RESUMEN

Consumers are exposed to succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) pesticides through their diet. A cumulative dietary risk assessment for the French population has been performed with French monitoring data (2017-2021) and consumption data from INCA3. The calculation followed a two-tiered approach, using deterministic then probabilistic methods. It was carried out, using European health based guidance values (HBGV) derived for each active substance to characterise their toxicity. In Tier I, the calculated hazard index of 0.12 was below the threshold of 1 and in Tier II, the total margin of exposure at percentile 99.9 remains above the trigger value of 100 (1798 [1631-2311]). In Tier II, the three main risk drivers identified at the upper tail of the distribution were strawberries-fluopyram (19.1%), peaches-fluopyram (14.1%) and table grapes-boscalid (10.5%). Finally, the impact of the major sources of uncertainties was qualitatively evaluated. All together, they were considered of low impact on the outcomes. This work demonstrates the absence of unacceptable chronic risk related to the cumulative exposure of SDHI for French consumers during the 2017-2021 period.

Asunto(s)

Plaguicidas , Succinato Deshidrogenasa , Humanos , Francia , Medición de Riesgo , Plaguicidas/toxicidad , Succinato Deshidrogenasa/antagonistas & inhibidores , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto Joven , Exposición Dietética , Femenino , Masculino , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Adolescente , Anciano , Niño , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/toxicidad , Preescolar

RESUMEN

In this study, the oral bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and As in three types of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and TCM decoctions were investigated through in vitro PBET digestion/MDKC cell model. Furthermore, a novel cumulative risk assessment model associated with co-exposure of heavy metal(loid)s in TCM and TCM decoction based on bioavailability was developed using hazard index (HI) for rapid screening and target organ toxicity dose modification of the HI (TTD) method for precise assessment. The results revealed that the bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and As in three types of TCM and TCM decoction was 5.32-72.49% and 4.98-51.97%, respectively. After rapid screening of the co-exposure health risks of heavy metal(loid)s by the HI method, cumulative risk assessment results acquired by TTD method based on total metal contents in TCMs indicated that potential health risks associated with the co-exposure of Pb, Cd, and As in Pheretima aspergillum (E. Perrier) and Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb were of concern. However, considering both the factors of decoction and bioavailability, TTD-adjusted HI outcomes for TCMs in this study were <1, indicating acceptable health risks. Collectively, our innovation on cumulative risk assessment of TCM and TCM decoction provides a novel strategy with the main purpose of improving population health.

RESUMEN

Introduction: Ever since the use of bisphenol A (BPA) has been restricted, concerns have been raised regarding the use of its substitutes, such as bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF). Meanwhile, the EU European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued the new tolerable daily intake (TDI) after the latest re-risk assessment for BPA, which enforced the need for cumulative risk assessment in the population. This study was conducted to identify BPA and its substitute's exposure characteristics of the general Taiwanese population and estimate the cumulative risk of bisphenol exposure. Methods: Urine samples (N = 366 [adult, 271; minor, 95]) were collected from individuals who participated in the Taiwan Environmental Survey for Toxicants 2013. The samples were analyzed for BPA, BPS, and BPF through ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Daily intake (DI) levels were calculated for each bisphenol. Hazard quotients (HQs) were calculated with the consideration of tolerable DI and a reference dose. Additionally, hazard index (HI; sum of HQs for each bisphenol) values were calculated. Results: Our study found that the median level of BPA was significantly higher in adults (9.63 µg/g creatinine) than in minors (6.63 µg/g creatinine) (p < 0.001). The DI of BPS was higher in female (0.69 ng/kg/day) than in male (0.49 ng/kg/day); however, the DIs of BPF and BPS were higher in boys (1.15 and 0.26 ng/kg/day, respectively) than in girls (0.57 and 0.20 ng/kg/day, respectively). Most HI values exceeded 1 (99% of the participants) after EFSA re-establish the TDI of BPA. Discussion: Our study revealed that the exposure profiles and risk of BPA and its substitute in Taiwanese varied by age and sex. Additionally, the exposure risk of BPA was deemed unacceptable in Taiwan according to new EFSA regulations, and food contamination could be the possible source of exposure. We suggest that the risk of exposure to BPA and its substitutes in most human biomonitoring studies should be reassessed based on new scientific evidence.

