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Chemicals - Heavy metals

 

Study ref: 13

Title

Adsorption of trace metals to plastic resin pellets in the marine environment

Reference

Environmental Pollution
Volume 160, January 2012, Pages 42-48

Author(s)

Luke A. Holmes, Andrew Turner, Richard C. Thompson

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Plastic production pellets collected from beaches of south west England contain variable concentrations of trace metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) that, in some cases, exceed concentrations reported for local estuarine sediments. The rates and mechanisms by which metals associate with virgin and beached polyethylene pellets were studied by adding a cocktail of 5 μg L−1 of trace metals to 10 g L−1 pellet suspensions in filtered seawater. Kinetic profiles were modelled using a pseudo-first-order equation and yielded response times of less than about 100 h and equilibrium partition coefficients of up to about 225 ml g−1 that were consistently higher for beached pellets than virgin pellets. Adsorption isotherms conformed to both the Langmuir and Freundlich equations and adsorption capacities were greater for beached pellets than for virgin pellets. Results suggest that plastics may represent an important vehicle for the transport of metals in the marine environment.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Marine ecosystems >> Marine pollution

Keywords

Plastic pellets; Trace metals; Adsorption; Kinetics; Seawater

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749111005057
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aturner@plymouth.ac.uk

Study ref: 12

Title

Chemical, dimensional and morphological ultrafine particle characterization from a waste-to-energy plant

Reference

Waste Management
Volume 31, Issue 11, November 2011, Pages 2253-2262

Author(s)

Giorgio Buonanno, Luca Stabile, Pasquale Avino, Elena Belluso

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Waste combustion processes are responsible of particles and gaseous emissions. Referring to the particle emission, in the last years specific attention was paid to ultrafine particles (UFPs, diameter less than 0.1 μm), mainly emitted by combustion processes. In fact, recent findings of toxicological and epidemiological studies indicate that fine and ultrafine particles could represent a risk for health and environment. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify particle emissions from incinerators also to perform an exposure assessment for the human populations living in their surrounding areas.
To these purposes, in the present work an experimental campaign aimed to monitor UFPs was carried out at the incineration plant in San Vittore del Lazio (Italy). Particle size distributions and total concentrations were measured both at the stack and before the fabric filter inlet in order to evaluate the removal efficiency of the filter in terms of UFPs. A chemical characterization of UFPs in terms of heavy metal concentration was performed through a nuclear method, i.e. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), as well as a mineralogical investigation was carried out through a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) equipped with an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) in order to evaluate shape, crystalline state and mineral compound of sampled particles.
Maximum values of 2.7 × 107 part. cm−3 and 2.0 × 103 part. cm−3 were found, respectively, for number concentration before and after the fabric filter showing a very high efficiency in particle removing by the fabric filter. With regard to heavy metal concentrations, the elements with higher boiling temperature present higher concentrations at lower diameters showing a not complete evaporation in the combustion section and the consequent condensation of semi-volatile compounds on solid nuclei. In terms of mineralogical and morphological analysis, the most abundant compounds found in samples collected before the fabric filter are Na–K–Pb oxides followed by phyllosilicates, otherwise, different oxides of comparable abundance were detected in the samples collected at the stack.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Source of emissions >> Industrial emissions
Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Waste >> Waste management >> Incineration

Keywords

Ultrafine particles; Heavy metal concentrations; Waste incinerator; SMPS; TEM–EDS

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/S0956053X11002820
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buonanno@unicas.it 

 

Study ref: 11

Title

Seabird feathers as monitors of the levels and persistence of heavy metal pollution after the Prestige oil spill

Reference

Environmental Pollution
Volume 159, Issue 10, October 2011, Pages 2454-2460
Nitrogen Deposition, Critical Loads and Biodiversity

Author(s)

