Blood levels of 21 metals and metalloids in riverside villagers of the Brazilian Amazon: A human biomonitoring study with associations with sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors.

Human biomonitoring of toxic and essential trace elements is critically important for public health protection. Amazonian riverine communities exhibit distinctive dietary patterns, heavily reliant on locally sourced fish, fruits, and vegetables. These habits may result in unique exposure profiles compared to urban populations. However, comprehensive assessments of their exposure to toxic and essential metals are lacking, representing a critical gap in understanding the health risks faced by these communities. This study aimed to establish baseline levels of 21 metals and metalloids in human blood and explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices as potential sources of exposure to these elements. A cross-sectional biomonitoring investigation was conducted with 1,024 individuals from 13 communities in the Tapajós and Amazon Basins (Pará, Brazil). Most of the elements in study was determined for the first time in the region. Blood samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The levels of all elements were summarized by quantiles and compared with cutoff values from other Brazilian populations. Multiple linear regression was used to assess possible associations between element concentrations and sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. High detection rates (64%-100%) were observed, indicating the widespread presence of these elements. Elevated blood concentrations were found for mercury (median 21.1 µg.L-1, interquartile range: 12-34 µg.L-1), selenium (median 166 µg.L-1, interquartile range: 137-208 µg.L-1), and lead (median 34 µg.L-1, interquartile range: 20.8-64 µg.L-1). Regression analysis revealed a positive association between mercury levels and fish consumption, while manioc flour intake showed no relationship to lead levels. In conclusion, our findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and public policy development for these vulnerable populations. Further studies should assess long-term trends and investigate the health implications of prolonged exposure to diverse chemicals in Amazonian riverside communities.

Blood levels of metallic chemical element exposure patterns and associated factors in a population living in an Industrial District in Brazil.

AIM: to estimate the level of metallic chemical elements in the population living in the Steel company vicinity in Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and estimate the association between exposure to the Steel company and the blood metals concentrations patterns. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 463 individuals aged 18+ years old residing 1+ years in the Steel company vicinity. Mg, Be, Co, Ba, Ni, Cd, Al, and Pb were assessed in blood by DRC-ICP-MS. Metallic chemical element concentration patterns were obtained by exploratory factor analysis in the studied population. Exposure was set as the distance (Km) from each participant's residence to the Steel company in Santa Cruz, georeferenced by GPS. The outcome was set as the positive factor loadings in the factor analysis, including Mg and Be (Factor-1), Co, Ba, and Ni (Factor-2), Cd, Al, and Pb (Factor-4). Crude and adjusted OR, and their respective 95 %CI, were estimated to explore associations between independent variables and the exposures to metallic elements positively associated with the factors using polychotomous logistic regression. RESULTS: A reduction of 19 % was found between each km distance from the residence and the Steel company and P50 concentration of Cd, Al, and Pb (ORP50=0.81; 95 %CI:0.67-0.97), after adjusting by age, sex, and smoking. No statistically significant associations were observed for the distance from residences and the Steel company, after adjusting for age, gender, having a domestic vegetable garden and chewing gum for Mg and Be concentrations (Factor-1) (ORP50=0.84; 95 %CI:0.70-1.01; ORP75=1.10; 95 %CI:0.91-1.34); nor for Co, Ba and Ni (Factor-2) blood concentrations(ORP50=1.10; 95 %CI:0.91-1.33; ORP75=1.03; 95 %CI:0.84-1.26), in the adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS: For each Km distance from residences to the Steel company, a 19 % reduction in the risk of Cd, Al, and Pb blood concentration was observed in the population living in Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Effect of Air Pollution on the Basal DNA Damage of Mother-Newborn Couples of México City.

