Chemicals - Health impacts

Title

Transgenerational Actions of Environmental Compounds on Reproductive Disease and Identification of Epigenetic Biomarkers of Ancestral Exposures

Reference

PLoS ONE, 2012; 7 (2): e31901
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031901

Author(s)

Mohan Manikkam, Carlos Guerrero-Bosagna, Rebecca Tracey, Md. M. Haque, Michael K. Skinner.

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Environmental factors during fetal development can induce a permanent epigenetic change in the germ line (sperm) that then transmits epigenetic transgenerational inheritance of adult-onset disease in the absence of any subsequent exposure. The epigenetic transgenerational actions of various environmental compounds and relevant mixtures were investigated with the use of a pesticide mixture (permethrin and insect repellant DEET), a plastic mixture (bisphenol A and phthalates), dioxin (TCDD) and a hydrocarbon mixture (jet fuel, JP8). After transient exposure of F0 gestating female rats during the period of embryonic gonadal sex determination, the subsequent F1–F3 generations were obtained in the absence of any environmental exposure. The effects on the F1, F2 and F3 generations pubertal onset and gonadal function were assessed. The plastics, dioxin and jet fuel were found to promote early-onset female puberty transgenerationally (F3 generation). Spermatogenic cell apoptosis was affected transgenerationally. Ovarian primordial follicle pool size was significantly decreased with all treatments transgenerationally. Differential DNA methylation of the F3 generation sperm promoter epigenome was examined. Differential DNA methylation regions (DMR) were identified in the sperm of all exposure lineage males and found to be consistent within a specific exposure lineage, but different between the exposures. Several genomic features of the DMR, such as low density CpG content, were identified. Exposure-specific epigenetic biomarkers were identified that may allow for the assessment of ancestral environmental exposures associated with adult onset disease.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts

Keywords

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert 

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skinner@wsu.edu

Title

Do toxic heavy metals affect antioxidant defense mechanisms in humans?

Reference

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Volume 78  April 2012 Pages 195-205

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prove whether anthropogenic pollution affects antioxidant defense mechanisms such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, ferritin (FRT) concentration and total antioxidant status (TAS) in human serum. The study area involves polluted and salted environment (Kujawy region; northern-middle Poland) and Tuchola Forestry (unpolluted control area). We investigated 79 blood samples of volunteers from polluted area and 82 from the control in 2008 and 2009. Lead, cadmium and iron concentrations were measured in whole blood by the ICP–MS method. SOD and CAT activities were measured in serum using SOD and CAT Assay Kits by the standardized colorimetric method. Serum TAS was measured spectrophotometrically by the modified Benzie and Strain (1996) method and FRT concentration—by the immunonefelometric method. Pb and Cd levels and SOD activity were higher in volunteers from polluted area as compared with those from the control (0.0236 mg l−1 vs. 0.014 mg l−1; 0.0008 mg l−1 vs. 0.0005 mg l−1; 0.137 U ml−1 vs. 0.055 U ml−1, respectively). Fe level, CAT activity and TAS were lower in serum of volunteers from polluted area (0.442 g l−1 vs. 0.476 g l−1; 3.336 nmol min−1 ml−1 vs. 6.017 nmol min −1 ml−1; 0.731 Trolox-equivalents vs. 0.936 Trolox-equivalents, respectively), whilst differences in FRT concentration were not significant (66.109 μg l−1 vs. 37.667 μg l−1, p=0.3972). Positive correlations between Pb (r=0.206), Cd (r=0.602) and SOD in the inhabitants of polluted area, and between Cd and SOD in the control (r=0.639) were shown. In volunteers from both studied environments TAS–FRT (polluted: r=0.625 vs. control: r=0.837) and Fe–FRT (polluted area: r=0.831 vs. control: r=0.407) correlations, and Pb–FRT (r=0.360) and Pb–TAS (r=0.283) in the control were stated.
The higher lead and cadmium concentrations in blood cause an increase of SOD activity. It suggests that this is one of the defense mechanisms of an organism against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors, whilst non-enzymatic mechanisms marked by TAS are the main antioxidant defense system in relation with Pb concentration in humans from unpolluted area. Simultaneously, the higher CAT activity and TAS can indicate that these mechanisms play a key role in the antioxidant protection in non-stressed environments.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Impact of emissions >> Health impacts
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Human biomonitoring

