Atropselective Disposition of 2,2',3,4',6-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 91) and Identification of Its Metabolites in Mice with Liver-Specific Deletion of Cytochrome P450 Reductase.

Hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes metabolize chiral polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PCBs). Animal models with impaired metabolism of PCBs are one approach to study how the atropselective oxidation of PCBs to OH-PCBs contributes to toxic outcomes, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, following PCB exposure. We investigated the disposition of PCB 91, a para-substituted PCB congener, in mice with a liver-specific deletion of the cytochrome P450 reductase (cpr) gene (KO mice). KO mice and wild-type (WT) mice were exposed orally to racemic PCB 91 (30 mg/kg b.w.). Levels and enantiomeric fractions of PCB 91 and its hydroxylated metabolites were determined in tissues 3 days after PCB exposure and in excreta on days 1-3 after PCB exposure. PCB 91, but not OH-PCB levels were higher in KO compared to WT mice. The elevated fat and protein content in the liver of KO mice resulted in the hepatic accumulation of PCB 91. OH-PCBs were detected in blood, liver, and excreta samples of KO and WT mice. 2,2',3,4',6-Pentachlorobiphenyl-5-ol (5-91) was the major metabolite. A considerable percent of the total PCB 91 dose (%TD) was excreted with the feces as 5-91 (23%TD and 31%TD in KO and WT mice, respectively). We tentatively identified glucuronide and sulfate metabolites present in urine samples. The PCB 91 atropisomer eluting first on the chiral column (E1-PCB 91) displayed genotype-dependent atropisomeric enrichment, with a more pronounced atropisomeric enrichment observed in WT compared to KO mice. E1-atropisomers of 5-91 and 2,2',3,4',6-pentachlorobiphenyl-4-ol (4-91) were enriched in blood and liver, irrespective of the genotype; however, the extent of the enrichment of E1-5-91 was genotype dependent. These differences in atropselective disposition are consistent with slower metabolism of PCB 91 in KO compared to WT mice and the accumulation of the parent PCB in the fatty liver of KO mice.

Simultaneous detection of multiple hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls from biological samples using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry.

We established a method for the separation and detection of nine hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls in whole blood and urine samples using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray negative ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Clean-up procedures involved a filtration step, and optimization involved a pretreatment step consisting of a simple liquid-liquid extraction using hydrated silica-gel chromatography (5%). Nine hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls were separated on an ultra high performance liquid chromatography HSS T3 column using a gradient elution program of 2 mmol ammonium formate aqueous solution (A) and methanol (B). Recovery ranged from 84.0 to 105.4% for the nine different hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls in urine with three spiked levels of 0.1, 1, and 2 ng and from 73.5 to 98.6% for the blood with spiked levels of 0.2, 1, and 2 ng. The relative standard deviations were <8.7% (n = 6), and the limits of detection in urine and whole blood for the nine hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls were in the range of 1.5-4 and 20-100 pg/g, respectively. This analytical method may enable the simultaneous detection of various hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls from complex tissue matrices.

Concentrations of Environmental Chemicals in Urine and Blood Samples of Children from San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is an appreciated tool used to evaluate human exposure to environmental, occupational or lifestyle chemicals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure levels for environmental chemicals in urine and blood samples of children from San Luis Potosí, Mexico (SLP). This study identifies environmental chemicals of concern such as: arsenic (45.0 ± 15.0 µg/g creatinine), lead (5.40 ± 2.80 µg/dL), t,t-muconic acid (266 ± 220 µg/g creatinine), 1-hydroxypyrene (0.25 ± 0.15 µmol/mol creatinine), PBDEs (28.0 ± 15.0 ng/g lipid), and PCBs (33.0 ± 16.0 ng/g lipid). On the other hand, low mercury (1.25 ± 1.00 µg/L), hippuric acid (0.38 ± 0.15 µg/g creatinine) and total DDT (130 ± 35 ng/g lipid) exposure levels were found. This preliminary study showed the tool's utility, as the general findings revealed chemicals of concern. Moreover, this screening exhibited the need for HBM in the general population of SLP.

Sex specific influence on the relationship between maternal exposures to persistent chemicals and birth outcomes.

