International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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16 pages, 1197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Bioaccumulation Patterns of α, β-Hexachlorobenzene and Dicofol in Adipose Tissue from the GraMo Cohort (Southern Spain)

by Inmaculada Salcedo-Bellido, Esperanza Amaya, Celia Pérez-Díaz, Anabel Soler, Fernando Vela-Soria, Pilar Requena, Rocío Barrios-Rodríguez, Ruth Echeverría, Francisco M. Pérez-Carrascosa, Raquel Quesada-Jiménez, Piedad Martín-Olmedo and Juan Pedro Arrebola

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063344 - 11 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2809

Abstract

To identify bioaccumulation patterns of α-, β- hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dicofol in relation to sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, adipose tissue samples of 387 subjects from GraMo cohort in Southern Spain were analyzed. Potential predictors of these organochlorine pesticides (OCP) levels were collected [...] Read more.

To identify bioaccumulation patterns of α-, β- hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dicofol in relation to sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors, adipose tissue samples of 387 subjects from GraMo cohort in Southern Spain were analyzed. Potential predictors of these organochlorine pesticides (OCP) levels were collected by face-to-face interviews and assessed by multivariable linear and logistic regression. OCPs were detected in 84.2% (β-HCH), 21.7% (α-HCH), and 19.6% (dicofol) of the population. β-HCH levels were positively related to age, body mass index (BMI), mother’s occupation in agriculture during pregnancy, living in Poniente and Alpujarras, white fish, milk and water consumption, and negatively related to being male, living near to an agricultural area, working ≥10 years in agriculture, and beer consumption. Detectable α-HCH levels were positively related to age, BMI, milk consumption, mother’s occupation in agriculture during pregnancy, and negatively with residence in Poniente and Alpujarras, Granada city, and Granada Metropolitan Area. Residence near to an agricultural area, smoking habit, white fish and water consumption, and living in Poniente and Alpujarras, Granada city and Granada Metropolitan Area were negatively associated with detectable dicofol levels. Our study revealed different bioaccumulation patterns of α, β-HCH and dicofol, probably due to their dissimilar period of use, and emphasize the need for assessing the exposure to frequently overlooked pollutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Threads in Environmental Toxicology)

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15 pages, 27052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pharmaceutical Products and Pesticides Toxicity Associated with Microplastics (Polyvinyl Chloride) in Artemia salina

by María Gemma Albendín, Vanessa Aranda, María Dolores Coello, Carmen González-Gómez, Rocío Rodríguez-Barroso, José María Quiroga and Juana María Arellano

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010773 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3646

Abstract

Pharmaceutical products, as well as insecticides and antimicrobials, have been extensively studied, but knowledge of their effects—especially those caused by their mixtures with microplastics—on aquatic organisms remains limited. However, it should be borne in mind that the state of knowledge on acute and [...] Read more.

Pharmaceutical products, as well as insecticides and antimicrobials, have been extensively studied, but knowledge of their effects—especially those caused by their mixtures with microplastics—on aquatic organisms remains limited. However, it should be borne in mind that the state of knowledge on acute and chronic effects in aquatic organisms for pharmaceuticals and pesticides is not similar. In response, this investigation analyzed the presence of microplastics (polyvinyl chloride) and their impacts on the toxicity of chlorpyrifos (an insecticide) and triclosan (an antibacterial) when they coincide in the environment, alongside the two most consumed drugs of their type (hypolipemic and anticonvulsant, respectively), namely simvastatin and carbamazepine, in Artemia salina. LC₅₀ and cholinesterase enzyme activity were calculated to determine the possible neurotoxicity associated with emergent contaminants in the treatments. The LC₅₀ values obtained were 0.006 mg/dm³ for chlorpyrifos, 0.012 mg/dm³ for chlorpyrifos associated with microplastics, 4.979 mg/dm³ for triclosan, 4.957 mg/dm³ for triclosan associated with microplastics, 9.35 mg/dm³ for simvastatin, 10.29 mg/dm³ for simvastatin associated with microplastics, 43.25 mg/dm³ for carbamazepine and 46.50 mg/dm³ for carbamazepine associated with microplastics in acute exposure. These results indicate that the presence of microplastics in the medium reduces toxicity, considering the LC₅₀ values. However, exposure to chlorpyrifos and carbamazepine, both alone and associated with microplastics, showed a decline in cholinesterase activity, confirming their neurotoxic effect. Nevertheless, no significant differences were observed with the biomarker cholinesterase between the toxicant and the toxicant with microplastics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Threads in Environmental Toxicology)

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10 pages, 2272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mercury Levels in Feathers of Penguins from the Antarctic Peninsula Area: Geographical and Inter-Specific Differences

by Miguel Motas, Silvia Jerez, Marta Esteban, Francisco Valera, José Javier Cuervo and Andrés Barbosa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9918; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189918 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3988

Abstract

Polar regions, symbols of wilderness, have been identified as potential sinks of mercury coming from natural and anthropogenic sources at lower latitudes. Changes in ice coverage currently occurring in some areas such as the Antarctic Peninsula could enhance these phenomena and their impacts [...] Read more.

