Seven types of carbon black used in type production were subjected to hygienic evaluation. The coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs), toluene solubles, were determined by the gravimetric method and benzo/a/pyrene by HPLC with a...
moreSeven types of carbon black used in type production were subjected to hygienic evaluation. The coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs), toluene solubles, were determined by the gravimetric method and benzo/a/pyrene by HPLC with a spectrophotometric detector. Toluene solubles were found to amount to 0.12-0.25% (by weight). Benzo/a/pyrene (1.44-3.07 ppm) was detected in five out of the seven carbon blacks examined.
Occupational exposure to coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs), benzo/a/pyrene (BaP) and dust was evaluated by means of individual measurements carried out in 80 workers and by stationary measurements on 16 work-posts in two divisions of the...
moreOccupational exposure to coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs), benzo/a/pyrene (BaP) and dust was evaluated by means of individual measurements carried out in 80 workers and by stationary measurements on 16 work-posts in two divisions of the tyre producing plant. Dust and coal tar pitch volatiles concentrations in the air were determinated by the gravimetric method, measured, in the case of CPTVs, benzene-soluble fraction (BSF) with ultrasonic extraction. Benzo/a/pyrene analysis was performed using high performance liquid chromato-graphy (HPLC) with a spectrofluorimetric detector. It was found that nearly all personal sampling results for BaP were within the range < 4 divided by 142 ng/m3, except for the exposure of workers employed at weighing the raw materials (3,470-6,060 ng/m3) in the Semiproducts Division. Attention should be paid to the recorded CTPVs concentrations (benzene solubles). About 56% of the Vulcanizing Division workers and about 90% of the Semiproducts Division workers were exposed to these substances at concentrations of over 0.2 mg/m3 (hygienic standard for benzene solubles in USA). Exposure to dust (of high respirable fraction percentage > 90%) which exceeded the admissible value (4 mg/m3) was found mainly only in the workers of the Semiproducts Division at some work-posts.
Based on the studies performed a sensitive and simple method for the determination of benzene and styrene metabolites in urine has been developed. The developed procedure can be used for biological monitoring of occupational and...
moreBased on the studies performed a sensitive and simple method for the determination of benzene and styrene metabolites in urine has been developed. The developed procedure can be used for biological monitoring of occupational and environmental exposure. Urine samples for the determination of styrene metabolites (phenylglyoxylic acid--PGA and mandelic acid--MA) were only acidified with formic acid, while those for the determination of benzene metabolite (S-phenyl-mercapturic acid--S-PMA) were additionally extracted with ethyl acetate. The measurement was performed by high performance liquid chromatography--tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The quality of our analysis was verified using internal and external quality control. Limit of detection for S-PMA was 0.33 microg/l, for MA--60 microg/l and for PGA--40 microg/l; precision was 2-3% and recovery 94-98%. The method for the quantification of benzene and styrene metabolites can be used for biological monitoring of occupational and...
Humans and other living organisms are exposed to a number of chemical pollutants released into the environment, including PAHs. PAHs are classified as promutagens, i.e. compounds that convert to mutagens after metabolic activation in a...
moreHumans and other living organisms are exposed to a number of chemical pollutants released into the environment, including PAHs. PAHs are classified as promutagens, i.e. compounds that convert to mutagens after metabolic activation in a human organism. These chemicals can be found in tobacco smoke, coffee, tea and meat cooked at high temperature, or can be released to the environment from anthropogenic sources. Very useful biomarkers of exposure to PAHs occurring in the environment are urinary mutagenicity, 1-hydroxypyrene, cotinine and the analysis of DNA adducts. A biomarker of early biological effect is micronucleus frequency, which provides information about genetic damage, cytogenetic defects, proliferative potential and/or cell death. Using this set of biomarkers allows to assess the children's environmental exposure to PAHs. The examined population included 106 children at the age of 4-8 years who lived in Dąbrowa Górnicza (urbanized industrial area) and Janów community (r...