Environmental pollution of megacities can cause early biological damage such as DNA strand breaks and micronuclei formation. Comet assay tail length (TL) reflects exposure in the uterus to high levels of air pollution, primarily ozone and air particles (PM10), including mothers' smoking habits during pregnancy, conditions which can lead to low birth weight. In this biomonitoring study, we evaluated basal DNA damage in the cord blood cells of newborn children from Mexico City. We found a correlation between DNA damage in mothers and their newborns, including various parameters of environmental exposure and complications during pregnancy, particularly respiratory difficulties, malformations, obstetric trauma, neuropathies, and nutritional deficiencies. Mothers living in the southern part of the city showed double DNA damage compared to those living in the northern part (TL 8.64 µm vs. 4.18 µm, p < 0.05). Additionally, mothers' DNA damage correlates with exposure to NOx (range 0.77-1.52 ppm) and PM10 (range 58.32-75.89 µg/m3), as well maternal age >29. These results highlight the sensitivity of the comet assay in identifying differential in utero exposure for newborns whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy. They also suggest the importance of antioxidants during pregnancy and the role of the placental barrier in protecting the newborn from the DNA-damaging effects of oxidative pollution.

ß-glucuronidase as a biomarker for assessing the exposure to anticholinergic pesticides: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The human exposure to anticholinergic pesticides has been associated with the development of various diseases. Therefore, several biomarkers have been proposed for biomonitoring human exposure to anticholinergic pesticides. OBJECTIVE: This work evaluated the effect of human exposure to anticholinergic pesticides on ß-glucuronidase (GUSB) levels. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO databases up to December 2021. The statistical analysis employed standardized mean differences and meta-regression. And the trial sequential analysis was performed. RESULTS: Nine studies were included. A monotonic relationship was observed between poisoning severity and GUSB. Furthermore, BuChE levels were correlated with GUSB levels. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that GUSB levels could be used as a possible diagnosis biomarker in poisoning related to anticholinergic pesticide exposure. However, the use of GUSB to assess the chronic exposure to anticholinergic pesticides could be only performed in recent exposure (≈ 7 days after last exposure).

Detection of the fungicide transformation product 4-hydroxychlorothalonil in serum of pregnant women from Sweden and Costa Rica.

BACKGROUND: 4-hydroxychlorothalonil (HCT, R182281), a transformation product of the fungicide chlorothalonil, was recently identified in human serum and breast milk. There are indications that HCT may be more toxic and environmentally persistent than chlorothalonil. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate serum concentrations of HCT in pregnant women in Sweden and Costa Rica. METHODS: We developed a quantitative analytical method for HCT using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We measured HCT in 1808 serum samples from pregnant women from the general population in Sweden (1997-2015) and in 632 samples from 393 pregnant women from an agricultural population in Costa Rica (2010-2011). In Swedish samples, we assessed time trends and investigated seasonality. In the Costa Rican samples, we evaluated variability between and within women and explanatory variables of HCT concentrations. RESULTS: HCT was detected in all serum samples, and the limit of detection was 0.1 µg/L. The median HCT concentration in the Swedish samples was 4.1 µg/L (interquartile range [IQR] of 2.9 - 5.8 µg/L), and 3.9 times higher in the Costa Rican samples (median: 16.1 µg/L; IQR: 10.6 - 25.0 µg/L). We found clear seasonal variation with higher concentrations in the first half of each year among Swedish women. In the Costa Rican study, women working in agriculture and living near banana plantations had higher HCT concentrations, whilst higher parity and having a partner working in agriculture were associated with decreased HCT, and no clear seasonal pattern was observed. IMPACT STATEMENT: For the first time, this study quantifies human exposure to the fungicide chlorothalonil and/or its transformation product 4-hydroxychlorothalonil (HCT, R182281) and finds higher serum concentrations in women from a tropical agricultural setting as compared with women from the general population in Sweden.

Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Brazilian pregnant women: Urinary levels and health risk assessment.

Over the years, humans have been continuously exposed to several compounds directly generated by industrial processes and/or present in consumed products. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are legacy pollutants ubiquitous in the environment and represent the main chemical pollutants in urban areas. Worldwide, studies that aim to understand the impacts of exposure to these chemicals have gained increasing prominence due to their potential toxicity profile, mainly concerning genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Human biomonitoring (HB) is an analytical approach to monitoring population exposure to chemicals; however, these studies are still limited in Brazil. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the exposure of Brazilian pregnant women to PAHs through HB studies. Besides, the risk characterization of this exposure was performed. For this purpose, urine samples from 358 Brazilian pregnant women were used to evaluate 11 hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs employing gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The 1OH-naphthol and 2OH-naphthol were detected in 100% of the samples and showed high levels, corresponding to 16.99 and 3.62 µg/g of creatinine, respectively. 2OH-fluorene (8.12 µg/g of creatinine) and 9OH-fluorene (1.26 µg/g of creatinine) were detected in 91% and 66% of the samples, respectively. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) metabolites were detected in more than 50% of the samples (0.58-1.26 µg/g of creatinine). A hazard index of 1.4 and a carcinogenic risk above 10-4 were found for BaP metabolites in the risk characterization. Therefore, our findings may indicate that exposure to PAHs poses a potential risk to pregnant women's health and a high probability of carcinogenic risk due to their exposure to BaP. Finally, this work shows the need for more in-depth studies to determine the sources of exposure and the implementation of health protection measures regarding the exposure of the Brazilian population to PAHs.