Polar regions, symbols of wilderness, have been identified as potential sinks of mercury coming from natural and anthropogenic sources at lower latitudes. Changes in ice coverage currently occurring in some areas such as the Antarctic Peninsula could enhance these phenomena and their impacts on local biota. As long-lived species at the top of food chains, seabirds are particularly sensitive to this highly toxic metal with the capacity to be biomagnified. Specifically, their feathers can be useful for Hg monitoring since they mainly accumulate its most toxic and persistent form, methyl-Hg. To that end, feathers of gentoo (Pygoscelis papua), chinstrap (P. antarcticus), and Adélie penguins (P. adeliae) (n = 108) were collected by passive sampling in seven different locations throughout the Antarctic Peninsula area and analyzed by ICP-MS after microwave-digestion. More than 93% of the samples showed detectable Hg levels (range: 6.3–12,529.8 ng g⁻¹ dry weight), and the highest ones were found in the feathers of chinstrap penguins from King George Island. Hg bioconcentration and biomagnification seem to be occurring in the Antarctic food web, giving rise to high but non-toxic Hg levels in penguins, similar to those previously found in Arctic seabirds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Threads in Environmental Toxicology)

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15 pages, 426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Human Breast Milk from Industrial/Mining and Agricultural Zones of Southeastern Spain

by Miguel Motas, Sandra Jiménez, José Oliva, Miguel Ángel Cámara and María Dolores Pérez-Cárceles

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9289; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179289 - 2 Sep 2021

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5419

Abstract

Human breast milk is the most complete foodstuff for infants but can also be a potential source of exposure to toxic chemicals. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of metal pollution in the breast milk of women living in [...] Read more.

Human breast milk is the most complete foodstuff for infants but can also be a potential source of exposure to toxic chemicals. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of metal pollution in the breast milk of women living in agricultural and industrial/mining areas of the Region of Murcia (Spain) that are well known for their cases of environmental pollution. Human milk samples were collected from 50 mothers and inorganic contaminants were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean or maximum concentrations of the different inorganic elements analyzed in breast milk, with the exception of manganese, exceeded the maximum limits established by the WHO and could constitute a high risk for pregnant mothers and their children. The breast milk of women living in the industrial/mining zone presented the highest levels of aluminum, zinc, arsenic, lead, mercury and nickel. On the contrary, the highest concentrations of manganese, chromium and iron were determined in the milk of women living in the agricultural zone. These results suggested and confirmed different profiles of environmental contamination of these areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Threads in Environmental Toxicology)

21 pages, 557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomonitoring of Phthalates, Bisphenols and Parabens in Children: Exposure, Predictors and Risk Assessment

by Pablo Dualde, Nuria León, Yovana Sanchis, Francisca Corpas-Burgos, Sandra F. Fernández, Cristina S. Hernández, Guillermo Saez, Erika Pérez-Zafra, Antonio Mora-Herranz, Olga Pardo, Clara Coscollà, Antonio López, Vicent Yusà and on behalf of the BIOVAL Task Force

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 8909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18178909 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3181

Abstract

Exposure to emerging contaminants, such as phthalates, bisphenols and parabens in children has been associated with possible neurodevelopment and endocrine alterations. In the present study, the biomonitoring of biomarkers in children (5–12 years old) from the Valencia Region (Spain) have been implemented using [...] Read more.

Exposure to emerging contaminants, such as phthalates, bisphenols and parabens in children has been associated with possible neurodevelopment and endocrine alterations. In the present study, the biomonitoring of biomarkers in children (5–12 years old) from the Valencia Region (Spain) have been implemented using urines from the BIOVAL program. More than 75% of the children studied (n = 562) were internally exposed (>LOQ) to bisphenols and parabens, and the whole population assessed (n = 557) were exposed to at least one phthalate. The geometric means (GM) of the concentrations of bisphenol A, methyl paraben and propyl paraben were 0.9, 1.4 and 0.39 ng/mL, respectively. Regarding phthalates, monoethyl phthalate GM was 55.0 ng/mL and diethyl hexyl phthalate (as the sum of five metabolites) GM was 60.6 ng/mL. Despite the studied population being widely exposed, the detection frequencies and concentrations were in general lower than in previous studies involving children in Spain and in other countries in recent years. Furthermore, the risk assessment study concluded that the internal exposure to phthalates, bisphenols and parabens is lower than the guidance values established, and, therefore, a health risk derived from the exposure to these compounds in the studied population is not expected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Threads in Environmental Toxicology)

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17 pages, 1125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adverse Health Effects in Women Farmers Indirectly Exposed to Pesticides

by Jose Martin-Reina, Alfredo G. Casanova, Bouchra Dahiri, Isaías Fernández, Ana Fernández-Palacín, Juan Bautista, Ana I. Morales and Isabel Moreno

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5909; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115909 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4039

Abstract

Farmers are among the most vulnerable populations because of the exposure to low levels of pesticides. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities are considered as biomarkers of pesticides poisoning. However, biomarkers of oxidative stress are also playing an important role in toxicity of these contaminants. [...] Read more.