In this study, the comparative analysis of occurrence, concentrations and possible sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs) in the...
moreIn this study, the comparative analysis of occurrence, concentrations and possible sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs) in the bottom sediment collected from 6 reservoirs of different types of anthropopression were determined using isotopically labelled internal standards and HRGC/HRMS. The total concentration of analyzed compounds ranged from 126.72 ng kg -1 d.w. in a large agricultural reservoir represented by the Koka Reservoir (KR) to 11351.30 ng kg -1 d.w. in the small, urban pond represented by Pabianka Reservoir (PR). Concentration measured as WHO-TEQ ranged from 1.73 ng TEQ kg -1 d.w. in a large agricultural Sulejów Reservoir (SR) to 211.95 ng TEQ kg -1 d.w. in a small industrial pond situated below a textile factory (TF). Obtained results, in reference to size and main human impact on reservoirs, showed that the smallest reservoir Pabianka Reservoir (PR) situated in a h...
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antismoking counseling for postpartum women. The study was conducted between 2004-2006 in Lodz district. The study population consisted of 199 women and among them 100 were...
moreThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antismoking counseling for postpartum women. The study was conducted between 2004-2006 in Lodz district. The study population consisted of 199 women and among them 100 were included into the intervention group and 99 to control one. Antismoking intervention and control activities were conducted among the women who quit smoking during pregnancy and maintained smoking abstinence after delivery. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the socio-demographic characteristic between intervention and control group. The women who received antismoking advice relapsed into the smoking less frequently than the women from the control group (26% vs. 56%; OR = 0.25; 95% CI 0.15-0.51). The antismoking counseling for postpartum women is the effective tool to help them to maintain smoking abstinence.
For Europe as a whole, data on internal exposure to environmental chemicals do not yet exist. Characterization of the internal individual chemical environment is expected to enhance understanding of the environmental threats to health. We...
moreFor Europe as a whole, data on internal exposure to environmental chemicals do not yet exist. Characterization of the internal individual chemical environment is expected to enhance understanding of the environmental threats to health. We developed and applied a harmonized protocol to collect comparable human biomonitoring data all over Europe. In 17 European countries, we measured mercury in hair and cotinine, phthalate metabolites and cadmium in urine of 1844 children (5-11 years) and their mothers. Specimens were collected over a 5 month period in 2011-2012. We obtained information on personal characteristics, environment, and life style. We used the resulting database to compare concentrations of exposure biomarkers within Europe, to identify determinants of exposure, and to compare exposure biomarkers with health-based guidelines. Biomarker concentrations showed a wide variability in the European population. However, levels in children and mothers were highly correlated. Most biomarker concentrations were below the health-based guidance values. We have taken the first steps to assess personal chemical exposures in Europe as a whole. Key success factors were the harmonised protocol development, intensive training and capacity building for field work, chemical analysis and communication, as well as stringent quality control programs for chemical and data analysis. Our project demonstrates the feasibility of a European-wide human biomonitoring framework to support the decision-making process of environmental measures to protect public health.
Due to global mercury pollution and the adverse health effects of prenatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), an assessment of the economic benefits of prevented developmental neurotoxicity is necessary for any cost-benefit analysis....
moreDue to global mercury pollution and the adverse health effects of prenatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg), an assessment of the economic benefits of prevented developmental neurotoxicity is necessary for any cost-benefit analysis. Distributions of hair-Hg concentrations among women of reproductive age were obtained from the DEMOCOPHES project (1,875 subjects in 17 countries) and literature data (6,820 subjects from 8 countries). The exposures were assumed to comply with log-normal distributions. Neurotoxicity effects were estimated from a linear dose-response function with a slope of 0.465 Intelligence Quotient (IQ) point reduction per μg/g increase in the maternal hair-Hg concentration during pregnancy, assuming no deficits below a hair-Hg limit of 0.58 μg/g thought to be safe. A logarithmic IQ response was used in sensitivity analyses. The estimated IQ benefit cost was based on lifetime income, adjusted for purchasing power parity. The hair-mercury concentrations were the highest in Southern Europe and lowest in Eastern Europe. The results suggest that, within the EU, more than 1.8 million children are born every year with MeHg exposures above the limit of 0.58 μg/g, and about 200,000 births exceed a higher limit of 2.5 μg/g proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The total annual benefits of exposure prevention within the EU were estimated at more than 600,000 IQ points per year, corresponding to a total economic benefit between €8,000 million and €9,000 million per year. About four-fold higher values were obtained when using the logarithmic response function, while adjustment for productivity resulted in slightly lower total benefits. These calculations do not include the less tangible advantages of protecting brain development against neurotoxicity or any other adverse effects. These estimates document that efforts to combat mercury pollution and to reduce MeHg exposures will have very substantial economic benefits in Europe, mainly in southern countries. Some data may not be entirely representative, some countries were not covered, and anticipated changes in mercury pollution all suggest a need for extended biomonitoring of human MeHg exposure.