Keywords

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651311004155
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monicjus@wp.pl

Title

Analysis of the toxicogenomic effects of exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Slovakian girls: Correlations between gene expression and disease risk

Reference

Environment International
Volume 39, Issue 1, February 2012, Pages 188–199

Author(s)

Irva Hertz-Picciotto, Tomas Trnovec, Lubica Palkovicova, Eva Sovcikova, Svetlana Ghimbovschi, Eric P. Hoffman, Sisir K. Dutta

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

The chemical composition of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment is not uniform throughout the world, and these contaminants contain many structurally different lipophilic compounds. In a well-defined study cohort in the Slovak Republic, the POP chemicals present in the peripheral blood of exposed children were chemically analyzed. The chemical analysis data revealed that the relative concentration and profile of structurally different organic pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 2,2′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), 2,2′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloro-ethane (p,p′-DDT), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), may vary from individual to individual, even within the same exposure area. These chemicals can be broadly classified into two groups. The first group, the PCB congeners, primarily originated from industrial compounds and their byproducts. The second group of compounds originated from or was commonly used in the agricultural sector (e.g., DDT, HCB). The objective of this study was to examine the effects of the two POP exposure profiles on gene expression. For the study population, we selected pre-pubertal girls (mean age of 46.2 ± 1.4 months) with high POP concentrations in their blood (> 75% tile of total POP) and classified them in the high ‘PCB’ group when the total PCB concentration was significantly higher than the total concentration of other POP components and in the ‘Other Than PCB’ (OTP) group, when the total PCB concentration was significantly lower than the concentration of the other major POP constituents. A matched control group of girls (< 25% tile of total POP) was selected for comparison purpose (n = 5 per group). Our aims were to determine whether there were any common effects of high POP exposure at a toxicogenomic level and to investigate how exposure may affect physiological functions of the children in two different exposure scenarios. Global gene expression analysis using a microarray (Affymetrix Gene Chip Human genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array) platform was conducted on the total RNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the girls. The results were analyzed by Partek GS, Louis, MI, which identified twelve genes (ATAD2B, BIVM, CD96, CXorf39, CYTH1 ETNK1, FAM13A, HIRA, INO80B, ODG1, RAD23B, and TSGA14) and two unidentified probe sets, as regulated differentially in both the PCB and OTP groups against the control group. The qRT-PCR method was used to validate the microarray results. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software package identified the possible molecular impairments and disease risks associated with each gene set. Connective tissue disorders, genetic disorders, skeletal muscular disorders and neurological diseases were associated with the 12 common genes. The data therefore identified the potential molecular effects of POP exposure on a genomic level. This report underscores the importance of further study to validate the results in a random population and to evaluate the use of the identified genes as biomarkers for POP exposure.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Impact of emissions >> Health impacts
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Human biomonitoring

Keywords

Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP); Gene environment interaction; Gene expression; Human PBMC; IPA analysis; Disease and disorders

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412011002285
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sdutta@howard.edu

Title

Review of the science linking chemical exposures to the human risk of obesity and diabetes

Reference

A CHEM Trust report 2012

Author(s)

CHEM Trust

Study type

Report

Abstract

It is a commonly held view that obesity is all to do with too many calories taken in and too few expended in exercise, with a genetic predisposition in some individuals. However, a new line of research suggests that exposure to certain manmade chemicals in our environment can play an important role in the development of obesity. While obesity is a known risk factor for diabetes,
evidence is growing that chemical exposures are also implicated in
diabetes. The epidemiological evidence for a link between chemicalexposures and diabetes is stronger than that linking chemicals with obesity.