Farmers are among the most vulnerable populations because of the exposure to low levels of pesticides. Acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities are considered as biomarkers of pesticides poisoning. However, biomarkers of oxidative stress are also playing an important role in toxicity of these contaminants. Further, increased activities of gamma-glutamyltransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea and creatinine have been linked with hepatic and nephrotoxic cell damage, respectively. The aim of this study was to ascertain if the indirect exposure to pesticides leads to some biochemical parameter changes. Thus, cholinesterase activities, oxidative stress status (lipid and protein oxidation), hepatic function (AST and ALT levels), hormonal function (TSH, T4, FSH, LH and AMH), renal function (serum creatinine and urea), as well as possible subclinical kidney damage (urinary proteins and biomarkers of early kidney damage) were evaluated in farmer women who collect fruits and vegetables comparing with a group of women non-occupational exposed to pesticides but living in the same rural environment. Samples were taken periodically along one year to relate the observed effects to a chronic exposure. Our main results showed for the first time a subclinical kidney damage in a rural setting with indirect chronic exposure to pesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Threads in Environmental Toxicology)

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Review

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22 pages, 1713 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Situation of Palytoxins and Cyclic Imines in Asia-Pacific Countries: Causative Phytoplankton Species and Seafood Poisoning

by Young-Sang Kim, Hyun-Joo An, Jaeseong Kim and You-Jin Jeon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4921; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084921 - 18 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3141

Abstract

Among marine biotoxins, palytoxins (PlTXs) and cyclic imines (CIs), including spirolides, pinnatoxins, pteriatoxins, and gymnodimines, are not managed in many countries, such as the USA, European nations, and South Korea, because there are not enough poisoning cases or data for the limits on [...] Read more.

Among marine biotoxins, palytoxins (PlTXs) and cyclic imines (CIs), including spirolides, pinnatoxins, pteriatoxins, and gymnodimines, are not managed in many countries, such as the USA, European nations, and South Korea, because there are not enough poisoning cases or data for the limits on these biotoxins. In this article, we review unregulated marine biotoxins (e.g., PlTXs and CIs), their toxicity, causative phytoplankton species, and toxin extraction and detection protocols. Due to global warming, the habitat of the causative phytoplankton has expanded to the Asia-Pacific region. When ingested by humans, shellfish that accumulated toxins can cause various symptoms (muscle pain or diarrhea) and even death. There are no systematic reports on the occurrence of these toxins; however, it is important to continuously monitor causative phytoplankton and poisoning of accumulating shellfish by PlTXs and CI toxins because of the high risk of toxicity in human consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Threads in Environmental Toxicology)

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17 pages, 700 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Pesticide Exposure among Rural and Urban Female Population. An Overview

by Bouchra Dahiri, José Martín-Reina, Pilar Carbonero-Aguilar, José Raúl Aguilera-Velázquez, Juan Bautista and Isabel Moreno

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9907; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189907 - 20 Sep 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4235

Abstract

Pesticides are substances that have become widely used in agriculture and the human exposure to these substances may cause adverse health outcomes. Non-occupational exposure to them can come from many sources, such as food or water. For occupational exposure, many studies have been [...] Read more.

Pesticides are substances that have become widely used in agriculture and the human exposure to these substances may cause adverse health outcomes. Non-occupational exposure to them can come from many sources, such as food or water. For occupational exposure, many studies have been conducted in men, as they have been mostly in charge of work related to these substances. Nonetheless, the information available concerning the exposure in women is very scarce. In addition, an important differentiation between rural and urban areas has been established, rural areas being known as the most exposed ones due to plantation fields. However, the application of higher concentrations of herbicides in small urban areas is taking a lot of importance currently as well. Regardless of gender, the conditions of exposure, and the environment, the exposure to these pesticides can have different effects on health from early life stages, resulting in different outcomes ranging from neurodevelopmental effects in newborns to different types of cancers. In this review, we discussed the toxicity of the most commonly used pesticides and the main impact on the health of the general population, focusing mainly on the effect in women from both rural and urban areas, and the different stages of development, from pregnancy or lactation to the outcomes of these exposures for their children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Threads in Environmental Toxicology)

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