Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Aubrey L. Galusha, Aubreian C. Farnsworth, Michael S. Bloom, Pamela C. Kruger, Alexandra McGough, Nikolaus Lenhart, Rebecca Wong, Victor Y. Fujimoto, Evelyn Mok-Lin, Patrick J. Parsons
Summary: The study highlights the analytical challenge of ensuring harmonization of (ultra-)trace element measurements in non-traditional matrices. Various validation methods were used to achieve consistency with standard reference values, and a potential source of contamination was identified. However, lack of consensus still exists for the content of certain elements in seminal plasma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jaime Tapia, Marco Molina-Montenegro, Camila Sandoval, Natalia Rivas, Jessica Espinoza, Silvia Basualto, Pablo Fierro, Luis Vargas-Chacoff
Summary: The study analyzed metal elements in the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis, finding higher concentrations in areas with more human activity and lower concentrations in areas with minimal human intervention. The order of metal concentrations in plant tissues was similar across all sampling locations, while in soil it differed slightly, indicating that the area in Antarctica was non-polluted. However, the presence of metallic trace elements (MTE) at early stages of contamination poses a new threat to this continent, as seen in other areas of Antarctica.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sebastian Schaffer, Gerald Rimbach, David Pieper, Niklas Hommen, Alexandra Fischer, Marc Birringer, Ulrike Seidel
Summary: This study investigated the contribution of minerals and trace elements in beverages to the daily intake of German consumers. The results showed that phosphorous, calcium, and magnesium were the main minerals found in beverages, while manganese was the most significant trace element. The study provides a foundation for the establishment of a mineral and trace element database for beverages in the future.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Parolini, Michela Sturini, Federica Maraschi, Antonella Profumo, Alessandra Costanzo, Manuela Caprioli, Diego Rubolini, Roberto Ambrosini, Luca Canova
Summary: Trace elements are widespread contaminants that pose potential threats to ecosystems and human health. Migratory birds, such as the barn swallow, have been suggested as useful biomonitors for trace elements due to their ability to provide information on contaminants in remote areas. This study found distinct differences in the elemental profiles of feathers grown in African non-breeding areas and Italian breeding areas, with age also influencing the levels of trace elements in the birds.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberto Ruiz, Carmen Estevan, Jorge Estevez, Carolina Alcaide, Miguel A. Sogorb, Eugenio Vilanova
Summary: Provisional reference values for assessing environmental exposure and/or control of essential elements have been proposed based on a study of children's hair samples in the Mediterranean region. The study found only slight differences in most elements with sex or age, indicating that separate reference ranges may not be necessary.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rossana Sussarellu, Tiphaine Chouvelon, Yann Aminot, Jerome Couteau, Geraldine Loppion, Lionel Degremont, Jean-Baptiste Lamy, Farida Akcha, Julien Rouxel, Clothilde Berthelin, Tifanie Briaudeau, Urtzi Izagirre, Aourell Mauffret, Anne Grouhel, Thierry Burgeot
Summary: This study investigated the bioaccumulation abilities and biomarker responses in Mytilus edulis, Mytilus galloprovincialis, and their hybrids through in situ transplantation experimentation on their progenies. Variations in contaminant bioaccumulation and different biomarker responses were observed between Mytilus species in the field, highlighting the importance of including data on species or the presence of hybrid individuals in biomonitoring programs databases. Differences in contamination levels were contaminant-specific, with higher levels of certain contaminants observed in different species or hybrids.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Perrine Hoet, Chantal Jacquerye, Gladys Deumer, Dominique Lison, Vincent Haufroid
Summary: This study aimed to determine the reference distribution for trace elements in the blood and/or plasma of the adult population in Belgium, with results showing similar exposure levels to trace elements compared to other national surveys. These findings will be valuable for future occupational and environmental surveys.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miroslaw Szwed, Witold Zukowski, Rafal Kozlowski
Summary: This study presents results of microscopic observations of pine needles collected in the Biale Zaglebie region, revealing the presence of cement-lime dust particles on the surface. Chemical analysis identified lead, iron, aluminum, calcium, and silicon in the particles, impacting gas exchange and vitality of Scots pine in the area.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia Ramos, Edgar Pinto, Agostinho Santos, Agostinho Almeida
Summary: This study reviewed the levels of trace elements in different regions of the human brain, finding significant variability between studies and discussing potential sources of this variability. The need for increased harmonization of experimental strategies was highlighted to improve the comparability of data obtained.