This review summarises the recent science which suggests that exposure
to certain common chemicals is linked with the increasing incidence
of obesity and diabetes. The human population is exposed to these suspect
chemicals on a daily basis, mostly via food and consumer products.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Product safety

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.chemtrust.org.uk/documents/CHEM%20Trust%20Obesity%20&%20Diabetes%20Full%20Report.pdf
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gwynne.lyons@chemtrust.org.uk

Title

An ecological approach to assessing the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in animal and human populations

Reference

Proc. R. Soc. B  doi: 10.1098/rspb.2011.1975
EU Funded

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

We examined long-term surveillance data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 (DT104) isolates from concurrently sampled and sympatric human and animal populations in Scotland. Using novel ecological and epidemiological approaches to examine diversity, and phenotypic and temporal relatedness of the resistance profiles, we assessed the more probable source of resistance of these two populations. The ecological diversity of AMR phenotypes was significantly greater in human isolates than in animal isolates, at the resolution of both sample and population. Of 5200 isolates, there were 65 resistance phenotypes, 13 unique to animals, 30 unique to humans and 22 were common to both. Of these 22, 11 were identified first in the human isolates, whereas only five were identified first in the animal isolates. We conclude that, while ecologically connected, animals and humans have distinguishable DT104 communities, differing in prevalence, linkage and diversity. Furthermore, we infer that the sympatric animal population is unlikely to be the major source of resistance diversity for humans. This suggests that current policy emphasis on restricting antimicrobial use in domestic animals may be overly simplistic. While these conclusions pertain to DT104 in Scotland, this approach could be applied to AMR in other bacteria–host ecosystems.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts

Keywords

antimicrobial resistance, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, ecological diversity

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/11/10/rspb.2011.1975.full
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swreid@rvc.ac.uk

Title

Prenatal Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) and Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and Birth Weight: A Meta-analysis within 12 European Birth Cohorts

Reference

Author(s)

Eva Govarts, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Greet Schoeters, Ferran Ballester, Karolien Bloemen, Michiel de Boer, Cécile Chevrier, Merete Eggesbø, Monica Guxens, Ursula Krämer, Juliette Legler, David Martinez, Ľubica Palkovicová;, Evridiki Patelarou, Ulrich Ranft, Arja Rautio, Maria Skaalum Petersen, Rémy Slama, Hein Stigum, Gunnar Toft, Tomáš Trnovec, Stephanie Vandentorren, Pál Weihe, Nynke Weisglas Kuperus, Michael Wilhelm, Jurgen Wittsiepe, Jens Peter Bonde, on behalf of OBELIX/ENRIECO

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Objectives: Exposure to high concentrations of persistent organochlorines may cause fetal toxicity, but the evidence at low exposure levels is limited. Large studies with substantial exposure contrasts and appropriate exposure assessment are warranted. Within the framework of the EU ENRIECO and EU OBELIX projects, we examined the hypothesis that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) adversely affects birth weight.
Methods: We used maternal and cord blood and breast milk samples in 7,990 women enrolled in 15 study populations from 12 European birth cohorts from 1990-2008. Using identical variable definitions, we performed for each cohort linear regression of birth weight on estimates of cord serum concentration of PCB 153 and p,p’-DDE adjusted for gestational age and a priori selected covariates. We obtained summary estimates by meta-analysis and performed analyses of interactions.
Results: The median concentration of cord serum PCB 153 was 140 ng/L (range of cohort medians 20-484) and that of p,p’-DDE was 528 ng/L (range of cohort medians 50-1208). Birth weight decreased with increasing cord serum concentration of PCB 153 after adjustment for potential confounders in 12 of 15 study populations. The meta-analysis including all cohorts indicated a birth weight decline of 150 g (95% CI -250, -50) per 1-µg/L increase in PCB 153, an exposure contrast that is close to the range of exposuress across the cohorts. A 1-µg/L increase in p,p’-DDE was associated with a 7 g decrease in birth weight (95% CI -18, 4 g).
Conclusions: The findings suggest that low-level exposure to PCB (or correlated exposures) impairs fetal growth, while p,p’-DDE exposure does not. The study adds to mounting evidence that low-level exposure to PCBs is inversely associated with fetal growth.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Pesticides
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Human biomonitoring

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1103767  
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jpb@bbh.regionh.dk

Title

Widely Used Pesticides with Previously Unknown Endocrine Activity Revealed as in Vitro Antiandrogens

Reference

Environ Health Perspect 119:794-800. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002895.

