Cottage industry as a source of high exposure to lead: A biomonitoring study among people involved in manufacturing cookware from scrap metal.

In low-income countries, a widespread but poorly studied type of cottage industry consists of melting scrap metal for making cookware. We assessed the exposure to lead (Pb) among artisanal workers, and their families, involved in manufacturing cookware from scrap metal. In a cross-sectional survey, we compared artisanal cookware manufacturing foundries with carpentry workshops (negative controls) and car battery repair workshops (positive controls), all located in residential areas, in Lubumbashi (DR Congo). We collected surface dust in the workspaces, and blood and urine samples among workers, as well as residents living in the cookware workshops. Trace elements were quantified in the samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In surface dust, median Pb concentrations were higher in cookware foundries (347 mg/kg) than in carpentries (234 mg/kg) but lower than in battery repair workshops (22,000 mg/kg). In workers making the cookware (n = 24), geometric mean (GM) Pb blood cencentration was 118 µg/L [interquartile range (IQR) 78.4-204], i.e. nearly twice as high as among carpenters [60.2 µg/L (44.4-84.7), n = 33], and half the concentration of battery repair workers [255 µg/L (197-362), n = 23]. Resident children from the cookware foundries, had higher urinary Pb [6.2 µg/g creatinine (2.3-19.3), n = 6] than adults [2.3 (2.2-2.5), n = 3]. Our investigation confirms the high Pb hazard linked to car battery repair and reveals a high exposure to Pb among artisanal cookware manufacturers and their families, especially children, in residential areas of a city in a low-income country.

Application of silver-based biocides in face masks intended for general use requires regulatory control.

Silver-based biocides are applied in face masks because of their antimicrobial properties. The added value of biocidal silver treatment of face masks to control SARS-CoV-2 infection needs to be balanced against possible toxicity due to inhalation exposure. Direct measurement of silver (particle) release to estimate exposure is problematic. Therefore, this study optimized methodologies to characterize silver-based biocides directly in the face masks, by measuring their total silver content using ICP-MS and ICP-OES based methods, and by visualizing the type(s) and localization of silver-based biocides using electron microscopy based methods. Thirteen of 20 selected masks intended for general use contained detectable amounts of silver ranging from 3 µg to 235 mg. Four of these masks contained silver nanoparticles, of which one mask was silver coated. Comparison of the silver content with limit values derived from existing inhalation exposure limits for both silver ions and silver nanoparticles allowed to differentiate safe face masks from face masks that require a more extensive safety assessment. These findings urge for in depth characterization of the applications of silver-based biocides and for the implementation of regulatory standards, quality control and product development based on the safe-by-design principle for nanotechnology applications in face masks in general.

Pharmacokinetics of Oral Rebaudioside A in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Effects on Glucose Homeostasis: A Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rebaudioside A, a steviol glycoside, is deglycosylated by intestinal microflora prior to the absorption of steviol and conjugation to steviol glucuronide. While glucose-lowering properties are observed for rebaudioside A in mice, they have been attributed to the metabolites steviol and steviol glucuronide. We aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of rebaudioside A and its metabolites in patients with early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This randomized, placebo-controlled, open-label, two-way crossover trial was performed in subjects with T2DM on metformin or no therapy at the University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. Following oral rebaudioside A (3 g), plasma concentrations of rebaudioside A, steviol and steviol glucuronide were determined. The effect on glucose homeostasis was examined by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed 19 h following rebaudioside A administration, i.e. the presumed time of maximal steviol and steviol glucuronide concentrations. The primary pharmacodynamic endpoint was the difference in area under the blood glucose concentration-time curve during the first 2 h of the OGTT (AUCGlucose(0-2h)) for rebaudioside A vs. placebo. RESULTS: In total, 30 subjects [63.5 (57.8-69.0) years of age, 86.7% male] completed the trial. Rebaudioside A was detected as early as 1 h after administration in nearly all subjects. As expected, steviol and steviol glucuronide reached their maximal concentrations at 19.5 h following rebaudioside A administration. Rebaudioside A did not lower the AUCGlucose(0-2h) compared to placebo (- 0.7 (95% CI - 22.3; 20.9) h·mg/dL, P = 0.95). Insulin and C-peptide concentrations were also comparable between both conditions (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Rebaudioside A is readily absorbed after oral administration and metabolized to steviol and steviol glucuronide. However, no effect on glucose nor insulin or C-peptide excursion was observed during the OGTT at the time of maximal metabolite concentrations. Thus, no antidiabetic properties of rebaudioside A could be observed in patients with T2DM after single oral use. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03510624).

