Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), they are considered endocrine disruptors and can bioaccumulate in nature, and in living tissue. Human exposure to and ...the presence of PBDEs in human samples is of concern due to their potential health risks. Young children are one of the most vulnerable populations to PBDE's potential health effects.
Ninety-one serum samples of 6-year-old children, residing in a contaminated location, due to former production of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were analysed to examine children's exposure to PBDEs in Slovakia. Median serum concentrations found for individual PBDE congeners BDE-28+33, −47, −99, −100, −153, −154 and −183 were 0.015, 0.184, 0.079, 0.046, 0.176, 0.014, and 0.097 ng g−1 lipid weight, respectively.
Children's preschool maturity was measured using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III) test. In multivariate analyses BDE-153 serum concentrations were significantly inversely associated with WPPSI-III composite score (p = 0.011, β = −23.6), while adjusting for PCB-153 and sex. Significant negative associations were observed for BDE-153 serum concentrations (p = 0.002, β = −29.8) and WPPSI-III composite score, after controlling for PCB-118 and sex. Negative associations were also observed for BDE-47, BDE-100 and BDE-153, with different individual WPPSI subtest scores, after adjustment with PCB-153 and/or PCB-118 and sex. Serum concentrations of PCB-153 and PCB-118 were not statistically significantly associated with WPPSI-III composite score and individual subtest scores. These findings demonstrate adverse effects of PBDE serum exposure on preschool maturity of children, and PBDEs potentially negative impact on child neuropsychological development.
•PBDE serum concentrations in children from Slovakia.•BDE-47 and BDE-153 were the most abundant congeners.•Negative associations observed between PBDE serum concentrations and preschool maturity of children using the WPPSI test.•No associations between PCBs and preschool maturity tests.•Adverse effect of PBDEs on neuropsychological development of children.
Characterization of PCB exposure sources for vulnerable population groups is essential to minimize the health effects of PCB exposure. At the same time, it is important to consolidate the knowledge ...on threshold intakes of PCBs for infants and toddlers to prevent health effects. We estimated total PCB concentrations from birth to 2 years of age in children from Slovak and Czech populations, which continue to have high PCB concentrations in breast milk. Using a pharmacokinetic (PK) model, we characterized dominant PCB exposure sources and estimated new threshold estimated daily intakes (TEDI) (above which adverse effects cannot be excluded) for postnatal PCB exposure in infants and toddlers. In the PK model, concentrations of seven indicator PCBs in breast milk and cord blood samples from 291 mother-child pairs from the Slovak birth cohort, and 396 breast milk samples from Czech mothers we used, together with their physiological characteristics and PCB concentrations from other exposure sources (food, dust, air). The estimated total PCB concentrations in children's blood at different ages were compared with threshold PCB concentrations of 500, 700 and 1000 ng·glipid−1 in serum proposed by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) and the German Environment Agency (UBA), above which possible adverse health effects may be expected. We estimated that up to 20.6% of Slovak children and up to 45.7% of Czech children at two years of age exceeded the threshold value of 700 ng·glipid−1 in blood. Mean TEDIs leading to values of 500 ng·glipid−1 in blood for children up to two years ranged between 110 and 220 ng·kg−1·bw·day−1, varying according to breastfeeding duration. Breast milk and prenatal exposure contributed to 71%–85% of PCBs exposure at two years of age. In contrast, the contributions of PCBs from dust and indoor air were negligible.
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•We estimated the new threshold daily intakes (TEDI) of PCBs for breastfed children.•TEDI reflect threshold PCB concentrations in blood for adverse health effects.•The contribution of exposure PCB sources for infants and toddler was calculated.
► Comprehensive study of mother’s exposure to toxic pollutants in Slovakia. ► PBDE levels measured for the first time in Slovak breast milk. ► Intakes of PCDDs/Fs and dl-PCBs for infants exceed the ...tolerable intake set by WHO.
The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) in 33 breast milk samples collected in 2006–2007 from primipara mothers close to four industrial areas of Slovak Republic were determined. The total PCDDs/PCDFs and dl-PCBs expressed as TEQ based on WHO TEFs 1998 in breast milk samples varied from 5.0 to 51.8
pg
g
−1 fat (median: 13.1
pg
g
−1 fat; mean: 18.0
pg
g
−1 fat). The measurements of seven PBDE congeners (IUPAC No. 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, and 183) were performed for the first time in human milk from Slovakia. PBDE levels ranged between 0.22 and 1.62
ng
g
−1 fat, with median and mean value of 0.43
ng
g
−1 fat and 0.57
ng
g
−1 fat respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between studied areas in total PBDE concentrations.
