Occurrence and hygienic/allergological relevance of mould from point of view of the environmental medicine.

Allergic skin and respiratory diseases range among the most frequent afflictions in industrialized countries. Due to this fact the importance of indoor mold pollution based on dampness is discussed. In a sentinel health study of the State Health Agency (LGA) children attending of 4th grade of a primary school were tested by an in-vitro allergy screening (UniCap 100/Phadia) for the mold allergens mx1 (Penicillium chrysogenum m1, Cladosporium herbarum m2, Aspergillus fumigatus m3 and Alternaria alternata m6). Primarily about 5% of the children were sensitized against molds which are associated with the ambient air. The investigations showed that most of the children were sensitized against Alternaria alternata and concerning the IgE-concentration (kU/l) Alternaria alternata had the highest concentration among the tested allergens. Commonly children with sensitization against molds were polysensitized. It is unclear if the allergy screening against mold mx1 includes molds with indication for indoor mold pollution such as Acremonium spp., Aspergillus penicillioides, Aspergillus restrictus, Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium spp., Phialophora spp., Stachybotrys chartarum, Tritirachium (Engyodontium) album und Trichoderma spp. by means of crossreaction. Therefore, such investigations do not admit any conclusion about health problems as a result of indoor mold pollution. At the present state of knowledge exposure measurements of indoor mold pollutions are not possible, at most a semiquantitative assessment. Although it is generally accepted that dwellings with moisture and mold represent a health risk, knowledge about indoor mold pollution and the related health problems is lacking.

Determination of carbonyl compounds in pool water with O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyamine hydrochloride and gas chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric analysis.

To avoid microbiological decay pool water is disinfected, a procedure which results into a lot of disinfection by-products, like carbonyl compounds, as well as a large number of others. The carbonyl compounds dissolved in pool water were derivatisized with O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyamine hydrochloride (PFBHA) and extracted using n-hexane. Measuring with the help of GC-electron-capture detection is hardly possible because of interferents like halogenated organics. Another method to detect the PFBHA derivates is the use of tandem mass spectrometry. Calibration ranges and precision are applicable and sufficient to determine carbonyl compounds in pool water.

Human biomonitoring of polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofuranes in teachers working in a PCB-contaminated school.

Eighteen teachers from a highly contaminated school and 11 teachers from a control school participated in this study. Total polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) indoor air concentration (six indicator congeners x 5) was beyond 12000 ng/m3 in some rooms of the contaminated school. PCB 28 and PCB 52 were the prevailing congeners. Whole blood was taken from each participant by the local health authority, pooled in two groups and analysed for the six PCB indicator congeners, non-ortho PCBs and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDD)/polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF). Blood analysis showed elevated mean PCB 28 and PCB 52 levels for the exposed group, however the two groups were almost identical with regard to PCB 101, 138, 153 and 180. Moreover no difference can be observed for the concentration of non-ortho PCBs and PCDD/PCDF. The data support the finding, that heavy indoor air contamination with low chlorinated PCBs causes an increase of PCB 28 and PCB 52 blood levels. However, this increment was small compared to their total PCB load.

PCB-blood levels in teachers, working in PCB-contaminated schools.

In order to get more information about potential health hazards due to indoor air PCBs the present study investigated the PCB indoor concentration in schools as well as the blood levels of 6 PCB-indicator congeners in teachers from these schools. 151 teachers (78 male and 73 female; mean age 48 years) from 3 contaminated and 2 control schools participated in the study. Maximal indoor air values for total PCBs (6 PCB-indicator congeners times 5) in schools ranged from 1587 to 10655 ng/m3. Blood analyses indicated an increase in mean PCB 28 level from 0.036 (control group) to 0.098 microg/l in teachers from a school with heavy contamination of low chlorinated PCB. But there was no significant increase of PCB 138, 153 and 180 in blood above the normal background concentrations in any of the contaminated schools (mean values of all groups: PCB 138 = 0.66, 153 = 0.95, 180 = 0.70 microg/l blood). The results of blood analyses and additional toxicokinetic calculations suggested that inhalative PCB-uptake in the most contaminated schools caused a minor increase above mean background-PCB concentrations in blood. In conclusion, despite high PCB indoor air levels in schools, there was only a moderate increase in blood concentrations of teachers, mainly due to congeners with low chlorination (PCB 28 to PCB 101).

