| 1. |
- Hagmar, Lars, et al.
(författare)
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The usefulness of cytogenetic biomarkers as intermediate endpoints in carcinogenesis
- 2001
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-131X .- 1438-4639. ; 204:1, s. 43-47
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- During the last decades, cytogenetic biomarkers in peripheral lymphocytes have been used to assess exposure to carcinogenic or mutagenic agents in occupational settings. The first method in use assessed chromosomal aberrations (CA). It is generally accepted that chromosomal mutations are causal events in the development of neoplasia, and it has earlier been postulated, but not proven, that increased chromosomal damage may reflect an enhanced cancer risk. Two less laborious techniques, sister chromatoid exchanges (SCE) and micronuclei (MN), were introduced later-on in occupational health surveillances. SCE represent symmetrical exchanges between sister chromatids; generally they do not result in alteration of the chromosome morphology. MN represent small, additional nuclei formed by the exclusion of chromosome fragments or whole chromosomes lagging at mitosis. MN rates therefore indirectly reflect chromosome breakage or impairment of the mitotic apparatus. The health significance of increased levels of SCE and MN is poorly understood. The usefulness of these cytogenetic techniques for implementing preventive measures in the workplaces depend on how well they serve as biomarkers of exposure but also on whether they can predict cancer risk or not. Recently performed epidemiological studies show that the CA frequency predicts the overall cancer risk in healthy subjects. Such associations could not been seen for SCE or MN. Age, sex, or time since test did not affect the predictive value of CA. This predictivity was seen irrespective of whether the subjects had been smokers or occupationally exposed to carcinogenic agents. Risk factors such as age, smoking and occupational exposures usually explain only some of the interindividual variation in CA frequency. It seems reasonable that not yet identified individual susceptibility factors explain a large fraction of the interindividual CA variation and also the cancer predictivity of the CA biomarker.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Andersson, E.M., et al.
(författare)
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Cancer incidence in Swedish oil refinery workers exposed to benzene
- 2024
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 261
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Oil refinery workers are exposed to benzene, which is a well-known cause of leukaemia, but results on leukaemia in oil refinery workers have been mixed, and the data on workers’ exposure is limited. Oil refinery workers are also exposed to asbestos and several studies have shown increased risk of mesothelioma.Aim: The objective was to investigate cancer incidence, especially leukaemia, at low to moderate exposure to benzene in an update of a previous study of employees at three Swedish oil refineries.Methods: Cancer incidence was followed up in 2264 men (1548 refinery operators) employed at three oil refineries in Sweden for at least one year. Job types and employment times were collected from complete company files. A retrospective assessment of the benzene exposure was performed by occupational hygienists in collaboration with the refineries using historic measurements as well as detailed information on changes in the industrial hygiene and technological developments. Cases of cancer were retrieved by a linkage with the Swedish Cancer Register through 35–47 years of follow-up and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.Results: In total, 258 tumors had occurred versus 240 expected (SIR 1.07; 95% CI 0.95–1.21). There were 10 cases of leukaemia, all in refinery operators (SIR 2.4; 95% CI 1.18–4.51). There were three cases of pleural mesothelioma, two of which in refinery operators. The mean estimated cumulative benzene exposure for the cases of leukaemia was 7.9 ppm-years (median 4.9, range 0.1–31.1). Discussion: The study suggests that low to moderate average cumulative benzene exposure increases the risk of leukaemia. Limitations include the modest number of cases and potential misclassification of exposure.Conclusion: The present study indicated an increased risk of leukaemia in male oil refinery workers with low to moderate exposure to benzene.
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| 4. |
- Andersson, Linus, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Prevalence and risk factors for chemical sensitivity and sensory hyperreactivity in teenagers
- 2008
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 211:5-6, s. 690-697
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The prevalence of chemical sensitivity (CS) and sensory hyperreactivity (SHR) was assessed in a teenage population. Among a random sample of 401 teenagers, 326 (81.3%) answered questionnaires assessing sensitivity to chemicals and noise, anxiety and depression. A subgroup of 85 teenagers conducted a capsaicin inhalation test. The estimated prevalence was 15.6% for general self-reported CS, 3.7% for CS with affective and behavioral consequences, about 1% for SHR. Sensitivity variables were positively intercorrelated. Risk factors for general CS were noise sensitivity (OR: 2.1), probable anxiety (OR: 2.5) and female sex (OR: 2.0). CS problems seem to be present also in teenagers, although less so than in adults. Furthermore, CS seems to be related to other environmental sensitivities.
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| 5. |
- Andersson, Linus, et al.
(författare)
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Short-term olfactory sensitization involves brain networks relevant for pain, and indicates chemical intolerance
- 2017
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 220:2, s. 503-509
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chemical intolerance is a medically unexplained affliction that implies deleterious reactions to non-toxic everyday chemical exposure. Sensitization (i.e. increased reactivity to repeated, invariant stimulation) to odorous stimulation is an important component in theoretical explanations of chemical intolerance, but empirical evidence is scarce. We hypothesized that (1) individuals who sensitize to repeated olfactory stimulation, compared with those who habituate, would express a lower blood oxygenated level dependent (BOLD) response in key inhibitory areas such as the rACC, and higher signal in pain/saliency detection regions, as well as primary and/or secondary olfactory projection areas; and (2) olfactory sensitization, compared with habituation, would be associated with greater self-reported chemical intolerance. More-over, we assessed whether olfactory sensitization was paralleled by comparable trigeminal processing - in terms of perceptual ratings and BOLD responses. We grouped women from a previous functional magnetic imaging study based on intensity ratings of repeated amyl acetate exposure over time. Fourteen women sensitized to the exposure, 15 habituated, and 20 were considered "intermediate" (i.e. neither sensitizers nor habituaters). Olfactory sensitizers, compared with habituaters, displayed a BOLD-pattern in line with the hypothesis, and reported greater problems with odours in everyday life. They also expressed greater reactions to CO2 in terms of both perceived intensity and BOLD signal. The similarities with pain are discussed.
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| 6. |
- Anticona, Cynthia, et al.
(författare)
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Lead exposure in indigenous communities of the Amazon basin, Peru
- 2011
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-131X .- 1438-4639. ; 215:1, s. 59-63
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Since 2006, three studies have reported elevated levels of lead (Pb) among the indigenous population of the Corrientes river, in the Amazon basin of Peru. Due to the large evidence of environmental pollution related to oil exploitation in the area, this activity has been suggested as the source of exposure. This study aimed to evaluate Pb levels in the population and environment of two communities exposed and one community non-exposed to the oil exploitation activity. Blood lead levels (BLL) were determined by the instrument Leadcare. A comparison with the graphite furnace atomic absorption technique was performed in order to validate the Leadcare results. Environmental samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Among 361 capillary samples, the mean BLL was 9.4 mu g/dl). Mean BLL of the communities exposed (n = 171, (x) over bar = 9.5 mu g/dl) and non-exposed (n = 190, (x) over bar = 9.2 mu g/dl) to the oil activity were not significantly different. PI) levels in environmental samples were below the maximum permissible levels. The sources of exposure could not be identified. Elevated levels of Pb in the oil-non-exposed community pointed out at other sources not yet clarified. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
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| 7. |
- Barregård, Lars, 1948, et al.