JOURNAL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Veronica Rodriguez-Saldana, Niladri Basu
Summary: A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted to evaluate the methods used for monitoring lead exposure through dried blood spots. Findings include the types of filter cards used, sample sizes, and the transition in detection methods over time. Further research is needed to investigate detection limits, differences between blood types, the impact of hematocrit levels, and potential sample contamination.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lars Barregard, Dag G. Ellingsen, Balazs Berlinger, Stephan Weinbruch, Florencia Harari, Gerd Sallsten
Summary: This study assessed the variability within and between individuals in 24-hour urine excretion of various elements, finding that men had higher excretion for most elements compared to women. The correlations between different elements varied, with high correlation between P and S.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Radwa Mohamed Said, Safaa Ezzat Nassar, Aya Ali Mohamed
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of microplastics and trace elements accumulation in shellfish collected from five locations along the southeastern Mediterranean coasts of Alexandria, Egypt. The findings revealed that the frequency of microplastic ingestion in the soft tissues of the shellfish was 48%, surpassing the maximum permissible limits. This study provides important baseline data for future environmental assessments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carlos Real, Maria Dolores Vazquez, Ruben Villares
Summary: Aquatic macrophytes serve as good biomonitors for trace elements, but they also capture suspended particulate matter, which may introduce bias in concentration measurements. Standardizing washing procedures for removing particulate matter from the moss samples is essential, and shorter washing times may be sufficient for cleaning the moss effectively.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aleksandar Stojsavljevic, Marija Rovcanin, Branislav Rovcanin, Zeljko Mikovic, Ana Jeremic, Milan Perovic, Dragan Manojlovic
Summary: Exposure to certain metals has been recognized as a risk factor for numerous complications in vulnerable population groups, particularly pregnant women. This investigation evaluated levels of essential and toxic trace elements, rare earth elements, and noble metals in placental tissues of healthy pregnant women, providing the first reference ranges for 50 ultra-trace elements in placental tissues. The study found Cd and Os levels in placental tissues tend to increase with women's age, while higher levels of Ni were observed compared to literature data.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Neele van Laaten, Wolf von Tumpling, Dirk Merten, Rasmus Bro, Thorsten Schaefer, Michael Pirrung
Summary: Elevated levels of particulate matter in urban atmospheres pose a major environmental challenge. Biomonitoring methods, such as analyzing spider webs, can help to identify sources of PM, including brake wear, abrasion of tram/train tracks, and geogenic particles. Statistical analyses reveal the significant contributions of different sources and emphasize the non-exhaust particles associated with road traffic.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bert Morrens, Hans Jonker, Elly Den Hond, Dries Coertjens, Ann Colles, Greet Schoeters, Nicolas Van Larebeke, Tim Nawrot, Adrian Covaci, Vera Nelen, Frederic Vandermoere, Ilse Loots
Summary: The debate surrounding the communication of individual human biomonitoring results is primarily focused on ethical considerations from the researchers' perspective, while practical questions on how and what to communicate from the participants' viewpoint have been overlooked. Mothers participating in the Flemish Environment and Health Study generally expressed satisfaction with the study, but highlighted a lack of contextualized information and interactive communication options during the report-back process to comprehend and cope with personal results better. This suggests the need for a more tailored approach in diversifying report-back methods, formats, and content according to the type of results and participants' preferences.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Eva Ougier, Catherine Ganzleben, Pierre Lecoq, Jos Bessems, Madlen David, Greet Schoeters, Rosa Lange, Matthieu Meslin, Maria Uhl, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Christophe Rousselle, Joana Lobo Vicente