Urinary levels of 30 metal/metalloids in the Brazilian southeast population: Findings from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

The assessment of risks associated with environmental exposure to metals/metalloids requires well-established reference values for each population since it varies considerably according to distinct local/regional characteristics. However, very few studies establish baseline values for these elements (essential and toxic) in large population groups, especially in Latin American countries. This study was aimed at establishing urinary reference levels of 30 metals/metalloids: aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cerium (Ce), cesium (Cs), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lanthanum (La), lead (Pb), lithium (Li), strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), rubidium (Rb), selenium (Se), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), tellurium (Te), thallium (Tl), thorium (Th), tungsten (W), uranium (U) and zinc (Zn) in a Brazilian southeast adult population. This pilot study is a cross-sectional analysis conducted with the first wave of the ELSA-Brasil cohort (baseline examination). A total of 996 adults (45.5% men, N = 453, mean age: 50.5, and 54.5% women, N = 543, mean age: 50.6) were included in the study. Sample analyses were performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Percentiles (2.5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 95 (CI95%), and 97.5) of each element (µg/g of creatinine) in the study are presented according to sex. Moreover, differences in the mean metal/metalloid urinary levels according to age, education, smoking, and alcohol intake are also presented. Finally, median found values were compared to established values of large human biomonitoring surveys previously conducted in North America and France. This is the first comprehensive and systematic human biomonitoring study that established population reference ranges for 30 (essential and/or toxic elements) in a Brazilian population group.

A comprehensive overview of genotoxicity and mutagenicity associated with outdoor air pollution exposure in Brazil.

This review examined the mutagenicity and genotoxicity associated with exposure to outdoor air pollutants in Brazil. A search was performed on the Web of Science database using a combination of keywords that resulted in 134 articles. After applying exclusion criteria, a total of 75 articles were obtained. The articles were classified into three categories: (1) studies with plants and animals, (2) in vitro studies, and (3) human biomonitoring. The investigations were conducted in 11 of 27 Brazilian states with the highest prevalence in the southeast and south regions. Only 5 investigations focused on the effects of burning biomass on the quality of outdoor air. Plants, especially Tradescantia pallida, were the main air pollution biomonitoring tool. When available, a significant association between levels of air pollutants and genetic damage was described. Among the in vitro studies, Salmonella/microsome is the most used test to evaluate mutagenesis of outdoor air in Brazil (n = 26). Human biomonitoring studies were the least frequent category (n = 18). Most of the investigations utilized micronucleus bioassay, in oral mucosa cells (n = 15) and lymphocytes (n = 5), and the comet assay (n = 6). The analysis in this study points to the existence of gaps in genotoxicity studies and our findings indicate that future studies need to address the variety of potential sources of pollution existing in Brazil. In addition to extent of the impacts, consideration should be given to the enormous Brazilian biodiversity, as well as the determination of the role of socioeconomic inequality of the population in the observed outcomes.

Assessment of occupational and dietary exposures of feed handling workers to mycotoxins in rural areas from São Paulo, Brazil.

In the current study, the occupational and dietary exposures of feed handling workers (N = 28) to aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), toxins T-2 and HT-2 were assessed for the first time in animal-producing farms and feed factories from São Paulo, Brazil. Mycotoxins in food (n = 244) and airborne dust (n = 27), as well as biomarkers in urine (n = 97) samples were determined by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. FBs were detected in all airborne dust samples, with concentrations ranging from 7.85 to 16,839 ng/m3. The mean probable daily intake (PDI) based on food data were 0.005, 0.769, 0.673 and 0.012 µg/kg of body weight (bw)/day for AFs, FBs, DON and ZEN, respectively. Mean PDI values obtained through urinary biomarkers were 0.29, 0.10, 0.50, 9.72 and 0.10 µg/kg body weight/day for AFB1, DON, OTA, FB1 and ZEN, respectively. The analyses based on urinary biomarkers revealed a potential health concern for OTA and FBs, although no potential health concern was observed with PDI calculated through food data. Results of this trial stress the need for preventive measures to avoid health risks of workers in Brazilian animal-producing farms and feed industries.