(författare)
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Normal variability of 22 elements in 24-hour urine samples - Results from a biobank from healthy non-smoking adults.
- 2021
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-131X .- 1438-4639. ; 233
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Urine is often used for biomonitoring the exposure to elements. However, most studies report concentrations in spot urine samples, which may not accurately mirror the "gold standard" of complete 24-h (24h) urine samples. There are relatively few data published for 24h samples, and little information on the within- and between person variability.The present study aimed at assessing variability within and between individuals in 24h excretion for a number of elements in adults from the general population and the typical 24h excretion of these elements. In addition, we assessed concentrations adjusted for creatinine and specific gravity (SG), and associations between elements.60 healthy non-smokers (31 women and 29 men) from Sweden, aged 21-64 years, collected all urine during 24h (split into six separate samples) on two occasions, about one week apart. Concentrations of As, Br, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, U, V, W, and Zn in urine were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma sector-field mass spectrometry (ICP-SF-MS) and 24h excretion rates were calculated for each day. The ratio of between-individual variance and the total variance, the intra-class correlation (ICC) was calculated based on natural log-transformed 24h excretion. Correlation coefficients were calculated between excretion rates (mass/24h), and concentrations adjusted for creatinine and SG.Geometric means (GM), and 90-percentiles are presented for each element. The 24h excretion was higher in men than in women for most elements, and the difference was statistically significant for Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, P, Pb, S, Se, U, V, and Zn. However, for Cd and Co, the excretion was higher in women. Variability between days was low for Cd, Co, Hg, Pb, Sn, Se, V, and Zn (ICC 0.75-0.90), highest for Cr (ICC=0.3) and Sb (ICC=0.18), and moderate for the other elements. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were about 0.8-0.9 for 17 elements, and 0.3-0.7 for Br, Cu, P, S, Se. Excretion of P and S were highly correlated, and also associated with excretion of most of the other elements, especially Cu, Se, V, and Zn. A high correlation was also found between As and Hg, between Mo and W, as well as between Cr, Fe and Mn.These data present normal variability of 24h excretion of a number of elements, and can also be used as updated reference levels for elements with no or limited previous literature available. Information on variability within- and between individuals is important to know when designing studies with urine levels of elements used as exposure biomarker in studies of associations with health outcomes.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Callesen, Michael Thude, et al.
(författare)
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Phthalate metabolites in urine and asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis in preschool children
- 2014
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 217:6, s. 645-652
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Phthalate esters are among the most ubiquitous of indoor pollutants and have been associated with various adverse health effects. In the present study we assessed the cross-sectional association between eight different phthalate metabolites in urine and allergic disease in young children. As part of the Danish Indoor Environment and Children's Health study, urine samples were collected from 440 children aged 3-5 years, of whom 222 were healthy controls, 68 were clinically diagnosed with asthma, 76 with rhinoconjunctivitis and 81 with atopic dermatitis (disease subgroups are not mutually exclusive; some children had more than one disease). There were no statistically significant differences in the urine concentrations of phthalate metabolites between cases and healthy controls with the exception of MnBP and MECPP, which were higher in healthy controls compared with the asthma case group. In the crude analysis MnBP and MiBP were negatively associated with asthma. In the analysis adjusted for multiple factors, only a weak positive association between MEP in urine and atopic dermatitis was found; there were no positive associations between any phthalate metabolites in urine and either asthma or rhinoconjunctivitis. These findings appear to contradict earlier studies. Differences may be due to higher exposures to certain phthalates (e.g., BBzP) via non-dietary pathways in earlier studies, phthalates serving as surrogates for an agent associated with asthma (e.g., PVC flooring) in previous studies but not the present study or altered cleaning habits and the use of "allergy friendly" products by parents of children with allergic disease in the current study in contrast to studies conducted earlier.
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| 11. |
- Charles, Dolley, et al.
(författare)
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Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in type 2 diabetes mellitus cases and controls : Repeated measurements prior to and after diagnosis
- 2023
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 249
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Previous studies have reported associations between certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of POPs that are found in increasing concentrations in humans. Although obesity is a known risk factor for T2DM and PBDEs are fat-soluble, very few studies have investigated associations between PBDEs and T2DM. No longitudinal studies have assessed associations between repeated measurements of PBDE and T2DM in the same individuals and compared time trends of PBDEs in T2DM cases and controls.Objectives: To investigate associations between pre- and post-diagnostic measurements of PBDEs and T2DM and to compare time trends of PBDEs in T2DM cases and controls.Methods: Questionnaire data and serum samples from participants in the Tromsø Study were used to conduct a longitudinal nested case-control study among 116 T2DM cases and 139 controls. All included study participants had three pre-diagnostic blood samples (collected before T2DM diagnosis in cases), and up to two post-diagnostic samples after T2DM diagnosis. We used logistic regression models to investigate pre- and post-diagnostic associations between PBDEs and T2DM, and linear mixed-effect models to assess time trends of PBDEs in T2DM cases and controls.Results: We observed no substantial pre- or post-diagnostic associations between any of the PBDEs and T2DM, except for BDE-154 at one of the post-diagnostic time-points (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.71). The overall time trends of PBDE concentrations were similar for cases and controls.Discussion: The study did not support PBDEs increasing the odds of T2DM, prior to or after T2DM diagnosis. T2DM status did not influence the time trends of PBDE concentrations.
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| 12. |
- Claeson, Anna-Sara, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Physical and chemical trigger factors in environmental intolerance
- 2018
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 221:3, s. 586-592
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Individuals with environmental intolerance (EI) react to exposure from different environmental sources at levels tolerated by most people and that are below established toxicological and hazardous thresholds. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of attributing symptoms to chemical and physical sources in the environment among individuals with different forms of self-reported EI and in referents.Methods: Cross-sectional data from a population-based study, the Västerbotten Environmental Health Study (n = 3406), were used and individuals with self-reported EI to chemicals, buildings, electromagnetic fields and sounds as well as a group with multiple EIs were identified. The Environmental-Symptom Attribution Scale was used to quantify degree to which health symptoms are attributed to 40 specific environmental exposures and sources, with subscales referring to the four types of EI.Results: All EI groups, except the group with building related intolerance (BRI), reported more symptoms from the expected sources compared to the referents. In addition, individuals with chemical and sound intolerance reported symptoms from building related trigger factors, and individuals with electromagnetic hypersensitivity reported symptoms from chemical trigger factors.Conclusions: The study suggests that individuals with BRI react to fewer and more specific trigger factors than do individuals with other EIs, and that it is important to ask about different sources since three of the EI groups attribute their symptoms to a wide variety of sources in addition to the sources to which their EI implicates.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Enoksson Wallas, A., et al.
