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Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi. Japanese... Sep 2009Dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides are bioaccumulative chemicals that are considered to be toxic contaminants. These chemicals are... (Review)
Review
Dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides are bioaccumulative chemicals that are considered to be toxic contaminants. These chemicals are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). We have started a prospective cohort study to examine the effects of perinatal exposure to these chemicals as well as methylmercury on neurobehavioral development in Japanese children. In this article, the method and the consequence of exposure assessment were described. The concentrations of POPs in maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk were determined by high-resolution gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. In breast milk samples, p,p'-DDE was the predominant pollutant, total PCB and beta-HCH being the other major constituents. Mirex and major toxaphenes were also detected in all samples even though these chemicals have never been used in Japan. Simple correlation analysis showed high correlations among the three sample materials, indicating that there was a high degree of consistency of chemicals in the body. Major chemicals were also intercorrelated with other chemicals in either of the three sample materials. These findings indicate the presence of coexposure to multiple POPs. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the concentrations of PCBs were affected by the age of mother, parity, and maternal fish intake. These results are informative in terms of considering the strategy to reduce the body burden of POPs in females. The chemical analysis were performed by two different institutes. Multiple regression analysis also showed that the result of chamical analysis was affected significantly by the difference in analyzing institute. This finding suggest the importance of consistency in chemical analysis and the necessity for quality and accuracy control using reference materials.
Topics: Body Burden; Cohort Studies; Dioxins; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Fetal Blood; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Infant, Newborn; Japan; Methylmercury Compounds; Milk, Human; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 19797842
DOI: 10.1265/jjh.64.749 -
Environmental Research Dec 2019The New York State Department of Health conducted the Healthy Fishing Communities Program in collaboration with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to...
The New York State Department of Health conducted the Healthy Fishing Communities Program in collaboration with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to assess human exposure to contaminants common to Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and surrounding rivers and waterways among populations in western New York State who eat locally caught fish. The program enrolled licensed anglers and Burmese refugees and immigrants, living near four designated Great Lakes Areas of Concern: Buffalo River, Niagara River, Eighteenmile Creek, and the Rochester Embayment. These target populations were sampled and enrolled independently into the program between February and October of 2013. A core set of contaminants were measured in blood and urine of 409 licensed anglers and 206 Burmese refugees and immigrants which included lead, cadmium, mercury, PCBs, PBDEs, organochlorine pesticides (hexachlorobenzene, mirex, DDT, DDE, and chlordane and its metabolites oxychlordane and trans-Nonachlor), and PFOS and PFOA. Biomonitoring results showed that both groups had higher geometric means for blood lead, total blood mercury, and serum PFOS compared to the 2013-2014 NHANES reference levels. The Burmese refugee group also showed higher geometric means for creatinine-adjusted urine mercury and lipid-adjusted serum DDE compared to national levels. Licensed angler participants reported eating a median of 16 locally caught fish meals in the past year. Burmese participants consumed local fish throughout the year, and most frequently in the summer (median 39 fish meals or 3 times a week). The study results provide valuable information on populations at high risk of exposure to contaminants in the Great Lakes Basin of western New York. The results provide the foundation for developing and implementing public health actions to reduce potential exposures to Great Lakes pollutants.
Topics: Animals; Biological Monitoring; Child; Dietary Exposure; Female; Fishes; Food Contamination; Great Lakes Region; Humans; Lakes; Male; New York; Nutrition Surveys; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 31491725
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108690 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2021Excessive reclamation and improper use of agrochemicals in karst areas leads to serious non-point source pollution, which is of great concern and needs to be controlled,...
Excessive reclamation and improper use of agrochemicals in karst areas leads to serious non-point source pollution, which is of great concern and needs to be controlled, since contaminants can easily pollute groundwater due to the thin patchy soil and developed karst structures. The occurrences of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in karst soil were investigated by analyzing 25 OCPs in the karst soils near the Three Gorges Dam, China. The total concentrations of OCPs ranged 161-43,100 (6410 ± 9620) pg/g, with the most abundant compounds being ,-DDT and mirex. The concentration differences between the orchard and vegetable field and between upstream and downstream presented the influences of land-use type and water transport on the OCP spatial distributions. Composition analysis indicated the possible fresh inputs of lindane, technical DDT, aldrin, endrin, mirex, and methoxychlor. Their illegal uses implied an insufficient agrochemical management system in undeveloped karst areas. Principal component analysis with multiple linear regression analysis characterized the dominant sources from current agricultural use and current veterinary use in the study area. OCPs in the soils might not pose significant cancer risk for the residents, but they need to be controlled due to their illegal uses and bioaccumulation effect via the food chain.