Author(s)

Frances Orton, Erika Rosivatz, Martin Scholze, Andreas Kortenkamp

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that there is widespread decline in male reproductive health and that antiandrogenic pollutants may play a significant role. There is also a clear disparity between pesticide exposure and data on endocrine disruption, with most of the published literature focused on pesticides that are no longer registered for use in developed countries.
Objective: We used estimated human exposure data to select pesticides to test for antiandrogenic activity, focusing on highest use pesticides.
Methods: We used European databases to select 134 candidate pesticides based on highest exposure, followed by a filtering step according to known or predicted receptor-mediated antiandrogenic potency, based on a previously published quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model. In total, 37 pesticides were tested for in vitro androgen receptor (AR) antagonism. Of these, 14 were previously reported to be AR antagonists (“active”), 4 were predicted AR antagonists using the QSAR, 6 were predicted to not be AR antagonists (“inactive”), and 13 had unknown activity, which were “out of domain” and therefore could not be classified with the QSAR (“unknown”).
Results: All 14 pesticides with previous evidence of AR antagonism were confirmed as antiandrogenic in our assay, and 9 previously untested pesticides were identified as antiandrogenic (dimethomorph, fenhexamid, quinoxyfen, cyprodinil, λ-cyhalothrin, pyrimethanil, fludioxonil, azinphos-methyl, pirimiphos-methyl). In addition, we classified 7 compounds as androgenic.
Conclusions: Due to estimated antiandrogenic potency, current use, estimated exposure, and lack of previous data, we strongly recommend that dimethomorph, fludioxonil, fenhexamid, imazalil, ortho-phenylphenol, and pirimiphos-methyl be tested for antiandrogenic effects in vivo. The lack of human biomonitoring data for environmentally relevant pesticides presents a barrier to current risk assessment of pesticides on humans.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Pesticides  
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Product safety

Keywords

antiandrogen, AR-Lux, biomonitoring, endocrine disruption, fungicide.

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1002895
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francesorton@gmail.com

Title

Estimating the Global Public Health Implications of Electricity and Coal Consumption

Reference

Environ Health Perspect 119:821-826
doi:10.1289/ehp.1002241.

Author(s)

Julia M. Gohlke, Reuben Thomas, Alistair Woodward, Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, Annette Prüss-üstün, Simon Hales, Christopher J. Portier

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Background: The growing health risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions highlight the need for new energy policies that emphasize efficiency and low-carbon energy intensity.
Objectives: We assessed the relationships among electricity use, coal consumption, and health outcomes.
Methods: Using time-series data sets from 41 countries with varying development trajectories between 1965 and 2005, we developed an autoregressive model of life expectancy (LE) and infant mortality (IM) based on electricity consumption, coal consumption, and previous year's LE or IM. Prediction of health impacts from the Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) integrated air pollution emissions health impact model for coal-fired power plants was compared with the time-series model results.
Results: The time-series model predicted that increased electricity consumption was associated with reduced IM for countries that started with relatively high IM (> 100/1,000 live births) and low LE (< 57 years) in 1965, whereas LE was not significantly associated with electricity consumption regardless of IM and LE in 1965. Increasing coal consumption was associated with increased IM and reduced LE after accounting for electricity consumption. These results are consistent with results based on the GAINS model and previously published estimates of disease burdens attributable to energy-related environmental factors, including indoor and outdoor air pollution and water and sanitation.
Conclusions: Increased electricity consumption in countries with IM < 100/1,000 live births does not lead to greater health benefits, whereas coal consumption has significant detrimental health impacts.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Impact of emissions >> Health impacts
Climate change and energy >> Climate change adaptation >> Social and health impacts
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Air pollution
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Climate change

Keywords

air pollution, climate change, coal, electricity, energy policy, global health, health impact modeling, infant mortality, life expectancy, time series.