(författare)
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Traffic noise and other determinants of blood pressure in adolescence
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 222:5, s. 824-830
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Exposure to traffic noise has been associated with hypertension in adults but the evidence in adolescents is limited. We investigated long-term road traffic noise exposure, maternal occupational noise during pregnancy and other factors in relation to blood pressure and prehypertension at 16 years of age. Methods: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured in 2597 adolescents from the Swedish BAMSE birth cohort. Levels of road traffic noise were estimated at home addresses during lifetime and for the mother during pregnancy as well as maternal occupational noise exposure during pregnancy. Exposure to NO x from local sources was also assessed. Associations between noise or NO x exposure and blood pressure or prehypertension were analysed using linear and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of prehypertension was higher among males and in those with overweight, low physical activity or overweight mothers. No strong or consistent associations were observed between pre- or postnatal exposure to road traffic noise and blood pressure at 16 years of age. However, inverse associations were suggested for systolic or diastolic blood pressure and prehypertension, which reached statistical significance among males (OR 0.80 per 10 dB L den , 95% CI 0.65–0.99) and those with maternal occupational noise exposure ≥ 70 dB L Aeq8h (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41–0.87). On the other hand, occupational noise exposure during pregnancy tended to increase systolic blood pressure and prehypertension risk in adolescence. No associations were seen for NO x exposure. Conclusion: No conclusive associations were observed between pre- or postnatal noise exposure and blood pressure or prehypertension in adolescents. © 2019
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| 16. |
- Forde, Sean, et al.
(författare)
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Dissolution of glass compositions containing no added lead in simulated lung fluid
- 2008
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 211:3-4, s. 357-366
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Six crystal glass compositions containing no added lead were studied with respect to the potential exposure of workers during the cold end working of crystal type glasses. During cutting and grinding of crystal glass, fine dusts are produced. These may be inhaled by the workers with subsequent partial dissolution of the dusts in the lung fluid. In order to provide a measure of the degree of dissolution in the case of the six crystal glass compositions produced in this work the release of antimony, barium, silicon, and bismuth was investigated by passing simulated lung fluid over powdered samples of the crystal compositions having a diameter of ca. 0.5 micron for a period of 21 days. The results show that it is possible to produce durable glass containing no added lead. While the leaching and weathering of the glass compositions studied here could be correlated with the mole ratio of alkali/silica and the degree of depolymerisation of the silica network, the dissolution of silica in simulated lung fluid seems to be independent of this property.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Góralczyk, Katarzyna, et al.
(författare)
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Is the fact of parenting couples cohabitation affecting the serum levels of persistent organohalogen pollutants?
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-131X .- 1438-4639. ; 218:4, s. 392-400
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Organohalogen compounds constitute one of the important groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Among them, due to their long-term health effects, one should pay attention on organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs). This paper is an attempt to answer the question about relation between the fact of cohabitation by couples expecting a child and the level of the organohalogen compounds in the blood serum of both parents. The study was done on a population of parent couples from Greenland, Poland and Ukraine, from whom blood samples were collected in order to establish the levels of marker organohalogen compounds. We selected, as the representative of these compounds, the most persistent metabolite of DDT, i.e. p,p'-DDE, the most frequently detected PCB congener - CB-153, and PFOS and PFOA as the representatives of PFASs. The results show that in case of all compounds under study the highest concentrations were present always in men in relation to the levels detected in the blood serum of their female partners, regardless of the country of origin of the couple. A positive correlation was noted between the concentrations of the studied compounds in the blood serum of men and women in parenting couples. In some cases these correlations were statistically significant, e.g. for concentrations of p,p'-DDE in pairs from Greenland and Ukraine, of CB-153 in pairs from Poland and Ukraine, and of PFOS for parents from Greenland and Poland, while for PFOA - only for couples from Greenland. The concentrations of the compounds included in the study were similar to the levels found in general population in other countries. Our results show that the exposure to POPs resulting from cohabitation plays a role in the general exposure to these compounds.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Guo, Jianqiu, et al.
(författare)
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Early life triclosan exposure and neurodevelopment of children at 3 years in a prospective birth cohort
- 2020
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Urban & Fischer. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 224
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Early life exposure to triclosan, an emerging endocrine disrupting chemical, may adversely impact childhood neurodevelopment, but limited epidemiologic studies have examined the associations.OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the associations between prenatal and postnatal triclosan exposure and child neurodevelopment at 3 years.METHODS: The study included 377 mother-child pairs who participated in Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS), a longitudinal birth cohort in China. Triclosan concentrations in maternal and 3-year-old child urine samples were quantified using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) were used to assess child neurodevelopment at 3 years of age. Multivariate linear regression models were applied to estimate associations of prenatal and postnatal urinary triclosan concentrations with children's developmental quotients (DQs).RESULTS: Detection frequencies of triclosan in maternal and childhood urine samples were 100% and 99.5%, respectively. The median values of prenatal and postnatal urinary triclosan levels were 0.65 and 0.44 μg/L, respectively. One ln-unit increase of maternal urinary triclosan concentration was associated with increase of DQ scores in motor area of children (regression coefficient, β = 0.28, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.03, 0.54; p = 0.03). In sex-stratified analyses, maternal urinary triclosan levels were significantly related to increases in DQ scores in motor area among boys (β = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.50; p = 0.04), while postnatal urinary triclosan concentrations were inversely associated with DQ scores in social area in boys (β = -0.37, 95%CI: -0.72, -0.03; p = 0.03).CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that prenatal triclosan exposure predicted increases in motor scores, while postnatal triclosan exposure was related to reductions in social scores of 3-year-old children. These associations were only observed in boys. The biological mechanisms linking triclosan exposure to neurodevelopment await further studies.
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| 24. |
- Jiang, Zheshun, et al.