Topics: China; Environmental Monitoring; Hexachlorocyclohexane; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Pesticides; Soil; Soil Pollutants
PubMed: 34770109
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111589 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2021High levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals are found in Arctic populations. POP and heavy metals are linked to impaired cognitive development....
High levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals are found in Arctic populations. POP and heavy metals are linked to impaired cognitive development. This study examined associations between prenatal POP and metals exposure and problematic child behavior using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). POPs and metals were measured in 102 pregnant Greenlandic women. During follow-up at 3-5 years, parents answered an assisted questionnaire including children's SDQ scores. Associations were analyzed using linear and logistic regression analyses and adjusted for maternal plasma cotinine, educational level and age at delivery. In the adjusted analyses, the medium tertile of hexachlorobenzene (β = 3.06, p = 0.010), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β = 3.58, p = 0.004) and trans-nonachlor (β = 2.06, p = 0.082) were positively associated with SDQ scores. The continuous cis-nonachlor (OR = 1.09, p = 0.079), dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethylene (OR = 1.01, p = 0.077), trans-nonachlor (OR = 1.01, p = 0.091), and sum Organochlorine-Pesticides (OR = 1.00, p = 0.094) were positively associated with abnormal SDQ score and the continuous mirex (OR = 1.28, p = 0.096), oxychlordane (OR = 1.04, p = 0.066), and trans-nonachlor (OR = 1.02, p = 0.071) with abnormal hyperactivity score. We found no consistent evidence of associations between polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkylated substances and heavy metals and problematic behavior. Prenatal organochlorine pesticide exposure associated significantly with problematic behavior in 3-5 year old children.
Topics: Biomarkers; Child; Child Behavior; Child Behavior Disorders; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Environmental Exposure; Female; Greenland; Humans; Male; Maternal Exposure; Metals, Heavy; Odds Ratio; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Public Health Surveillance; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34772976
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01580-0 -
Environmental Research Jan 2024Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), they have contributed to the exposure of women to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These...
Placental concentrations of xenoestrogenic organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls and assessment of their xenoestrogenicity in the PA-MAMI mother-child cohort.
BACKGROUND
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), they have contributed to the exposure of women to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These compounds can cross the placental barrier and interfere with the hormonal system of newborns.
AIM
To determine concentrations of OCPs and PCBs and their xenoestrogenic activity in placentas of women from the PA-MAMI cohort of Panama.
METHODS
Thirty-nine placenta samples from women in the Azuero peninsula (Panama) were analyzed. Five OCPs [p-p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p-p'-DDE), beta-hexachlorohexane (β-HCH), γ-hexachlorohexane (lindane), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and mirex] and three PCB congeners (PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180) were quantified in placenta extracts. The xenoestrogenic activity of extracts was assessed with the E-Screen bioassay to estimate the total effective xenoestrogen burden (TEXB).
RESULTS
All placental samples were positive for at least three POP residues and >70% for at least six. The frequencies of quantified OCPs ranged from 100% for p,p'-DDE and HCB to 30.8% for β-HCH. The highest median concentration was for lindane (380.0 pg/g placenta), followed by p,p'-DDE (280.0 pg/g placenta), and HCB (90.0 pg/g placenta). Exposure to p,p'-DDE was associated with greater meat consumption, suggesting that animal fat is a major source of exposure to DDT metabolites. The frequency of detected PCBs ranged between 70 and 90%; the highest median concentration was for PCB 138 (17.0 pg/g placenta), followed by PCB 153 (16.0 pg/g placenta). All placentas were positive in the estrogenicity bioassay with a median TEXB-α of 0.91 pM Eeq/g of placenta. Exposure to lindane was positively associated with the xenoestrogenicity of TEXB- α, whereas this association was negative in the case of exposure to PCB 153.