Development, validation and application of multi-class methods for the analysis of food additives by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

Food additives are used in numerous food products and are characterised by various physicochemical properties. In European member states, their use in food is regulated by the European Union. This work aimed to develop an accurate and high-throughput analytical method enabling the simultaneous determination of additives from different functional classes to facilitate controls and generate occurrence data for exposure assessments. The QuEChERS principle was applied due to its ease of implementation and flexibility to adjust to various food matrices. However, very polar substances could not be extracted with sufficient recoveries. Consequently, an alternative basic methanol sample-preparation methodology was developed. After sample preparation, the obtained extracts were analysed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Overall, the developed methodology allowed the quantification of 27 additives from the functional classes of colours, sweeteners, preservatives, and antioxidants in various foods (e.g. beverages, dairies, processed meals). The methods were also validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, matrix effect, limit of quantification, accuracy, repeatability, and intra-laboratory reproducibility. Finally, the methods were successfully applied to eighty-four actual samples. All additives were found below authorised levels. However, irregularities were spotted in labelling.

Titanium dioxide particles frequently present in face masks intended for general use require regulatory control.

Although titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a suspected human carcinogen when inhaled, fiber-grade TiO2 (nano)particles were demonstrated in synthetic textile fibers of face masks intended for the general public. STEM-EDX analysis on sections of a variety of single use and reusable face masks visualized agglomerated near-spherical TiO2 particles in non-woven fabrics, polyester, polyamide and bi-component fibers. Median sizes of constituent particles ranged from 89 to 184 nm, implying an important fraction of nano-sized particles (< 100 nm). The total TiO2 mass determined by ICP-OES ranged from 791 to 152,345 µg per mask. The estimated TiO2 mass at the fiber surface ranged from 17 to 4394 µg, and systematically exceeded the acceptable exposure level to TiO2 by inhalation (3.6 µg), determined based on a scenario where face masks are worn intensively. No assumptions were made about the likelihood of the release of TiO2 particles itself, since direct measurement of release and inhalation uptake when face masks are worn could not be assessed. The importance of wearing face masks against COVID-19 is unquestionable. Even so, these results urge for in depth research of (nano)technology applications in textiles to avoid possible future consequences caused by a poorly regulated use and to implement regulatory standards phasing out or limiting the amount of TiO2 particles, following the safe-by-design principle.

Occurrence of Textile Dyes and Metals in Tunisian Textile Dyeing Effluent: Effects on Oxidative Stress Status and Histological Changes in Balb/c Mice.

Although it is known that textile wastewater contains highly toxic contaminants whose effects in humans represent public health problems in several countries, studies involving mammal species are scarce. This study was aimed to evaluate the toxicity profile of 90-days oral administration of textile dyeing effluent (TDE) on oxidative stress status and histological changes of male mice. The TDE was collected from the textile plant of Monastir, Tunisia and evaluated for the metals, aromatic amines, and textile dyes using analytical approaches. Metal analysis by ICP-MS showed that the tested TDE exhibited very high levels of Cr, As, and Sr, which exceeded the wastewater emission limits prescribed by WHO and Tunisian authority. The screening of TDE through UPLC-MS/MS confirmed the presence of two textile dyes: a triphenylmethane dye (Crystal violet) and a disperse azo dye (Disperse yellow 3). Exposure to TDE significantly altered the malondialdehyde (MDA), Conjugated dienes (CDs), Sulfhydryl proteins (SHP) and catalase levels in the hepatic and renal tissues. Furthermore, histopathology observation showed that hepatocellular and renal lesions were induced by TDE exposure. The present study concluded that TDE may involve induction of oxidative stress which ensues in pathological lesions in several vital organs suggesting its high toxicity. Metals and textile dyes may be associated with the observed toxicological effects of the TDE. These pollutants, which may have seeped into surrounding rivers in Monastir city, can cause severe health malaise in wildlife and humans.

