Article
Environmental Sciences
Agneta A. Runkel, Darja Mazej, Janja Snoj Tratnik, Ziga Tkalec, Tina Kosjek, Milena Horvat
Summary: This study assessed the exposure of Slovenian men and lactating primiparous women to phthalates, DINCH, and environmental phenols, finding significant differences by gender and geographical location. It was observed that urban or industrialized areas had higher levels of these chemicals, reflecting market trends. Calculation of hazard quotient values indicated a potential higher risk from the chemical mixture compared to individual compounds. Additional studies are needed to estimate exposure risks for susceptible populations like children.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Raghad Khaled, Shahd Elabed, Asmaa Masarani, Anfal Almulla, Shamsa Almheiri, Rinsha Koniyath, Lucy Semerjian, Khaled Abass
Summary: This systematic review evaluates the status of Human Biomonitoring (HBM) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and provides recommendations for future research. The review finds that high levels of metal exposure are associated with adverse health effects, and there is a prevalence of organohalogen compounds and pesticides in the GCC region.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Magdalena Krausova, Dominik Braun, Tina Buerki-Thurnherr, Claudia Gundacker, Eva Schernhammer, Lukas Wisgrill, Benedikt Warth
Summary: Early human life is a critical period of vulnerability to external exposures, including the exposome, which comprises all environmental factors infants are exposed to. This review explores different exposure classes and routes that impact fetal and infant metabolism, as well as the potential toxicity of mixture effects. The lack of large-scale studies covering a broad range of xenobiotics is highlighted, along with recommendations to advance our understanding of the early-life chemical exposome and its impact on health outcomes.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Nayan Chandra Mohanto, Yuki Ito, Sayaka Kato, Michihiro Kamijima
Summary: The review compiled human epidemiological study findings of associations between blood and/or urinary exposure levels of environmental chemicals and anthropometric overweight and obesity indices, revealing research gaps that should be addressed. Evidence explicitly reveals the consistent obesogenic roles of chemical compounds like BPA, DDE, and PFOA, but inconsistent roles of phthalate metabolites and other POPs. Further prospective studies may yield deeper insights into the overall scenario.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ravikumar Jagani, Divya Pulivarthi, Dhavalkumar Patel, Rosalind J. Wright, Robert O. Wright, Manish Arora, Mary S. Wolff, Syam S. Andra
Summary: This study developed a multi-class method for quantitating biomarkers in urine and optimized the sample preparation and analysis steps. The method can quantify 50 biomarkers of exposure in urine, belonging to 7 chemical classes and 16 sub-classes. The method has been validated in formal international proficiency testing programs and has the potential for further expansion to analyze more chemicals.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Aolin Wang, Dimitri Panagopoulos Abrahamsson, Ting Jiang, Miaomiao Wang, Rachel Morello-Frosch, June-Soo Park, Marina Sirota, Tracey J. Woodruff
Summary: A proof-of-concept study was conducted to identify and prioritize potentially ubiquitous chemical exposures during a critical period of development by analyzing matched maternal/cord blood samples. Liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was used to screen around 3500 industrial chemicals, resulting in the tentative identification of 73 suspects and confirmation of 17 chemical features. The study also identified 55 compounds not previously reported in the literature, highlighting the limited information available on their sources and uses.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alba Iglesias-Gonzalez, Mylene Schweitzer, Paul Palazzi, Fengjiao Peng, Serge Haan, Elisabeth Letellier, Brice M. R. Appenzeller
Summary: The specific physiology and behavior of children make them more vulnerable to chemical exposure, hence the need for specific studies to understand the impact of pollution on children's health. This study used human biomonitoring with hair samples to assess chemical exposure and investigate possible determinants in children.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Felix Hardy, Larissa Takser, Viginie Gillet, Andrea A. Baccarelli, Jean-Philippe Bellenger
Summary: Children are frequently exposed to various environmental contaminants, and the effects on health outcomes are still not well understood. Fecal samples provide a non-invasive and direct assessment of gut microbiome exposure to contaminants. This study analyzed organic compounds and elements in the feces of middle-class, semi-urban children in Eastern Canada, and found that most targeted compounds and elements were detected, with caffeine and acetaminophen being the most common substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dominik Braun, Wilfred A. Abia, Bojan Sarkanj, Michael Sulyok, Thomas Waldhoer, Astrid C. Erber, Rudolf Krska, Paul C. Turner, Doris Marko, Chibundu N. Ezekiel, Benedikt Warth
Summary: This study explored the co-exposure of various mycotoxins in mother-infant pairs through innovative LC-MS/MS approaches. While regulated and emerging mycotoxins were frequently detected, particularly ochratoxin A showed moderate associations between milk and urine samples of mothers and infants. Infants were exposed to lower toxin levels compared to their mothers, indicating the protective effect of breastfeeding, though continuous monitoring of chronic low-dose exposure is warranted. Risk management strategies should focus on minimizing early-life exposure to mycotoxin mixtures to safeguard critical developmental stages.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brett T. Doherty, Jeremy P. Koelmel, Elizabeth Z. Lin, Megan E. Romano, Krystal J. Godri Pollitt
Summary: The exposome encompasses all non-genetic factors that affect human health, and technologies like wearable passive samplers are emerging as promising tools for measuring complex multipollutant mixtures in individuals. Integrating exposomic data with other omic data presents exciting opportunities for investigating disease risk factors, but overcoming theoretical and methodological challenges is necessary to realize the potential promise of omic integration. Continued investment and improvement in exposomic sensor technologies may help refine their application and reduce outstanding limitations to advance the fields of exposure science and epidemiology.
CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Magdalena Krausova, Kolawole I. Ayeni, Lukas Wisgrill, Chibundu N. Ezekiel, Dominik Braun, Benedikt Warth
Summary: Infants are sensitive to negative effects caused by food contaminants such as mycotoxins, but methods assessing mycotoxin exposure in infant stool are lacking. This study presents a novel LC-MS/MS assay for detecting multiple mycotoxins, validated in Austrian and Nigerian infant stool samples. Nigerian samples showed widespread mycotoxin contamination, while no mycotoxins were detected in Austrian samples.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shiyi Zhang, Xiao Yan, Bin Tang, Weikeng Luo, Shejun Chen, Xiaojun Luo, Jing Zheng, Bixian Mai, Yunjiang Yu
Summary: Human biomonitoring is crucial for assessing human exposure to micro-organic contaminants (MOCs) such as persistent organic pollutants and flame retardants. Hair analysis, a noninvasive method, shows promise in monitoring MOCs but its reliability in reflecting body burden is still debated. This review discusses the incorporation mechanisms of MOCs into hair, the need for standardized protocols, and the applications of hair analysis in large-scale surveys and epidemiological investigations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stefan Scholz, John W. Nichols, Beate Escher, Gerald T. Ankley, Rolf Altenburger, Brett Blackwell, Werner Brack, Lawrence Burkhard, Timothy W. Collette, Jon A. Doering, Drew Ekman, Kellie Fay, Fabian Fischer, Joerg Hackermueller, Joel C. Hoffman, Chih Lai, David Leuthold, Dalma Martinovic-Weigelt, Thorsten Reemtsma, Nathan Pollesch, Anthony Schroeder, Gerrit Schueuermann, Martin von Bergen
Summary: The concept of the eco-exposome, analogous to the human exposome, aims to describe the totality of internal exposure over the lifetime of ecologically relevant organisms and explore linking exposure to adverse effects. The study discusses methods and technologies using targeted and nontargeted chemical analyses and bioassays to characterize eco-exposome exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Alba Iglesias-Gonzalez, Charline Schaeffer, Georges Dahm, Emilie M. Hardy, Achilleas Pexaras, Paul Palazzi, Brice M. R. Appenzeller
Summary: This study assessed the exposure of a population to a variety of chemicals through hair analysis, revealing a wide range of organic chemicals, PAHs, and metals detected in hair samples from children and adults. Variability in the types and concentrations of chemicals detected in hair samples suggests differences in exposure levels between children and adults.
EXPOSURE AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hongkai Zhu, Sridhar Chinthakindi, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: The study introduces a method for monitoring 121 environmental chemicals in urine samples using solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The optimized method showed excellent variability, satisfactory recoveries, and high detection limits for a wide range of analytes. This validated method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of environmental chemicals in real urine samples.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2021)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Maxence Noel, Daniel Chasman, Samia Mora, James D. Otvos, Christopher D. Palmer, Patrick J. Parsons, Jordan W. Smoller, Richard D. Cummings, Robert G. Mealer
Summary: This study provides the first direct experimental evidence linking the GlycA NMR signal to N-glycan branching commonly associated with inflammation.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vineet Kumar Pal, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: This study is the first to report VOCM concentrations in urine of pet dogs and cats, highlighting the need to identify sources and health implications of VOCs exposure in these animals.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lauren A. Eaves, Catherine M. Bulka, Julia E. Rager, Amaree J. Gardner, Aubrey L. Galusha, Patrick J. Parsons, T. Michael O'Shea, Rebecca C. Fry
Summary: Prenatal exposure to toxic metals is associated with adverse birth and later-in-life outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between metal concentrations in the umbilical cord and altered gene expression networks in placental tissue. The results showed that certain metals, such as lead and cadmium, were associated with changes in gene expression and the dysregulation of important pathways in the placenta. These findings provide insights into the potential mechanisms underlying metal-induced diseases.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alison G. Paquette, Samantha Lapehn, Sophie Freije, James MacDonald, Theo Bammler, Drew B. Day, Christine T. Loftus, Kurunthachalam Kannan, W. Alex Mason, Nicole R. Bush, Kaja Z. LeWinn, Daniel A. Enquobahrie, Carmen Marsit, Sheela Sathyanarayana
Summary: This study provides the first human transcriptomic assessment of PAHs in the placenta and identifies associations between prenatal PAH exposure and placental gene expression, shedding light on the mechanisms by which PAHs may disrupt placental function.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stefanie A. Busgang, Syam S. Andra, Paul Curtin, Elena Colicino, Matthew J. Mazzella, Moira Bixby, Alison P. Sanders, John D. Meeker, Marissa Hauptman, Shirisha Yelamanchili, Wanda Phipatanakul, Chris Gennings