Asunto(s)

Compuestos de Bencidrilo , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Fenoles , Sulfonas , Humanos , Fenoles/orina , Fenoles/análisis , Fenoles/toxicidad , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/orina , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/toxicidad , Femenino , Masculino , Taiwán , Adulto , Medición de Riesgo , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/estadística & datos numéricos , Niño , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adolescente , Sulfonas/análisis , Adulto Joven , Anciano , Preescolar , Espectrometría de Masas en Tándem , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: The workplace's health hazard remains a significant concern to workers in the mining industry, where miners are continually exposed to various kinds of exposure sources. METHOD: First, the determinants of miners' health were systematically extracted from 259 publications, comprising chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial stressors, vulnerability factors, and common health outcomes. Then, 16 meta-analyses were performed to ascertain the epidemiological evidence for associations between four stressors and three health outcomes. The seven top contributing factors affecting miners' health were identified through 166 available prospective studies. Finally, based on the classic and domestic measurement scales, a cross-sectional survey of 559 Chinese miners was conducted to determine the core psychosocial predictors. In addition to the traditional mechanisms, complex interactive networks among the antecedents and consequences and the reversed effects of consequences were also obtained, where 379 strong association rules were yielded via the Apriori algorithm. RESULTS: The results showed that occupational dust, NO2, heavy metals, heat, vibration, awkward posture, and job stress are significant risk factors associated with individuals' health conditions. Psychological capital, coping style, job demand, social support, organizational support, justice, and culture are core psychosocial predictors of miners. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a case for identifying the most significant occupational risk factors related to individuals' health, which could be extended and applied to other industries, as working populations around the world are suffering from various chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial stressors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Identifying the significant occupational risk factors affecting workers' health conditions is essential for comprehensive occupational health risk assessment and management. Therefore, this study could be important for health management in mines and other industries.

Asunto(s)

Minería , Exposición Profesional , Humanos , Factores de Riesgo , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Exposición Profesional/estadística & datos numéricos , Mineros/estadística & datos numéricos , Salud Laboral , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Estrés Laboral/epidemiología , China/epidemiología

RESUMEN

EFSA updated its previous work on the establishment of specific effects that are considered relevant for grouping pesticide residues targeting the thyroid and for performing the retrospective assessment of dietary cumulative risk (CRA). The two specific effects already selected in 2019 leading to the two cumulative assessment groups (CAGs) 'hypothyroidism' and 'C-cell hypertrophy, hyperplasia and neoplasia' were reconfirmed. Compared to 2019, the list of indicators that can be used to identify these specific effects was refined to only include histopathological changes. In a second phase of the work, data will be extracted on indicators of the specific effects from the dossiers on active substances (a.s.) used as plant protection products. The criteria for including a.s. into CAGs were also updated, together with the hazard characterisation methodology and the lines of evidence for assessing CAG-membership probabilities. The tasks related to the data extraction and the establishment of the CAGs on hypothyroidism and on C-cell hypertrophy, hyperplasia and neoplasia are beyond the scope of this report. This part of the CRA process has been outsourced and will be the subject of a separate report.

RESUMEN

In contrast to the traditional approach to risk assessment, which focuses on a single chemical, cumulative exposure and risk assessment considers the consequences of exposure to multiple chemical combinations. A cumulative risk assessment of dietary exposure of adult females and adult males to pesticides with chronic effects on the thyroid was conducted by estimation of the Total Margin of Exposure (MOET). Exposure to each active substance was estimated using a second-order Monte Carlo simulation. Input values for the simulation were based on over 2300 conventionally produced fruit and vegetable samples analysed from 2021 to 2023 and consumption data collected using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 24h recall method. MOET values, for both populations assessed, did not exceed thresholds for regulatory consideration established by risk managers. Considering that MOETs values from consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables were relatively close to the threshold value, total exposure to the pesticides could likely reach risk-associated MOET levels, through the consumption of other food products that may be contaminated.