(författare)
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Hexavalent chromium still a concern in Sweden : Evidence from a cross-sectional study within the SafeChrom project
- 2024
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 256
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- ObjectivesHexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is classified as a human carcinogen. Occupational Cr(VI) exposure can occur during different work processes, but the current exposure to Cr(VI) at Swedish workplaces is unknown.MethodsThis cross-sectional study (SafeChrom) recruited non-smoking men and women from 14 companies with potential Cr(VI) exposure (n = 113) and controls from 6 companies without Cr(VI) exposure (n = 72). Inhalable Cr(VI) was measured by personal air sampling (outside of respiratory protection) in exposed workers. Total Cr was measured in urine (pre- and post-shift, density-adjusted) and red blood cells (RBC) (reflecting Cr(VI)) in exposed workers and controls. The Bayesian tool Expostats was used to assess risk and evaluate occupational exposure limit (OEL) compliance.ResultsThe exposed workers performed processing of metal products, steel production, welding, plating, and various chemical processes. The geometric mean concentration of inhalable Cr(VI) in exposed workers was 0.15 μg/m3 (95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.21). Eight of the 113 exposed workers (7%) exceeded the Swedish OEL of 5 μg/m3, and the Bayesian analysis estimated the share of OEL exceedances up to 19.6% for stainless steel welders. Median post-shift urinary (0.60 μg/L, 5th-95th percentile 0.10–3.20) and RBC concentrations (0.73 μg/L, 0.51–2.33) of Cr were significantly higher in the exposed group compared with the controls (urinary 0.10 μg/L, 0.06–0.56 and RBC 0.53 μg/L, 0.42–0.72). Inhalable Cr(VI) correlated with urinary Cr (rS = 0.64) and RBC-Cr (rS = 0.53). Workers within steel production showed the highest concentrations of inhalable, urinary and RBC Cr. Workers with inferred non-acceptable local exhaustion ventilation showed significantly higher inhalable Cr(VI), urinary and RBC Cr concentrations compared with those with inferred acceptable ventilation. Furthermore, workers with inferred correct use of respiratory protection were exposed to significantly higher concentrations of Cr(VI) in air and had higher levels of Cr in urine and RBC than those assessed with incorrect or no use. Based on the Swedish job-exposure-matrix, approximately 17 900 workers were estimated to be occupationally exposed to Cr(VI) today.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that some workers in Sweden are exposed to high levels of the non-threshold carcinogen Cr(VI). Employers and workers seem aware of Cr(VI) exposure, but more efficient exposure control strategies are required. National strategies aligned with the European strategies are needed in order to eliminate this cause of occupational cancer.
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| 25. |
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| 26. |
- Johanson, G
(författare)
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Are asthmatics more sensitive to irritants?
- 2020
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-131X .- 1438-4639. ; 226, s. 113488-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)
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| 27. |
- Kolarzyk, Emilia, et al.
(författare)
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The usefulness of artificial neural networks in the evaluation of pulmonary efficiency and antioxidant capacity of welders
- 2006
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-131X .- 1438-4639. ; 209:4, s. 385-392
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: The aim of the study was to determine if artificial neural networks (ANNs) may be useful to analyse a complex and large set of data derived from smoking welders for the purpose of finding relationships between parameters describing respiratory system efficiency and antioxidant defence. Methods: A group of 94 welders employed in a big metallurgic enterprise in Krakow, Poland (men only, aged 29-57 years, all active smokers) occupationally exposed to 03 and NO,, were the subjects of this study. They underwent biochemical measurements including total antioxidant status (TAS) and the anti-oxidative defence enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CT); biominerals: Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg in blood serum and in hair; the concentrations of albumin, bilirubin, uric acid in blood. The determination of respiratory efficiency was based on a "flow-volume" curve and spirometry. The dependant variables for ANNs were: TAS, SOD, CT. Thirty-one subjects with normal values of all spirometric parameters were selected for the final analysis. Results: Statistically valid relationship between TAS and albumin, Zn and Cu in blood and the two pulmonary parameters forced expiratory volume after I s (FEV1) and middle expiratory flow of 25-75% of vital capacity (MEF25/75) were found. Zn concentration almost linearly influenced TAS. For Cu a sigmoid curve was obtained. For albumin concentration as well as for FEV1 a two-stage curve was observed. Conclusions: ANNs are useful for the reduction of dimensionality and are suited to analyse a complex and relatively large set of parameters when it is unknown which of these are related. ANNs were useful for finding the relationship between the antioxidant defence and the respiratory system capacity in welders who smoke. (c) 2006 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
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| 28. |
- Lampi, Jussi, et al.
(författare)
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Determinants of stimulated peripheral blood cytokine production among farming women
- 2011
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-131X .- 1438-4639. ; 214:3, s. 205-209
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Farming environment and environmental exposure to microbial agents have been suggested to promote favorable development of immune system in children and protect against allergic diseases. However, effects of farm exposure on adult immune responses are less clear. Aim of the present study was to examine associations of farm related factors and measured microbial exposure with stimulated production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in peripheral blood samples among farming women. Whole peripheral blood samples were obtained from 112 women living on farms and stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin, lipopolysaccharide and staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Following 24 h stimulation, protein levels of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in the supernatants were measured by ELISA. From house dust, concentrations of 3-hydroxy fatty acids (C10:0-C14:0, marker for Gram-negative bacteria), muramic acid (Gram-positive bacteria) and ergosterol (fungal biomass) were analyzed with GC-MS/MS and viable microbes by culturing. Information on farm related factors and allergic diseases were collected from self-administered questionnaires. We found that household pets or other current or childhood farm-related factors had only few associations with stimulated cytokine production among studied farming women. Similarly, no strong associations were observed between markers of microbial exposure measured in house dust and cytokine levels. Atopic sensitization, allergic rhinitis and recent respiratory infections were, however, associated with reduced IFN-gamma production. Our results suggest that the capacity of the studied environmental factors to modulate immune system is relatively weak in adulthood. (C) 2011 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
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| 29. |
- Langer, Sarka, et al.
(författare)
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Phthalate metabolites in urine samples from Danish children and correlations with phthalates in dust samples from their homes and daycare centers
- 2014
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 217:1, s. 78-87
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Around the world humans use products that contain phthalates, and human exposure to certain of these phthalates has been associated with various adverse health effects. The aim of the present study has been to determine the concentrations of the metabolites of diethyl phthalate (DEP), di(n-butyl) phthalate (DnBP), di(iso-butyl) phthalate (DiBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in urine samples from 441 Danish children (3-6 years old). These children were subjects in the Danish Indoor Environment and Children's Health study. As part of each child's medical examination, a sample from his or her first morning urination was collected. These samples were subsequently analyzed for metabolites of the targeted phthalates. The measured concentrations of each metabolite were approximately log-normally distributed, and the metabolite concentrations significantly correlated with one another. Additionally, the mass fractions of DEP, DnBP, DiBP and BBzP in dust collected from the children's bedrooms and daycare centers significantly correlated with the concentrations of these phthalates' metabolites (monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), respectively) in the children's urine. Such correlations indicate that indoor exposures meaningfully contributed to the Danish children's intake of DEP, DnBP, DiBP and BBzP. This was not the case for DEHP. The urine concentrations of the phthalate metabolites measured in the present study were remarkably similar to those measured in urine samples from children living in countries distributed over four continents. These similarities reflect the globalization of children's exposure to phthalate containing products.