Urinary levels of monohydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Brazilian children and health risk assessment: a human biomonitoring-based study.

Monitoring human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a public health concern. Children are a vulnerable subgroup of the population with limited human biomonitoring data worldwide. Thus, this study aimed to measure the levels of seven PAH metabolites in urine from Brazilian children and provide risk assessment values for this exposure. Our data show naphthalene was the major contributor to children's exposure to PAHs, with a 100% detection rate. Children in urban regions presented higher exposure to PAHs, with higher concentrations of 2-naphthol in the southeast (1.09 ng/mL, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the highest concentration of 2-naphthol was found in older children (p = 0.02), suggesting a possible difference in dietary habits. Exposure to the carbaryl insecticide is suggested based on the high concentrations of 1-naphthol (1.29 ng/mL) and considering the ratio 1-naphthol/2-naphthol (1.78). Moreover, the positive correlation between the metabolites of fluorine and pyrene also suggests exposure to PAHs by petrol combustion. The risk assessment of the PAH exposure was evaluated using the estimated daily intake (EDI) for two naphthalene metabolites in the study with a 100% detection rate. The EDI was 14.47 ng/kg BW/day. The risk assessment to the PAH exposure revealed a non-carcinogenic risk profile, with a hazard quotient of 0.71. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide levels of PAHs in Brazilian children.

Fundão tailings dam failure in Brazil: Evidence of a population exposed to high levels of Al, As, Hg, and Ni after a human biomonitoring study.

BACKGROUND: On November 5th, 2015, the Fundão mine tailings dam in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, failed, releasing more than 50 million m3 of mud, rich in toxic metals. After that, a massive environmental disaster began with the mud wave flowing more than 600 km, until the mouth of Doce River, in Espírito Santo State, and finally reaching the Atlantic Ocean. A vast area was contaminated, affecting the ecosystem and several communities. Despite the tremendous environmental disaster, little is known concerning the population's exposure to toxic elements yet. METHODS: Thus, a cross-sectional study was for the first time conducted in three communities directly affected by the disaster (Regência, Povoação, and Campo Grande) in Espírito Santo State, to evaluate the levels of 11 chemical elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in blood. Sample analysis (n = 300) was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: Our data show high levels of exposure to Al, As, Hg, and Ni. Mean values in blood were 60 µg/L (ranging from 9 to 434 µg/L), 10.9 µg/L (ranging from 5.81 to 269 µg/L), 6.4 µg/L (ranging from 0.05 to 103 µg/L) and 2.7 µg/L (ranging from 0.08 to 21 µg/L) for Al, As, Hg and Ni, respectively. Moreover, after applying a multiple regression model, we found community, drinking water, fish, seafood consumption, and smoking habits associated with metal/metalloid levels in their body. Well and tap water intake were identified as important sources of exposure to aluminum and nickel. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings represent health risks to the groups living in the areas affected by the tailings dam failure, calling for further studies to evaluate the potential health effects of high exposure to metals and remediation actions from public health Brazilian authorities.

Biomonitoring of Exposure to Metals in a Population Residing in an Industrial Area in Brazil: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: Industries are sources of environmental pollutants. However, there are few human biomonitoring (HBM) studies in the vicinity of industrial areas. Thus, we evaluate the feasibility of conducting an HBM study to assess exposure to metals in an industrial area in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted near a steel factory. Adults (exposed = 775; controls = 775) were randomly selected and sex-matched. Subjects were interviewed using a questionnaire and a 24 h dietary recall. Blood samples were collected to analyze metal concentrations, blood count, biochemical parameters, and thyroid hormones. The feasibility of the survey was assessed following guidelines. The descriptive analysis was performed for the first 250 participants (pilot study). RESULTS: Adjustments were made to the survey execution, including age-matching, fieldwork team, questionnaire, blood collection, and research awareness. The complete questionnaire was answered by ≥97% of participants; metals were measured in ≥98% and clinical parameters in ≥89%, except thyroid hormones (13-44%). The average age and family income were of 50 years and USD 575/month, respectively. The participants had equal distribution among sexes: 50% had a medium education level, and 59% were nonwhite. CONCLUSION: This preliminary HBM study demonstrates feasibility for the total population, with results indicating representativeness of the target population.