First data on background levels of non-ortho and mono-ortho PCBs in blood of residents from southern Germany.

Blood-fat concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) congeners: no. 105, 118, 156 (mono-ortho-substituted) and no. 77, 126, 169 (non-ortho-substituted) and PCB congeners no. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180 were measured. The investigations were carried out in pooled samples from children and in individual samples from adults. Additionally polychloro-p-dibenzodioxins and -furans (PCDD/PCDF) were investigated.

[Gas chromatographic determination of sym-triazine herbicides in drugs from vegetable sources (author's transl)]. / Gaschromatografische Bestimmung der Rückstände von s-Triazinherbiziden in pflanzlichen Drogen.

Several separation phases were tested for effectiveness in the gas chromatographic determination of residues of sym-triazine herbicides in officinal drugs. Carbowax 20 M, OV 225 and OV 330 are well suited for separating this group of active agents. A NP-FID was used as a gas chromatographic detector. Sample preparation was optimized. Chloroform (as an extracting agent) and the shaking method were best suited for extracting. The samples were purified by column chromatography, DMSO/petroleum ether partition and purification by extraction from a hydrochloric solution being performed subsequently if necessary. The recovery rates and the reproducibility observed for various drugs and different extraction methods were compared. The limit of detection of the method laid at 0.02 mg/kg.

[Orienting studies of the formaldehyde residue in urologic instruments following sterilization with formaldehyde gas]. / Orientierende Untersuchungen zum Formaldehydrückstand an urologischen Instrumenten nach Formaldehydgassterilisation.

At an orientating investigation the formaldehyde residue at catheters and tubing was defined after formaldehyde gas sterilisation and a varying dependence of the residue of the concentration of the agent solution, the sterilisation time and the tube resp. catheter material was found. The formaldehyde residues lay in the region of micrograms/cm2. They are higher as in the judgement of the equipment producer. The necessity of the investigation of toxicological importance of the residue is mentioned.

[Testing of residues of vegetable drugs, organochlorine herbicides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)]. / Prüfung von Drogen auf Rückstände von chlororganischen Pflanzenschutzmitteln (PSM) und polychlorierten Biphenylen (PCB).

According to the establishment of methods for the determination of PSM residues in vegetable drugs the authors tried to detect organo-chlorinated compounds, which are used in agriculture and industry thus becoming of interest for the quality control of vegetable drugs. In most of the cases the determination was carried out by liquid/liquid partition between acetonitrile/n-hexane in combination with the CC using florisil for sample purification and capillary GC with a methyl silicone rubber column. Some of the results required a confirmation using a Megabore D-608 column (J&W Scientific).

[Pharmacokinetics (rats and rabbits) of N-methyl-4- piperidinylbenzilate (Po)3]. / Untersuchungen zur Pharmakokinetik (Ratte und Kaninchen) des N-Methyl-4-piperidinylbenzilats (Po).

Plasma concentrations of the anticholinergic diphenylmethane derivative N-methyl-4-piperidinylbenzilate (Po;1) in rats after i.v. and p.o. administration of the drug and in 6 rabbits after i.v. administration of the drug were estimated by a gc capillary column technique in connection with detection by thermoionisation. Furthermore, after i.v. administration of the drug its concentrations in different tissues (heart, lung, liver, kidneys and brain) were estimated in rats. The results show a fast absorption of the drug after p.o. administration and also a fast decrease of 1 plasma concentrations in all plasma concentration curves obtained indicating a fast distribution of 1 in deeper tissue compartments. A high affinity especially to the lung and the heart can be derivated from the high 1 tissue concentrations in the rat. A common feature of all 1 plasma concentration curves obtained is the repeated appearance of concentration peaks which is particularly marked in the individual 1 plasma curves at the rabbits. We observed great interindividual differences in the pharmacokinetic behaviour. Furthermore, some plasma concentrations are below the detection limit of the analytical method used. These are the reasons why curve fitting to usual pharmacokinetic compartment models and the determination of parameters i.e. AUC and MRT is not suitable. However, the results agree with the assumption of a multi-compartment model at which the drug is periodical released in the general circulation. Interactions with biological membranes resulting out of the amphiphily of the drug are some possible reasons for the outstanding pharmacokinetic behaviour.