Summary: The HBM4EU project established a prioritisation strategy to determine a final list of substances for research activities, based on knowledge gaps identified by policy makers and stakeholders, as well as scoring by experts and alignment with European policy priorities. The final list of 9 priority substances/groups reflected hazardous properties, exposure characteristics, societal concern, regulatory status, available analytical methods, and project resources.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Yue Gao, Chunyang Zhou, Josep Galceran, Carlos Rey-Castro, Jaume Puy, Willy Baeyens, Martine Leermakers
Summary: This article reviews the application of Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGT) in environmental studies, focusing on oxyanions and platinum group elements (PGEs). It summarizes the recent analytical advances in the development and use of DGT for these target element groups, while also highlighting the remaining knowledge gaps.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
G. Schoeters, V. J. Verheyen, A. Colles, S. Remy, L. Rodriguez Martin, E. Govarts, V. Nelen, E. Den Hond, A. De Decker, C. Franken, I. Loots, D. Coertjens, B. Morrens, M. Bastiaensen, C. Gys, G. Malarvannan, A. Covaci, T. Nawrot, S. De Henauw, M. Bellemans, M. Leermakers, N. Van Larebeke, W. Baeyens, G. Jacobs, S. Voorspoels, F. Nielsen, L. Bruckers
Summary: The Flemish Environment and Health Study (FLEHS) collects information on internal exposure to a broad range of environmental chemicals in the general population in Flanders, Belgium. The study found that there may be concerning levels of exposure to certain chemicals in the Flemish population, and factors such as educational attainment and urbanicity significantly influence exposure levels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liese Gilles, Eva Govarts, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Anna-Maria Andersson, Brice M. R. Appenzeller, Fabio Barbone, Argelia Castano, Dries Coertjens, Elly Den Hond, Vazha Dzhedzheia, Ivan ErZen, Marta Esteban Lopez, Lucia Fabelova, Clemence Fillol, Carmen Franken, Hanne Frederiksen, Catherine Gabriel, Line Smastuen Haug, Milena Horvat, Thorhallur Ingi Halldorsson, Beata Janasik, NataSa Janev Holcer, Reka Kakucs, Spyros Karakitsios, Andromachi Katsonouri, Jana Klanova, Tina Kold-Jensen, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Corina Konstantinou, Jani Koponen, Sanna Lignell, Anna Karin Lindroos, Konstantinos C. Makris, Darja Mazej, Bert Morrens, Lubica PalkoviCova Murinova, Sonia Namorado, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Jasmin Peisker, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Loic Rambaud, Valentina Rosolen, Enrico Rucic, Maria Ruether, Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Arnout Standaert, Lorraine Stewart, Tamas Szigeti, Cathrine Thomsen, Hanna Tolonen, Asa Eiriksdottir, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Veerle J. Verheyen, Jelle Vlaanderen, Nina Vogel, Wojciech Wasowicz, Till Weber, Jan-Paul Zock, Ovnair Sepai, Greet Schoeters
Summary: This study describes the organization of the first HBM4EU-aligned studies in Europe, aiming to monitor the internal exposure of European citizens to environmental chemicals by collecting comparable human biomonitoring data.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Veronika Plichta, Johann Steinwider, Nina Vogel, Till Weber, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Lubica Palkovicova Murinova, Sona Wimmerova, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Milena Horvat, Gudrun Koppen, Eva Govarts, Liese Gilles, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Greet Schoeters, Adrian Covaci, Clemence Fillol, Loic Rambaud, Tina Kold Jensen, Elke Rauscher-Gabernig
Summary: Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), which are widely used, have been found in humans and the environment. This study used human biomonitoring (HBM) data to estimate the contribution of dietary intake to the total exposure of OPFRs. The estimated dietary intake ranged from 0.02 to 0.2 mu g/kg bw/d for TCEP, 0.05 to 0.17 mu g/kg bw/d for TCIPP, and 0.03 to 0.18 mu g/kg bw/d for TDCIPP. The estimated dietary intake of TDCIPP contributes 11-173% to the estimated daily intake (EDI), while the estimated dietary intake of TCIPP exceeds 100% in most calculations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jurgen Buekers, Sylvie Remy, Jos Bessems, Eva Govarts, Loic Rambaud, Margaux Riou, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Anja Stajnko, Andromachi Katsonouri, Konstantinos C. Makris, Annelies De Decker, Bert Morrens, Nina Vogel, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Argelia Castano, Helle Raun Andersen, Greet Schoeters