Energy Drink Consumption among Adolescents Attending Schools in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of energy drinks (EDs) is increasing in the general population, but little is known about the consumption of EDs among pupils in Africa. This study was designed to assess the consumption of EDs among pupils between 10 and 17 years of age and to assess average caffeine concentrations contained in EDs sold in Lubumbashi. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in five schools using a standardised questionnaire taken face-to-face. Samples of locally purchased EDs were analysed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultra-Violet spectrometry (HPLC-UV). RESULTS: Of 338 pupils (54% girls), 63% reported having consumed at least one ED in the last week and 34% drank at least one ED a day. The cheapest ED was the most widely consumed. Among pupils having consumed at least one ED in the last week, 79% reported consuming it for refreshment and 15% to get energy. For those who reported not consuming EDs, 40% reported that their parents or teachers forbade them to drink EDs. Some (14%) teenagers, mainly boys, mixed ED with alcohol. The concentrations of caffeine measured in twelve brands of EDs ranged from 7.6 to 29.4 mg/100 mL (median 23.3), giving caffeine contents of 37.5 to 160 mg (median 90 mg) per can or bottle. The estimated daily intake of caffeine through EDs was between 51.3 mg and 441.3 mg among those consuming EDs regularly. CONCLUSION: Our study convincingly demonstrates that caffeine-containing EDs are not only consumed by youngsters living in affluent societies. We documented widespread regular consumption of EDs among (pre-)adolescent schoolchildren living in Lubumbashi, a large city of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In view of the global market expansion of caffeinated EDs, it is reasonable to suspect that similar surveys in other urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa would yield similar findings. Pricing and advertising regulations and education on EDs are necessary to limit the regular consumption of EDs among adolescents.

Urinary sodium and iodine concentrations among Belgian adults: results from the first national Health Examination Survey.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Iodine deficiency and excessive salt intakes have adverse health consequences. The objective was to measure sodium and iodine concentrations in urine spot samples among a representative sample of Belgian adults and compare those to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Spot urine samples were collected in 2018 from participants of the Belgian Health Examination Survey. Iodine and sodium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion selective electrodes respectively. Tanaka and INTERSALT equations were used to predict 24-h urinary sodium excretion using sodium and creatinine concentration in spot samples, sex, and measured height and weight. RESULTS: Median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among adults (n = 1092) was 93.6 µg/L, indicating mild iodine deficiency according to WHO thresholds. Median UIC among participants who reported thyroid problems over the last year was significantly higher than among those who did not report thyroid problems (104.1 µg/L versus UIC = 92.2 µg/L, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in median UIC between sexes, age groups, and regions. The average salt intake among Belgian adults (n = 1120) was 8.3 ± 0.1 g/day using the Tanaka equation and 9.4 ± 0.1 g/day using the INTERSALT equation. For both equations, <5% of the population met the recommended WHO upper salt intake level of 5 g/day. CONCLUSIONS: Iodine nutrition in the Belgian adult, nonpregnant population likely indicates mild iodine deficiency as the median UIC was below the WHO threshold for iodine sufficiency. Salt intake was substantially higher than the WHO recommendations. Further policy efforts are needed to optimize iodine and reduce salt intake in Belgium.

Ecotoxicity profile of heavily contaminated surface water of two rivers in Tunisia.

Persistent organic and inorganic contaminants generated by industrial effluent wastes poses a threat to the maintenance of aquatic ecosystems and public health. The Khniss and Hamdoun rivers, located in the central-east of Tunisia, receive regularly domestic and textile wastewater load. The present study aimed to survey the water quality of these rivers using physicochemical, analytical and toxicological approaches. In the physicochemical analysis, the recorded levels of COD and TSS in both samples exceed the Tunisian standards. Using the analytical approach, several metals and some textile dyes were detected. Indeed, 17 metals were detected in both samples in varying concentrations, which do not exceed the Tunisian standards. The sources of metals pollution can be of natural and anthropogenic origin. Three textile disperse dyes were detected with high levels compared to other studies: the disperse orange 37 was detected in the Khniss river with a concentration of 6.438 µg/L and the disperse red 1 and the disperse yellow 3 were detected in the Hamdoun river with concentrations of 3.873 µg/L and 1895 µg/L, respectively. Textile activities were the major sources of disperse dyes. For both samples, acute and chronic ecotoxicity was observed in all the studied organisms, however, no genotoxic activity was detected. The presence of metals and textile disperse dyes could be associated with the ecotoxicological effects observed in the river waters, in particular due to the industrial activity, a fact that could deteriorate the ecosystem and therefore threaten the human health of the population living in the study areas. Combining chemical and biological approaches, allowed the detection of water ecotoxicity in testing organisms and the identification of possible contributors to the toxicity observed in these multi-stressed water reservoirs.

