Article
Environmental Sciences
Robert B. Hood, Metrecia L. Terrell, Sarah Mardovich, Emily C. Somers, Melanie Pearson, Hillary Barton, Martha Scott Tomlinson, M. Elizabeth Marder, Dana Boyd Barr, Michele Marcus
Summary: This study investigated the association between serum PBB-153 levels and autoimmune disorders. The results showed that increasing serum PBB-153 levels were associated with rheumatoid arthritis and neurological- and thyroid-related autoimmune disorders. The study also identified non-linear differences in this association by lifestage of exposure and sex.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robert B. Hood, Metrecia L. Terrell, Alicia K. Smith, Sarah Curtis, Karen Conneely, Melanie Pearson, Hillary Barton, Dana Boyd Barr, Elizabeth M. Marder, Michele Marcus
Summary: This study investigated the widespread contamination of polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), a flame retardant, into the food system in Michigan in the 1970's. It found that PBB continues to be detected in Michiganders' blood some forty years later. The study estimated the elimination rate and half-life of PBB, providing clues on how to hasten its elimination from the human body.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Phoebe J. Lewis, Anna Lashko, Andre Chiaradia, Graeme Allinson, Jeff Shimeta, Louise Emmerson
Summary: Reports on levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Antarctic seabirds based on blood are scarce. This paper fills a significant data gap in the Antarctic region by presenting levels of legacy POPs and novel brominated flame retardants in the blood of Antarctic seabird species. The results show that legacy POPs are still present in Antarctic wildlife despite long-term bans, and trace levels of new POPs were also detected.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ziwei Pei, Xiaoyan Zhang, Yubai Li, Bing Lyu, Yunfeng Zhao, Yongning Wu, Lei Zhang, Jingguang Li
Summary: This report highlights the necessity of continuous national monitoring of dietary intake and strict legislation of PBDEs in China.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shijie Wang, Jingxi Jin, Chen Guo, Zhigang Li, Ying Wang, Yongjie Wei, Jun Jin
Summary: Research on the effects of PBBs on human health has primarily focused on BB-153 and BB-1. This study found significantly higher concentrations of BB-153 in serum samples from residents living near electronic waste dismantling sites. Additionally, previously unidentified PBB congeners were discovered in human serum samples, suggesting potential health risks associated with PBB exposure.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luze Yang, Peixuan Sun, Wenjin Zhao, Miao Liu
Summary: In this study, the developmental toxicity characteristics of pollutants, such as PBBs, were investigated using various methods. Key structural parameters affecting human development were identified, and supplementary food factors that can alleviate developmental toxicity were screened. The results provide important theoretical support for the regulation strategy of developmental toxicity caused by pollutants.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei-Hsiang Chang, Quang-Oai Lu, Hsiu-Ling Chen, Ning-Syuan Hsu, Ching-Chang Lee
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact factors and effectiveness of management policies on the presence of PBDEs in sediment samples in Taiwan over the past 10 years. The results showed that the concentrations of PBDEs in sediment samples notably decreased after the implementation of policies banning PBDEs in Taiwan, and the levels of PBDEs were higher in samples collected during the dry season. The levels of PBDEs in sediment samples were influenced by season, the amount of general waste present, and nearby PBDE-related factories and e-waste recycling facilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guofang Xu, Siyan Zhao, Chen Chen, Xuejie Zhao, Rajaganesan Ramaswamy, Jianzhong He
Summary: This study reports the reductive dehalogenation of penta-BDEs and PCBs by Dehalococcoides mccartyi strain MB. The strain was able to efficiently debrominate penta-BDEs and dechlorinate PCBs through reductive dehalogenation. The research also revealed the involvement of MbrA in the dehalogenation process and explored the mechanism through proteomic profiling and transcriptional analysis.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cornelius Rimayi, Lawrence M. Madikizela
Summary: This study evaluates an alternative analytical method for the analysis of persistent organic pollutants in soil near industrial areas in Durban, South Africa. The study found that the pollution levels in Durban are relatively low compared to other regions around the world. The developed analytical methods provide a starting point for the assessment and management of soil contamination.
INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tamara J. Sussman, Brennan H. Baker, Albert J. Wakhloo, Virginie Gillet, Nadia Abdelouahab, Kevin Whittingstall, Jean-Francois Lepage, Lindsay St-Cyr, Amelie Boiyin, Anthony Gagnon, Andrea A. Baccarelli, Larissa Takser, Jonathan Posner
Summary: The study found that prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is associated with increased symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and may be a modifiable risk factor for ADHD phenotypes. Through an observational study of Canadian mother-child pairs, it was discovered that POPs exposure is linked to changes in inhibitory control performance, neural activity, and ADHD-related symptoms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuanjie Lin, Chao Feng, Sunyang Le, Xinlei Qiu, Qian Xu, Shuping Jin, Yamin Fang, Yu'e Jin, Yimin Wen, Guoquan Wang, Dasheng Lu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the exposure of breast-fed infants in Shanghai to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The results showed that the distribution pattern of POPs in human milk differed from that in infant hair, but they had stable concentration ratios and similar distribution patterns between internal and external hair samples. Infant hair can be an ideal biomatrix for estimating exposure to POPs from exogenous sources like house dust.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Quang Tri Ho, Sylvia Frantzen, Bente M. Nilsen, Ole Jakob Nostbakken, Atabak M. Azad, Arne Duinker, Lise Madsen, Michael S. Bank
Summary: This study investigated the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in marine fish from the North-East Atlantic Ocean (NEAO). It was found that POPs congener composition profiles were mainly influenced by fish species rather than geographical location. The study also revealed that factors such as fat content, fish size, trophic position, and latitude had an impact on POPs concentrations in fish. Additionally, a non-linear relationship between POPs concentrations and fat content was observed, with concentrations reaching saturation when fat content exceeded 10%.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Elif Gungormus, Aysun Sofuoglu, Halil Celik, Kadir Gedik, Marie D. Mulder, Gerhard Lammel, Sait C. Sofuoglu, Eser Okten, Tugba Ugranli, Askin Birgul, Kevin C. Jones, Perihan B. Kurt-Karakus
Summary: Turkey's unique location allows it to receive air masses from Europe, Russia, Middle East, and Africa, making it a significant site for long-range atmospheric transport (LRT) of contaminants. Measurements in Istanbul and Izmir showed high levels of organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, and PBDEs, with DDT and HCH derivatives being dominant species. Temperature dependence indicates contributions from both LRT and local contaminated areas to elevated pollutant levels, with potential source regions identified in Africa, Middle East, Europe, and local metropolitan areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mehmet Ferhat Sari, Fatma Esen, Yucel Tasdemir
Summary: This study compared the concentrations of PCBs measured by PASs and biomonitoring methods, finding similar distribution results. High molecular weight PCBs moved from air to pollen media, while low molecular weight PCB congeners passed from pollen media to air in both sampling areas.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Munoz-Arnanz, Alice Bartalini, Luis Alves, Marco FL. Lemos, Sara C. Novais, Begona Jimenez
Summary: This study investigated the contamination levels of blue sharks from the North East Atlantic in 2019, specifically focusing on PCBs, PCDD/Fs, and PBDEs. The results showed an increase in PBDE loads, potentially reflecting the growing environmental presence of these pollutants. The different congener profiles observed in blue sharks from different geographical areas highlight the species' potential as a bioindicator of regional pollution. Significant differences in pollutant concentrations between muscle and liver were observed, likely due to varying toxicokinetics. The concentrations of PCBs and dioxin-like POPs in muscle were below the EU maximum allowed levels, while concentrations in the liver exceeded the European levels for tolerable intake. PBDE concentrations surpassed the EQS established by the European Water Framework Directive in both liver and muscle samples.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Che-Jung Chang, Dana Boyd Barr, P. Barry Ryan, Parinya Panuwet, Melissa M. Smarr, Ken Liu, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Volha Yakimavets, Youran Tan, ViLinh Ly, Carmen J. Marsit, Dean P. Jones, Elizabeth J. Corwin, Anne L. Dunlop, Donghai Liang