Summary: Environmental research often relies on urinary biomarkers which require dilution correction to accurately measure exposures. Specific gravity (SG) and creatinine (UCr) are commonly measured urinary dilution factors. Epidemiologic studies may assess only one of these measures, making it difficult to pool studies that may otherwise be able to be combined.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Zhong-Min Li, Mathusa Lakuleswaran, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: In this study, a method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of various disinfectants, including BACs, ATMACs, DDACs, and QACs, in human serum and urine. The method involved the use of isotopically labelled internal standards and solid-phase extraction. Different LC columns were utilized for the separation of different compounds. The method showed good sensitivity and accuracy, and it was able to detect the presence of QACs and their metabolites in human serum and urine.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY B-ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Lesliam Quiros-Alcala, Dana Boyd Barr
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zorimar Rivera-Nunez, Carolyn W. Kinkade, Leena Khoury, Jessica Brunner, Hannah Murphy, Christina Wang, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Richard K. Miller, Thomas G. O'Connor, Emily S. Barrett
Summary: The study found that maternal serum levels of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are associated with sex steroid hormone levels during pregnancy. Specifically, PFHxS is associated with increased testosterone levels in male fetuses, while PFNA and PFDA are associated with increased free testosterone levels in male fetuses. For female fetuses, PFHxS is associated with increased levels of estradiol and estriol. No associations were found for PFOS and PFOA.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kirtan Kaur, Corina Lesseur, Lixian Chen, Syam S. Andra, Srinivasan Narasimhan, Divya Pulivarthi, Vishal Midya, Yula Ma, Erona Ibroci, Frederieke Gigase, Molly Lieber, Whitney Lieb, Teresa Janevic, Lotje D. De Witte, Veerle Bergink, Anna-Sophie Rommel, Jia Chen
Summary: Investigated the relationship between maternal plasma PFAS concentrations and SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in a NYC-based pregnancy cohort. Found that all detected PFAS were negatively correlated with antibody levels, with several reaching statistical significance. Results suggest that PFAS may act as immunosuppressants during pregnancy.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abigail Gaylord, Emily S. Barrett, Sheela Sathyanarayana, Shanna H. Swan, Ruby H. N. Nguyen, Nicole R. Bush, Kecia Carroll, Drew B. Day, Kurunthachalam Kannank, Leonardo Trasande
Summary: This study investigated the influence of prenatal exposure to the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A on childhood atopic disease. The results showed that there were inverse associations between first trimester bisphenol A concentration and food allergy, while second trimester bisphenol A concentration was positively associated with food allergy. Additionally, prenatal exposure to bisphenol S was found to increase the risk of asthma among males.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wei Wang, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: This study collected 72 single-use medical products of four categories from a hospital in New York State in 2015 and analyzed their migration of 10 phthalates in an ethanol/water mixture. The results showed that the leached phthalate concentration ranged from 0.04 to 54,600 μg, with DEHP being the major phthalate found in 99% of the samples. DEHP was also found in notable concentrations in products labeled as DEHP-free. The study calculated the direct exposure to phthalates from medical devices and first aid supplies, as well as dermal intake from creams/lotions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Vishal Midya, Cecilia Sara Alcala, Elza Rechtman, Jill K. Gregory, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Susan L. Teitelbaum, Chris Gennings, Maria J. Rosa, Damaskini Valvi
Summary: A study investigates the interactions between environmental chemicals (ECs) and their association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By combining weighted quantile sum regression and machine learning methods, two potential interactions between specific ECs and ASD diagnosis are identified.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Austin A. Roberts, Diana Guimaraes, Mina W. Tehrani, Shao Lin, Patrick J. Parsons
Summary: Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) has gained popularity as a cost-effective screening tool for toxic metals in food products. Although XRF generally has poorer Limit of Detection (LOD) compared to laboratory-based methods, recent advancements have improved its LODs and increased its potential for field-based studies.
X-RAY SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengqi Yan, Hongkai Zhu, Haining Luo, Tao Zhang, Hongwen Sun, Kurunthachalam Kannan
Summary: This study analyzed urine samples collected from 12 cities in mainland China to determine the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and oxidative stress biomarkers. The results showed that VOC exposure primarily came from cooking, solvents, and vehicle emissions. Regional variations in VOC concentrations were observed, with higher levels found in North and South China. The study also revealed a positive correlation between most VOCs and oxidative stress markers, suggesting potential health risks associated with VOC exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
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)