Weight and head circumference at birth in function of placental paraben load in Belgium: an ENVIRONAGE birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Parabens are a group of esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid utilized as antimicrobial preservatives in many personal care products. Epidemiological studies regarding the adverse effects of parabens on fetuses are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the association between placental paraben exposure and birth outcomes. We assessed paraben concentrations in placental tissue, which potentially gives a better understanding of fetal exposure than the maternal urinary concentrations which are the current golden standard. METHODS: Placental tissue was collected immediately after birth from 142 mother-child pairs from the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. The placental concentrations of four parabens (methyl (MeP), ethyl (EtP), propyl (PrP), and butyl (BuP)) were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass-spectrometry. Generalized linear regression models were used to determine the association between paraben exposure levels and birth outcomes. RESULTS: The geometric means of placental MeP, EtP, PrP, and BuP were 1.84, 2.16, 1.68 and 0.05 ng/g tissue, respectively. The sum of parabens (∑ parabens, including MeP, EtP and PrP) was negatively associated with birth weight in newborn girls (- 166 g, 95% CI: - 322, - 8.6, p = 0.04) after adjustment for a priori selected covariates. The sum of parabens was negatively associated with head circumference (- 0.6 cm, 95% CI: - 1.1, - 0.2, p = 0.008) and borderline associated with birth length (- 0.6 cm, 95% CI:-1.3, 0.1, p = 0.08). In newborn girls the placental concentration of EtP was negatively associated with head circumference (- 0.6 cm, 95% CI:-1.1, - 0.1, p = 0.01) and borderline significantly associated with birth weight and birth length. Lastly, placental EtP and ∑parabens were negatively associated with placental weight in newborn girls but not in newborn boys (- 45.3 g, 95% CI:-86.2, - 4.4, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The negative association between maternal paraben exposure and birth outcomes warrants further research and follow-up over time to determine long term effects of gestational exposure to parabens.

Enantiomeric fraction of hexabromocyclododecanes in foodstuff from the Belgian market.

Diet is considered a major route of human exposure to hexabromocyclododecane, a chiral environmental contaminant. A previous study reported on the occurrence of hexabromocyclododecane diastereoisomers in food items of animal origin collected in Belgium. The present study reports further results on corresponding enantiomeric fractions of the same samples. None of the samples could be considered as racemic for the α-isomer suggesting that foodstuff contamination occurred prior to death of the corresponding producing animal and was not the result of the food item being in contact with technical HBCDD. Non-racemic chiral signatures were also observed for ß- and γ-isomers. We conclude that, depending on their dietary habits, different individuals might be overall exposed to non-racemic profiles. Considering that toxicological effects are enantiomer-dependent, this could modulate potential adverse effects.

Determinants of persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations in human breast milk of a cross-sectional sample of primiparous mothers in Belgium.

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

Human urine contamination with environmental pollutants: simultaneous determination using UPLC-MS/MS.

Paraben derivatives are widely used as an antifungal, antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals, and food. These molecules are called endocrine disruptors (EDCs). The exposure of the human body to paraben derivatives needs further study and for this purpose 200 urine samples were collected from Tunisian men and women aged between 5 and 90 years to determine three paraben derivatives: methylparaben (MP), ethylparaben (EP) and propylparaben (PP) using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). The three major parabens were found in 95 urine samples. The obtained results indicate that MP, EP, and PP were detected in 57%, 46%, and 40% of all samples, respectively. Urinary concentration for the three parabens was in the range of 0.88-84.46 ng/mL, 0.52-29.2 ng/mL, and 0.51-28.17 ng/mL of PP, MP, and EP, respectively. In addition, the concentrations of the paraben derivatives in women were higher than those of men. These findings indicate that the exposure occurs from common products (foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals). The Tunisian authorities should control the composition of packaging of these common products in order to protect humans against EDCs.