The organ and tissue distribution, excretion and metabolism of [3H]1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene ([3H]durene) in male Wistar albino rats were investigated following a single i.p. administration (40 mg/kg) and within 9 days after five daily...
moreThe organ and tissue distribution, excretion and metabolism of [3H]1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene ([3H]durene) in male Wistar albino rats were investigated following a single i.p. administration (40 mg/kg) and within 9 days after five daily repeated administrations. Urine proved to be the main route of tritium excretion. Within the first 24 h after a single administration 69% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine and only 9% in the feces. The highest level of tritium binding was found in the fat tissue, liver, kidneys and adrenal glands. The accumulation of tritium in the plasma proceeded with a kinetic constant of 0.49 h(-1), whereas the half-life of radioactivity decay amounted to about 6.3 h. In erythrocytes, the tritium level was found to be about three times lower than in blood plasma. The total amount eliminated during the 9 days following repeated administration was about 94% of the five doses given. The highest level of tritium was found in fat tissue and adrenal glands, followed by the liver, kidneys, sciatic nerve and muscle. A gradual decline in tritium levels was observed during the following 4 days in most tissues to reach about 2% of the dose given. The main urinary metabolites resulting from the administration of durene were 2,4,5-trimethylbenzyl alcohol (about 22%), 4,5-dimethyl-1,2-benzdialdehyde (about 19%), 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde (about 19%) and 2,4,5-trimethylbenzoic acid (about 16%). The oxygen-containing metabolites accounted for almost 80%, whereas sulphur-containing metabolites accounted for approximately 10% of the products of biotransformation. In conclusion, most of the durene administered has a relatively rapid turnover rate, with minor levels retained in the tissues for longer time periods.
Cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) is expressed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), and previous reports have suggested the possibility of using this readily available tissue as a reporter of CYP2E1 status. To further explore the...
moreCytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) is expressed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), and previous reports have suggested the possibility of using this readily available tissue as a reporter of CYP2E1 status. To further explore the relevance of this approach we assessed CYP2E1 expression in PBLs in two contrasting conditions, chronic hepatitis C and insulin-dependent diabetes (IDD), illustrating an organ and a systemic disease, respectively. Total RNA was isolated from extracted PBLs (hepatitis C patients + IDD) and by percutaneous needle biopsy (hepatitis C patients only). Gene expression for CYP2E1 was determined by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Histological changes in liver tissue were assessed according to Ludwig's criteria. In patients with chronic hepatitis C a clear relationship was found between CYP2E1 expression in the liver and the progression of hepatic disease (both lobular inflammation and fibrosis indices), and observed variations were...
The involvement of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in the metabolism of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was studied with three experimental approaches: in the rat, in vitro in human microsomes, and in human volunteers. NMP was administered...
moreThe involvement of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in the metabolism of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was studied with three experimental approaches: in the rat, in vitro in human microsomes, and in human volunteers. NMP was administered dermally (40 mg/kg) to OFA rats to examine the influence of CYP2E1 inhibition (5 mg/kg diethyldithiocarbamate, DETC, 30 min before) and CYP2E1 induction (after 4 days of fasting). The main NMP metabolite 5-hydroxy- N-methylpyrrolidone (5HNMP) in the urine fractions collected during the following 48 h was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. CYP2E1 inhibition led to a statistically significant retardation of 5HNMP excretion in urinary fractions collected during the first 12 h. In the group of fasted rats, a two-fold increase of CYP2E1 activity was observed in comparison with the control group. During the first 6 h after dermal administration of NMP to fasted rats, about 33% of the dose was excreted in urine versus 22% in controls. In vitro, ...