Exposição a metais em população adulta residente em áreas industriais: revisão sistemática da literatura / Exposure to metals in the adult population living in industrial areas: a systematic review of the literature

Resumo Este artigo objetivou revisar os estudos de biomonitoramento humano (BMH) que avaliaram a exposição a chumbo (Pb), cádmio (Cd), mercúrio (Hg), níquel (Ni), arsênio (As) e manganês (Mn) em adultos residentes próximo a áreas industriais. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática, sem limite de data inicial até dezembro de 2017, utilizando a base de dados da MEDLINE e a BVS. Foram incluídos estudos originais em inglês, português ou espanhol, com uso de sangue e/ou urina como biomarcador. Os artigos foram avaliados pelos critérios metodológicos, incluindo-se estudos com grupo de comparação e/ou amostragem probabilística. Dos 28 estudos incluídos, 54% foram realizados na Europa, 36% na Ásia, 7% na América do Norte e 4% na África. Fundições, metalúrgicas e siderúrgicas foram as indústrias mais estudadas. Urina e sangue foram usados em 82% e 50% dos estudos, respectivamente. Os elementos mais investigados foram Cd, Pb e As. Embora com metodologias heterogêneas, em geral, os estudos observaram maiores concentrações de metais em expostos, especialmente As e Hg, do que nos grupos de comparação. Esta revisão evidencia a necessidade de estudos de BMH com maior rigor metodológico, reforçando a importância da vigilância em saúde de populações expostas a metais tóxicos, sobretudo nos países em desenvolvimento.

Abstract This study aimed to review studies of human biomonitoring (HBM) that evaluated exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As) and manganese (Mn) in adults living close to industrial areas. A systematic review of studies was selected, without initial date limit through to December 2017, from the MEDLINE and BVS databases. Original studies in English, Portuguese or Spanish conducted among the adult population using blood and/or urine as biomarkers were included. The articles were evaluated according to methodological criteria, including studies with comparison groups and/or probabilistic sampling. Of the 28 studies selected, 54% were conducted in Europe, 36% in Asia, 7% in North America and 4% in Africa. Foundries, metal works and steel mills were the most frequently studied. Urine and blood were used in 82% and 50% of studies, respectively. The elements most investigated were Cd, Pb and As. Despite using heterogeneous methodologies, the results revealed higher metal concentrations, especially from As and Hg in general, than in the comparison group. This review highlights the need for more rigorous methodological studies of HBM, stressing the importance of public health vigilance among populations exposed to toxic metals, especially in developing countries.

Pilot study of exposure of the male population to organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides in a region of high agricultural activity (Córdoba, Argentina).

Urinary metabolites of organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid (PYR) pesticides and biomarkers of effects were studied in a population (n=40) residing in an important agricultural area of the province of Córdoba (Argentina). Detection frequencies (DF) higher than 85% were observed for the metabolites of pirimiphos (2-diethylamino-6-methylpyrimidin-4-ol -DEAMPY-, median 7.5 µg/g creatinine, DF: 100%), parathion (p-nitrophenol, 0.99 µg/g creatinine, 100%), and chlorpyrifos (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, 0.25 µg/g creatinine, 85%). The DEAMPY concentrations doubled the levels found in other studies and were negatively associated with Er-AChE activity, suggesting the appearance of health effects already in environmental exposure levels below established acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). 3-Phenoxybenzoic acid, the metabolite of several PYR pesticides, was also found in all samples. This metabolite was also significantly negatively correlated with Er-AChE, indicating effects of pyrethroid pesticides on the acetylcholine system even at concentrations below the ADI.

Mycotoxin occurrence in breast milk and exposure estimation of lactating mothers using urinary biomarkers in São Paulo, Brazil.

