concentrations were obtained for air and floor dust in the bedroom (n = 51) and most used room (n = 26), hand wipes (n = 204), and surface wipes of handheld (n = 74) and non-handheld electronic devices (n = 125). All air, dust and wipe samples were analyzed for 23 OPE compounds; urine samples (n = 44) were analyzed for 8 OPE metabolites. RESULTS: Five-8 OPEs were detected in >80% of samples depending on the sample type. OPE median concentrations in hand wipes taken 3 weeks apart were not significantly different. Palms had higher concentrations than the back of hands; both were significantly correlated. Concentrations of 9 OPEs were significantly higher in surface wipes of handheld than non-handheld electronic devices. Six OPEs in hand wipes were significantly correlated with cell phone wipes, with two to four OPEs significantly correlated with tablet, laptop and television wipes. Multiple regression models using hand wipes, cell phone wipes and dust explained 8-33% of the variation in creatinine-adjusted urinary metabolites; air concentrations did not have explanatory power. OPEs in cell phone wipes explained the greatest variation in urinary metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: Handheld electronic devices, notably cell phones, may either be sources or indicators of OPE exposure through hand-to-mouth and/or dermal uptake.

Alteration in Leukocyte Subsets and Expressions of FcγR and Complement Receptors among Female Ragpickers in Eastern India.

BACKGROUND: There are a million ragpickers in India who gather and trade recyclable municipal solid wastes materials for a living. The objective of this study was to examine whether their occupation adversely affects their immunity. METHODS: Seventy-four women ragpickers (median age, 30 years) and 65 age-matched control housemaids were enrolled. Flow cytometry was used to measure leukocyte subsets, and leukocyte expressions of Fcγ receptor I (CD64), FcγRIII (CD16), complement receptor 1 (CD35) and CR3 (CD11b/CD18), and CD14. Serum total immunoglobulin-E was estimated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, ragpickers had significantly (p < 0.0001) higher levels of CD8+T-cytotoxic, CD16+CD56+natural killer, and CD4+CD45RO+memory T-cells, but depleted levels of CD19+B-cells. The percentage of CD4+T-helper-cells was lower than the control group (p < 0.0001), but their absolute number was relatively unchanged (p = 0.42) due to 11% higher lymphocyte counts in ragpickers. In ragpickers, the percentages of CD14+CD16+intermediate and CD14dim CD16+nonclassical monocyte subsets were elevated with a decline in CD14+CD16-classical monocytes. The expressions of CD64, CD16, CD35, and CD11b/CD18 on both monocytes and neutrophils, and CD14 on monocytes were significantly higher in ragpickers. In addition, ragpickers had 2.7-times more serum immunoglobulin-E than the controls (p < 0.0001). After controlling potential confounders, the profession of ragpicking was positively associated with the changes. CONCLUSION: Ragpicking is associated with alterations in both innate (neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer cell numbers and expression of complement and Fcγ receptors) and adaptive immunity (numbers of circulating B cells, helper, cytotoxic, and memory T cells).

Screening for DNA adducts in ovarian follicles exposed to benzo[a]pyrene and cigarette smoke condensate using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A rapid mass spectrometric method was applied to non-targeted screening of DNA adducts in follicular cells (granulosa cells and theca cells) from isolated ovarian follicles that were exposed in-vitro to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) for 13days of culture. The method employed a constant neutral loss (CNL) scan to identify chromatographic peaks associated to a neutral loss of deoxyribose moiety of DNA nucleosides. These peaks were subsequently analyzed by a product ion scan in tandem mass spectrometry to elucidate structures of DNA adducts. The identification was further confirmed through synthesis of proposed DNA adducts where possible. Three DNA adducts, benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide-dG (BPDE-dG), phenanthrene 1,2-quinone-dG (PheQ-dG) and B[a]P-7,8-quinone-dG (BPQ-dG) were identified in the follicular cells from isolated ovarian follicles exposed to B[a]P. Along with these three, an additional DNA adduct, 4-aminobiphenyl-dG, was identified in the follicular cells from isolated ovarian follicles exposed to CSC. The amounts of the identified DNA adducts in follicular cells increased in a dose-dependent manner for both B[a]P (0, 1.5, 5, 15 and 45ng/mL) and CSC (0, 30, 60, 90 and 130µg/mL). The results revealed that B[a]P-related DNA adducts were the major adducts in the ovarian follicular cells exposed to CSC. The results also revealed that two oxidative biomarkers, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine (8-OH-dG) and 8-isoprostane (8-IsoP), in both B[a]P-exposed and CSC-exposed ovarian follicles had strong correlations with the three DNA adducts, BPDE-dG, BPQ-dG and PheQ-dG. A pathway to describe formation of DNA adducts was proposed based on the DNA adducts observed.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease in premenopausal female ragpickers of Eastern India: involvement of inflammation, oxidative stress, and platelet hyperactivity.