Rocío Moreno, Lluís Jover, Carmen Diez, Carola Sanpera

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

We measured heavy metal concentrations in yellow-legged gulls (n = 196) and European shags (n = 189) in order to assess the temporal pattern of contaminant exposure following the Prestige oil spill in November 2002. We analysed Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni and V levels in chick feathers sampled at four colonies during seven post-spill years (2003–2009), and compared results with pre-spill levels obtained from feathers of juvenile shag corpses (grown in spring/summer 2002). Following the Prestige wreck, Cu (4.3-10 µg g-1) and Pb concentrations (1.0-1.4 µg g-1) were, respectively, between two and five times higher than pre-spill levels (1.5-3.6 and 0.1-0.4 µg g-1), but returned to previous background concentrations after three years. Our study highlights the suitability of chick feathers of seabirds for assessing the impact of oil spills on heavy metal contamination, and provides the best evidence to date on the persistence of oil pollution after the Prestige incident.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Marine ecosystems >> Marine pollution
Risk assessment >> Hazards >> Industrial accidents

Keywords

Long-term effects; Atlantic ocean; Phalacrocorax aristotelis; Larus michahellis; Oil spill

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749111003617
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Contact the study author at:

rocio@rociomoreno.com

 

Study ref: 10

Title

Accumulation of heavy metals to assess the health status of swordfish in a comparative analysis of Mediterranean and Atlantic areas

Reference

Marine Pollution Bulletin
Volume 62, Issue 8, August 2011, Pages 1920-1925

Author(s)

Simone Damiano, Patrizia Papetti and Paolo Menesatti

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

During the last few decades, the combined effects of natural and human activities acting on the Mediterranean Sea basin have caused a reduction in the swordfish (Xiphias gladius, L. 1758) population. In this project, we investigated the accumulation of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) levels in the Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of swordfish during a five-year survey. In the marine environment, top predators such as swordfish accumulate high concentrations of toxic metals, and thus, potentially incur a high toxicological risk. Furthermore, heavy metals, such as chemical pollutants, have strong long-term effects on fish, and thus, constitute a high risk for the resource and humans that consume it. The aim of this work is to contribute to the assessment of the state of European swordfish population health. We analyzed muscle tissue from 56 specimens captured in Mediterranean and Atlantic areas for trace elements. Mean concentrations of Hg, Cd, and Pb were in the following ranges: 0.66-2.41, 0.04-0.16, and 0.97-1.36 mg/kg ww, respectively. These data suggest a need for continuous monitoring to avoid reductions in the population of this fish species of high commercial and ecological interest

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Marine ecosystems >> Biodiversity
Marine ecosystems >> Marine pollution

Keywords

Accumulation, Heavy metals, Swordfish, Mediterranean, Atlantic

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

To be filled in later by editorial team

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X1100230X
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Contact the study author at:

papetti@eco.unicas.it

 

Study ref: 09

Title

Selenium Moderates Mercury Toxicity in Free-Ranging Freshwater Fish.

Reference

Environ. Sci. Technol.,
DOI: 10.1021/es200478b

Author(s)

Eugen G. Sørmo, Tomasz M. Ciesielski, Ida B. Øverjordet, Syverin Lierhagen, Grethe S. Eggen, Torunn Berg, and Bjørn M. Jenssen

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Due to the extremely high affinity of selenium (Se) to mercury (Hg), Se sequesters Hg and reduces its biological availability in organisms. However the converse is also true. Hg sequesters Se, causing Hg to inhibit the formation of Se dependent enzymes while supplemental Se supports their continued synthesis. Hence, whether or not toxic effects accompany exposure to Hg depends upon the tissue Se:Hg molar ratio of the organism. The main objective of the present study was to investigate how levels of Hg and Se affected metallothionein (MT) induction in free-ranging brown trout, Salmo trutta, from Lake Mjøsa, Norway (a Se depauperate lake). MT is proposed as a sensitive biomarker of potential detrimental effects induced by metals such as Hg. Emphasis was addressed to elucidate if increased tissue Se:Hg molar ratios and Se levels affected the demands for MT in the trout. The Se:Hg molar ratio followed by tissue Se levels were most successful for assessing the relationship between metal exposure and MT levels in the trout. Thus, Hg in molar excess over Se was a stronger inducer of MT synthesis than tissue Hg levels in the trout, supporting the assumption that Se has a prominent protective effect against Hg toxicity. Measuring Hg in animals may therefore provide an inadequate reflection of the potential health risks to humans and wildlife if the protective effects of Se are not considered.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Chemicals >> Impacts >> Ecosystem impacts