[Availability of propylphenazone from suppositories. 2. Bioavailability]. / Verfügbarkeit von Propyphenazon aus Suppositorien. 2. Mitteilung: Bioverfügbarkeit.

The examination of the bioavailability from 4 different preparations of propyphenazone suppositories on a fatty base, studied in 10 healthy volunteers, showed bioequivalence as was judged by means of the AUC-values. Aminophenazone suppositories of an equivalent dosage led to significant higher values of plasma concentrations if compared with propyphenazone. The in vivo findings correlate with in vitro results of availability.

[Respiratory symptoms and sensitization to airborne pollen of ragweed and mugwort of adults in Southwest Germany]. / Atemwegsbeschwerden und Sensibilisierungen gegen Pollen von Ambrosia artemisiifolia und Beifuß bei Erwachsenen in Süd-West-Deutschland.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Allergic diseases of the respiratory tract are common atopic diseases in the population. Pollen of plants are one of their main causes. Pollen of trees, grasses, and weeds like mugwort are of particular importance in this context. The purpose of the present study was to determine the association between typical respiratory symptoms due to pollen allergens and the sensitization to pollen of ragweed and mugwort in adults. METHODS: 1039 participants (18 to 66 years) from Southwest Germany were included in this cross-sectional study. Complains typically for aeroallergens were recorded by questionnaire. In-vitro existing sensitizations were determined for grasses/early bloomer (gx1), trees (tx6), mugwort (w6 and Art-v1) and ragweed (w1 and Amb-a1) by testing for specific IgE-antibodies. RESULTS: In a screening test with a mixed allergen sample (sx1) 36.0 % of the participants showed an aeroallergen sensitization. Consecutive investigations of these 374 positive samples revealed a sensitization to grasses/early bloomer, trees, ragweed (w1), mugwort (w6) and the major allergens ragweed (Amb-a1) and mugwort (Art-v1) in 61.8 %, 54.5 %, 29.9 %, 24.3 %, 1.9 %, and 12.3 %, respectively. This corresponds to 22.2 %, 19.6 %, 10.8 %, 8.7 %, 0.7 % and 4.4 %, respectively, in the whole study population. The participants tested positively stated significantly more disorders. On average, 51.1 % had known hay fever, 65.2 % sneezing without cold and 41.5 % sneezing due to contact with grasses or flowers. In contrast, participants tested negatively stated disorders in only 4.4 %, 32.5 %, and 3.9 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: In Southwest Germany, sensitizations to plant pollen mainly are still caused by grasses, trees, and weeds like mugwort. A sensitization to pollen of ragweed alone is rare until now. However, in case of continuous allergic disorders of the respiratory tract in late summer, a sensitization to ragweed can be important for differential diagnostics.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in blood of children in Baden-Württemberg between 2002/03 and 2008/09.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are used in high amounts as flame retardants in plastic materials and textiles. Due to their persistence, their accumulation in the food chain and their toxic properties they have been integrated in the human biomonitoring program of the Baden-Württemberg State Health Office since 2002. In repeated cross-sectional studies in winter 2002/03 (n=162), 2004/05 (n=194), 2005/06 (n=411) and 2008/09 (n=770) blood samples of 9-11-year-old pupils were taken, pooled and analysed for PBDE after extraction and purification by silica gel using HRGC/HRMS. Samples were pooled according to region, gender, and breast feeding. PBDE in the pooled samples ranged from 1.9 to 12.5 ng/g blood fat (sum of all PBDE). Mean concentrations of PBDE, calculated for the four investigation periods, were 6.2 ng/g (2002/03), 5.4 ng/g (2004/05), 7.8 ng/g (2005/06) and 6.7 ng/g (2008/09). While the concentration of the decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) increased, the concentration of other congeners (BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, BDE-183) decreased slightly or remained at the same level. Consistent differences with respect to gender and breast-feeding were not recognizable. Concentrations of PBDE in children range on the same level as in adults and do not seem to be critical from the toxicological point of view. Because of the slight increase of BDE 209, the internal concentrations of BDE should be monitored in the future. The strong variations in PBDE concentration between the different pooled samples indicate that, apart from ingestion, other routes of exposure (dermal, inhalation) and additional sources (textiles, building materials) must be taken into consideration.