Furthermore, this study presents first results concerning the daily intake (DI) of PCDDs/PCDFs and dioxin-like compounds for the most vulnerable breast-fed infant population in Slovakia. The total PCDD/PCDF and dl-PCB DI for an infant during the first 2
months of life was estimated in a range from 14.4 to 230
pg
TEQ
kg
−1
b.w., with a median value of 58.9
pg
TEQ
kg
−1
b.w.. The DI values substantially exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI) 1–4
pg
TEQ
kg
−1
b.w. recommended by WHO. The dietary infant intake concerning PBDEs was estimated to be between 0.69 and 7.1
ng
kg
−1
b.w.
d
−1, with median value of 1.7
ng
kg
−1
b.w.
d
−1.
Serum PCB congener concentrations were measured in 602 adults living near a PCB pollution source in eastern Slovakia. We created isoconcentration maps for 21 PCB congeners by geocoding each ...participant's place of residence and kriging. Concentrations of PCB congeners were inversely associated with the distance of the participants' residence from the source of pollution. Congener-specific risk factors were derived, particularly for PCBs 52 and 153. We observed that the spatial distribution of serum concentrations was influenced by micro-climatic parameters and physicochemical properties of the congeners. PCB congener profiles strongly correlated with that of the PCB commercial product Delor 106, which was manufactured in the region. The isoconcentration maps indicate that the zones with the highest predicted congener concentration have a mean area of approximately 235.75±188.56km2 and the mean enrichment of concentration of congeners in serum in these zones is about 5.12±1.36. We estimate that depending on congener approximately 23,457±18,762 individuals with PCB concentrations exceeding health-based guidance values live in these zones.
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•We determined PCB congeners in serum from 602 adults living in PCB polluted area.•We created PCB congener-specific isoconcentration maps using kriging.•The mean area of zones with highest predicted concentration was 235.75±188.56km2.•The mean serum congener concentration enrichments in these zones was 5.12±1.36•Depending on the congener 23,457±18,762 inhabitants live in these particular zones.
► PCDD/Fs and PCBs in soils of industrial and background areas in Slovakia. ► Significantly higher contamination found in industrial areas. ► Results comparable with those reported in other ...countries.
There is a lack of information regarding persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in soil from Slovakia. This paper reports the concentrations of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and 6 indicator PCBs associated with 32 soil samples collected in 2007 from areas in the vicinity up to several kilometres from four selected industrial PCDD/F sources in Slovakia and one background area.
The results show that the total WHO1998-PCDD/F/dl-PCB-TEQ concentrations varied from 0.34 to 18.05pgg−1 dry weight (dw) and the average total TEQ concentrations in samples collected at the Šala, Košice, Krompachy and Dubová areas were 3.18, 2.64, 7.80, and 3.19pgg−1dw respectively. The average of the total WHO1998-TEQ values in three soil samples representing the background Starina area was 0.66pgg−1 dw. The predominant contaminants among 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/Fs, dl-PCB, and indicator PCBs was OCDD, PCB 118, and PCB 153 respectively. The major contributors to the TEQ were 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, PCB 126, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD, PCB 156 and 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF+1,2,3,4,7,9-HxCDF in descending order.
•PCDDs/PCDFs, PCBs and OCPs in bottom sediments of polluted and background areas of Slovakia.•Considerably higher sediment levels in industrial areas.•Environmental risk associated with metallurgical ...plants in Slovakia.
Within our research project, 34 river bottom sediments were collected in 2006–2007 at five areas across Slovakia with industrial sources of persistent organic pollutants (Košice, Krompachy, Nemecká, Šala, Nováky) and one background area (Starina). Sediments were analyzed for seven 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and 10 dibenzofurans (PCDFs), 12 dioxin-like and 6 indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and 1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p′-DDT) with 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p′-DDE).
Analytical procedure based on accelerated solvent extraction followed by a semi-automated clean-up and fractionation was used. Determination of target compounds was performed by HRGC–HRMS analysis.
Total WHO toxic equivalent WHO1998-PCDD/F/dl-PCB-TEQ concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 559pgTEQg−1 dry matter (dm), with a median 2.2pgTEQg−1dm. The sums of six indicator PCBs were in the range 0.56–1014ngg−1dm, with a median 11.8ngg−1dm. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides HCB and p,p′-DDE/DDT varied from 0.15 to 34.8ngg−1dm, with a median 0.91ngg−1dm and 0.46–34.1ngg−1dm, with a median 6.7ngg−1dm, respectively.
The most abundant congeners in all sediment samples among dioxins, furans and PCBs were OCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, PCB-118 and PCB-153.
► POP levels in serum of Slovak human population. ► Serum levels of TEQ PCDD/Fs and TEQ dl-PCBs higher in polluted areas than in the control area. ► Major PBDE congeners were BDE-47 and BDE-153. ► No ...correlation was found between donor age and PBDE content. ► Exposure of the Slovak population to PBDEs was significantly lower in comparison with other countries.