Millions of poor people in the developing world still thrive on ragpicking. In the present study, we have examined whether ragpicking is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. For this, we have enrolled 112 premenopausal female ragpickers (median age 30 years) and 98 age-matched housemaids as control from Kolkata, Eastern India. Venous blood was drawn for routine hematology; flow cytometry was used to measure generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by leukocytes, surface expression of CD62P (P-selectin) in platelets and CD11b in leukocytes. Collagen-induced platelet aggregation was evaluated by aggregometer, and erythrocytic superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured by spectrophotometry. Soluble P-selectin (sP-sel) and CD40L (sCD40L), neutrophil-activating protein-2 (NAP-2), platelet and plasma serotonin, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in plasma were measured by ELISA. Compared with control, the ragpickers had significantly higher prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension, and hypertension was positively associated with ragpicking. The ragpickers also had higher levels of inflammation (elevated NAP-2), oxidative stress (elevated ROS generation with depleted SOD) with oxLDL, platelet activation and aggregability, soluble CD40 ligand, with altered serotonin level (rose in plasma but depleted in platelet). A greater percentage of ragpickers had elevated serum level of aCL of the IgG and IgM isotypes than the controls. The results suggest that the occupation of ragpicking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in premenopausal women of Eastern India via inflammation, oxidative stress, platelet hyperactivity, and hypertension.

Challenges Associated with Sample Preparation for the Analysis of PBDEs in Human Serum.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in many applications; however, certain PBDE congeners are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment. PBDEs have been found in human specimens, and a variety of analytical techniques have been used for their determination in biological matrixes. Nevertheless, obtaining a relatively clean analytical blank sample during PBDE analysis is a big challenge because of the ubiquitous nature of these compounds. Thus, the present study was conducted to compare the PBDE background levels associated with the three most commonly used extraction techniques: liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), SPE, and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). Conventionally used blank matrixes (HPLC grade water, Milli-Q water, and air) were spiked with internal standards and extracted using LLE, SPE, or ASE. The extracts were analyzed by GC/electron ionization-tandem MS. The ASE method achieved the lowest background levels for nearly all the PBDE congeners analyzed, which may be attributed to the stainless steel and closed-vessel nature of the ASE cells.

Phytochemistry of Daphne oleoides.

Genus Daphne belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family and consists of 70 species. Its various species exist in Europe, Philippine Islands, temperate and subtropical Asia, North Africa, Australia and Pacific. In Pakistan, Daphne is represented by three species. Our focused Daphne oleoides is widely found in diverse climatic conditions from northern cold to central hot regions which creates a rich diversity and novelty in biosynthetic levels of its chemical constituents and hence is a great opportunity. Daphne oeloides is a proven rich source of a variety of unique and interesting nature-made skeletons with a wide range of therapeutic properties. D. oleoides possesses effective therapeutic properties, therefore, has been used in herbal medicines and is still being used to treat various diseases. The modern research by various groups, including ourselves, has resulted in the isolation of a number of natural molecules including some novel tris- and bis- coumarins, daphnane diterpenoids and lignoids. Therefore, due to novelty and richness of the nature-made molecules, and their therapeutic potential combined with our significant work on D. oleoides, this report covers chemical constituents isolated from D. oleoides. The pharmacological activities of the isolated compounds and use of this species in folk medicine have also been reviewed.

Respiratory symptoms, lung function decrement and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in pre-menopausal Indian women exposed to biomass smoke.

BACKGROUND: The impact of chronic exposure to smoke from biomass burning on respiratory health has been examined. METHODS: Six-hundred and eighty-one non-smoking women (median age 35 years) from eastern India who cook exclusively with biomass (wood, dung and crop residues) and 438 age-matched women from similar neighborhood who cook with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were examined. Pulmonary function test was done by spirometry. The concentrations of particulate matter having diameter of < 10 µm (PM10) and < 2.5 µm (PM2.5) in indoor air was measured by real-time aerosol monitor. RESULTS: Compared with LPG users, biomass users had greater prevalence of upper (50.9 versus 28.5%) and lower respiratory symptoms (71.8 versus 30.8%) and dyspnea (58.4 versus 19.9%). They showed reduction in all parameters measured by spirometer especially in mid-expiratory volume. PM10 and PM2.5 concentration in biomass using kitchen were 2-3-times more than LPG-using kitchen, and the decline in spirometry values was positively associated PM10 and PM2.5 levels in indoor air after controlling education, family income and kitchen location as potential confounders. Overall, 29.7% of biomass users and 16.4% of LPG users had deficient lung function, and restrictive type of deficiency was predominant. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was diagnosed in 4.6% of biomass and 0.9% of LPG users. Women who predominantly used dung cake and did not possess separate kitchen had poorer lung function. CONCLUSION: Cumulative exposure to biomass smoke causes lung function decrement and facilitates COPD development even in non-smoking and relatively young pre-menopausal women.

Measurements of selected brominated flame retardants in nursing women: implications for human exposure.