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es200478b
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eugen.sormo@bio.ntnu.no

 

Study ref: 08

Title

Gold Mining in the Peruvian Amazon: Global Prices, Deforestation, and Mercury Imports

Reference

PLoS ONE 6(4): e18875.

Author(s)

Jennifer J. Swenson, Catherine E. Carter, Jean-Christophe Domec, Cesar I. Delgado

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Many factors such as poverty, ineffective institutions and environmental regulations may prevent developing countries from managing how natural resources are extracted to meet a strong market demand. Extraction for some resources has reached such proportions that evidence is measurable from space. We present recent evidence of the global demand for a single commodity and the ecosystem destruction resulting from commodity extraction, recorded by satellites for one of the most biodiverse areas of the world. We find that since 2003, recent mining deforestation in Madre de Dios, Peru is increasing nonlinearly alongside a constant annual rate of increase in international gold price (~18%/yr). We detect that the new pattern of mining deforestation (1915 ha/year, 2006-2009) is outpacing that of nearby settlement deforestation. We show that gold price is linked with exponential increases in Peruvian national mercury imports over time (R2 = 0.93, p = 0.04, 2003-2009). Given the past rates of increase we predict that mercury imports may more than double for 2011 (~500 t/year). Virtually all of Peru's mercury imports are used in artisanal gold mining. Much of the mining increase is unregulated/artisanal in nature, lacking environmental impact analysis or miner education. As a result, large quantities of mercury are being released into the atmosphere, sediments and waterways. Other developing countries endowed with gold deposits are likely experiencing similar environmental destruction in response to recent record high gold prices. The increasing availability of satellite imagery ought to evoke further studies linking economic variables with land use and cover changes on the ground.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Forests >> Forest protection >> Deforestation and degradation

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0018875#aff1
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Contact the study author at:

jswenson@duke.edu

Study ref: 07

Title

Methylation of inorganic mercury in polar marine waters

Reference

Nature Geoscience, 2011; DOI: 10.1038/ngeo1134

Author(s)

Igor Lehnherr, Vincent L. St. Louis, Holger Hintelmann, Jane L. Kirk.

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Monomethylmercury is a neurotoxin that accumulates in marine organisms, with serious implications for human health. The toxin is of particular concern to northern Inuit peoples, for example, whose traditional diets are composed primarily of marine mammals and fish. The ultimate source of monomethylmercury to marine organisms has remained uncertain, although various potential sources have been proposed, including export from coastal and deep-sea sediments and major river systems, atmospheric deposition and water-column production. Here, we report results from incubation experiments in which we added isotopically labelled inorganic mercury and monomethylmercury to seawater samples collected from a range of sites in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Monomethylmercury formed from the methylation of inorganic mercury in all samples. Demethylation of monomethylmercury was also observed in water from all sites. We determined steady-state concentrations of monomethylmercury in marine waters by incorporating the rate constants for monomethylmercury formation and degradation derived from these experiments into a numerical model. We estimate that the conversion of inorganic mercury to monomethylmercury in the water column accounts for around 47% (±62%, standard deviation) of the monomethylmercury present in polar marine waters, with site-to-site differences in inorganic mercury and monomethylmercury levels accounting for most of the variability. We suggest that water-column methylation of inorganic mercury is a significant source of monomethylmercury in pelagic marine food webs in the Arctic, and possibly in the world's oceans in general.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Marine ecosystems >> Marine pollution