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| 30. |
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| 31. |
- MacDonald, Amy M., et al.
(författare)
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Maternal and child biomonitoring strategies and levels of exposure in western Canada during the past seventeen years : The Alberta Biomonitoring Program
- 2022
-
Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 244
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Alberta Biomonitoring Program (ABP) was created in 2005 with the initial goal of establishing baseline levels of exposure to environmental chemicals in specific populations in the province of Alberta, Canada, and was later expanded to include multiple phases. The first two phases focused on evaluating exposure in pregnant women (Phase One, 2005) and children (Phase Two, 2004–2006) by analyzing residual serum specimens. Phase Three (2013–2016) employed active recruitment techniques to evaluate environmental exposures using a revised list of chemicals in paired serum pools from pregnant women and umbilical cord blood. These three phases of the program monitored a total of 226 chemicals in 285 pooled serum samples representing 31,529 individuals. Phase Four (2017–2020) of the ABP has taken a more targeted approach, focusing on the impact of the federal legalization of cannabis on the exposure of pregnant women in Alberta to cannabis, as well as tobacco and alcohol using residual prenatal screening serum specimens. Chemicals monitored in the first three phases include herbicides, neutral pesticides, metals, metalloids, and micronutrients, methylmercury, organochlorine pesticides, organophosphate pesticides, parabens, phthalate metabolites, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phenols, phytoestrogens, polybrominated compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and tobacco biomarkers. Phase Four monitored six biomarkers of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis. All serum samples were pooled. Mean concentrations and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the chemicals detected in ≥25% of the sample pools. cross the first three phases, the data from the ABP has provided baseline exposure levels for the chemicals in pregnant women, children, and newborns across the province. Comparison within and among the phases has highlighted differences in exposure levels with age, geography, seasonality, sample type, and time. The strategies employed throughout the program phases have been demonstrated to provide effective models for population biomonitoring.
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| 32. |
- Mattsson, Christian, et al.
(författare)
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Underestimation of toluene diisocyanate concentration using long-term sampling with 1-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazine impregnated filters.
- 2008
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-131X .- 1438-4639. ; 211, s. 458-462
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Occupational exposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a known occupational hazard and the occupational exposure limits in air are very low. One of the most common methods to monitor exposure to isocyanates is to sample air through filters impregnated with 1-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazine (2MP). In one earlier field study it was found that long-term sampling with 2MP-filters underestimated the exposure compared with consecutive short-term samples of TDI. The aim of this study was to confirm that finding in a controlled atmosphere in the laboratory. A test atmosphere of 2,4-TDI or 2,6-TDI was generated in a small test chamber and parallel long-term samples and consecutive short-term samples were collected. A total of 159 filters were exposed. The long-term samples collected significantly lower amounts of TDI than the sum of the short-term samples. For a 4-h sampling, the air levels were calculated to underestimate the exposure for 2,4-TDI by a factor of 1.4 and for 2,6-TDI by a of factor 1.3. The calculated underestimation was lower than earlier reported.
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| 33. |
- Nassan, Feiby L., et al.
(författare)
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Dibutyl-phthalate exposure from mesalamine medications and serum thyroid hormones in men
- 2019
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Urban & Fischer. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 222:1, s. 101-110
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is an endocrine disruptor and used in some medication coatings, such as mesalamine for treatment inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).OBJECTIVES: To determine whether high-DBP from some mesalamine medications alters thyroid function.METHODS: Seventy men with IBD, without thyroid disease or any radiation history participated in a crossover-crossback prospective study and provided up to 6 serum samples (2:baseline, 2:crossover, 2:crossback). Men on non-DBP mesalamine (background exposure) at baseline crossed-over to DBP-mesalamine (high exposure) then crossed-back to non-DBP mesalamine (B1HB2-arm) and vice versa for men on DBP-mesalamine at baseline (H1BH2-arm). Serum concentrations of total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb).RESULTS: After crossover in B1HB2-arm (26 men, 134 samples), T3 decreased 10% (95% confidence interval (CI): 14%,-5%), T3/T4 ratio decreased 8% (CI: 12%,-3%), TPOAb, and TgAb concentrations decreased, 11% (-20%, -2%) and 15% (-23%, -5%), respectively; after crossback, they increased. When men in the H1BH2-arm (44 men, 193 samples) crossed-over, T3 decreased 7% (CI: -11%, -2%) and T3/T4 ratio decreased 6% (CI: -9%, -2%). After crossback, only TgAb increased and FT4 decreased.CONCLUSIONS: High-DBP novel exposure or removal from chronic high-DBP exposure could alter elements of the thyroid system, and most probably alters the peripheral T4 conversion to T3 and thyroid autoimmunity, consistent with thyroid disruption. After exposure removal, these trends were mostly reversed.
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| 34. |
- Nilsson, Sandra, et al.
(författare)
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Analytical uncertainties in a longitudinal study : A case study assessing serum levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
- 2021
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Urban & Fischer. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 238
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a range of persistent organofluorine contaminants, some of which have been found to accumulate in humans and have long half-lives. In longitudinal studies, when relying on measurements obtained at different points in time, it is critical to understand the associated analytical uncertainties when interpreting the data. In this manuscript we assess precision measurements of serum PFAS analysis in a follow-up study undertaken approximately 5 years after the initial study. These measurements included intra-(n = 58) and inter-batch duplicates (n = 57), inter-batch replicates (n = 58), inter-laboratory replicates (n = 10) and a re-analysis of 120 archived serum samples from the initial study. Average coefficients of variation (CV) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) associated with the reanalysis of archived samples ranged from 4 to 8%, which was greater than the inter- and intra -batch duplicates (<3%), but lower than the inter-laboratory comparison (CV ≥ 10%). Multi-centre analytical capacity in studies increases the variance within the dataset and implementation of variability-measures are useful to refine and maintain comparability. Due to long PFAS half-lives, this variance is an important consideration when deciding appropriate time intervals for sample collections in longitudinal studies, to ensure the difference is greater than the analytical uncertainty.
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| 35. |
- Nilsson, Sandra, et al.