Blood serum specimens from 81 non-occupationally exposed adults residing in four areas close to municipal and waste incinerators as well as metallurgical industry plant and 44 adult subjects coming from control area of Slovakia were analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs).
The concentration of total WHO98TEQ PCDD/F/dl-PCBs in whole group of donors from areas where known sources causing dioxin contamination are present was significantly higher than in control group of donors (p<0.001). Correlation between the age of donors and PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels was confirmed (Spearman’s rPCDD/Fs=0.543, rdl-PCBs=0.521, p<0.001).
Furthermore, this study presents first results concerning the PBDE congeners in human serum of Slovak general population. The total concentration (congeners 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183) in control group was approximately 1.5-times higher in comparison to that of residents coming from areas with supposed environmental pollution. The most abundant congeners in all samples were BDE-47 and BDE-153 with median values of 0.24ngg−1 lipid and 0.23ngg−1 lipid, respectively. The positive association between PBDE values and age of donors was not found.
The concentrations of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs No. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180) and organochlorine pesticides (HCB, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT) in 121 blood serum specimens collected ...from non-occupationally exposed adults living in contaminated and comparison areas were determined using high-resolution gas chromatography/electron capture detection (HRGC/ECD). The sum of the serum concentrations of the three most abundant PCB congeners (No. 138, 153 and 180) found in participants (N = 81) living in industrial areas near incinerators, metallurgical and chemical plants (Krompachy, Kosice, Nemecka and Sala) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in participants living in villages and towns without known sources causing persistent organic pollutant (POP) contamination (N = 40). Similarly, significant differences were observed for p,p′-DDE (p < 0.0001) and p,p′-DDT (p < 0.002). However, a Mann-Whitney U test between groups showed that the difference for HCB was not statistically significant (p = 0.089). Age was positively correlated with the sum of PCBs (No. 138, 153 and 180), HCB and the sum of p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT (p < 0.01 for all).
The aim was to determine half-life of six most abundant PCB congeners in the body of early adolescents. In 304 environmentally exposed children, PCB serum concentration was determined at the age of 8 ...and 12
years. Half-life was determined for each child assuming exponential decrease or for the whole cohort using multiple regression. Results obtained by both approaches were in agreement. PCB reuptakes corrupting half-life estimates for each child and each congener were evaluated. If one of the serum PCB concentration values fell below the level of detection (LOD) the pair was excluded and if PCB half-life value exceeded the arbitrary value of 30
years. The following median half-lives in years 4.46, 10.59, 9.7, 4.7, 9.1 and 9.8 were obtained for PCB congeners 118, 138
+163, 153, 156
+171, 170 and 180, respectively. The elimination half-life values were not systematically related to PCB serum concentration at any examination age. Between half-life values, percentage of children with significant reuptakes and PCB congener abundance in serum were found significant associations.
Reasons for the highly variable and often poor protection conferred by the Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine are multifaceted and poorly understood.
We aimed to determine ...whether early-life exposure to PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and DDE 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene reduces 6-month infant BCG vaccine response.
Data came from families participating in a prospective birth cohort in eastern Slovakia. At birth, maternal and cord blood were collected for chemical analyses, and infants were immunized with BCG. Blood was collected from infants for chemical analyses and to determine 6-month BCG-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA levels. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to examine chemical-BCG associations among approximately 500 mother-infant pairs, with adjustment for confounders.
The median 6-month infant concentration of the prevalent congener PCB-153 was 113 ng/g lipid interquartile range (IQR): 37-248, and 388 ng/g lipid (IQR: 115-847) for DDE. Higher 6-month infant concentrations of PCB-153 and DDE were strongly associated with lower 6-month BCG-specific antibody levels. For instance, BCG-specific IgG levels were 37% lower for infants with PCB-153 concentrations at the 75th percentile compared to the 25th percentile (95% CI: -42, -32; p < 0.001). Results were similar in magnitude and precision for DDE. There was also evidence of PCB-DDE additivity, where exposure to both compounds reduced anti-BCG levels more than exposure to either compound alone.
The associations observed in this study indicate that environmental exposures may be overlooked contributors to poorer responses to BCG vaccine. The overall association between these exposures and tuberculosis incidence is unknown.
Jusko TA, De Roos AJ, Lee SY, Thevenet-Morrison K, Schwartz SM, Verner MA, Palkovicova Murinova L, Drobná B, Kočan A, Fabišiková A, Čonka K, Trnovec T, Hertz-Picciotto I, Lawrence BP. 2016. A birth cohort study of maternal and infant serum PCB-153 and DDE concentrations and responses to infant tuberculosis vaccination. Environ Health Perspect 124:813-821; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510101.
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