Simultaneous determination of parabens, bisphenols and alkylphenols in human placenta by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

This study presents de development and validation of an ultra- high performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of four parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-paraben (MeP, EtP, PrP, BuP), four bisphenols (BP) (BPA, BPB, BPF, and BPS) and two alkylphenols (nonyl phenol (NP) and tert-octylphenol (OP) in human placenta samples. After a short sample preparation time the extracts are analysed by UHPLC-MS/MS using negative electrospray ionization. Labeled internal standards and matrix-matched calibration are used for quantification of the compounds. The method was validated according FDA guideline for bio analytical methods using spiked samples at three concentration levels (0.5-5 and 25 ng g-1). The parameters accuracy and precision fulfill the criteria. Calibration curves are linear between 0.5 and 50 ng -1. The limits of detection and quantification are in the range of 0.1-0.3 ng g-1 and 0.2-0.7 ng g-1, respectively. The applicability of the method was demonstrated on 71 human placenta samples from a Belgian cohort. The detection frequency was highest for OP (95%), EtP (86%), BPA (49%) and BPS (44%). Among the quantified compounds the highest quantification frequency was observed for OP (85%), EtP (65%) and BPA (25%). The concentrations of parabens ranged from 0.5 to 7.1 ng g-1 for MeP, from 0.5 to 4.5 ng g-1 for EtP and from 0.5 to 9.1 ng g-1 for PrP. The levels of bisphenols ranged from 0.5 to 3.9 ng g-1 for BPA, from 0.6 to 2.1 ng g-1 for BPF and from 0.8 to 1.3 ng g-1 for BPS. BPB and NP were not detected and OP levels ranged from 0.5 to 3.7 ng g g-1. The results demonstrate that the developed analytical method is very sensitive and that levels of several compounds with known /suspected endocrine disrupting properties could be detected or quantified in human placenta samples. The results therefore suggest that fetal exposure to these compounds occurs. The method will be useful for studies to evaluate the health effects associated with this prenatal exposure.

Occurrence of Organophosphorus Flame Retardants and Plasticizers (PFRs) in Belgian Foodstuffs and Estimation of the Dietary Exposure of the Adult Population.

The occurrence of 14 organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers (PFRs) was investigated in 165 composite food samples purchased from the Belgian market and divided into 14 food categories, including fish, crustaceans, mussels, meat, milk, cheese, dessert, food for infants, fats and oils, grains, eggs, potatoes and derived products, other food (stocks), and vegetables. Seven PFRs [namely, tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP), tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), 2-ethylhexyldiphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP), and tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP)] were detected at concentrations above quantification limits. Fats and oils were the most contaminated category, with a total PFR concentration of 84.4 ng/g of wet weight (ww), followed by grains (36.9 ng/g of ww) and cheese (20.1 ng/g of ww). Our results support the hypothesis that PFR contamination may occur during industrial processing and manipulation of food products (e.g., packaging, canning, drying, etc.). Considering the daily average intake of food for the modal adult Belgian (15-64 years of age), the dietary exposure to sum PFRs was estimated to be ≤7500 ± 1550 ng/day [103 ± 21 ng/kg of body weight (bw)/day]. For individual PFRs, TPHP contributed on average 3400 ng/day (46.6 ng/kg of bw/day), TCIPP 1350 ng/day (18.5 ng/kg of bw/day), and EHDPHP 1090 ng/day (15 ng/kg of bw/day), values that were lower than their corresponding health-based reference doses. The mean dietary exposure mainly originated from grains (39%), followed by fats and oils (21%) and dairy products (20%). No significant differences between the intakes of adult men and women were observed.

Persistent plasticizers and bisphenol in the cheese of Tunisian markets induced biochemical and histopathological alterations in male BALB/c mice.