Prenatal exposure to persistent pollutants has been associated with adverse birth outcomes, although few studies have investigated the influence of the sex of the infant. Sex specific differences have been associated with neurobehavioural impacts from environmental exposures with limited and contrary findings in relation to persistent pollutants. This study investigated the relationships between maternal exposure to a range of metals, polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides measured in biological samples and birth outcomes with a specific focus on the sex of the infant. Outcome measures used included birth weight, birth length and head circumference, proportion of optimal birth weight (POBW), proportion of optimal birth length, proportion of optimal head circumference (POHC) and ponderal index. In general maternal urinary and blood metals, plasma polychlorinated biphenyl and pesticide concentrations were low. In adjusted regression models, a ln-unit increase in plasma ß-hexachlorocyclohexane concentrations was associated with decreased birth weight (-76g, 95% CI -149, -33), ponderal index (-0.048, 95% CI 0.102, 0.007) and proportion of optimal birth weight (-1.5%, 95% CI -3.6, 0.5) in the whole study population, with stronger associations observed for male infants. Maternal p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene concentrations were associated with reduced ponderal index in male infants (ß=-0.171, 95% CI -0.269, -0.074). A ln-unit increase in plasma hexachlorobenzene concentrations was associated with a 5% increase in POBW in male infants (95% CI 0.67, 9.5). Increased urinary barium was associated with increased birth length and POBL and decreased ponderal index in boys. Conversely, urinary concentrations of caesium and rubidium were found to be associated with decreased foetal growth in female infants. This study supports the growing body of evidence regarding the reductions in foetal growth associated with ß-hexachlorocyclohexane and p,p'-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene as well as reporting new relationships between metals exposures and birth outcomes. The finding that maternal exposure to barium, strontium, rubidium and caesium was associated with birth outcomes requires confirmation in larger studies. Similarly the apparent differences in susceptibility based on sex of the infant requires further investigation.

Biomonitoring and exposure assessment of people living near or working at an Italian waste incinerator: methodology of the SPoTT study.

Only few studies on the health effect of waste incinerators were focused on human biomonitoring (HBM). Our aim is to describe a protocol for assessing early variation of selected items in a population group living close to a waste incinerator in Turin, Italy. A cohort of 394 subjects was randomly selected, among residents near the incinerator and residents far from it. To achieve this sample size, 765 subjects were contacted. The cohort was monitored before the start-up of the plant and will be followed up 1 and 3 years after, with measurements of respiratory function, selected blood and urine parameters including 19 metals, 17 congeners of PCDDs/Fs, 12 congeners of DL-PCBs, 30 congeners of NDL-PCBs, 11 OH-PAHs, specific hormones (T3, T4, TSH, cortisol and ACTH) and common health parameters. The same protocol is applied for plant workers and breeders living near the plant. Individual exposure to urban pollution and waste incinerator fallout were assessed through the use of mathematical models. Information on individual habits was assessed using a specific questionnaire. SPoTT is the first Italian study that adopts a longitudinal design of appropriate statistical power to assess health impacts of waste incinerator plants' emission. The initial results comparing the baseline to the first follow-up are due at the end of 2016.

Juvenile Male Rats Exposed to a Low-Dose Mixture of Twenty-Seven Environmental Chemicals Display Adverse Health Effects.

Humans are exposed to a large number of environmental chemicals in their daily life, many of which are readily detectable in blood or urine. It remains uncertain if these chemicals can cause adverse health effects when present together at low doses. In this study we have tested whether a mixture of 27 chemicals administered orally to juvenile male rats for three months could leave a pathophysiological footprint. The mixture contained metals, perfluorinated compounds, PCB, dioxins, pesticides, heterocyclic amines, phthalate, PAHs and others, with a combined dose of 0.16 (Low dose), 0.47 (Mid dose) or 1.6 (High dose) mg/kg bw/day. The lowest dose was designed with the aim of obtaining plasma or urine concentrations in rats at levels approaching those observed in humans. Some single congeners were administered at doses representative of combined doses for chemical groups. With this baseline, we found effects on weight, histology and gene expression in the liver, as well as changes to the blood plasma metabolome in all exposure groups, including low-dose. Additional adverse effects were observed in the higher dosed groups, including enlarged kidneys and alterations to the metabolome. No significant effects on reproductive parameters were observed.

Determination of hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) in human urine in a highly occupationally exposed German cohort: New prospects for urinary biomarkers of PCB exposure.