In this study, the occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs), fumonisins (FBs), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN) and some of their metabolites were assessed in breast milk and urine of lactating women (N = 74) from Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil. Exposure estimations through urinary mycotoxin biomarkers was also performed. Samples were collected in four sampling times (May and August 2018, February and July 2019) and analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was not detected in breast milk. However, two samples (3%) presented FB1 at 2200 and 3400 ng/L, while 4 samples (5%) had OTA at the median level of 360 ng/L. In urine, AFM1 and aflatoxin P1 (AFP1) were found in 51 and 11% of samples, respectively (median levels: 0.16 and 0.07 ng/mg creatinine, respectively). Urinary DON (median level: 38.59 ng/mg creatinine), OTA (median level: 2.38 ng/mg creatinine) and ZEN (median level: 0.02 ng/mg of creatinine) were quantified in 18, 8 and 10% of the samples, respectively. Mean probable daily intake (PDI) values based on urinary biomarkers were 1.58, 1.09, 5.07, and 0.05 µg/kg body weight/day for AFM1, DON, OTA, and ZEN, respectively. Although a low mycotoxin occurrence was detected in breast milk, the PDI for the genotoxic AFs was much higher than those reported previously in Brazil, while PDI values obtained for OTA and DON were higher than recommended tolerable daily intakes. These outcomes warrant concern on the exposure of lactating women to these mycotoxins in the studied area.

Maternal and cord serum levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) among Lebanese pregnant women and predictors of exposure.

In this study, the six indicator non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls NDL-PCBs (PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB138, PCB153, PCB180), as well as four organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), ß-hexachlorocyclohexane (ß-HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dichlorodiphenyldichlorethylene (DDE) were measured in 98 maternal and 49 cord sera samples of a group of Lebanese women who gave birth in three hospitals in Greater Beirut, between March and July 2018. Results showed that the levels of these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in maternal serum were below critical limits as well as those in other countries (Tunisia, France, Portugal, Spain, Poland, Greenland, Canada, Brazil, and China). The ratios of cord serum concentrations to maternal serum concentrations of analyzed POPs were higher than 1. PCB maternal serum concentrations were found to be linked to illegal incineration (OR = 5.78; p = 0.004) as well as eggs (OR = 4.68; p = 0.027) and fruits and vegetables consumption (OR = 3.92; p = 0.016). OCP concentrations were linked to red meat and cold cuts intake (OR = 3.67-4.59; p = 0.001-0.004). While PCB levels were not correlated to newborns anthropometric measurements, OCP levels in cord serum were found to be positively linked to the birth length of newborns (p = 0.014-0.027).

Radioprotective efficacy of plastic polymer against the toxicogenomic effects of radiopharmaceutical 18F-FDG on human lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers occupationally exposed to 18F-FDG cannot wear protective equipment, such as lead aprons, since the interaction between high energy radiation (511 keV) and metal increases the dose of radiation absorption. The objective of this study was to evaluate the shielding efficacy of a plastic polymer against the toxicogenomic effects of ionizing radiation in human lymphocytes, using cytokinesis-block micronucleus assays. METHODS: Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from three subjects and cultured under standard conditions. The cultures were exposed to 300 mCi of 18F-FDG at a distance of 10 cm for 10 min, in the absence of shielding or with lead, polymer, and lead + polymer shields. RESULTS: Lead shielding was found to increase the number of counts detected by Geiger-Müller radiation monitors as a consequence of the photoelectron effect. Conversely, the lead + polymer shield reduced the number of counts. The lead, polymer, and lead + polymer shields significantly reduced the frequency of micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges, and nuclear buds induced by ionizing radiation. Regarding cytotoxicity, only the lead + polymer shield re-established the cell cycle at the level observed for the negative control. CONCLUSIONS: Lead aprons that are internally coated with polymer increased the radiological protection of individuals occupationally exposed to 18F-FDG PET/CT, especially during examinations.

Exposure to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in pregnant Brazilian women and its association with fetal growth.