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1002241
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jgohlke@uab.edu

Title

CAESAR models for developmental toxicity

Reference

Chemistry Central Journal 2010, 4(Suppl 1):S4
doi:10.1186/1752-153X-4-S1-S4

Author(s)

Antonio Cassano , Alberto Manganaro, Todd Martin, Douglas Young, Nadège Piclin, Marco Pintore, Davide Bigoni and Emilio Benfenati

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Background
The new REACH legislation requires assessment of a large number of chemicals in the European market for several endpoints. Developmental toxicity is one of the most difficult endpoints to assess, on account of the complexity, length and costs of experiments. Following the encouragement of QSAR (in silico) methods provided in the REACH itself, the CAESAR project has developed several models.
Results
Two QSAR models for developmental toxicity have been developed, using different statistical/mathematical methods. Both models performed well. The first makes a classification based on a random forest algorithm, while the second is based on an adaptive fuzzy partition algorithm. The first model has been implemented and inserted into the CAESAR on-line application, which is java-based software that allows everyone to freely use the models.
Conclusions
The CAESAR QSAR models have been developed with the aim to minimize false negatives in order to make them more usable for REACH. The CAESAR on-line application ensures that both industry and regulators can easily access and use the developmental toxicity model (as well as the models for the other four endpoints).

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Risk assessment >> Risk assessment methodologies

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.journal.chemistrycentral.com/content/4/S1/S4
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emilio.benfenati@marionegri.it

Title

Exposure to major volatile organic compounds and carbonyls in European indoor environments and associated health risk

Reference

Environment International
Volume 37, Issue 4, May 2011, Pages 743-765 EU Funded

Author(s)

Dimosthenis A. Sarigiannis, Spyros P. Karakitsios, Alberto Gotti, Ioannis L. Liakos and Athanasios Katsoyiannis

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

This paper summarizes recent data on the occurrence of major organic compounds (benzene, toluene, xylenes, styrene, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, naphthalene, limonene, α-pinene and ammonia, classified by the European Commission's INDEX strategy report as the priority pollutants to be regulated) and evaluates accordingly cancer and non-cancer risks posed by indoor exposure in dwellings and public buildings in European Union (EU) countries. The review process indicated that significant differences in indoor air quality exist within and among the countries where data were available, indicating corresponding differences in sources and emission strength of airborne chemicals, identified or not. Conservative exposure limits were not exceeded for non-carcinogenic effects, except for formaldehyde; for carcinogenic agents the estimated risks were up to three orders of magnitude higher than the one (10− 6) proposed as acceptable by risk management bodies. However, the risk assessment evaluation process faces crucial difficulties, either due to the relative paucity of indoor air quality measurements in many EU countries, or by the lack of sampling consistency in the already existing studies, indicating the need for additional measurements of indoor air quality following a harmonized sampling and analytical protocol. Additionally, uncertainties embodied in the cancer potency factors and exposure limit values impose further difficulties in substance prioritization and risk management.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Impact of emissions >> Health impacts
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Air pollution
Risk assessment >> Risk assessment methodologies

Keywords

Volatile organic compounds; Indoor air quality; Exposure assessment; Health risk

Entry Source:

N/A

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412011000079
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denis@eng.auth.gr

Title

Reference

Environ Health Perspectives 119:547-552. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002559

Author(s)

Nicolas J. Cabaton, Perinaaz R. Wadia, Beverly S. Rubin, Daniel Zalko, Cheryl M. Schaeberle, Michael H. Askenase, Jennifer L. Gadbois, Andrew P. Tharp, Gregory S. Whitt, Carlos Sonnenschein, Ana M. Soto