The present study evaluates for the first time the determination of 20 hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyl (OH-PCB) congeners and their glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in urine as a biomarker of exposure to PCBs in humans. Thereby, a fast, sensitive and selective online solid phase extraction (SPE) method coupled to LC-MS/MS was validated for the determination of OH-PCBs in human urine, being previously successfully developed and applied for the separation and quantitation of OH-PCBs in human plasma. The lowest limit of quantification (LLOQ) ranged from 0.01 to 0.19ngmL-1 and average extraction recoveries from 79 to 125% for all hydroxylated congeners. Within-run precision and between-run precision were between 2 and 17%. Extraction recovery tests were also performed in urine with different creatinine contents (0.52-3.92gL-1) for an estimation of matrix influences and ranged between 69 and 125%. In order to evaluate the applicability of the method, the study was conducted in three different groups, which were distinctly separated as non-exposed to known sources of PCBs (N=21), low-to-moderate PCB-exposed individuals (N=25) and highly occupationally PCB-exposed individuals (N=25), which included workers of a transformer recycling plant, their relatives and workers of surrounding companies from a German cohort. As part of the biomonitoring program HELPcB (Health Effects in High-Level Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls), urine and blood samples were collected annually from 2010 to 2014. In this way, OH-PCB elimination profile in urine over time, correlations between OH-PCB levels in human plasma and urine, and associations with their parent compounds in plasma of the studied PCB cohort could be also assessed. Tri-chlorinated OH-PCBs were the predominant congeners in urine with concentrations up to 174ngmL-1. High chlorinated OH-PCBs (penta- through hepta-chlorinated OH-PCBs) were also frequently detected in urine samples from non-exposed and occupationally exposed individuals, although levels were in general very low or lower than LLOQ.

Magnetic metal-organic nanotubes: An adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction of polychlorinated biphenyls from environmental and biological samples.

A new type of three-dimensional, echinus-like magnetic Fe3O4 @ cobalt(Ⅱ)-based metal-organic nanotube (Fe3O4 @ Co-MONT) yolk-shell microspheres, have been designed and synthesized for the first time. Fe3O4 @ Co-MONTs yolk-shell microspheres were characterized by scanning electron micrographs, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The feasibility of the new material for use as an absorbent was investigated for magnetic solid phase-extraction (MSPE) of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from environmental water samples and biological samples. The Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken design were used to determine and optimize the extraction parameters influencing the extraction efficiency through response surface methodology. Under the optimized conditions, the developed method showed good linearity within the range of 5-1000ngL(-1), low limits of detection (0.31-0.49ngL(-1)), and good reproducibility (RSD<10%). The proposed method was successfully applied for the analysis of PCBs in real environmental water samples. These results demonstrated that Fe3O4 @ Co-MONTs is a promising adsorbent material for the MSPE of PCBs at trace levels from environmental water samples and biological samples.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, risk of type 2 diabetes, and diabetes-related metabolic traits: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Elevated blood or urinary concentrations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be related to increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present study was to assess the role of EDCs in affecting risk of T2D and related metabolic traits. METHODS: MEDLINE was searched for cross-sectional and prospective studies published before 8 March 2014 into the association between EDCs (dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyl [PCB], chlorinated pesticide, bisphenol A [BPA], phthalate) and T2D and related metabolic traits. Three investigators independently extracted information on study design, participant characteristics, EDC types and concentrations, and association measures. RESULTS: Forty-one cross-sectional and eight prospective studies from ethnically diverse populations were included in the analysis. Serum concentrations of dioxins, PCBs, and chlorinated pesticides were significantly associated with T2D risk; comparing the highest to lowest concentration category, the pooled relative risks (RR) were 1.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-2.54) for dioxins, 2.39 (95% CI 1.86-3.08) for total PCBs, and 2.30 (95% CI 1.81-2.93) for chlorinated pesticides. Urinary concentrations of BPA and phthalates were also associated with T2D risk; comparing the highest to lowest concentration categories, the pooled RR were 1.45 (95% CI 1.13-1.87) for BPA and 1.48 (95% CI 0.98-2.25) for phthalates. Further, EDC concentrations were associated with indicators of impaired fasting glucose and insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent and non-persistent EDCs may affect the risk of T2D. There is an urgent need for further investigation of EDCs, especially non-persistent ones, and T2D risk in large prospective studies.

Hepatic metabolism affects the atropselective disposition of 2,2',3,3',6,6'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 136) in mice.