Asunto(s)

Residuos de Plaguicidas , Plaguicidas , Plaguicidas/toxicidad , Plaguicidas/análisis , Verduras/química , Frutas/química , Exposición Dietética/análisis , Glándula Tiroides , Serbia , Medición de Riesgo , Residuos de Plaguicidas/análisis , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis

RESUMEN

This abstract presents a report on the proposed work programme, focus on cumulative risk assessment (CRA) for chemical risks, specifically pesticide residues in food. While not a scientific publication, this technical report aims to provide insights without including the fellow's data to avoid publication restrictions. This report focuses on addressing the question concerning the trigger value to perform a prospective CRA in case of a new maximum residue level (MRL) setting. The 1,000 margin of exposure (MOE) threshold value was tested and compared to preliminary ANSES results. Alternative thresholds were calculated and explored. The EU-FORA fellow selected two cumulative assessment groups (CAGs) related to acute craniofacial alterations and chronic thyroid effects. The fellow performed exposure assessments, integrating effects data, French monitoring data, processing factors, agricultural uses, MRLs and extrapolations into Monte Carlo risk assessment (MCRA). Retrospective cumulative exposures using MCRA were conducted for children, adults and a vulnerable group of childbearing women based on the French survey INCA3, identifying background levels at P99.9. The fellow also performed prospective assessments with MCRA, analysing results at P99.9 to evaluate the adequacy of the 1,000 MOE threshold. Alternative thresholds are discussed and proposed.

RESUMEN

Pregnant women are widely exposed to phthalic acid esters (PAEs) that are commonly used in most aspects of modern life. However, few studies have examined the cumulative exposure of pregnant women to a variety of PAEs derived from the living environmental conditions in China. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the urinary concentrations of nine PAE metabolites in pregnant women, examine the relationship between urinary concentrations and residential characteristics, and conduct a risk assessment analysis. We included 1,888 women who were in their third trimester of pregnancy, and we determined their urinary concentrations of nine PAE metabolites using high-performance gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The risk assessment of exposure to PAEs was calculated based on the estimated daily intake. A linear regression model was used to analyze the relationship between creatinine-adjusted PAE metabolite concentrations and residential characteristics. The detection rate of five PAE metabolites in the study population was > 90%. Among the PAE metabolites adjusted by creatinine, the urinary metabolite concentration of monobutyl phthalate was found to be the highest. Residential factors, such as housing type, proximity to streets, recent decorations, lack of ventilation in the kitchen, less than equal to three rooms, and the use of coal/kerosene/wood/wheat straw fuels, were all significantly associated with high PAE metabolite concentrations. Due to PAE exposure, ~ 42% (n = 793) of the participants faced potential health risks, particularly attributed to dibutyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, and di(2-ethyl)hexyl phthalate exposure. Living in buildings and using coal/kerosene/wood/wheat straw as domestic fuel can further increase the risks.

Asunto(s)

Ácidos Ftálicos , Mujeres Embarazadas , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Creatinina/análisis , Queroseno/análisis , Ácidos Ftálicos/análisis , Dibutil Ftalato , China , Medición de Riesgo , Ésteres , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis

RESUMEN

In 85 Austrian school children aged 6-10 years, two multi-analyte LC-MS/MS methods were used to study the concentrations of 33 chemical substances in urine, including per- and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), bisphenols, parabens, benzophenones, triclosan, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites, and cotinine. Each of the children was exposed to 14-21 substances simultaneously. Correlations were found between compounds of the same and of divergent substance groups supporting the strong need to consider multiple exposures and mixture effects. Eight compounds, including perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFOA), methyl paraben (n-MeP), ethyl paraben (n-EtP), propyl paraben (n-PrP), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), 2-naphthol, and 3-hydroxyphenanthrene were detected in all urine samples. In the PFAS group the medians of detectable substances ranged between <0.0005 µg/l for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and 0.004 µg/l for PFHxA. For other environmental contaminants investigated, a maximum urinary level of 893 µg/l was identified for n-MeP. The highest median value was 2.5 µg/l for 2-naphthol. Daily intakes were calculated for bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan (TCS), and four parabens. These values did not exceed the tolerable or acceptable daily intakes currently in force. Based on a recently proposed TDI for BPA, daily intakes of all children exceeded this value. A cumulative risk assessment was conducted for four parabens not showing exceedances of acceptable exposures. The results demonstrate simultaneous exposure to several different chemicals, with the majority showing impact on the endocrine system being of particular concern with respect to mixture effects. Further assessments with a stronger focus on mixtures are warranted. The results also highlight the need of policy actions as foreseen in the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