Keywords

Biogeochemistry, Oceanography

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/v4/n5/full/ngeo1134.html
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Contact the study author at:

lehnherr@ualberta.ca

Study ref: 06

Title

Methylmercury photodegradation influenced by sea-ice cover in Arctic marine ecosystems 

Reference

Nature Geoscience (2011)
DOI:10.1038/ngeo1049

Author(s)

D. Point, J. E. Sonke, R. D. Day, D. G. Roseneau, K. A. Hobson, S. S. Vander Pol, A. J. Moors, R. S. Pugh, O. F. X. Donard and P. R. Becker

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Atmospheric deposition of mercury to remote areas has increased threefold since pre-industrial times. Mercury deposition is particularly pronounced in the Arctic. Following deposition to surface oceans and sea ice, mercury can be converted into methylmercury, a biologically accessible form of the toxin, which biomagnifies along the marine food chain. Mass-independent fractionation of mercury isotopes accompanies the photochemical breakdown of methylmercury to less bioavailable forms in surface waters. Here we examine the isotopic composition of mercury in seabird eggs collected from colonies in the North Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea and the western Arctic Ocean, to determine geographical variations in methylmercury breakdown at northern latitudes. We find evidence for mass-independent fractionation of mercury isotopes. The degree of mass-independent fractionation declines with latitude. Foraging behaviour and geographic variations in mercury sources and solar radiation fluxes were unable to explain the latitudinal gradient. However, mass-independent fractionation was negatively correlated with sea-ice cover. We conclude that sea-ice cover impedes the photochemical breakdown of methylmercury in surface waters, and suggest that further loss of Arctic sea ice this century will accelerate sunlight-induced breakdown of methylmercury in northern surface waters.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Marine ecosystems >> Marine pollution

Keywords

N/A

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/v4/n3/full/ngeo1049.html
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Contact the study author at:

David.point@lmtg.obs-mip.fr

Study ref: 05

Title

Transition to Lead-Free Products in the US Electronics Industry: A Model of Environmental, Technical, and Economic Preferences

Reference

Environmental Modeling and Assessment (2011) 16:107-118
DOI 10.1007/s10666-010-9227-1

Author(s)

Xiaoying Zhou & Hilary Nixon & Oladele A. Ogunseitan & Andrew A. Shapiro & Julie M. Schoenung

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

The European Union's Restriction on the Use of
Certain Hazardous Substances (Directive 2002/95/EC)
targeted at electronic products took effect in 2006. In
contrast, the USA has no comparable national policy on
these products. To understand corporate responses to policy
differences across jurisdictions, we conducted a structured
questionnaire survey of individuals in 109 companies that
are representative of the US electronics industry. The results
reveal that 70% of these companies have already adopted
lead-free solder for electronics with 49% of the total
preferring the SnAgCu formulation, despite uncertainties
associated with environmental impacts of this alternative
alloy. We use a modified life cycle impact assessment
method based on endpoint modeling approach to derive
weighting factors that represent the respondents' value
system for tradeoffs among environmental impacts. We
use a modified fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by
Similarity to Ideal Solution approach to evaluate technical
criteria dominance in declared preferences. A statistical
model of corporate behavior is also presented. The results
provide the first systematic framework that accounts for
environmental impact, technological challenge, and business
strategy concurrently toward formulating a comprehensive national policy for materials selection in electronic products.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable manufacturing processes

Keywords

Decision making, Environmental management, E-waste, Integrated assessment, Lead-free solder, Materials selection

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/981vn0x328201586/
This study is free to view

Contact the study author at:

xzhou@dtsc.ca.gov
jmschoenung@ucdavis.edu

Study ref: 04

Title

Deleterious effects in mice of fish-associated methylmercury contained in a diet mimicking the Western populations' average fish consumption

Reference

Environment International
Volume 37, Issue 2, February 2011, Pages 303-313

Author(s)

Jean-Paul Bourdineaud, Masatake Fujimura, Muriel Laclau, Masumi Sawada and Akira Yasutake