To understand the role of hepatic vs extrahepatic metabolism in the disposition of chiral PCBs, we studied the disposition of 2,2',3,3',6,6'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 136) and its hydroxylated metabolites (HO-PCBs) in mice with defective hepatic metabolism due to the liver-specific deletion of cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (KO mice). Female KO and congenic wild type (WT) mice were treated with racemic PCB 136, and levels and chiral signatures of PCB 136 and HO-PCBs were determined in tissues and excreta 3 days after PCB administration. PCB 136 tissue levels were higher in KO compared to WT mice. Feces was a major route of PCB metabolite excretion, with 2,2',3,3',6,6'-hexachlorobiphenyl-5-ol being the major metabolite recovered from feces. (+)-PCB 136, the second eluting PCB 136 atropisomers, was enriched in all tissues and excreta. The second eluting atropisomers of the HO-PCBs metabolites were enriched in blood and liver; 2,2',3,3',6,6'-hexachlorobiphenyl-5-ol in blood was an exception and displayed an enrichment of the first eluting atropisomers. Fecal HO-PCB levels and chiral signatures changed with time and differed between KO and WT mice, with larger HO-PCB enantiomeric fractions in WT compared to KO mice. Our results demonstrate that hepatic and, possibly, extrahepatic cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes play a role in the disposition of PCBs.

Surveillance program for former PCB-exposed workers of a transformer and capacitor recycling company, family members, employees of surrounding companies, and area residents--executive summary.

In a German company polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)-containing transformers and capacitors were recycled on a large scale. Human biomonitoring revealed a high PCB body burden in workers of the recycling company, in surrounding locations of this plant, in companies in the neighborhood of this plant, and in family members of these employees. In order to clarify whether possible adverse health effects occurred or may occur in the future, a prospective surveillance program was initiated. After an extensive literature search, an interdisciplinary group of experts developed a surveillance program based on current knowledge with respect to possible adverse health effects that might occur in the recycling process of transformers and capacitors. Exposure to various hazardous substances (PCB, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-furans [PCDD/F], metals, solvents) was considered. Criteria derived from human biomonitoring results of PCB were used for admission to the program. Participants in the surveillance program are first informed about risks and aims of the program. Subsequently, physicians started a detailed documentation of participants' general and occupational history, with their complaints, diseases, and nutritional habits, as well as information regarding their living areas, by means of a standardized questionnaire. In addition, separate examinations were performed to detect possible neurological, immunological, (neuro)psychological, hormonal, and skin effects. Moreover, DNA exposure as assessed by the comet assay and antioxidative status were determined. The program will be offered at yearly intervals for 3 years, and then at 5 and 10 years after program onset. Until now the program has proved to be feasible, and acceptance among workers and their families has been high. Based on the results, criteria will be developed to define adverse health effects that might be attributable to a hazardous substance exposure.

Assessment of the levels of persistent organic pollutants and 1-hydroxypyrene in blood and urine samples from Mexican children living in an endemic malaria area in Mexico.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure levels to persistent organic pollutants and 1-hydroxypyrene in children living in an endemic malaria zone in Mexico. The blood levels for 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) and lindane ranged from 15.4 to 17,886.5 ng/g lipid, 6,624.3 to 100,119.0 ng/g lipid, and 351.1 to 6,153.8 ng/g lipid, respectively. For total polychlorinated biphenyls the blood levels ranged from 2,584.9 to 14,547.9 ng/g lipid. Regarding urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels, the mean level was 2.9 ± 3.1 µmol/mol creatinine. In conclusion, the children in our study are exposed to levels higher than normal to mixtures of environmental contaminants.

Human biomonitoring of environmental chemicals--early results of the 2007-2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey for males and females.

Human biomonitoring is an important indicator and measure of exposure to environmental chemicals and provides information to support health protection policies and programs. Cycle 1 (2007-2009) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) collected and analyzed biological samples from over 5600 males and females aged 6-79 years, which established national representative blood and urine concentrations for a number of environmental chemicals including metals, organophosphate insecticide metabolites, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorines (OCs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), bisphenol A (BPA), and cotinine. The results of CHMS Cycle 1 indicate that while some organophosphate insecticide metabolites were below limits of detection for most participants, metals, PCBs, OCs, PFCs and BPA were detected in almost all blood or urine samples. Significant differences (p<0.05) in blood concentrations between males and females were also determined for several metals (e.g., lead for males and females was 15.1 and 11.8 µg/L, respectively), PFCs (e.g., PFOS for males and females was 11.13 and 7.07 µg/L, respectively), and OCs (e.g., p,p'-DDE for males and females was 134.43 and 172.07 µg/kg lipid, respectively) and in urine concentrations for BPA (1.29 and 1.04 µg/L for males and females, respectively). Future cycles of the CHMS will permit temporal trend analysis for a number of these chemicals.

Assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury levels in soil and biological samples from San Felipe, Nuevo Mercurio, Zacatecas, Mexico.

The aim of this work was to evaluate contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury in soil, and to assess exposure level to both contaminants in children living in San Felipe, Nuevo Mercurio, Zacatecas, Mexico. We found soil levels of total polychlorinated biphenyls ranging from non detectable (nd) to 190 µg/kg. Mercury soil levels ranged from 8.9 to 10215.0 mg/kg. Exposure levels of total polychlorinated biphenyls assessed in blood and urinary mercury in children living in the studied community were 1,600 ± 8,800 ng/g lipid and 4.2 ± 7.1 µg/g creatinine, respectively.

Environmental exposures and puberty in inner-city girls.

BACKGROUND: Hormonally active environmental exposures are suspected to alter onset of puberty in girls, but research on this question has been very limited. OBJECTIVE: We investigated pubertal status in relation to hormonally active environmental exposures among a multiethnic group of 192 healthy 9-year-old girls residing in New York City. METHODS: Information was collected on breast and pubic hair stages, weight and height. Phytoestrogen intake was estimated from a food-frequency questionnaire. Three phytoestrogens and bis-phenolA (BPA) were measured in urine. In a subset, 1,1'-dichloro-2,2'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in blood plasma and lead (Pb) in blood. Associations of exposures with pubertal stages (present=stage 2+ vs absent=stage 1) were examined using t-tests and Poisson multivariate regression to derive prevalence ratios (PR, 95%-confidence limits [CI]). RESULTS: Breast development was present in 53% of girls. DDE, Pb, and dietary intakes of phytoestrogens were not significantly associated with breast stage. Urinary phytoestrogen biomarker concentrations were lower among girls with breast development compared with no development. In multivariate models, main effects were strongest for two urinary isoflavones, daidzein (PR 0.89 [0.83-0.96] per ln microg/g creatinine) and genistein (0.94 [0.88-1.01]). Body mass index (BMI) is a hormonally relevant, strong risk factor for breast development. Therefore, BMI-modification of exposure effects was examined, and associations became stronger. Delayed breast development was observed among girls with below-median BMI and third tertile (high exposure) of urinary daidzein (PR 0.46 [0.26-0.78]); a similar effect was seen with genistein, comparing to girls >or= median BMI and lowest two tertiles (combined) of these isoflavones. With urinary enterolactone a phytoestrogen effect was seen only among girls with high BMI, where breast development was delayed among those with high urinary enterolactone (PR 0.55 [0.32-0.96] for the upper tertile vs lower two combined). There was no main effect of PCBs on breast stage, but girls with below-median BMI and >or= median PCB levels had reduced risk for breast development (any vs none) compared with other BMI-PCB groups. No biomarkers were associated with hair development, which was present in 31% of girls. CONCLUSIONS: Phytoestrogens and PCBs are environmental exposures that may delay breast development, especially in conjunction with BMI, which governs the endogenous hormonal milieu. Further research to confirm these findings may improve our understanding of the role of early life development in breast cancer risk and other chronic diseases related to obesity.

Prenatal organophosphate metabolite and organochlorine levels and performance on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale in a multiethnic pregnancy cohort.

Prenatal exposures to organophosphate pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls have been associated with abnormal neonatal behavior and/or primitive reflexes. In 1998-2002, the Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center (New York City) investigated the effects of indoor pesticide use and exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on pregnancy outcome and child neurodevelopment in an inner-city multiethnic cohort. The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale was administered before hospital discharge (n = 311). Maternal urine samples were analyzed for six dialkylphosphate metabolites and malathion dicarboxylic acid. A random subset of maternal peripheral blood samples from the entire cohort (n = 194) was analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls and 1,1'-dichloro-2,2'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene. Malathion dicarboxylic acid levels above the limit of detection were associated with a 2.24-fold increase in the number of abnormal reflexes (95% confidence interval: 1.55, 3.24). Likewise, higher levels of total diethylphosphates and total dialkylphosphates were associated with an increase in abnormal reflexes, as was total dimethylphosphates after paraoxonase expression was considered. No adverse associations were found with polychlorinated biphenyl or 1,1'-dichloro-2,2'-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene levels and any behavior. The authors uncovered additional evidence that prenatal levels of organophosphate pesticide metabolites are associated with anomalies in primitive reflexes, which are a critical marker of neurologic integrity.

Impact of iron and steel industry and waste incinerators on human exposure to dioxins, PCBs, and heavy metals: results of a cross-sectional study in Belgium.