Asunto(s)

Fluorocarburos , Triclosán , Humanos , Niño , Parabenos/metabolismo , Triclosán/orina , Monitoreo Biológico , Xenobióticos , Cromatografía Liquida , Austria , Espectrometría de Masas en Tándem , Compuestos de Bencidrilo/orina , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis

RESUMEN

Phthalates are widely used plasticizers in various consumer products and medical devices, with some reporting as having estrogenic and anti-androgenic endocrine-disrupting effects. Premature neonates may be exposed to high levels of specific phthalates during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because of reliance on multiple medical procedures that pose a possible health risk. The present study utilized seven urinary phthalate metabolites of dibutyl phthalate isomers [(di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP)], butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) that had been previously measured in 33 preterm neonates sampled at hospital admission (N = 23) and daily during their NICU stay (N = 260). We aimed to perform: (1) cumulative risk assessment (CRA) using the volume and creatinine-adjusted models; (2) examine the temporal variability of CRA from repeated measures and (3) estimate the risk of cumulative exposure to phthalates based on their anti-androgenic and/or estrogenic properties. We multiplied the relative activity of individual phthalates exhibiting estrogenic or anti-androgenic effects by daily intake. For each preterm neonate, CRA was assessed based on the hazard index (HI) metric [the sum of hazard quotients] based on three reference doses for anti-androgenicity: the tolerable daily intake (TDI) from the European Food Safety Authority, the reference dose (RfD-AA) published in 2010 and newly revised published in 2020 (NRfD-AA). The metabolites of BBzP and DEHP were 2-23 fold higher in preterm neonates during their NICU stay. Median HIs increased in the order of HINRfDAA > HIRfDAA > HITDI. In the creatinine-based model, 87% (92%), 87% (96%), and 100% (100%) of preterm neonates at admission (during NICU stay) showed HITDI, HIRfD-AA, and HINRfD-AA exceeding 1, respectively with DEHP the most prevalent. The temporal reproducibility of HI (based on three reference doses) during preterm neonate stay in the NICU was high, with intra-class correlation coefficients ranging between 0.77 and 0.97, suggesting persistent exposure to phthalates. The four phthalates that preterm neonates were exposed to in the NICU exhibited estrogenic binding and anti-androgenic effects with median values (creatinine-based) of 98.7 and 56.9 µg/kg body weight/day, respectively. This was especially true for DEHP. The results indicate that preterm neonates in this NICU setting are probably at high risk of cumulative phthalate exposure with anti-androgenic properties that may have long-term adverse reproductive and developmental effects.

Asunto(s)

Dietilhexil Ftalato , Contaminantes Ambientales , Ácidos Ftálicos , Recién Nacido , Humanos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Contaminantes Ambientales/orina , Dietilhexil Ftalato/orina , Creatinina , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Ácidos Ftálicos/orina , Medición de Riesgo , Antagonistas de Andrógenos

RESUMEN

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. The physiologically based extraction test (PBET) digestion in vitro/Caco-2 cell model was established to investigate the bioaccessible contents of Pb, Cd and As in decoction of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. The target-organ toxicity dose modification of HI method (TTD) was used to evaluate the cumulative risk caused by the combined exposure of the total levels of Pb, Cd and As in Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. and the bioaccessible contents in the decoction. The results showed that the total contents of Pb, Cd and As in 4 batches of samples were in the range of 2.901-3.872, 1.299-1.800 and 0.062-0.216 mg·kg-1, respectively. After transportation by Cacco-2 cells, the bioaccessible contents of Pb, Cd, and As in the decoction were in the range of 0.045-0.080, 0.070-0.112 and 0.004-0.018 mg·kg-1. The results of risk assessment showed that calculated by the total amounts of heavy metals in the Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm., for the end points of nervous system, the cumulative risks of co-exposure of heavy metals in 3 batches of samples were of concern. After decoction and transportation by Caco-2 cells, for the end points of cardiovascular system, blood, nervous system, kidney and testis, the TTD modification of HI values of all batches of samples were less than 1, and the health risks were acceptable. The study provided methodology basis for a more objective assessment of the health risks of heavy metals and harmful elements in traditional Chinese medicine and for a more scientific limit standard of heavy metals and harmful elements.