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Background: Perinatal exposure to low-doses of bisphenol A (BPA) results in alterations in the ovary, uterus, and mammary glands and in a sexually dimorphic region of the brain known to be important for estrous cyclicity.
Objectives: We aimed to determine whether perinatal exposure to environmentally relevant doses of BPA alters reproductive capacity.
Methods: Female CD–1 mice that were exposed to BPA at 0, 25 ng, 250 ng, or 25 µg/kg body weight (BW)/day or diethylstilbestrol (DES) at 10 ng/kg BW/day (positive control) from gestational day 8 through day 16 of lactation were continuously housed with proven breeder males for 32 weeks starting at 2 months of age. At each delivery, pups born to these mating pairs were removed. The cumulative number of pups, number of deliveries, and litter size were recorded. The purity of the BPA used in this and our previous studies was assessed using HPLC, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance.
Results: The forced breeding experiment revealed a decrease in the cumulative number of pups, observed as a nonmonotonic dose–response effect, and a decline in fertility and fecundity over time in female mice exposed perinatally to BPA. The BPA was 97% pure, with no evidence of contamination by other phenolic compounds.
Conclusions: Perinatal exposure to BPA leads to a dose-dependent decline in the reproductive capacity of female mice. The effects on the cumulative number of pups are comparable to those previously reported in mice developmentally exposed to DES, a compound well known to impair reproduction in women. This association suggests the possibility that early BPA exposure may also affect reproductive capacity in women.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals>> Impacts>>Health impacts
Environment and health>> Health risks>> Product safety

Keywords

biphasic dose response, bisphenol A, endocrine disruptor, fecundity, fertility, fetal origins of adult disease, perinatal exposure.

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1002559 
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ana.soto@tufts.edu

Title

QSAR classification models for the prediction of endocrine disrupting activity of brominated flame retardants

Reference

Journal of Hazardous Materials
Volume 190, Issues 1-3, 15 June 2011, Pages 106-112

Author(s)

Simona Kovarich, Ester Papa and Paola Gramatica

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The identification of potential endocrine disrupting (ED) chemicals is an important task for the scientific community due to their diffusion in the environment; the production and use of such compounds will be strictly regulated through the authorization process of the REACH regulation. To overcome the problem of insufficient experimental data, the quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) approach is applied to predict the ED activity of new chemicals. In the present study QSAR classification models are developed, according to the OECD principles, to predict the ED potency for a class of emerging ubiquitary pollutants, viz. brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Different endpoints related to ED activity (i.e. aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonism and antagonism, estrogen receptor agonism and antagonism, androgen and progesterone receptor antagonism, T4–TTR competition, E2SULT inhibition) are modeled using the k-NN classification method. The best models are selected by maximizing the sensitivity and external predictive ability. We propose simple QSARs (based on few descriptors) characterized by internal stability, good predictive power and with a verified applicability domain. These models are simple tools that are applicable to screen BFRs in relation to their ED activity, and also to design safer alternatives, in agreement with the requirements of REACH regulation at the authorization step

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Risk assessment>> Risk assessment methodologies

Keywords

QSAR; Brominated flame retardants; Endocrine disruptors; SVHC; REACH

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Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389411003116
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ester.papa@uninsubria.it

Title

An occupational chemical priority list for future life cycle assessments

Reference

Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 19, Issue 12, August 2011, Pages 1339-1346

Author(s)

Evangelia Demou, Stefanie Hellweg and Konrad Hungerbühler

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

A chemical priority list is presented to screen and identify relevant chemicals, for which more detailed and industrial-sector specific quantitative exposure, risk and life-cycle assessments should be completed. A list of 38 solvents were ranked according to the framework of the LCA toxicity model, USEtox, and according to the framework proposed by the UNEP/SETAC working group on Indoor Exposure Assessment in LCA. An additional method, based on a risk assessment (RA) framework, was used to examine the robustness of the priority rank. Under both schemes dichloromethane, ethanol, formaldehyde, hexane and toluene all rank in the top ten positions. These chemicals are currently relevant with regard to health effects on a population level. Some of these chemicals are known as hazardous, while others, such as ethanol, have a low toxicity but were prioritized because of their extensive use and high exposure levels. This study attempts to combine the knowledge and methods of the LCA and occupational hygiene communities in assessing health impacts. It provides a consistent and transparent method for rapid comparative assessments of different chemicals and identifies the chemicals and workplaces that will require more thorough investigations.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Risk assessment >> Hazards >> Hazardous substances