Research pertaining to exposure of humans to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) has received considerable public and regulatory attention in recent years. Although several studies have reported exposure to PFASs by populations in North America and western Europe, such information is still scarce in Latin America, including Brazil. In this study, concentrations of thirteen PFASs were determined in whole blood collected during the second trimester from 252 pregnant Brazilian women. This is a nested case-control study within the Brazilian Ribeirao Preto and Sao Luiz Birth Cohort Study (BRISA) with selected birth outcomes cases (n = 63) and matched controls (n = 189). PFASs concentrations were associated with conditions including preeclampsia, birth weight (BW), preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Among PFASs measured, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found at the highest concentration (range: 1.06-106 ng mL-1 with a median value of 3.41 ng mL-1) which was followed by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, range: 0.11-2.77 ng mL-1 with a median value of 0.20 ng mL-1). A significant positive association of PFOS and PFOA concentrations with fetal growth restriction (p < 0.05) was found. This is the first study to assess whole blood concentrations of PFASs and their effect on fetal growth in pregnant Brazilian women.

Investigation of pesticide exposure by genotoxicological, biochemical, genetic polymorphic and in silico analysis.

Soybean farmers are exposed to various types of pesticides that contain in their formulations a combination of chemicals with genotoxic and mutagenic potential. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the genetic damages caused by this pesticide exposure to soybean producers in the state of Mato Grosso (Brazil), regarding biochemical, genetic polymorphic and in silico analyses. A total of 148 individuals were evaluated, 76 of which were occupationally exposed and 72 were not exposed at all. The buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) detected in the exposed group an increase on DNA damage and cell death. No inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BchE) was observed within the exposed group. The detection of inorganic elements was made through the particle-induced X-ray emission technique (PIXE), which revealed higher concentrations of Bromine (Br), Rubidium (Rb) and Lead (Pb) in rural workers. A molecular model using in silico analysis suggests how metal ions can cause both DNA damage and apoptosis in the exposed cells. Analysis of the compared effect of X-ray Repair Cross-complement Protein 1 (XRCC1) and Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) genotypes in the groups demonstrated an increase of binucleated cells (exposed group) and nuclear bud (non-exposed group) in individuals with the XRCC1 Trip/- and PON1 Arg/- genes. There was no significant difference in the telomere (TL) mean value in the exposed group in contrast to the non-exposed group. Our results showed that soybean producers showed genotoxic effect and cell death, which may have been induced by exposure to complex mixtures of agrochemicals and fertilizers. In addition, XRCC1 Arg/Arg could, in some respects, provide protection to individuals.

Knowledge and awareness of health effects related to the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining in Suriname.

BACKGROUND: The use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining has negative effects on human health and the environment. In Suriname, the current gold rush resulted in estimated mercury emissions up to 63t per year. To reduce the use of mercury and the subsequent health impact to gold miners and local inhabitants, knowledge and awareness in the community should be increased. METHODS: This study evaluated the effects of a health education programme (HEP) on the levels of knowledge and awareness among local inhabitants and small-scale gold miners in active gold mining areas in the interior of Suriname, South-America. Baseline knowledge levels were assessed with a survey prior to the implementation of the HEP. Thereafter, the exact same questions were asked to evaluate the effects. A total of 959 local inhabitants and 140 gold miners completed the survey including five topics: general knowledge on mercury, potential routes of exposure, health risks for children versus adults, mercury related health effects, and reproductive risks. Additionally, participants were asked in a separate survey (n = 107) about potential exposure reduction techniques and their willingness to be involved in a future human biomonitoring programme. RESULTS: The HEP influenced knowledge on exposure routes of mercury (increase from 64% to 78% of respondents who could name the relevant exposure routes) and on health effects attributed to mercury (increase from 48% to 70% of respondents who were able to list the correct health effects). After the HEP, 70% of the respondents affirmed the higher sensitivity of children, while knowledge on reproductive health effects increased from 39% to 63%. Self-estimated levels of knowledge also increased, indicating lower anxiety regarding potential risks of mercury. Gold miners reported to be willing to improve their work procedures (e.g. burning amalgam with a retort), although suitable tools were not always available. Consistent results were found for individuals included in both surveys, before and after the health education programme. Almost all respondents in the separate survey reported to be willing to give consent for participation in a future human biomonitoring programme, for themselves and their children. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a health education programme within an existing local healthcare structure proved effective and levels of knowledge and awareness improved. Most improved was the knowledge on health effects attributable to mercury, more specifically reproductive health effects.