RESUMEN

Rare earth elements (REEs) are widely found in foods. A high intake of REEs may have associations with adverse effects on human health. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of REEs in foods in China and to assess the risk of dietary REEs exposure in the Chinese population. The mean concentrations of the total REEs in 27,457 food samples from 11 food categories ranged from 0.04 to 1.41 mg/kg. The daily mean dietary exposure of the total REEs was 1.62 µg/kg BW in the general Chinese population and ranged from 1.61 to 2.80 µg/kg BW in different sex-age groups. The high consumer exposure (95th percentile, P95) was 4.83 µg/kg BW, 9.38% of the temporary ADI (tADI) of REEs (51.5 µg/kg BW). None of the P95 exposure exceeded the tADI in all of the sub-groups. Lanthanum, cerium, and yttrium accounted for approximately 63% of the total exposure of the 16 REEs. The hazard index of 16 REEs was far below 1. Therefore, the health risk of dietary REEs exposure in the general Chinese population was low. No cumulative risk was found for the 16 REEs in China. The results indicate there was no need to stipulate the limits of REEs in foods.

Asunto(s)

Cerio , Metales de Tierras Raras , Humanos , Exposición Dietética , Pueblos del Este de Asia , Metales de Tierras Raras/análisis , Lantano , China

Asunto(s)

Contaminantes Ambientales , Ácidos Ftálicos , Niño , Adolescente , Humanos , Medición de Riesgo , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Monitoreo del Ambiente

RESUMEN

EFSA established cumulative assessment groups and conducted retrospective cumulative risk assessments for two types of craniofacial alterations (alterations due to abnormal skeletal development, head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects) for 14 European populations of women in childbearing age. Cumulative acute exposure calculations were performed by probabilistic modelling using monitoring data collected by Member States in 2017, 2018 and 2019. A rigorous uncertainty analysis was performed using expert knowledge elicitation. Considering all sources of uncertainty, their dependencies and differences between populations, it was concluded with varying degrees of certainty that the MOET resulting from cumulative exposure is above 100 for the two types of craniofacial alterations. The threshold for regulatory consideration established by risk managers is therefore not exceeded. Considering the severity of the effects under consideration, it was also assessed whether the MOET is above 500. This was the case with varying levels of certainty for the head soft tissue alterations and brain neural tube defects. However, for the alterations due to abnormal skeletal development, it was found about as likely as not that the MOET is above 500 in most populations. For two populations, it was even found more likely that the MOET is below 500. These results were discussed in the light of the conservatism of the methodological approach.

RESUMEN

Metalaxyl-M and azoxystrobin have been used to control various fungal diseases on scallion and other crops. In view of the adverse toxic effects of both on the mammalian liver, it is necessary to conduct a cumulative risk assessment of their dietary exposure to consumers. The residues of metalaxyl-M and azoxystrobin on scallion were determined by a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method (QuEChERS) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The half-lives were about 1.15 and 3.89 days, respectively, and the final residues after a seven-day harvest interval were <0.001−0.088 mg/kg and 0.190−4.687 mg/kg, respectively. The cumulative dietary risk quotient of the two fungicides to Chinese consumers calculated by the probability model is 13.94%~41.25%. According to the results of the contribution analysis, the risk posed by azoxystrobin is much greater than that of metalaxyl-M. Although metalaxyl-M and azoxystrobin do not pose a cumulative risk to Chinese consumers, the risk to children and adolescents is significantly higher than that to adults. This suggests that in future research, more consideration should be given to the cumulative risk of compounds to vulnerable groups.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad Hepática Inducida por Sustancias y Drogas , Fungicidas Industriales , Residuos de Plaguicidas , Adolescente , Alanina/análogos & derivados , Niño , Cromatografía Liquida/métodos , Exposición Dietética/efectos adversos , Exposición Dietética/análisis , Fungicidas Industriales/química , Humanos , Residuos de Plaguicidas/análisis , Pirimidinas , Medición de Riesgo , Estrobilurinas , Espectrometría de Masas en Tándem/métodos