Keywords

Solvents; Indoor exposure; LCA; Human toxicity

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

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N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652611000874
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Evangelia.Demou@glasgow.ac.uk

Title

Cumulative risk assessment of chemical exposures in urban environments

Reference

Environment International
Volume 37, Issue 5, July 2011, Pages 872-881

Author(s)

Ad M.J. Ragas, R. Oldenkamp, N.L. Preeker, J. Wernicke and U. Schlink

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

We performed a cumulative risk assessment for people living in a hypothetical urban environment, called Urbania. The main aims of the study were to demonstrate how a cumulative risk assessment for a middle-sized European city can be performed and to identify the bottlenecks in terms of data availability and knowledge gaps. The assessment focused on five air pollutants (i.e., PM10, benzene, toluene, nonane and naphthalene) and six food pesticides (i.e., acetamiprid, carbendazim, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, imidacloprid and permethrin). Exposure predictions showed that PM10, benzene and naphthalene exposure frequently exceeded the standards, and that the indoor environment contributed more than the outdoor environment. Effect predictions showed that mixture and interaction effects were generally limited. However, model calculations indicated potential synergistic effects between naphthalene and benzene and between chlorpyrifos, diazinon and toluene. PM10 dominated the health impact expressed in Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). We conclude that measures to reduce the health impact of environmental pollution should focus on the improvement of indoor air quality and the reduction of PM10 emissions. Cumulative risk assessment can be improved by (1) the development of person-oriented exposure models that can simulate the cumulative exposure history of individuals, (2) a better mechanistic understanding of the effects of cumulative stressors, and (3) the development of instruments to prioritize stressors for inclusion in cumulative risk assessments.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Mixture toxicity
Risk assessment >> Risk assessment methodologies
Risk assessment >> Hazards >> Hazardous substances

Keywords

Multiple stress, Risk assessment, Exposure assessment, Effect assessment; Hazard index, DALY

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412011000468
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Contact the study author at:

A.Ragas@science.ru.nl

Title

Comparisons of IL-8, ROS and p53 responses in human lung epithelial cells exposed to two extracts of PM2.5 collected from an e-waste recycling area, China.

Reference

Environmental Research Letters, 6, 024013 DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/6/2/024013

Author(s)

Fangxing Yang, Shiwei Jin, Ying Xu and Yuanan Lu.

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

To identify the different effects of organic-soluble and water-soluble pollutants adsorbed on PM2.5 (PM: particulate matter) released from e-waste (electrical/electronic waste) on inflammatory response, oxidative stress and DNA damage, interleukin-8 (IL-8), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and p53 protein levels were determined and compared in human lung epithelial A549 cells exposed to extracts of PM2.5 collected from two sampling sites in an e-waste recycling area in China. It is found that both extracts induced increases of IL-8 release, ROS production and p53 protein expression. The differences between the organic-soluble and water-soluble extracts were determined as of significance for ROS production (p < 0.05) and p53 protein expression (p < 0.01). The ROS production and p53 protein expression induced by the organic-soluble extracts were found to be greater than those induced by the water-soluble extracts, for both sampling sites. The results indicated that PM2.5 collected from the e-waste recycling areas could lead to inflammatory response, oxidative stress and DNA damage, and the organic-soluble extracts had higher potential to induce such adverse effects on human health.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Impacts >> Health impacts
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Product safety
Waste >> Waste management >> Hazardous waste

Keywords

IL-8, ROS, p53, PM2.5, A549 cells, e-waste

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/6/2/024013
It is free to view this study

Contact the study author at:

fxyang@ihb.ac.cn  and ylu@hawaii.edu