CONCLUSIONS
To our best knowledge, this study contributes the first evidence on the presence of POPs and xenoestrogenic burden in placentas from Latin-American women. Given concerns about the consequences of prenatal exposure to these compounds on children's health, preventive measures are highly recommended to eliminate or minimize the risk of OCP exposure during pregnancy.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Animals; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Hexachlorocyclohexane; Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene; Hexachlorobenzene; DDT; Placenta; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Pesticides; Environmental Pollutants; Mother-Child Relations
PubMed: 37977273
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117622 -
Environmental Research Jan 2009Persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and p,p'-dichlorophenyldichloroethylene (DDE), have been found to...
Persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and p,p'-dichlorophenyldichloroethylene (DDE), have been found to elicit a broad spectrum of biologic, metabolic, and immunologic responses. The potential of these pollutants to impair immune responses and trigger autoimmune disease is of growing concern, given their structural similarity to thyroid hormones and their potential to modulate the mechanisms and interfere with the binding of these hormones. We examine the relationship of different groupings of PCBs, according to chlorination and structure, and of p,p'-DDE and HCB to anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody, a useful tool in the evaluation of thyroid dysfunction, among 115 young adults of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. Overall, 18 participants (15.4%) had anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) levels above the normal laboratory reference range (23% of females, 9% of males). Among participants who were breast fed (n=47), those with an elevated TPOAb level had significantly higher levels of all PCB groupings, with the exception of levels of non-persistent PCBs which did not differ significantly. Levels of p,p'-DDE were also significantly elevated, while HCB and mirex were not higher among those with elevated TPOAb. Also, after stratifying by breast-feeding status, participants who were breast fed showed significant, positive relationships between TPOAb levels and all PCB groupings, except groups comprised of non-persistent PCBs, and with p,p'-DDE, HCB, and mirex. No effects were evident among non-breast-fed young adults. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the site and mechanism of action of these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and to establish thresholds for these effects, especially among populations with background levels of toxicant exposure.
Topics: Adolescent; Autoantibodies; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Indians, North American; Iodide Peroxidase; Male; New York; Thyroid Hormones; Young Adult
PubMed: 18995849
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2008.08.015 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... May 2020The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of diseases that tend to occur together, including diabetes, hypertension, central obesity, cardiovascular disease and...
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of diseases that tend to occur together, including diabetes, hypertension, central obesity, cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia. Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) has been associated with increased risk of development of several of the components of the MetS. The goal of this study is to determine whether the associations with POPs are identical for each of the components and for the MetS. The subject population was 601 Native Americans (Akwesasne Mohawks) ages 18 to 84 who answered a questionnaire, were measured for height and weight and provided blood samples for clinical chemistries (serum lipids and fasting glucose) and analysis of 101 PCB congeners and three OCPs [dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and mirex]. Associations between concentrations of total PCBs and pesticides, as well as various PCB congener groups with each of the different components of the MetS were determine so as to ask whether there were similar risk factors for all components of the MetS. After adjustment for other contaminants, diabetes and hypertension were strongly associated with lower chlorinated and mono-ortho PCBs, but not other PCB groups or pesticides. Obesity was most closely associated with highly chlorinated PCBs and was negatively associated with mirex. High serum lipids were most strongly associated with higher chlorinated PCBs and PCBs with multiple ortho-substituted chlorines, as well as total pesticides, DDE and HCB. Cardiovascular disease was not closely associated with levels of any of the measured POPs. While exposure to POPs is associated with increased risk of most of the various diseases comprising the MetS, the specific contaminants associated with risk of the component diseases are not the same.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Indians, North American; Metabolic Syndrome; Middle Aged; Pesticides; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; United States; Young Adult
PubMed: 32004963
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114004 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Sep 2009Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides are endocrine disruptors, altering both thyroid and estrogen hormonal systems. Less is known of action on...
BACKGROUND
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides are endocrine disruptors, altering both thyroid and estrogen hormonal systems. Less is known of action on androgenic systems.
OBJECTIVE
We studied the relationship between serum concentrations of testosterone in relation to levels of PCBs and three chlorinated pesticides in an adult Native American (Mohawk) population.
METHODS
We collected fasting serum samples from 703 adult Mohawks (257 men and 436 women) and analyzed samples for 101 PCB congeners, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and mirex, as well as testosterone, cholesterol, and triglycerides. The associations between testosterone and tertiles of serum organochlorine levels (both wet weight and lipid adjusted) were assessed using a logistic regression model while controlling for age, body mass index (BMI), and other analytes, with the lowest tertile being considered the referent. Males and females were considered separately.