RESUMEN

Application of agricultural pesticides poses health concerns for farmworkers and for local communities due to pesticide drift from spraying or fumigation, pesticide volatilization into the air, contamination of household dust, as well as direct exposure for people who work in agriculture and their families. In this analysis of pesticide use records for Ventura County, California (USA) from 2016 to 2018, we identified the most prevalent toxicological effects of the pesticides applied. We also developed a cumulative toxicity index that incorporates specific toxicity endpoints for individual pesticides, the severity and strength of association for each endpoint, and the reliability of the data sources. Combining the toxicity index for each pesticide with the pounds applied within each square mile section in Ventura County, we calculated the total toxicity-weighted pesticide use and identified pesticides associated with higher potential risk to health. Analysis of U.S. Census data for Ventura County found a greater percentage of Hispanic/Latino, African American and Asian community members in township sections with a greater volume of pesticides applied and higher toxicity-weighted pesticide use. Similarly, areas with limited economic and social resources had elevated pesticide application overall and elevated toxicity-weighted pesticide use. The combination of toxicological and demographic analyses presented in this study provides information that can support the development of policies to protect public health from excessive exposure to pesticides and better environmental health protection for socially vulnerable populations.

Asunto(s)

Plaguicidas , Humanos , Plaguicidas/toxicidad , Plaguicidas/análisis , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Agricultura , California , Polvo , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis

RESUMEN

Current-use pesticides (CUP) are extensively applied in both agricultural and urban settings. Exposure occurs mainly via the dietary pathway; however, other pathways such as inhalation or skin contact are also important. In this study, urinary levels of 12 CUP metabolites were investigated among 110 parent-child pairs during two seasons of 2020. Metabolites of pyrethroids (3-PBA, t/c-DCCA), chlorpyrifos (TCPY), and tebuconazole (TEB-OH) were detected in more than 60% of the samples. Chlorpyrifos metabolite was found at the highest concentration and tebuconazole was detected in almost all samples. CUP urinary metabolite levels were significantly higher in children in comparison to adults, except for tebuconazole, which was similar in both groups. In children, winter samples had significantly higher concentrations of pyrethroid and chlorpyrifos metabolites in comparison to the summer samples, but in adults, only chlorpyrifos metabolite concentrations were higher in the winter. No association between CUP urinary metabolite levels and proximity/surface of agricultural areas around residences was observed. Based on our findings, we suspect that CUP exposure is mainly driven by diet and that the effect of environmental exposure is less significant. Daily Intakes were estimated with three possible scenarios considering the amount of the metabolite excreted in urine and were compared to Acceptable Daily Intake values. Using a realistic scenario, exposure to chlorpyrifos exhibited the highest health risk, but still within a safe level. The Acceptable Daily Intake was exceeded only in one child in the case of cypermethrin. The cumulative risk assessment of pesticide mixtures having an effect on the nervous system, based on the total margin of exposure calculations, did not indicate any risk. The overall risk associated with pesticide exposure in the observed population was low. However, the risk observed using the worst-case scenario suggests the need for continuous evaluation of human exposure to such compounds, especially in children.

Asunto(s)

Cloropirifos , Insecticidas , Plaguicidas , Piretrinas , Adulto , Biomarcadores/orina , Cloropirifos/orina , República Checa , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Humanos , Insecticidas/orina , Plaguicidas/orina , Piretrinas/orina