We evaluated the impact of two iron and steel plants and two municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWI) in Wallonia (Belgium) on the exposure of residents to dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals. In total, 142 volunteers living around these facilities were recruited and compared with 63 referents from a rural area with no industrial source of pollution. Information about smoking habits, dietary habits, anthropometric characteristics, residential history, and health status was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. The volunteers provided blood under fasting conditions in order to evaluate the body burden of dioxins (17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans [PCDD/Fs] congeners) and PCBs. Samples of blood and urine were also taken for the determination of cadmium, mercury, and lead. After adjustment for covariates, concentrations of cadmium, mercury, and lead in urine or blood were not increased in subjects living in the vicinity of MSWIs or sinter plants by comparison with referents. Residents around the sinter plants and the MSWI located in the industrial area had concentrations of dioxins and PCBs in serum similar to that of referents. By contrast, subjects living in the vicinity of the MSWI in the rural area showed significantly higher serum levels of dioxins (geometric mean, 38 vs. 24 pg TEQ/g fat) and coplanar PCBs (geometric mean, 10.8 vs. 7.0 pg TEQ/g fat). Although age-adjusted dioxin levels in referents did not vary with local animal fat consumption, concentrations of dioxins in subjects living around the incinerators correlated positively with their intake of local animal fat, with almost a doubling in subjects with the highest fat intake. These results indicate that dioxins and coplanar PCBs emitted by MSWIs can indeed accumulate in the body of residents who regularly consume animal products of local origin.

Human biomonitoring system in the Czech Republic.

The human biomonitoring (HBM) is an integral part of Environmental Health Monitoring System in the Czech Republic since 1994. Selected biomarkers of the internal dose (heavy metals, PCBs) and cytogenetic analysis of peripheral lymphocytes as a biomarker of the exposure/effect to/of environmental genotoxic factors are systematically followed up in the blood and urine of adults (blood donors), in children aged 8 to 10 years, and in the breast milk of nursing mothers. Selected outputs documented the declining trend of blood lead levels, with the recent reference value of 80 mg/l for men, and the rising trend of blood selenium levels in adults, but not in children. PCBs and chlorinated pesticides in human milk show a long-term downward trend, but still higher than in neighbouring countries. The frequency of aberrant cells revealed a downward trend, but the increase obtained in the last monitored period needs to be explained. Further HBM activities are required to demonstrate the corresponding trends and to reduce human exposure and health risks.

Integrated Exposure Assessment Survey (INES) exposure to persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals in Bavaria, Germany.

The Integrated Exposure Assessment Survey (INES) was started in the year 2005. Altogether 50 healthy adults living in Bavaria, Germany, were included into the study. Monitoring was conducted in accordance with relevant routes of human exposure (inhalation, ingestion) and integrated different pathways (indoor air, food, house dust). This approach consisted of a combination of external measurements of contaminants with the determination of these substances or their metabolites in body fluids. The target substances were phthalates, perfluorinated compounds (PFC), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs). This paper gives a brief description of the objectives and the concept of INES as well as methods of sampling and analyses of target compounds. Some preliminary results of biomonitoring data for PFC and phthalates as well as of the dietary intake of DEHP will be discussed.

[Case-matched study of pcbs toxiciy effects to women and children case in the areas which disused transformers were dismantled].

OBJECTIVE: To Study the health-related effects of PCBs pollution to women and children living near the dismantling factories of disused transformers. METHODS: 49 couples which include a pair of preschool child(8 - 10 years old) and his/her mother were matched as the objects from the central junior school of F neighborhood where the study was progressing. Fasting Venous blood was collected from the objects, in which the content of PCBs (including 13 isomers) was determined by ultrasonic trace analyses methods as well as blood and urine were subjected to biochemical test while investigation by questionnaire and physical examination were also required. RESULTS: The mean content(G) of PCBs is 176ng/g lipid in the venous blood of the women and 192 ng/g lipid in that of the children. There are 6% of the females found blood pressure abnormality in the physical examination, while 28% of those were found urinary routine abnormality and 4% lymph node tumefaction. Among the children, 82% of them were suffered from caries, 6% were found lymph node tumefaction and 16% urinary abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: Both the results of the blood and urine biochemical analyses as well as the physical examination indicated the prevalent abnormal status of the women and children in the area. The accumulating concentration of the PCBs in blood suggested that the dismantling of the disused transformers had resulted in a noticeable negative effect to the local environment.