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin, and human beings are mainly exposed to this pollutant through fish consumption. Only a few contradictory epidemiological studies are currently available examining the impact of fish consumption on human populations. In the present study, we wanted to address whether a diet mimicking the fish consumption of Western populations could result in observable adverse effects in mice, and whether beneficial nutriments from fish were able to counterbalance the deleterious effects of MeHg, if any. In Europe and the United States, fish consumption varies widely between countries, from 11 to 100 g fish/day. A mid-range value of 25 g fish/day corresponds to a
fish contribution to the total diet of 1.25% on a dry weight basis. We decided to supplement a vegetarian-based mouse diet with 1.25% of lyophilized salmon flesh (SAL diet), or 1.25% of a blend of lyophilized cod, tuna, and
swordfish (CTS diet). Total mercury contents were 1.15±0.15, 2.3±0.1 and 35.75±0.15 ng Hg/g of food pellets for the control, SAL and CTS diets, respectively. After two months feeding, the CTS diet resulted in significant observable effects as compared to the control and SAL diets, encompassing decreased body growth, altered behavioral performance and increased anxiety level, modification of mitochondrial respiratory protein subunit concentrations in kidney and brain structures,modified gene expression patterns in kidneys, liver and muscles, and a decrease of dopamine concentrations in the hypothalamus and striatum.Our findings have health implications, firstly because 1.25% of CTS flesh in the diet corresponds to an average exposure to MeHg below the WHO provisory tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) (1.6 µg MeHg/kg of body weight/
week), and secondly because many people in Western populations, among them women of child-bearing age,are exceeding the PTWI value (for instance, 35% of the French population inhabiting the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts).

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Product safety
Marine ecosystems >> Fisheries

Keywords

Fish consumption, Methylmercury, Ecotoxicology,Tuna

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/S0160412010001959
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Contact the study author at:

jp.bourdineaud@epoc.u-bordeaux1.fr

Study ref: 03

Title

Is frequent consumption of tuna fish safe? Evidence of liver damages in rats fed on red or white meat from tuna fish caught in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisian coast)

Reference

Environmental Chemistry Letters
DOI: 10.1007/s10311-010-0306-y

Author(s)

Nesrine Gdoura, Abdelwaheb Abdelmouleh, Jean-Claude Murat, Khansa Chaabouni, Fatma Makni-Ayedi and Abdelfattah Elfeki

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

In recent years, a number of studies have clearly pointed out the nutritional benefits of fish consumption. However, some concerns about potential health risks derived from contaminants found in fish have also been raised. Therefore, balancing adequately the risks and benefits of fish consumption is currently a health key issue. As tuna fish represents a large part of the traditional food in some countries, the possible impact of tuna fish consumption on public health was investigated. Hepatic damages following consumption of tuna fish white (ordinary) or red (dark) muscle were evaluated in rat. Under our experimental conditions, feeding the animals for 60 days with white or, more markedly, red tuna meat resulted in 1) an elevated uric acid level in blood, 2) an accumulation of lead in liver, 3) an atrophy of liver, 4) an increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and 5) an oxidative stress in liver including an increased level of lipids peroxidation and enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, liver histology revealed several abnormalities. These alterations could be attributed to both lead accumulation and high purine levels in tuna meat. We conclude that attention should be paid to a possible health impact of frequent and important consumption of tuna fish meat, especially the dark one.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Product safety
Marine ecosystems >> Fisheries

Keywords

Tuna fish consumption, Rat liver, Oxidative, Stress, Lead

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/q50115w08328872q/fulltext.pdf
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Contact the study author at:

abdelfattah.elfeki@fss.rnu.tn

Study ref: 02

Title

Potential Environmental Impacts of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs): Metallic Resources, Toxicity, and Hazardous Waste Classification

Reference

Environ. Sci. Technol. 2011, 45 (1), pp 320-327
DOI: 10.1021/es101052q

Author(s)