The induction of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) is believed to play a role in the development of fibrosis in hepatitis C patients. However, information about CYP2E1 activity in chronic hepatitis C patients is fragmentary and the relationship...
moreThe induction of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) is believed to play a role in the development of fibrosis in hepatitis C patients. However, information about CYP2E1 activity in chronic hepatitis C patients is fragmentary and the relationship between CYP2E1 activity and mRNA expression is unknown in this disease. The purpose of this study was (a) to characterise CYP2E1 activity in those patients and (b) to analyse its relationship with CYP2E1 mRNA expression in the liver and in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), previously proposed as a surrogate to assess changes in CYP2E1 activity. Fourteen chronic hepatitis C patients were submitted to a routine transcutaneous liver biopsy. CYP2E1 activity was assessed by using chlorzoxazone (CZX) pharmacokinetic parameters and hepatic and PBLs CYP2E1 mRNA expression was measured by real-time RT-PCR. The mean oral clearance of CZX (CLT: 21.5+/-10.1L/h) was within the normal range and the chlorzoxazone metabolic ratio (CMR) at t = 2 h was closely related to other CZX pharmacokinetic parameters. None of the pharmacokinetic parameters did significantly correlate with CYP2E1 mRNA, neither in the liver nor in PBLs. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between CYP2E1 mRNA levels in paired liver and PBL samples. Our data indicate that early stages of chronic hepatitis C are not associated with CYP2E1 induction. In this disease, the determination of the CMR at t = 2 h represents a reliable index to assess CYP2E1 activity. The measurement of CYP2E1 expression, at the mRNA level, in PBLs or in liver is not useful for that purpose.
We hypothesized that maternal prenatal and children urine metabolite concentration of phthalates would be associated with food allergy and early eczema among inner-city children. The study was based on data from the Polish Mother and...
moreWe hypothesized that maternal prenatal and children urine metabolite concentration of phthalates would be associated with food allergy and early eczema among inner-city children. The study was based on data from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to the following phthalates: diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, butyl-benzyl phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, diisononyl phthalate, and di-n-octyl phthalate were determined by measuring phthalate metabolites in the urine collected from the mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy and from their children at age 2 years. Pre- and postnatal observations limited the response rate and final sample size; data from 147 participants were included in the analysis. Children's health status was assessed at 24 months of age by using a questionnaire administered to the mothers. We studied associations between the urine level of phthalates and the presence of food allergy and atopic dermatitis in logistic regression analysis. All associations were adjusted for independent risk factors of dependent variables. Associations with atopic dermatitis were adjusted for the effect of atopy in the family, the father's education, frequency of house cleaning, and breastfeeding; associations with food allergy were adjusted for the presence of pets at home during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The prevalence of the outcomes were as follows: atopic dermatitis, 12.2%, and food allergy, 48.9%. We showed that higher urine concentrations of monobenzyl phthalate in mothers during pregnancy increased the risk of food allergy in children during the first 2 years of life (odds ratio 4.17 [95% confidence interval, 1.17-17.89]). There were no associations with children's urine and allergic symptoms. Results of our study indicated awareness of environmental factors that may affect children's health because the phthalates were shown to be risk factors for food allergy in children.
The aim of the study was to analyze the association between prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) and child anthropometric parameters at birth such birth weight, length, head and chest circumference. The study population...
moreThe aim of the study was to analyze the association between prenatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETS) and child anthropometric parameters at birth such birth weight, length, head and chest circumference. The study population consisted of 107 pregnant women from Lodz district as the part of Polish Mother and Child Cohort study. The child prenatal ETS exposure was assessed based on questionnaire with mothers and cotinine level in saliva collected three times in pregnancy. The level of cotinine in biological samples was analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS ESI+). About 35% of the children were prenatally exposed to ETS. The birth weight of the children prenatally exposed to ETS was 335 g lower than the birth weight of non-exposed newborns p < 0.001 after adjustment for: maternal educational level, marital status, prepregnancy weight, child gender, and gestational age. The same refers to child length and chest circumference (coef. -1.1 cm; p = 0.03 and coef. -1.3 cm; p = 0.002 respectively). Taking into account the negative effect of prenatal exposure to ETS, more efforts need to be taken to eliminate child ETS exposure.
The aim of this study was to explore data from the DEMOCOPHES study population for Romania, Portugal and Poland, in order to assess smoking patterns and the extent of ETS exposure and compare the national study samples with reference to...
moreThe aim of this study was to explore data from the DEMOCOPHES study population for Romania, Portugal and Poland, in order to assess smoking patterns and the extent of ETS exposure and compare the national study samples with reference to the respective anti-smoking laws. The subset of the DEMOCOPHES study sample consisted of 360 children and their mothers (120 in each of the three countries - Romania (RO), Portugal (PT) and Poland (PL). Smoking was assessed using a detailed questionnaire for the participants, which addresses both active and passive smoking. This assessment uses exposure-relevant questionnaire data, in particular on the home environment and residence, socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle such as nutrition, smoking behavior, other exposure-relevant behavior and occupational history, as well as urinary cotinine and creatinine measurements. We performed general statistical analysis and innovative receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Smoking pre...