RESUMEN

CONTEXT: Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs) are important tools for supporting evidence-based decision making. However, most ERA frameworks rarely consider complex ecological feedbacks, which limit their capacity to evaluate risks at community and ecosystem levels of organisation. METHOD: We used qualitative mathematical modelling to add additional perspectives to previously conducted ERAs for the rehabilitation of the Ranger uranium mine (Northern Territory, Australia) and support an assessment of the cumulative risks from the mine site. Using expert elicitation workshops, separate qualitative models and scenarios were developed for aquatic and terrestrial systems. The models developed in the workshops were used to construct Bayes Nets that predicted whole-of-ecosystem outcomes after components were perturbed. RESULTS: The terrestrial model considered the effect of fire and weeds on established native vegetation that will be important for the successful rehabilitation of Ranger. It predicted that a combined intervention that suppresses both weeds and fire intensity gave similar response predictions as for weed control alone, except for lower levels of certainty to tall grasses and fire intensity in models with immature trees or tall grasses. However, this had ambiguous predictions for short grasses and forbs, and tall grasses in models representing mature vegetation. The aquatic model considered the effects of magnesium (Mg), a key solute in current and predicted mine runoff and groundwater egress, which is known to adversely affect many aquatic species. The aquatic models provided support that attached algae and phytoplankton assemblages are the key trophic base for food webs. It predicted that shifts in phytoplankton abundance arising from increase in Mg to receiving waters, may result in cascading effects through the food-chain. CONCLUSION: The qualitative modelling approach was flexible and capable of modelling both gradual (i.e. decadal) processes in the mine-site restoration and the comparatively more rapid (seasonal) processes of the aquatic ecosystem. The modelling also provides a useful decision tool for identifying important ecosystem sub-systems for further research efforts.

Asunto(s)

Ecosistema , Uranio , Teorema de Bayes , Cadena Alimentaria , Medición de Riesgo , Uranio/análisis

RESUMEN

Childhood asthma has become one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents. However, few case-control studies investigating the relationship between phthalate exposure and asthma in children and adolescents have been conducted, especially in Asia. Therefore, we assessed the potential associations between phthalate exposure and asthma among children and adolescents in Taiwan. Because various demographic and environmental variables may influence the incidence and prognosis of asthma, we performed a case-control study with propensity score matching. Out of 615 Childhood Environment and Allergic Diseases Study participants, we conditionally matched 41 children with clinically diagnosed asthma with 111 controls. We then analyzed 11 phthalate metabolites by using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Compared with the control group, the median urinary phthalate levels for most phthalate metabolites in the case group were slightly increased, including monomethyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate, monoethylhexyl phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, and mono-(2-carboxymethylhexyl) phthalate. Hence, our results suggest that phthalate exposure may be associated with the development of asthma. In addition, prenatal environmental factors, such as active or passive smoking during pregnancy, may increase the risk of asthma.

RESUMEN

In order to serve population health better, the first integrated tiered decision tree for cumulative risk assessment of co-exposure of Pb-, Cd-, and As-associated health risks in food homologous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was designed, after measuring their concentrations by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Basically, our three-step decision tree involving hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and target-organ toxicity dose (TTD) modification of the HI method was developed to evaluate the potential risks of 949 batches of 15 types of food homologous TCM. To acquire a real-life exposure scenario, the cumulative risk assessment model was established by optimizing key parameters, such as ingestion rates, frequency, and duration of exposure to food homologous TCM based on questionnaire data. As a result, the mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, and As in 949 batches of food homologous TCM were 0.896, 0.133, and 0.192 mg/kg, respectively. The HQ values of As for Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and Houttuynia cordata Thunb. were 1.04 and 1.01, respectively, for females. Other HQs of Pb, Cd, or As in food homologous TCM were lower than 1 for both males and females. However, after rapid screening of the co-exposure health risks of heavy metals by the HI method, cumulative risk assessment results acquired by TTD modification of the HI method implied that the potential health risks associated with the co-exposure of Pb, Cd, and As in Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Houttuynia cordata Thunb. ingested as both TCM and food were of concern in the clinic. Additionally, the cumulative risks of Pb, Cd, and As in Mentha canadensis L., Chrysanthemum indicum L., and Zaocys dhumnades (Cantor) only used as food exceeded the human tolerance dose. Collectively, our innovation on the tiered strategy of decision tree based on a real-life exposure scenario provides a novel approach engaging in the cumulative risk assessment of heavy metals in food homologous TCM. All in all, such effort attempts to scientifically guide the rational use of TCM in the treatment of the complex diseases and the improvement of population health.