(författare)
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Biomonitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in firefighters : Study design and lessons learned from stakeholder and participant engagement
- 2022
-
Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 242
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Firefighters may be occupationally exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) through Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), smoke, dust and turnout gear, in addition to other background exposure sources. Epidemiological assessment of PFAS exposure in an occupational cohort of firefighting staff commenced in 2013-2014, following cessation of PFAS-based AFFF in Australian aviation. Here we present the study design and methodology of a follow-up study conducted in 2018-2019. We focus on our experiences engaging with stakeholders and participants with the establishment of an inclusive study group and highlight the key lessons learned from implementing a co-design process in the study. The study included a cross-sectional assessment of blood serum concentrations of 40 PFASs, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and 14 health-related biomarkers in 799 current and former Aviation Rescue Firefighting Services employees. A large proportion (87%) of the participants from the preliminary exposure study in 2013-2014 were re-recruited in the follow-up study. This enabled further longitudinal analyses in this subset of 130 participants. Participants included employees from different work roles and timeframes, reflecting the periods when three different firefighting foams were utilised in Australia. Establishment of a collaborative and inclusive study group (including stakeholders and participants) contributed to several components of the study design, including the expansion of robust analytical quality assurance and control measurements, and tailoring of communication and dissemination strategies. These outcomes were key factors that improved transparency of the research design, methods and results. Additionally, implementing elements of co-design helped build trust between researchers and participants, which is an important consideration for studies funded by stakeholders related to the exposure source.
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| 36. |
- Norbäck, Dan, et al.
(författare)
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Ocular symptoms and tear film break up time (BUT) among junior high school students in Penang, Malaysia - Associations with fungal DNA in school dust
- 2017
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 220:4, s. 697-703
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: There are few studies on ocular effects of indoor mould exposure in schools, especially in the tropicsObjective: To study associations between eye symptoms and tear film break up time (BUT) in students and demographic data and fungal DNA in schools.Methods: A school environment study was performed among randomly selected students in eight randomly selected secondary schools in Penang, Malaysia. Information on eye symptoms and demographic data was collected by a standardised questionnaire. BUT was measured by two methods, self-reported BUT (SBUT) and by the non-invasive Tearscope (NIBUT). Dust was collected by vacuuming in 32 classrooms and analysed for five fungal DNA sequences. Geometric mean (GM) for total fungal DNA was 7.31*10(4) target copies per gram dust and for Aspergillus/Penicillium DNA 3.34*10(4) target copies per gram dust. Linear mixed models and 3-level multiple logistic regression were applied adjusting for demo-graphic factors.Results: A total of 368 students (58%) participated and 17.4% reported weekly eye symptoms the last 3 months. The median SBUT and TBUT were 15 and 12 s, respectively. Students wearing glasses (OR 2.41, p=0.01) and with a history of atopy (OR= 2.67; p=0.008) had more eye symptoms. Girls had less eye symptoms than boys (OR= 0.34; p=0.006) Indoor carbon dioxide in the classrooms was low (range 380-720 ppm), temperature was 25-30 degrees C and relative air humidity 70-88%. Total fungal DNA in vacuumed dust was associated with shorter SBUT (4s shorter per 10(5) target copies per gram dust; p=0.04) and NIBUT (4s shorter per 105 target copies per gram dust; p < 0.001). Aspergillus/Penicillium DNA was associated with shorter NIBUT (5 s shorter per 105 target copies per gram dust; p=0.01).Conclusion: Fungal contamination in schools in a tropical country can be a risk factor for impaired tear film stability among students.
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| 37. |
- Nordin, Steven, 1960-
(författare)
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Mechanisms underlying nontoxic indoor air health problems : a review
- 2020
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 226
-
Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Indoor air health problems of the type non-specific building-related symptoms (NBRS; formally called "sick-building syndrome") and chemical intolerance (CI; e.g. multiple chemical sensitivity) can in severe cases lead to significant disability and poor quality of life. Apart from suffering of the afflicted individuals, the productivity loss ascribed to environmental intolerances of this kind is very costly for society. Preventive measures and appropriate treatment call for understanding of the mechanism underlying NBRS and CI. Considerable similarities between NBRS and CI suggest that the two conditions at large share mechanisms. Since typical cases of these conditions cannot be explained by toxic exposure, the present objective is to describe underlying mechanisms of psychobiological nature for which there is well-developed theoretical ground and empirical support. Focus lies on the mechanisms neurogenic inflammation and neural sensitization. Apart from describing its basic mechanisms, neurogenic inflammation is reviewed in relation to NBRS and CI regarding neurogenic switching, activation of the autonomic nervous system and axon reflex as well as interaction effects between chemical irritants, allergens, and psychosocial stressors. In addition to describing various types of sensitization, empirical support for their role in NBRS and CI is reviewed. The mechanism classical conditioning, symptom misattribution and somatosensory amplification, and nocebo are also addressed. The review rounds off with a discussion on why only a subset of individuals exposed to these indoor environments develop NBRS and CI, and a discussion on integration of the presented mechanisms, accompanied by proposed hypotheses for future research.
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| 38. |
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| 39. |
- Olsén, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Gender differences for associations between circulating levels of metals and coronary risk in the elderly
- 2012
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 215:3, s. 411-417
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Several studies have pointed out associations between various metals and cardiovascular disease. Since cardiovascular disease prevalence is different between males and females, we investigated whether circulating levels of metals related differently to coronary risk in men and women. In the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study, coronary risk was assessed by the Framingham Risk Score together with circulating blood levels of 11 different trace and heavy metals in 1016 subjects aged 70 years. Circulating levels of cadmium, copper and manganese were significantly higher in women than in men, while mercury, zinc and lead were significantly lower following adjustment for kidney function (measured by glomerular filtration rate, GFR). No significant differences between women and men were seen regarding levels of aluminium, molybdenum, cobalt, chromium and nickel. When all 11 metals were entered as independent variables together with GFR in multiple models in the Framingham Risk Score as the dependent variable, cadmium was the major determinant of the Framingham Risk Score in women (p<0.0001, followed by zinc p=0.03), while copper was the major determinant of the Framingham Risk Score in men (p<0.0001, followed by inverse relations vs. aluminium p=0.01 and nickel p=0.01). There are gender differences in levels of metals and also regarding the association between metals and coronary risk, with cadmium levels being most important for women and copper levels for men in this elderly population.
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| 40. |
- Palmquist, Eva, et al.
(författare)
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Overlap in prevalence between various types of environmental intolerance
- 2014
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 217:4-5, s. 427-434
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Environmental intolerance (EI) is characterized by attribution of several, multisystem symptoms to specific environmental exposures, such as exposure to odorous/pungent chemicals, certain buildings, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and everyday sounds. The symptoms are medically unexplained, non-specific and the symptoms overlap between different types of EI. To approach the issue of underlying mechanisms the matter of overlap in prevalence between intolerances can provide valuable information. The aim of the study was to examine if the overlap between intolerance to odorous/pungent chemicals, certain buildings, EMFs and sounds is larger than the expected overlap if no association would exist between them. The study was using cross-sectional data from the Västerbotten Environmental Health Study in Sweden; a large questionnaire-based survey. 8520 adults (18-79 years) were randomly selected after stratification for age and sex, of whom 3406 (40%) participated. Individuals with the four types of intolerance were identified either through self-report, or by having been physician-diagnosed with a specific EI. The overlaps between the four EIs were greater than predictions based on coincidence for both self-reported and diagnosed cases (except for the overlap between diagnosed intolerance to sounds and EMFs). The results raise the question whether different types of EI share similar underlying mechanisms, or at least that the sufferers of EI share some predisposition to acquire the conditions.