Summary: Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is associated with reduced fetal growth in pregnant African American women. High-resolution metabolomics analysis revealed perturbations in amino acid, lipid and fatty acid, bile acid, and androgenic hormone metabolism pathways as potential mechanisms linking PFAS exposure to fetal growth restriction. Uric acid was identified as a potential intermediate biomarker in this relationship.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoyue Zhang, Dana Boyd Barr, Anne L. Dunlop, Parinya Panuwet, Jeremy A. Sarnat, Grace E. Lee, Youran Tan, Elizabeth J. Corwin, Dean P. Jones, P. Barry Ryan, Donghai Liang
Summary: This study investigated the association between urinary phthalate levels and perturbations in biological pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption in pregnant women. The findings provide support for future targeted investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying the adverse health outcomes associated with maternal phthalate exposure.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Correction
Endocrinology & Metabolism
F. E. Glover, F. Del Giudice, F. Belladelli, P. B. Ryan, T. Chen, M. L. Eisenberg, W. M. Caudle
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
F. E. Glover, F. D. Giudice, F. Belladelli, P. B. Ryan, T. Chen, M. L. Eisenberg, W. M. Caudle
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between urinary concentrations of 2,4-D and serum testosterone levels among U.S. adult males, finding a significant negative association. However, no significant associations were found between 2,4-D and the odds of low testosterone based on a cutoff defining abnormally low testosterone levels. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential biological mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Brittney O. Baumert, Nancy Fiedler, Tippawan Prapamontol, Panrapee Suttiwan, Warangkana Naksen, Parinya Panuwet, Supattra Sittiwang, Chayada Dokjunyam, Melissa M. Smarr, Carmen J. Marsit, P. Barry Ryan, Wattasit Siriwong, Mark G. Robson, Dana Boyd Barr
Summary: This study aims to investigate the impact of prenatal exposure to pesticides on neurodevelopment in children and identify early predictors. The study cohort consists of participants from farming districts in Thailand and will undergo long-term follow-up and neurodevelopmental tests. The findings will contribute to the development of risk assessment standards for pregnant women in Thailand and other countries.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingli Qu, Yuebin Lv, Saisai Ji, Liang Ding, Feng Zhao, Ying Zhu, Wenli Zhang, Xiaojian Hu, Yifu Lu, Yawei Li, Xu Zhang, Mingyuan Zhang, Yanwei Yang, Chengcheng Li, Miao Zhang, Zheng Li, Chen Chen, Lei Zheng, Heng Gu, Huijuan Zhu, Qi Sun, Jiayi Cai, Shixun Song, Bo Ying, Shaobin Lin, Zhaojin Cao, Donghai Liang, John S. Ji, P. Barry Ryan, Dana Boyd Barr, Xiaoming Shi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of mixtures of lead and various metals on blood pressure and the likelihood of pre-hypertension and hypertension in Chinese adults. The findings revealed that higher blood lead levels were associated with increased odds of pre-hypertension and hypertension. Additionally, blood arsenic levels were found to be associated with increased odds of pre-hypertension, while urinary molybdenum levels were associated with lower odds of hypertension. The analysis also showed that metal mixture levels in blood, with lead being the largest contributor, were significantly associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Julia S. Sobolik, Elizabeth T. Sajewski, Lee-Ann Jaykus, D. Kane Cooper, Ben A. Lopman, Alicia N. M. Kraay, P. Barry Ryan, Juan S. Leon
Summary: The global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 poses significant health risks to essential workers in the food supply chain. A study utilizing a quantitative risk assessment model demonstrated that implementing infection control measures, such as physical distancing, mask use, ventilation, surface disinfection, and vaccination, can greatly reduce the risk of infection for frontline workers in a fresh fruit and vegetable manufacturing facility.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Julia S. Sobolik, Elizabeth T. Sajewski, Lee-Ann Jaykus, D. Kane Cooper, Ben A. Lopman, Alicia N. M. Kraay, P. Barry Ryan, Jodie L. Guest, Amy Webb-Girard, Juan S. Leon
Summary: This study evaluates the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among workers from contact with contaminated plastic packaging in a frozen food facility. The results show that standard infection control interventions, such as handwashing and masking, significantly reduce the risk. Additional decontamination of the packaging does not provide marginal benefits in risk reduction.