We have examined several emerging brominated flame retardants (BFRs) including 2-ethyl-1-hexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), 4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1,1,3-trimethyl-3-(2,3,4,5-tetrabromophenyl)-indane (OBIND), and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) in paired human maternal serum (n = 102) and breast milk (n = 105) collected in 2008-2009 in the Sherbrooke region in Canada. Three legacy BFRs were also included in the study for comparison: decabromobiphenyl (BB-209), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153), and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromodiphenyl ethers (BDE-153). TBB, BB-153, and BDE-153 had detection frequencies greater than 55% in both serum and milk samples. Their lipid weight (lw) adjusted median concentrations (ng g(-1) lw) in serum and milk were 1.6 and 0.41 for TBB, 0.48 and 0.31 for BB-153, and 1.5 and 4.4 for BDE-153, respectively. The detection frequencies for the other BFRs measured in serum and milk were 16.7% and 32.4% for TBPH, 3.9% and 0.0% for BTBPE, 2.0% and 0.0% for BB-209, 9.8% and 1.0% for OBIND, and 5.9% and 8.6% for DBDPE. The ratio of TBB over the sum of TBB and TBPH (fTBB) in serum (0.23) was lower than that in milk (0.46), indicating TBB has a larger tendency than TBPH to be redistributed from blood to milk. Overall, these data confirm the presence of non-PBDE BFRs in humans, and the need to better understand their sources, routes of exposure, and potential human health effects.

Hexachloronorbornene-based flame retardants in humans: levels in maternal serum and milk.

Five hexachloronorbornene-based flame retardants, Dechlorane Plus (DP), Dechlorane 602 (Dec 602), Dechlorane 603 (Dec 603), Dechlorane 604 (Dec 604) and hexachlorocyclopentadienyl-dibromocyclooctane (HCDBCO), were measured in human milk and maternal serum. Dec 602, Dec 603 and HCDBCO were detected in both sample matrices with detection frequencies over 60%. Dec 604 was not detected in serum and only detected in 4.8% of milk samples. DP was present in over 77-87% of serum and 40-50% of milk samples. DP levels found in this study were lower than those reported in two Chinese studies. The ratio of the two DP isomers found in human samples (f(anti-DP) = 0.8) remained similar to the ratio reported in the DP technical mixture. Levels of Dec 602 and Dec 603 in serum were correlated. Levels of Dec 602 and HCBDCO were also correlated in serum samples as well as in milk samples. These biomonitoring results have provided baseline information about the presence of these flame retardants in nursing women in Canada, which can be used for estimating human exposure to these chemicals.

In vitro exposure to cigarette smoke induces oxidative stress in follicular cells of F1 hybrid mice.

This study assessed the influence of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] on the levels of two oxidative stress biomarkers [8-isoprostane (8-IsoP) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy Guanosine (8-OH-dG)], in in-vitro spent media of follicle cells. Follicles (100-130 µm) isolated from ovaries of F1 hybrid (C57Bl/6j × CBA/Ca) mice were cultured for 13 days in media exposed to B(a)P [0 ng ml⁻¹ (control) to 45 ng ml⁻¹] or CSC [0 µg ml⁻¹ (control) to 130 µg ml⁻¹]. The concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers in spent media were quantified by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assays (ELISA). CSC and B(a)P treatment induced a significant, dose-dependent increase in the concentrations of 8-IsoP and 8-OH-dG in the spent media. We conclude that CSC and B(a)P exposure can induce oxidative stress in ovarian follicles, an effect that may contribute to the previously documented decline in follicle development and premature ovarian failure in women who smoke.

Cooking with biomass increases the risk of depression in pre-menopausal women in India.

Cooking with biomass fuel, a common practice in rural India, is associated with a high level of indoor air pollution (IAP). The aim of this study was to investigate whether IAP from biomass burning increases the risk of depression. For this cross-sectional study, we enrolled a group of 952 women (median age 37 years) who cooked regularly with biomass and a control group of 804 age-matched women who cooked with cleaner fuel (liquefied petroleum gas). Depression was assessed using the second edition of Beck's depression inventory (BDI-II). Platelet P-selectin expression was assessed by flow cytometry and platelet serotonin was measured by ELISA. Particulate matter having diameter of less than 10 and 2.5 µm (PM(10) and PM(2.5), respectively) in indoor air was measured by real-time aerosol monitor. Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaled breath was measured by CO monitor. Compared with the control group, women who cooked with biomass had a higher prevalence of depression and depleted platelet serotonin, suggesting altered serotonergic activity in the brain. In addition, P-selectin expression on platelet surface was up-regulated implying platelet hyperactivity and consequent risk of cardiovascular disease. Biomass-using households had increased levels of PM(10) and PM(2.5), and biomass users had elevated levels of CO in expired air. Controlling potential confounders, cooking with biomass was found to be an independent and strong risk factor for depression. IAP from cooking with biomass is a risk for depression among rural women in their child-bearing age.