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| 41. |
- Pan, Holly, et al.
(författare)
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Gas cooking indoors and respiratory symptoms in the ECRHS cohort
- 2024
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 256
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Gas cooking is an important source of indoor air pollutants, and there is some limited evidence that it might adversely be associated with respiratory health. Using repeated cross-sectional data from the multicentre international European Community Respiratory Health Survey, we assessed whether adults using gas cookers have increased risk of respiratory symptoms compared to those using electric cookers and tested whether there was effect modification by a priori selected factors. Methods: Data on respiratory symptoms and gas cooking were collected from participants at 26-55 and 38-67 years (median time between examinations 11.4 years) from interviewer-led questionnaires. Repeated associations between gas cooking (versus electric) and respiratory symptoms were estimated using multivariable mixed -effects logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, study arm, smoking status, education level, and included random intercepts for participants within study centres. Analyses were repeated using a 3 -level variable for type of cooker and gas source. Effect modification by ventilation habits, cooking duration, sex, age atopy, asthma, and study arm were examined. Results: The sample included 4337 adults (43.7% males) from 19 centres in 9 countries. Gas cooking increased the risk of "shortness of breath whilst at rest" (OR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.06-1.79) and "wheeze with breathlessness" (1.32; 1.00-1.74). For several other symptoms, effect estimates were larger in those who used both gas hobs and ovens, had a bottled gas source and cooked for over 60 min per day. Stratifying results by sex and age found stronger associations in females and younger adults. Conclusion: This multi -centre international study, using repeat data, suggested using gas cookers in the home was more strongly associated than electric cookers with certain respiratory symptoms in adults. As gas cooking is common, these results may play an important role in population respiratory health.
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| 42. |
- Pineda, Sebastian, et al.
(författare)
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Exposure of Swedish adolescents to elements, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and rapidly excreted substances-The Riksmaten adolescents 2016-17 national survey
- 2023
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 251
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Adolescence is a period of significant physiological changes, and likely a sensitive window to chemical exposure. Few nation-wide population-based studies of chemical body burdens in adolescents have been published. In the national dietary survey Riksmaten Adolescents (RMA) 2016-17, over 13 chemical substance groups, including elements, chlorinated/brominated/fluorinated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were analysed in blood, and in urine metabolites of phthalates/phthalate alternatives, phosphorous flame retardants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and pesticides, along with bisphenols and biocide/preservative/antioxidant/UV filter substances (N = 1082, ages 11-21). The aim was to characterize the body burdens in a representative population of adolescents in Sweden, and to compare results with human biomonitoring guidance values (HBM-GVs). Cluster analyses and Spearman's rank order correlations suggested that concentrations of substances with known common exposure sources and similar toxicokinetics formed obvious clusters and showed moderate to very strong correlations (r & GE; 0.4). No clusters were formed between substances from different matrices. Geometric mean (GM) concentrations of the substances were generally less than 3-fold different from those observed among adolescents in NHANES (USA 2015-16) and GerES V (Germany 2014-17). Notable exceptions were brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) with >20-fold lower GM concentrations, and the biocide triclosan and ultraviolet (UV) filter benzophenone-3 with >15-fold lower mean concentrations in RMA compared to NHANES. Exceedance of the most conservative HBM-GVs were observed for aluminium (Al, 26% of subjects), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS, 19%), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, 12%), lead (Pb, 12%), MBP (dibutyl phthalate metabolite, 4.8%), hexachlorobenzene (HCB, 3.1%) and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA, pyrethroid metabolite, 2.2%). Males showed a higher proportion of exceedances than females for Pb, HCB and PFOS; otherwise no gender-related differences in exceedances were observed. A higher proportion of males than females had a Hazard Index (HI) of substances with liver and kidney toxicity and neurotoxicity >1. Industrialized countries with similarly high standards of living, with some exceptions, show comparable average body burdens of a variety of toxic chemicals among adolescents from the general population. The exceedances of HBM-GVs and HIs strongly suggests that further efforts to limit chemical exposure are warranted.
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| 43. |
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| 44. |
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| 45. |
- Pyko, A., et al.
(författare)
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Transportation noise and incidence of hypertension
- 2018
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 221:8, s. 1133-1141
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The evidence on exposure to transportation noise and development of hypertension is inconclusive, mostly because of a lack of high quality studies of longitudinal design. Objectives: This cohort study aimed at investigating the association between exposure to road traffic, railway or aircraft noise and incidence of hypertension. We also assessed effects of varying lengths of exposure as well as of multiple sources of exposure. Methods: Based on the residential histories of a cohort of 4854 men and women from Stockholm County, we estimated the residential exposure to road traffic, railway and aircraft noise in 1, 5 and 10 year time-periods. Hypertension was assessed by blood pressure measurements, information from questionnaires and hospital diagnoses. Extensive information on potential confounders was available from repeated questionnaires and registers. Hazard Ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of hypertension related to noise exposure was computed from Cox regression models. Results: We observed a positive association between aircraft noise exposure and incidence of hypertension with a HR of 1.16 (95% CI 1.08-1.24) per 10 dB L-den 5 years preceding the event. No clear differences in risk were indicated between the three exposure time windows. Road traffic and railway noise were not associated with incidence of hypertension during any of the exposure periods. There appeared to be a particularly high risk of hypertension among persons exposed to both aircraft and road traffic noise >= 45 dB L-den with an HR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.14-1.70). Conclusions: Exposure to aircraft noise may result in increased risk of hypertension.
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| 46. |
- Rentschler, Gerda, et al.