RESULTS
Testosterone concentrations in males were inversely correlated with total PCB concentration, whether using wet-weight or lipid-adjusted values. The odds ratio (OR) of having a testosterone concentration above the median was 0.17 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.05-0.69] for total wet-weight PCBs (highest vs. lowest tertile) after adjustment for age, BMI, total serum lipids, and three pesticides. The OR for lipid-adjusted total PCB concentration was 0.23 (95% CI, 0.06-0.78) after adjustment for other analytes. Testosterone levels were significantly and inversely related to concentrations of PCBs 74, 99, 153, and 206, but not PCBs 52, 105, 118, 138, 170, 180, 201, or 203. Testosterone concentrations in females are much lower than in males, and not significantly related to serum PCBs. HCB, DDE, and mirex were not associated with testosterone concentration in either men or women.
CONCLUSIONS
Elevation in serum PCB levels is associated with a lower concentration of serum testosterone in Native American men.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Mass Index; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Indians, North American; Male; Middle Aged; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Radioimmunoassay; Testosterone; Young Adult
PubMed: 19750113
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0800134 -
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences Jul 2021The aim of this study was to determine the types and levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) present in the human milk collected from cities in eastern and central...
The aim of this study was to determine the types and levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) present in the human milk collected from cities in eastern and central Saudi Arabia. This study is part of assessment of various persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in human milk in four cities of eastern and central Saudi Arabia, namely, Riyadh, Al-Kharj, Al-Jobail and Al-Dammam. Milk samples were collected from 50 donors according to the WHO/UNEP protocol for monitoring human milk for POPs. The OCPs in each of the 50 milk samples were analyzed using as triple quadrupole gas chromatography mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry detection (GC-MS/MS). Quality assurance included the analysis of blank, spiked and reference samples. Sixteen different OCPs were identified namely: aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, hexachlorobenzene, alpha, beta, gamma and delta hexachlorocycohexame, pp'-,op'-DDT, pp'-DDE, pp'-DDD, alpha and gamma chlordane, heptachlor, mirex and methoxychlor. The results of the analysis OCPs in human milk samples indicated that the tested positive samples for one or more pesticide at the limits of determination used in this study. As required by the Stockholm Convention on POPs, the levels of certain POPs in human milk will serve as an indicator of the effectiveness of the treaty in eliminating or reducing emissions of selected POPs. This study contributes to that effort by providing seline data on current levels of OPCs in human milk in Saudi Arabia.
PubMed: 34220226
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.04.062 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2022High concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blood of the Greenlandic population are well known. The exposure is mainly through traditional food...
High concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blood of the Greenlandic population are well known. The exposure is mainly through traditional food intake, including marine mammals and seabirds. The present study aimed to follow up on POP concentrations (organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and halogenated flame retardants (HFRs)) and relations to lifestyle and diet of the mothers included in the Greenlandic ACCEPT cohort (3-5 years after inclusion in 2013-15) and to include the children's fathers. This new data collection in 2019-20 included blood samples for measurement of POP concentrations and lifestyle and food frequency questionnaires from 101 mothers and 76 fathers aged 24-55 years living in Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat, Greenland. The mothers' intra-individual median percentage decrease in POP concentrations from inclusion to this follow-up (3-5 years later) was 16-58%, except for mirex (0% change). Median concentrations of POPs were 1.4-4.6 times higher in fathers than in mothers. The POPs differed by residential town with generally higher concentrations in Ilulissat compared to Sisimiut and Nuuk. We report, for the first time, novel HFRs in human samples from Greenland. However, concentrations were low and only dechlorane plus (with its anti-isomer) was detected in >50% of the samples. Most POPs correlated positively with age and n-3/n-6 fatty acid ratio. The lipophilic POPs correlated positively with the percentage of life lived in Greenland, whereas few POPs correlated positively with BMI, income (personal and household), education, and alcohol intake. The POPs generally associated positively with the intake of marine mammals, seabirds, and dried fish, while few POPs associated positively with Greenlandic fish intake. In contrast, POPs generally associated negatively with imported meat products intake. The study findings may be of interest for future dietary recommendations in Greenland. We discuss the potential explanations for the findings and suggestions for future research.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Diet; Environmental Pollutants; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Life Style; Mammals; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PubMed: 35245549
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154270