Clinical evidences, experimental models, and epidemiology of many studies suggest that phthalate-based plasticizers, aliphatic ester, and bisphenol A (BPA) have major risks for humans by targeting different organs and body systems. The current study has been designed firstly to analyze three categories of cheese with and without their exposure to the sun and packed in packages with an inner surface plastic-covered film in order to identify the dibutyl phthalate (DBP); benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP); bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP); diisodecyl phthalate (DiDP); diisononyl phthalate (DiNP); and 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) by GC-MS/MS, except for the bisphenol A, which is by UPLC-MS/MS, and secondly to assess the toxicity of the identified chemical molecules and cheese samples on the liver and kidney of mice. Our results showed that the cheese contains high quantities of DBP and DEHP with the concentrations up to 0.46 and 2.339 mg/kg, respectively. Other types of cheese, such as rolled and triangular cheeses, contain little quantities of the all substances at concentrations below the standard limits. In vivo, the obtained data clearly demonstrated that the acute administration of DBP, DEHP, and the tested cheese significantly induced liver and kidney injuries in mice manifested by a rise in plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, and uric acid when compared with control animals. In addition, the histopathological study confirmed the perturbation of biochemical parameters and showed that the hepatic and renal structures were altered. Indeed, the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects are more pronounced when cheese was exposed to the sun.

Development and validation of a quantitative UHPLC-MS/MS method for selected brominated flame retardants in food.

An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated (in-house) for the quantification of selected brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS) and bromophenols (BPs), in various food matrices. The sample preparation consisted of extraction of TBBPS with acidified acetonitrile followed by a fast dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) clean-up and extraction of the other BFRs with a mixture of hexane and dichloromethane (1:1, v/v) with subsequent clean-up using acidified silica (44%, w/w). The limits of quantification of the method varied widely for the types of food matrices and the different classes of BFRs from 4 pg g-1 wet weight (ww) to 8 ng g-1 ww. For most of the analytes the apparent recovery was in the range 70-120%, and the method precision (under repeatability conditions) was below 20%. The method was successfully applied in proficiency testing exercises as well as for analysis of various food items. Only 25% of the collected food samples contained BFRs, with 4-bromophenol and α-HBCD as the only detected compounds. The contaminated foodstuffs were fish and eggs with concentrations in the range from 48 to 305 pg g-1 ww.

Dietary intakes of six intense sweeteners by Irish adults.

This research investigated the intakes of six intense sweeteners: acesulfame-K (E950), aspartame (E951), cyclamate (E952), saccharin (E954), sucralose (E955), and steviol glycosides (E960) in the diets of Irish adults, using data from the National Adult Nutrition Survey. A food label survey that included products currently available on the Irish market supplemented the analysis. Sweetener intakes were investigated using three different exposure scenarios; beginning with a crude assessment which assumed that all foods permitted to contain the additives of interest always did contain them, and at their maximum permitted level (Tier 1). Refined assessments estimated intakes of the six sweeteners using food consumption data up to brand level with additive occurrence data from a survey of products currently available on the Irish market (Tier 2) and sweetener concentration data (Tier 3). Results of all exposure assessment scenarios demonstrate that intakes of each of the sweeteners of interest by the total population were below the relevant ADI level (mg kg-1 bodyweight-1), even by high consumers (P99). The three sweeteners consumed in highest amounts were acesulfame-k, aspartame, and sucralose. The main sources of these sweeteners in the diet were 'cider and perry', 'energy reduced and no added sugar (ER and NAS) carbonated flavoured drinks', 'table-top sweeteners', 'dairy products', 'solid food supplements', and 'sauces'. Intakes of the six intense sweeteners are currently not a concern among Irish adults. However, exposure to these chemicals should be monitored on a regular basis due to evolving market and consumption patterns.

Occurrence of selected halogenated flame retardants in Belgian foodstuff.

This paper reports on the occurrence of halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), namely PBDEs, HBCDs, TBBPA, brominated phenols (BrPhs), dechlorane plus (DP) and emerging FRs in a variety of Belgian foodstuffs. A total of 183 composite food samples were analyzed by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS techniques for the presence of HFRs. The analyses revealed that 72% of the samples was contaminated with HFRs to some extent. The highest number of contaminated samples was observed within the group 'Potatoes and derived products', 'Fish and fish products' and 'Meat and meat products', while the least contaminated group was 'Food for infants and small children'. The total HFR content ranged from