(författare)
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Platinum, palladium, rhodium, molybdenum and strontium in blood of urban women in nine countries
- 2018
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 221:2, s. 223-230
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There is little reliable information on human exposure to the metals platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh), despite their use in enormous quantities in catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate blood concentrations of Pt (B-Pt), Pd (B-Pd) and Rh (B-Rh) in women from six European and three non-European countries, and to identify potentially influential factors. In addition, molybdenum (Mo) and strontium (Sr) were analysed.METHODS: Blood from 248 women aged 47-61 was analysed by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry under strict quality control.RESULTS: The medians were: B-Pt 0.8 (range <0.6-5.2), B-Pd <5 (<5-9.3), B-Rh <0.4 (<0.4-3.6)ng/L and B-Mo 2.0 (0.2-16) and B-Sr 16.6 (3.5-49) μg/L. Two women with highly elevated B-Pt (242 and 60ng/L), previously cancer treated with cis-platinum, were not included in the data analysis. All elements varied geographically (2-3 times) (B-Pd P=0.05; all other elements P<0.001); variations within each area were generally 5-10 times. Traffic was not associated with increased concentrations.CONCLUSIONS: General population blood concentrations of Pt, Pd and Rh are within or below the single digit ng/L range, much lower than in most previous reports. This is probably due to improved analytical performance, allowing for more reliable information at ultra-trace levels. In general, Mo and Sr agreed with previously reported concentrations. All elements showed geographical and inter-individual variations, but no convincing relationships with self-reported traffic intensity were found. Pt from the antineoplastic drug cis-platinum is retained in the body for years.
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| 47. |
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| 48. |
- Sahlström, Leena M. O., et al.
(författare)
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Estimated intakes of brominated flame retardants via diet and dust compared to internal concentrations in a Swedish mother-toddler cohort
- 2015
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Ingår i: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 218:4, s. 422-432
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Tri-decabrominated diphenyl ethers (tri-decaBDEs), isomer-specific hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) and 14 emerging brominated flame retardants (EBFRs) were determined in Swedish market basket samples, two pooled breast milk samples and house dust collected in homes of first-time mothers. Daily dietary and dust intakes were estimated for the mothers and their toddlers and compared to previously reported levels in serum of both the mothers and toddlers and in feces of the toddlers (n = 20). Diet was the main contributor for intake of Sigma pentaBDE and alpha-tetrabromoethylcyclohexane (DBE-DBCH) for both mothers and toddlers. For Sigma octaBDE, Sigma HBCD and pentabromobenzene (PBBz), dietary intake was more important for mothers while house dust ingestion was more important for toddlers. House dust was the main exposure route for Sigma decaBDE, decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB), bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP), bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE) and pentabromotoluene (PBT) for both mothers and toddlers. Significant correlations (Spearmans, alpha<0.05) were found between the mothers' BDE serum concentrations and their consumption of meat and fish while no correlations were found between BFR dietary intake and serum or feces concentrations in toddlers. Octa-decaBDE congener concentrations in serum and feces of toddlers were significantly correlated to those in house dust. BDE-207 and -208 concentrations in serum of mothers were significantly correlated with the nonaBDEs in house dust. The correlations between house dust and internal concentrations and comparison of the house dust and dietary contributions to the estimated daily intakes suggest that dust exposure plays a larger role for the octa-decaBDE body burden in toddlers than in their mothers.
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| 49. |
- Schenk, Linda, et al.
(författare)
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Exposures to lead during urban combat training
- 2021
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 235
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lead exposure is still a major concern for occupations that regularly train or work with firearms, such as law enforcement and military personnel. Due to the increasing number of women of fertile age in such professions, there is a strong incentive to monitor lead exposures during firearms training. Personal air sampling was performed during two sessions of a nine-day urban combat training (UCT) course for cadets in the Swedish Armed Forces, one session employing leaded ammunition (leaded scenario) and one session employing unleaded ammunition (unleaded scenario). Blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured before and after the course for 42 cadets and five instructors. During the leaded scenario, the instructors' airborne exposure (geometric mean, GM, 72.0 μg/m3) was higher than that of cadets (GM 42.9 μg/m3). During the unleaded scenario, airborne concentrations were similar for instructors and cadets and considerably lower than during the leaded scenario (GM 2.9 μg/m3). Despite comparably low external lead exposures during the course, we saw a statistically significant increase in systemic exposure for cadets (BLL GM increased from 1.09 to 1.71 μg/dL, p < 0.001). For the five instructors, notable differences were seen depending on task.The largest increase was seen for the two instructors performing close supervision during the leaded scenario (BLL GM increased from 2.41 μg/dL to 4.83 μg/dL). For the remaining three instructors the BLLs were unchanged (BLL GMs were 1.25 μg/dL before the course and 1.26 μg/dL after). None of the participants exceeded the applicable biological exposure limits, but extrapolating our findings shows that instructors in the leaded scenario may reach levels around 10 μg/dL after a year of repeated exposures. We conclude that comparably low airborne concentrations can contribute to the body burden of lead and that additional measures to reduce exposure are warranted, particularly for instructors.
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- Schindler, Birgit Karin, et al.
(författare)
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The European COPHES/DEMOCOPHES project: Towards transnational comparability and reliability of human biomonitoring results.
- 2014
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Ingår i: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-131X .- 1438-4639. ; 217:6, s. 653-661
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- COPHES/DEMOCOPHES has its origins in the European Environment and Health Action Plan of 2004 to "develop a coherent approach on human biomonitoring (HBM) in Europe". Within this twin-project it was targeted to collect specimens from 120 mother-child-pairs in each of the 17 participating European countries. These specimens were investigated for six biomarkers (mercury in hair; creatinine, cotinine, cadmium, phthalate metabolites and bisphenol A in urine). The results for mercury in hair are described in a separate paper. Each participating member state was requested to contract laboratories, for capacity building reasons ideally within its borders, carrying out the chemical analyses. To ensure comparability of analytical data a Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) was established which provided the participating laboratories with standard operating procedures (SOP) and with control material. This material was specially prepared from native, non-spiked, pooled urine samples and was tested for homogeneity and stability. Four external quality assessment exercises were carried out. Highly esteemed laboratories from all over the world served as reference laboratories. Web conferences after each external quality assessment exercise functioned as a new and effective tool to improve analytical performance, to build capacity and to educate less experienced laboratories. Of the 38 laboratories participating in the quality assurance exercises 14 laboratories qualified for cadmium, 14 for creatinine, 9 for cotinine, 7 for phthalate metabolites and 5 for bisphenol A in urine. In the last of the four external quality assessment exercises the laboratories that qualified for DEMOCOPHES performed the determinations in urine with relative standard deviations (low/high concentration) of 18.0/2.1% for cotinine, 14.8/5.1% for cadmium, 4.7/3.4% for creatinine. Relative standard deviations for the newly emerging biomarkers were higher, with values between 13.5 and 20.5% for bisphenol A and between 18.9 and 45.3% for the phthalate metabolites. Plausibility control of the HBM results of all participating countries disclosed analytical shortcomings in the determination of Cd when using certain ICP/MS methods. Results were corrected by reanalyzes. The COPHES/DEMOCOPHES project for the first time succeeded in performing a harmonized pan-European HBM project. All data raised have to be regarded as utmost reliable according to the highest international state of the art, since highly renowned laboratories functioned as reference laboratories. The procedure described here, that has shown its success, can be used as a blueprint for future transnational, multicentre HBM projects.
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