Article
Oncology
Che-Jung Chang, Katie M. O'Brien, Alexander P. Keil, Symielle A. Gaston, Chandra L. Jackson, Dale P. Sandler, Alexandra J. White
Summary: The study found an association between the use of hair straightening products and uterine cancer incidence, especially among frequent users. However, other hair products such as dyes and permanents were not associated with uterine cancer incidence. Further research is needed to replicate these findings and identify specific chemicals driving this observed association.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2022)
Letter
Oncology
Che-Jung Chang, Katie M. O'Brien, Alexander P. Keil, Symielle A. Gaston, Chandra L. Jackson, Dale P. Sandler, Alexandra J. White
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robert B. Hood, Metrecia L. Terrell, Alicia K. Smith, Sarah Curtis, Karen Conneely, Melanie Pearson, Hillary Barton, Dana Boyd Barr, Elizabeth M. Marder, Michele Marcus
Summary: This study investigated the widespread contamination of polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), a flame retardant, into the food system in Michigan in the 1970's. It found that PBB continues to be detected in Michiganders' blood some forty years later. The study estimated the elimination rate and half-life of PBB, providing clues on how to hasten its elimination from the human body.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samuel J. W. Peters, Sydney M. Warner, Eri Saikawa, P. Barry Ryan, Parinya Panuwet, Dana B. Barr, Priya E. D'Souza, Gil Frank, Rosario Hernandez, Taranji Alvarado, Arthur Hines, Chris Theal
Summary: Urban agriculture is being recognized as a valuable approach to address food security and public health issues in cities in the US. However, the potential risk of exposure to heavy metals and metalloids in contaminated soil is a concern. Community-engaged research has shown promise in studying such exposures and involving all stakeholders. This particular study examined lead concentrations in soil from urban agricultural and residential sites in Atlanta and rural sites in Georgia, and led to actions by government agencies to address contamination in certain areas.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarah H. Koenigsberg, Che -Jung Chang, Jennifer Ish, Zongli Xu, Jacob K. Kresovich, Kaitlyn G. Lawrence, Joel D. Kaufman, Dale P. Sandler, Jack A. Taylor, Alexandra J. White
Summary: This study demonstrates an association between air pollution and DNA methylation alterations in Black women, suggesting that air pollution may contribute to higher epigenetic aging in this population.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
X. Yao, E. Saikawa, S. Warner, P. E. D'Souza, P. B. Ryan, D. B. Barr
Summary: Phytoremediation, a cost-effective method for remediating soil Pb contamination, was studied using four common plant species: cowpea, Chinese cabbage, globe amaranth, and sunflower. The results showed that cowpea was the most promising candidate for Pb accumulation and immobilization among the four species, although a single growing season was not sufficient for reaching the regulatory threshold. Therefore, further research is needed to study low-cost and efficient methods for remediating Pb-contaminated soils.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Robert B. Hood, Metrecia L. Terrell, Sarah Mardovich, Emily C. Somers, Melanie Pearson, Hillary Barton, Martha Scott Tomlinson, M. Elizabeth Marder, Dana Boyd Barr, Michele Marcus
Summary: This study investigated the association between serum PBB-153 levels and autoimmune disorders. The results showed that increasing serum PBB-153 levels were associated with rheumatoid arthritis and neurological- and thyroid-related autoimmune disorders. The study also identified non-linear differences in this association by lifestage of exposure and sex.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)