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that are formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic matter. The most common sources of PAHs are cigarette smoke, coal-fired utilities, steel plants, coke-oven plants,...
morePolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds that are formed as a result of incomplete combustion of organic matter. The most common sources of PAHs are cigarette smoke, coal-fired utilities, steel plants, coke-oven plants, graphite electrode manufacturing plant, Söderberg aluminum electrolysis plant, vehicle exhaust, wood-burning ovens and fireplaces, and charcoal-grilled and smoked food. The aim of the study was to assess the exposure of smoking pregnant women to PAHs. The study population consisted of 189 pregnant women from the Lódź voivodeship (province). Smoking status was assessed based on saliva cotinine level analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The cutoff point 10 ng/ml was adopted for saliva cotinine level. 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) concentration in urine sample was chosen as the biomarker of exposure to PAHs. The mean concentration of 1-HP in urine of nonsmoking woman was 0.60 microg/g creatinine, whereas in smoking one 1.35 m...
In Poland, prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke is observed in about 30 percent of children and postnatal in over 50 percent of children. This exposure has serious health consequences, including the negative effect on child...
moreIn Poland, prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke is observed in about 30 percent of children and postnatal in over 50 percent of children. This exposure has serious health consequences, including the negative effect on child neurodevelopment. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on child psychomotor development. The study population consisted of 63 children with well assessed prenatal ETS exposure (a threefold analysis of cotinine level in saliva of pregnant women). To assess ETS exposure in infants within one year after birth a questionnaire-based interview was conducted with mothers. The Bayley Scale for Infant and Toddler Development (BESID-III) was used for the evaluation of child neurodevelopment. Multivariate analysis (including gender, birth order of the child and parental educational status) indicated the statistically significant association between prenatal exposure to ETS and cognitive child development (b = -4.0; p = 0....
The present study was designed to investigate 1,3,5-[U-14C]trioxane (TOX) distribution, excretion and metabolism. The experiments were performed on male Wistar albino rats after a single administration of TOX at doses of 40 mg/kg and 400...
moreThe present study was designed to investigate 1,3,5-[U-14C]trioxane (TOX) distribution, excretion and metabolism. The experiments were performed on male Wistar albino rats after a single administration of TOX at doses of 40 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. The exhaled air proved to be the main route of 14C elimination, mainly as 14CO2. During the first 12 h following the administration of 40 mg/kg of TOX the exhalation of 14CO2 was monophasic, with a half-life of 3.5 h. After the administration of 400 mg/kg, TOX was eliminated mainly as 14CO2 with the exhaled air (77%) and unchanged TOX (8%). About 3% of 14C was excreted in the urine as unchanged 1,3,5-trioxane. With regards to TOX elimination from blood plasma for the lower dose, a biphasic process was observed, with half-lives of 4.5 and 72 h. The amount of 14C bound by the erythrocytes was minute compared with the amount in blood plasma. When the higher dose of TOX was administered the efficiency of 14C binding to the erythrocytes was found ...
Blood lead levels (BLL) in women of child-bearing age have been decreasing in recent decades, but still remains a concern for long-term effects of child psychomotor development. The aim of the study was to characterize lead exposure among...
moreBlood lead levels (BLL) in women of child-bearing age have been decreasing in recent decades, but still remains a concern for long-term effects of child psychomotor development. The aim of the study was to characterize lead exposure among Polish pregnant women and assess the relationship between BLL and selected socio-demographic, economic and lifestyle factors. The study population consisted of 594 pregnant women who had been the subjects of the prospective Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL). The women were interviewed three times during pregnancy (once in each trimester. Lead concentration in the blood collected during the second trimester of pregnancy was analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS), or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Active and passive smoking was analyzed by the cotinine level in saliva using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The lead level in the blood ranged from 0.3 ...