Summary: There is limited data on children's exposure to glyphosate in Europe. The collected data from five European countries showed that the current population studied had low concentrations of glyphosate in their urine and no immediate health risks. However, there is ongoing discussion about the carcinogenic effects of glyphosate and uncertainty regarding the effects of other substances related to glyphosate.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael Poteser, Federica Laguzzi, Thomas Schettgen, Nina Vogel, Till Weber, Aline Murawski, Phillipp Schmidt, Maria Ruther, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Sonia Namorado, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Brice Appenzeller, Edda Dufthaksdottir, Kristin Olafsdottir, Line Smastuen Haug, Cathrine Thomsen, Fabio Barbone, Valentina Rosolen, Loic Rambaud, Margaux Riou, Thomas Goen, Stefanie Nuebler, Moritz Schaefer, Karin H. A. Zarrabi, Liese Gilles, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Greet Schoeters, Ovnair Sepai, Eva Govarts, Hanns Moshammer
Summary: This report summarizes the results of the HBM4EU project and associated studies regarding acrylamide exposure levels. The findings show an increasing trend in acrylamide exposure in children, while the trend is less significant in adults and smokers. The average acrylamide exposure still exceeds suggested benchmark levels, raising specific concerns for children. Further research is needed to confirm the declining trend observed in recent years.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose Tarazona, Maria del Carmen Gonzalez-Caballero, Mercedes de Alba-Gonzalez, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Ana Canas, Noelia Dominguez-Morueco, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Irene Cattaneo, Andromachi Katsonouri, Konstantinos C. Makris, Thorhallur Halldorsson, Kristin Olafsdottir, Jan-Paul Zock, Jonatan Dias, Annelies De Decker, Bert Morrens, Tamar Berman, Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki, Christian Lindh, Liese Gilles, Eva Govarts, Greet Schoeters, Till Weber, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Tiina Santonen, Argelia Castano
Summary: The risk assessment of pesticide residues in food is a key priority in food safety. Most jurisdictions have implemented pre-marketing authorization processes and large monitoring programs, resulting in reduced exposure levels of European consumers to the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michael Poteser, Federica Laguzzi, Thomas Schettgen, Nina Vogel, Till Weber, Philipp Zimmermann, Domenica Hahn, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Sonia Namorado, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Brice Appenzeller, Thorhallur I. Halldorsson, Asa Eiriksdottir, Line Smastuen Haug, Cathrine Thomsen, Fabio Barbone, Valentina Rosolen, Loic Rambaud, Margaux Riou, Thomas Goeen, Stefanie Nuebler, Moritz Schaefer, Karin Haji Abbas Zarrabi, Liese Gilles, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Greet Schoeters, Ovnair Sepai, Eva Govarts, Hanns Moshammer
Summary: Acrylamide, a potential carcinogen, has been found in common dietary products and tobacco smoke. The European Commission has taken measures to reduce its content in food. The HBM4EU project shows an overall increase in acrylamide exposure between 2001 and 2017, but a decline in exposure values after 2018. Regional differences do not affect the overall time trend of exposure.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jurgen Buekers, Sylvie Remy, Jos Bessems, Eva Govarts, Loic Rambaud, Margaux Riou, Thorhallur Halldorsson, Kristin Olafsdottir, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Priska Ammann, Till Weber, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Marta Esteban-Lopez, Argelia Castano, Helle Raun Andersen, Greet Schoeters
Summary: The study found that the levels of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in urine samples of the general adult population in Northern and Western Europe were generally below reported quantification limits, and lower than those in children. There are currently no human health risks in the studied populations, but controversies over carcinogenicity, endocrine effects, and the lack of group ADI bring uncertainty to risk assessment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anran Cai, Lutzen Portengen, Eva Govarts, Laura Rodriguez Martin, Greet Schoeters, Juliette Legler, Roel Vermeulen, Virissa Lenters, Sylvie Remy
Summary: This study used data from two Belgian cohorts and found that prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may affect infant growth, particularly in terms of changes in body mass index (BMI) during the first two years after birth. However, there were no clear effects on longer-term growth trajectories during childhood. No evidence of effect modification by child sex was found.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jordi Sans-Duno, Joan Cecilia, Josep Galceran, Jaume Puy, Willy Baeyens, Yue Gao