Seong-Rin Lim, Daniel Kang, Oladele A. Ogunseitan, and Julie M. Schoenung

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are advertised as environmentally friendly because they are energy efficient and mercury-free. This study aimed to determine if LEDs engender other forms of environmental and human health impacts, and to characterize variation across different LEDs based on color and intensity. The objectives are as follows: (i) to use standardized leachability tests to examine whether LEDs are to be categorized as hazardous waste under existing United States federal and California state regulations; and (ii) to use material life cycle impact and hazard assessment methods to evaluate resource depletion and toxicity potentials of LEDs based on their metallic constituents. According to federal standards, LEDs are not hazardous except for low-intensity red LEDs, which leached Pb at levels exceeding regulatory limits (186 mg/L; regulatory limit: 5). However, according to California regulations, excessive levels of copper (up to 3892 mg/kg; limit: 2500), Pb (up to 8103 mg/kg; limit: 1000), nickel (up to 4797 mg/kg; limit: 2000), or silver (up to 721 mg/kg; limit: 500) render all except low-intensity yellow LEDs hazardous. The environmental burden associated with resource depletion potentials derives primarily from gold and silver, whereas the burden from toxicity potentials is associated primarily with arsenic, copper, nickel, lead, iron, and silver. Establishing benchmark levels of these substances can help manufacturers implement design for environment through informed materials substitution, can motivate recyclers and waste management teams to recognize resource value and occupational hazards, and can inform policymakers who establish waste management policies for LEDs.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Resource efficiency >> Materials >> Material efficiency
Waste >> Waste management >> Hazardous waste

Keywords

LEDs, hazardous waste

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1021/es101052q
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Contact the study author at:

jmschoenung@ucdavis.edu

Study ref: 01

Title

Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Lead, and Mercury Are Associated with Liver Disease in American Adults: NHANES 2003–2004

Reference

Environ Health Perspect 118:1735-1742 doi:10.1289/ehp.1002720

Author(s)

Matt Cave , Savitri Appana, Mihir Patel, Keith Cameron Falkner, Craig J. McClain, Guy Brock

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Background: High-level occupational exposures to some industrial chemicals have been associated with liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the potential role of low-level environmental pollution on liver disease in the general population has not been evaluated. Objective: We determined whether environmental pollutants are associated with an elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and suspected NAFLD in U.S. adults. Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study evaluated adult participants without viral hepatitis, hemochromatosis, or alcoholic liver disease from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2003-2004. ALT elevation was defined in men as ≥ 37 IU/L (age18-20 years) and ≥ 48 IU/L (age ≥ 21 years) and in women as ≥ 30 IU/L (age 18-20 years) and ≥ 31 IU/L (age ≥ 21 years). Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for ALT elevation were determined across exposure quartiles for 17 pollutant subclasses comprising 111 individual pollutants present with at least a 60% detection rate. Adjustments were made for age, race/ethnicity, sex, body mass index, poverty income ratio, and insulin resistance. Individual pollutants from subclasses associated with ALT elevation were subsequently analyzed. Results: The overall prevalence of ALT elevation was 10.6%. Heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were associated with dose-dependent increased adjusted ORs for ALT elevation. Within these subclasses, increasing whole-blood levels of lead and mercury and increasing lipid-adjusted serum levels of 20 PCBs were individually associated with ALT elevation. Conclusions: PCB, lead, and mercury exposures were associated with unexplained ALT elevation, a proxy marker of NAFLD, in NHANES 2003-2004 adult participants.

Policy theme(s)

Chemicals >> Pollutants/hazardous substances >> Heavy metals
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Air pollution
Environment and health >> Health risks >> Human biomonitoring

Keywords

environmental liver disease, hepatotoxicity, lead, mercury, NAFLD, NASH, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, TASH.

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

Referred to in EC doc:

N/A

View this study at:

http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchArticle.action?articleURI=info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1002720 There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

craig.mcclain@louisville.edu

 

 

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