This paper estimates the effects of exposure to environmental factors, including lead, mercury, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), on child psychomotor development. The study population consists...
moreThis paper estimates the effects of exposure to environmental factors, including lead, mercury, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), on child psychomotor development. The study population consists of mother-child pairs in the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to environmental factors was determined from biomarker measurements as follows: for lead exposure--cord blood lead level, for mercury--maternal hair mercury level, for ETS--cotinine level in saliva and urine, and for PAH--1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) in urine. At the age of 12 (406 subjects) and 24 months (198 subjects) children were assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. There were no statistically significant effects of prenatal exposure to mercury or 1-HP on child psychomotor development. After adjusting for potential confounders, adverse effects of prenatal exposure to ETS on motor development ( β = -2.6; P = 0.02) and postnatal...
The purpose of the study was to assess the environmental exposure to 2 commonly used pesticides: 2-methyl-4- chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) among spouses of farmers, not directly involved in the...
moreThe purpose of the study was to assess the environmental exposure to 2 commonly used pesticides: 2-methyl-4- chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) among spouses of farmers, not directly involved in the process of spraying. Exposure to 63 sprayings 24 women in households from the rural area of the Łódż Voivodeship in Poland was assessed. The women were asked to collect 3 biological urine samples: in the morning before spraying (sample A), in the evening after spraying (sample B), and on the morning of the next day (sample C). The determination of pesticides in urine was performed by high performance liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and negative electrospray (LC-MS/MS-ESI-). In the case of both active ingredient, the number of urine samples with the level of pesticides above limit of detection (LOD) increased from 30% in samples A to 45% in samples B and C. The average levels of herbicides increased from sample A (2.8 ng...
Pesticides are widely used in agriculture for the crop protection. Despite advanced mechanization of the agricultural production, the population's exposure to these chemicals is still significant. The objective of the study was to...
morePesticides are widely used in agriculture for the crop protection. Despite advanced mechanization of the agricultural production, the population's exposure to these chemicals is still significant. The objective of the study was to evaluate farmers' occupational exposure to two most frequently used pesticides: MCPA and 2,4-D. Pesticide exposure was assessed in 24 farmers, living in the Łódź voivodeship agriculture area, for 71 sprayings performed on their arable areas. The exposure assessment methods were used to estimate workers' exposure to selected pesticides (MCPA and 2,4-D). The analysis covered the biological material (urine) collected on the day of pesticides spraying: in the morning before spraying (Sample A), in the evening after spraying (Sample B) and on the next day (Sample C). The level of pesticides found in farmers' urine was growing from sample A to sample C. The highest level of pesticides was found in sample C and the lowest in sample A. The predicto...
The aim of the study was to evaluate the prenatal and postnatal child exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The study population consisted of 83 women from Lodz, Poland among which detail questionnaire was conducted three times during...
moreThe aim of the study was to evaluate the prenatal and postnatal child exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The study population consisted of 83 women from Lodz, Poland among which detail questionnaire was conducted three times during pregnancy period. From all women included into the study the saliva sample was collected to verify smoking status in pregnancy. One year after delivery the second questionnaire was performed and urine sample from all children was collected. The cotinine level in saliva and urine was analyzed using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS ESI+). About 22% of the children were expose to ETS during prenatal and 46% in postnatal period. Cotinine level in children's urine statistically differentiated children from smoking mothers (Geometric Mean (GM) 11.4 ng/ml; 95% CI 7.1-18.3) and exposed homes (GM 7.3 ng/ml; 95% CI 3.6-15.0) compared with non-exposed homes (GM 1.3 ng/ml; 95% CI 0.9-1.7) (p < 0.001). Children should be more ...
The work in greenhouses might involve indirect exposure to pesticides, resulting from the contact with previously pesticide-treated flowers and vegetables. The objective of the study was to assess the exposure to selected pesticides of...
moreThe work in greenhouses might involve indirect exposure to pesticides, resulting from the contact with previously pesticide-treated flowers and vegetables. The objective of the study was to assess the exposure to selected pesticides of workers tending and harvesting greenhouse cultivations after the restricted-entry intervals expired using cotton patches. Pesticide exposure was assessed among women (n=19) tending and harvesting vegetables in one of the vegetable production greenhouse in Poland. The exposure assessment methods were used to estimate workers' exposure to selected pesticides (hexythiazoks, azoksystrobin, imazalil) after the restricted-entry intervals expired. Cotton gloves and patches on chest and arms were used during the whole workshift in the greenhouse. All the three kinds of pesticides were found on cotton patches and gloves. The concentration of the examined active ingredients was higher on gloves than on patches. Their concentration on patches and gloves betw...