Decrease of internal exposure to chlororganic compounds and heavy metals in children in Baden-Württemberg between 1996/1997 and 2008/2009.

From 1996/1997 to 2008/2009, blood and urine were sampled from 9- to 11-year-old pupils in the state of Baden-Württemberg, South-West Germany. In blood samples the chlororganics DDE, HCB, PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180 were analysed by gas chromatography and ECD detection. PCDD/PCDF were measured in pooled blood samples using GC/MS. Lead concentrations in blood were quantified by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), mercury in urine by using cold vapour AAS. For all chlororganics and heavy metals a distinct decrease of the internal concentration could be shown within the 12-year investigation period. For DDE, the median decreased from 0.32 µg/l to 0.11 µg/l. The median of HCB fell from 0.19 µg/l to 0.07 µg/l. The median of the sum of the three PCB-congeners PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180 decreased from 0.47 µg/l to 0.18 µg/l. The burden of PCDD/PCDF in pooled blood samples resulted in approximately half the concentration after the 12-year period. The internal concentrations of the chlororganics were distinctly higher in breastfed children than in non-breastfed children. In 2008/2009, these differences were strongest for PCB and DDE (2-fold), moderate for PCDD/PCDF (1.6-fold), and slight for HCB (1.2-fold). The median of lead concentrations in blood dropped from 23.6 µg/l to 15.9 µg/l. The median of mercury concentrations in urine decreased from 0.25 µg/l to a value below the limit of quantification of 0.2 µg/l; the 95th percentile was reduced from 3.1 µg/l to less than 0.2 µg/l. The decline of amalgam fillings in children during the investigation period had a strong influence on internal concentrations of mercury. The internal concentration of the persistent xenobiotics investigated here decreased to a low level not likely to be of concern for human health.

[Sensitization to airborne ragweed pollen--a cause of allergic respiratory diseases in Germany?]. / Sensibilisierung gegen Ambrosiapollen--Eine Ursache für allergische Atemwegserkrankungen in Deutschland?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Allergic skin and respiratory diseases show a high prevalence in most industrial countries. In addition, during the last years ragweed colonization has increased in Europe. Ambrosia pollen ( AMBROSIA ARTEMISIIFOLIA L. - common ragweed) are highly allergenic. Due to the late flowering time (august/September) of ragweed this can result in increasing health threats for allergic populations. This is of particular importance for those who already are sensitive to some grass or tree pollen. These individuals can then suffer from allergies during nearly the whole year. The present study examined the prevalence of sensitization to ragweed in German children and possible health implications. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2007 sera of 1323 10-years old children in Baden Württemberg were tested in-vitro for specific IgE-antibodies against common aeroallergens including ragweed pollen. RESULTS: Specific IgE-antibodies to extracts of common ragweed pollen were present in 10 - 17 % of the tested sera depending on the year of investigation. CONCLUSION: The determined specific IgE-antibodies may be the result of a direct sensitization to ragweed pollen or correspond to cross-reactivity to other plants of the asteraceae subfamily or some nutritional allergens. The detection of sensitization to ragweed pollen does not prove actual allergic disease. However, a ragweed derived allergy should be considered in the differential diagnosis when allergic symptoms are present in direct connection to the flowering-time of ragweed. Ragweed plants should be removed and the spread of the plant 'restricted', as experiences in other countries with already wide spreading show.

[Molds in air-sampling and detection. Validation of sampling methods to verify molds in air]. / Schimmelpilze in Luft-Probenahme und Bestimmung. Validierung von Probenahmeverfahren zur Bestimmung von Schimmelpilzen in Luft.

The assessment of mold concentrations in air samples requires generally accepted evaluation criteria. It is not possible to derive guideline values based on risk assessment. Background concentrations are therefore used as the basis for the assessment of measured concentrations. The assessment criteria established by the Federal Environmental Agency in Berlin and by the State Health Agency of Baden-Wurttemberg are founded on the experience of some laboratories. The general application of these criteria is only meaningful if validated and generally applied methods of analysis are used. Until now, laboratories have been using many different methods for sampling and detection of culturable molds and total spore counts in air. In this study, different steps for sampling by impaction or filtration are validated. The results presented will contribute to standardization of sampling and detection of molds in air.