Summary: Determining species, concentrations, and physicochemical parameters in natural waters is important for understanding ecosystem functioning. The use of DGT devices with different thicknesses of the resin or diffusive disc provides independent information on relevant parameters. This study presents a method for determining dissociation rate constants of metal complexes and estimating metal bioavailability in environmental waters.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nicolas van Larebeke, Gudrun Koppen, Sam De Craemer, Ann Colles, Liesbeth Bruckers, Elly Den Hond, Eva Govarts, Bert Morrens, Thomas Schettgen, Sylvie Remy, Dries Coertjens, Tim Nawrot, Vera Nelen, Willy Baeyens, Greet Schoeters
Summary: In this study, the successive FLEHS campaigns were conducted to assess internal exposure to pollutants and associated early biological and health effects in participants of different age groups. The results showed inverse associations between self-reported immune system-related diseases and PFAS serum concentrations, which were more pronounced in mothers and adults. This suggests that internal exposure to PFAS may be inversely associated with certain immune system-related diseases.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Stijn Everaert, Greet Schoeters, Karel Claes, Jean-Marie Raquez, Bart Buffel, Tamara Vanhaecke, Jonas Moens, Juha Laitinen, Nicolas Van Larebeke, Lode Godderis
Summary: Firefighters are exposed to various chemicals that may lead to health issues. Wearing nitrile butadiene rubber undergloves is a preventive measure against toxic accumulation, although its safety is questioned.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dewan Muhammad Shoaib, Tanvir Ahmed, Kazy Farhat Tabassum, Mehedi Hasan, Fazle Sharior, Mahbubur Rahman, Makfie Farah, Md Azizur Rahman, Alauddin Ahmed, James B. Tidwell, Mahbub-Ul Alam
Summary: An intervention was implemented in Bangladesh during COVID-19 to reduce occupational health risks for waste and sanitation workers. The intervention involved training and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE). The study found that the intervention improved workers' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding PPE usage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Andreas Kortenkamp, Olwenn Martin, Eleni Iacovidou, Martin Scholze
Summary: The European Food Safety Authority's downward revision of the Health-based Guidance Value for bisphenol A (BPA) has led to disagreements with other regulatory agencies, particularly the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. The differing views between EFSA and BfR are driven by their respective selection of endpoints and study evaluation systems, as well as their acceptance or refusal of immunotoxic effects as a basis for establishing a Health-based Guidance Value.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shizhen He, Bjorn Lundberg, Jenny Hallberg, Susanna Klevebro, Goran Pershagen, Kristina Eneroth, Erik Melen, Matteo Bottai, Olena Gruzieva
Summary: Early life air pollution exposure and abnormal inflammation-related protein profiles may interact synergistically towards lower lung function in infants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Paulien Cleys, Emilie Hardy, Yu Ait Bamai, Giulia Poma, Adam Cseresznye, Govindan Malarvannan, Paul T. J. Scheepers, Susana Viegas, Simo P. Porras, Tiina Santonen, Lode Godderis, Jelle Verdonck, Katrien Poels, Carla Martins, Maria Joao Silva, Henriqueta Louro, Inese Martinsone, Lasma Akulova, An van Nieuwenhuyse, Martien Graumans, Selma Mahiout, Radu Corneliu Duca, Adrian Covaci
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the exposure of e-waste workers to phthalates and alternative plasticizers. The results showed that e-waste workers had higher urinary concentrations of phthalates and metabolites compared to non-occupationally exposed controls. However, no significant differences were found between pre-and post-shift concentrations in the e-waste workers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Karolina Bralewska
Summary: This review study examines the concentrations of various air pollutants in fire stations, identifies the limitations and strengths of existing research, identifies research gaps and challenges, and suggests potential solutions for reducing firefighter exposure to air pollution at fire stations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2024)