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) along with hexabromocyclododecan, tetrabromobisphenol A and polybrominated biphenyls have been widely used for several decades as flame retardants. They have been added to consumer products, such as...
morePolybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) along with hexabromocyclododecan, tetrabromobisphenol A and polybrominated biphenyls have been widely used for several decades as flame retardants. They have been added to consumer products, such as car and furniture upholstery, TV sets and computers. PBDE are not chemically bound to the polymers therefore, they can leach into the environment. They have been found in household dust, food, human breast milk, human adipose tissue and human serum. In this paper the potential major sources of emission of PBDEs, human biomonitoring data and results of experimental studies are reviewed. The available data shows that this group of compounds requires a particular concern because of their possibly adverse effects on human health and the environment.
Among available methods to estimate the exposure to tobacco smoke, cotinine, a major metabolite of nicotine is considered the most accurate marker. The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental tobacco smoke exposure in pregnancy...
moreAmong available methods to estimate the exposure to tobacco smoke, cotinine, a major metabolite of nicotine is considered the most accurate marker. The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental tobacco smoke exposure in pregnancy and postpartum period. The cohort study was conducted in 2004 and 2006 in public maternity units in Lodz, Poland. The study population consisted of women between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy who have quit smoking within 2 months before pregnancy or no later than three months prior to participation in the study. Women were interviewed twice: during pregnancy and three months after delivery. Self-reported non-smoking status was verified using saliva cotinine level. Cotinine level in saliva sample was analyzed using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry. We included into the analysis 62 women who, based on self-reported smoking status and saliva cotinine level were classified as non-smokers. There were no statistically significant differences i...
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are unwanted by-products in a variety of industrial and thermal processes. They have been present on Earth long before the human era, since they may be also formed as a...
morePolychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are unwanted by-products in a variety of industrial and thermal processes. They have been present on Earth long before the human era, since they may be also formed as a result of forest fires or volcanic explosions. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in turn, have been intentionally produced by humans. Poland was a minor producer of PCB mixtures (Chlorofen and Tarnol), which were a source of direct and indirect environmental diffusion with PCB and less with PCDDs/PCDFs. Industrial accidents with PCDDs/PCDFs were absent in Poland. Their stability and resistance to thermal breakdown made them very dangerous for environment and, in consequence, due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the terrestrial and aquatic food chains, to humans. Humans may become affected by PCDDs/PCDFs and PCBs through environmental (soil and water contamination, fish and food), occupational (incinerators; pulp, paper and metallurgy industry; copper production), or accidental (Seveso accident) exposure. The aim of this review was to evaluate environmental hazard caused by PCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like-PCBs in the central region of Poland based on the accessible data on diffusion of those compounds in sediments and riverine, reservoir and storm water from our previous studies and discussed in the context of other achievements in Poland and elsewhere.
Growing evidence supports the reproductive and developmental toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from prenatal and postnatal exposure, but the results of epidemiological studies regarding harmful effects of PAHs exposure...
moreGrowing evidence supports the reproductive and developmental toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from prenatal and postnatal exposure, but the results of epidemiological studies regarding harmful effects of PAHs exposure on male reproductive system still remain limited and inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between 1-hydroxypyrene, a biomarker of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and semen quality. The study population consisted of 277 men attending an infertility clinic for diagnostic purposes and having normal semen concentration of 20-300 mln/ml or slight oligozoospermia (semen concentration: 15-20 mln/ml) (WHO 1999). All the men were healthy and under 45 years of age. All participants were interviewed and provided a semen sample. The interview included questions concerning demographics, socio-economic status, medical history related to past diseases which may have an impact on semen quality, lifestyle factors and occupational information. Concentrations of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) in the urine samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A positive association was found between the level of 1-OHP in urine and sperm neck abnormalities as well as the percentage of static sperm cells (p = 0.001, p = 0.018, respectively). Additionally, exposure to PAHs measured by 1-OHP in urine decreased semen volume and the percentage of motile sperm cells (p = 0.014, p = 0.0001, respectively). Presented findings indicate that the environmental level of PAHs exposure adversely affects male semen quality. The future large-scale studies should incorporate different biomarkers to generate a more accurate and full assessment of the effects of PAHs exposure on male fertility.