[Molds in house dust. Sampling and detection]. / Schimmelpilze im Hausstaub. Probenahme und Bestimmung.

Examination of dust samples is widely used to detect sources of mold growth in indoor environments. The advantage of this investigation is that house dust can be regarded as a passive sampler collecting mold spores over a long time period. No generally accepted method exists, however, for sampling and analysis of house dust for the detection of molds. Therefore, results obtained by different laboratories are not comparable. Measurements with standardized validated methods are a prerequisite to assess concentrations of molds in indoor environments. The method presented is based on sampling with a modified filter holder (in accordance with VDI 4300 page 8). Mini-sieves of different sizes are used for sample preparation. The fraction <63 microm is used for cultivation of molds after suspension. Problems of dust sampling and preparation are discussed. Criteria for the detection of sources of mold growth based on dust samples are presented elsewere.

[Background concentrations of molds in house dust. Determination of mold concentrations in dwellings without known mold infestations in three parts of Germany]. / Hintergrundkonzentrationen von Schimmelpilzen in Hausstaub. Erhebung von Schimmelpilzkonzentrationen in Wohnungen ohne bekannte Schimmelpilzschäden in 3 Regionen Deutschlands.

Mold concentrations of house dust samples from dwellings reportedly free from mold infestations were analysed to obtain background values. Samples from carpet floors were taken from 80 dwellings in three parts of Germany in winter and summer. Samples were analysed with the cultivation method (using suspension). This resulted in the detection of 35 mold species or genera. Concentrations of the genera Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium and yeast increased in summer. In contrast concentrations of Aspergillus and Penicillium in the summer samples were nearly equal to those in the winter samples. The majority of the various molds were only found in a number of samples too small for a reliable comparison of the winter and summer findings to be made. The results were compared with findings of other authors. The authors propose the concentrations of the 95th percentile of each species (when representing over 10,000 KBE/g of dust) as background values, while a threefold higher value is regarded as an indication of mold presence. An exception should be made for the concentrations of molds which increase sharply in the outdoor air in summer. Because of the difficulty in estimating the outdoor influence, no evaluation proposals can be given for these species for the summer season.

[Background concentrations of molds in air. Determination of mold concentrations in dwellings without known mold infestations in three parts of Germany]. / Hintergrundkonzentrationen von Schimmelpilzen in Luft. Erhebung von Schimmelpilzkonzentrationen in Wohnungen ohne bekannte Schimmelpilzschäden in 3 Regionen Deutschlands.

The mold concentration of indoor air and outdoor air in three parts of Germany was investigated in both winter and summer. In total, air samples from 80 dwellings, reportedly free from mold infestations, were analysed with both the cultivation method and the total spore count method. With the cultivation method, 40 mold species and genera were differentiated, while with the total spore count method, 11 spore types were distinguished. The concentration of the genera Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium and yeast increased in summertime. In contrast, the concentrations of Aspergillus and Penicillium measured in summer were nearly equal to those measured in winter. The majority of the various molds were only found in a small number of samples, too small for a reliable comparison of the winter and summer findings. The 95th percentile of the indoor mold concentrations is suggested as the upper limit of the background concentration. The results are discussed comparing the assessment proposals of various authors, and a new assessment proposal is described.

[Comparison of methods for quantification of MVOC in indoor environments]. / Vergleich der Messverfahren zur Bestimmung von MVOC in Innenräumen.

For several years now, MVOC have been regarded as indicators for microbial growth in indoor environments. Until now, a direct correlation between the occurrence of microfungi and MVOC could not be shown in scientific investigations. One reason may be that different analytical methods were applied, and moreover they were not validated sufficiently. The present investigation aimed to test the comparability of both methods (Tenax adsorption/thermal desorption; charcoal adsorption/elution). It turned out that with both methods comparable results can be achieved if the technical handling of the calibration is standardized to a wide extent. Thus, highest demands have to be made on quality assurance. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate technical regulations for the quantification of MVOC.