Relationship between serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides and dietary habits of pregnant women in Shanghai

The use of most polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) has been restricted in China; however, their use remains a concern because of their adverse effects on human health, especially on fetuses and infants. To date, there is no data regarding the exposure levels of pregnant women to PCBs and OCPs in Shanghai. In order to evaluate PCB and OCP exposure levels and the contribution of dietary habits to these levels, we determined the concentrations of 8 PCBs and 14 OCPs in the umbilical cord blood serum of healthy pregnant women in Shanghai. Dietary habits of the pregnant women were obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. Results showed that p, p′-DDE, HCB and β-HCH were the major pollutants present in the serum samples; PCBs were detected in a few samples at low concentrations. Age, weight and body mass index before delivery were positively associated with serum levels of p, p′-DDE and β-HCH. Women and their husbands who had higher education levels, higher income levels, tended to have higher levels of p, p′-DDE and β-HCH. Spearman correlation analysis results suggested that consumption of foods such as milk, eggs, meat, fish, and shrimp may contribute to higher serum levels of p, p′-DDE and β-HCH. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analyses indicated that the age and educational levels of the pregnant women and their intake of fried/flamed food and shellfish were positively associated with β-HCH levels, and that the age and educational levels of the pregnant women and their intake of parity, beef, pork, mutton, and shrimp were positively associated with p, p′-DDE levels. This is the first study to investigate the exposure levels of pregnant women to PCBs and OCPs in Shanghai, and it should provide useful information for future related research.     

Exposure of young mothers and newborns to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in Guangzhou, China

Exposure of young mothers and newborns to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were assessed by measuring the levels of OCPs in human milk (HM) and maternal blood (MB) and umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples from Guangzou in China. 21 OCPs were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results showed that the median levels (ranges) of total HCHs (four HCH isomers) in HM, MB and UBC were 54.7 (5.7-159.3), 43.7 (1.9-386.6), and 20.2 (4.0-103.2) ng/g lipid, respectively; and the median concentration of total DDTs (DDT and its metabolites) were 2114.6 (329.1-6164.6), 1676.0(283.4-6167.7), and 1287.8(189.6-3296.0) ng/g lipid, respectively. On a lipid basis, the chemical concentrations were in the order HM > MB > UCB. Comparison with literature data showed that the levels of ∑DTTs and ∑HCHs in milk and maternal blood samples were within the range reported in samples in other Chinese provinces and higher than those in developed or industrialized countries, but significantly lower than contaminated area such as in India. The predominant pollutant in the HCH family is β-HCH. p,p′-DDE is a predominant pollutant in all DDEs and DDDs and DDTs for all the samples tested, and accounted for more than 80% of total HCHs and DDTs.     

Organochlorine pesticides in colostrums in case of normal and preterm labor (IASI, Romania)

Assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in human body is important for human health because they have weak estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects and are considered endocrine disrupters. We used colostrum of women as indicator for levels of OCPs in human body for mothers with normal and preterm labor from eastern part of Romania. Sixty- three samples of colostrum were extracted by solid-phase extraction. Analyses were carried out using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). OCPs have been detected in all samples, with p,p’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p’-DDE) and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH) being at the highest concentrations. Of the organochlorines measured in clostrum samples from women in preterm labor, median levels of DDTs (470 ng/g) and HCHs (99 ng/g) were higher than for the same compounds from women in normal labor (median of DDTs = 268 ng/g and median of HCHs = 96 ng/g). Normal labor had higher median concentrations of HCB (19.5 ng/g) versus preterm labor (14 ng/g). Statistical data show high Spearman correlation coefficients between various OCPs. We found a good correlation between α-, γ-, β- and δ- HCH isomers (p < 0.001) for both normal and preterm labor. The most abundant target compound was p,p’-DDE (median value 96 ng/g, and 137 ng/g for mother with normal and preterm labor, respectively) in all colostrum samples. The estimated daily intakes of HCHs by infants exceeded corresponding Health Canada guidelines.     

Persistent organochlorine compounds in fetal and maternal tissues: evaluation of their potential influence on several indicators of fetal growth and health

Some organochlorine compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), have a tendency to bioaccumulate in humans and predators at the top of the food chain. We have recently confirmed the transplacental transfer of these compounds and the present study has been designed on the same material with the aim of investigating their potential health effects on newborns from 70 pregnant women, resident in a Northern Italy industrial town. Organochlorine compounds [namely, p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (p,p′-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and PCBs] have been analyzed both in cord and maternal serum, placenta, and maternal subcutaneous adipose tissue by GC-MSD. p,p′-DDT levels in the adipose tissue resulted significantly (p < 0.05) related to birth length. Mothers of neonates born by preterm programmed caesarean delivery showed significantly (p < 0.005 for both) higher serum p,p′-DDE serum concentrations and p,p′-DDT levels in the adipose tissue, as compared to mothers delivering at term.     

Organochlorines and heavy metals in wild caught food as a potential human health risk to the indigenous Māori population of South Canterbury, New Zealand

Increasing concentrations of anthropogenic contaminants in wild kai (food) of cultural, recreational and economic importance to the indigenous Māori of New Zealand is a potential human health risk. Contaminants that are known to bioaccumulate through the food chain (e.g., organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), PCBs and selected heavy metals) were analysed in important kai species including eel (Anguilla sp.), brown trout (Salmo trutta), black flounder (Rhombosolea retiaria) and watercress (Nasturtium officinale) from important harvesting sites in the region of South Canterbury. Eels contained relatively high wet weight concentrations of p,p′-DDE (8.6-287 ng/g), PCBs (³²Σ_PCB; 0.53-58.3 ng/g), dieldrin (< 0.05-16.3 ng/g) and Σchlordanes (0.03-10.6 ng/g). Trout and flounder contained lower concentrations of organochlorines than eels, with p,p′-DDE wet weight concentrations ranging from 2.2 to 18.5 ng/g for trout and 6.4 to 27.8 ng/g for flounder. Total arsenic wet weight concentrations were below detection limits for eels but ranged from 0.27 to 0.89 μg/g for trout and 0.12 to 0.56 μg/g for flounder. Mercury concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.56 μg/g, 0.11 to 0.50 μg/g and 0.04 to 0.10 μg/g (ww) for eel, trout and flounder respectively. Lifetime excess cancer risk was calculated through established risk assessment procedures, highlighting dieldrin, ΣPCBs and p,p′-DDE in eels and arsenic in trout and flounder as primary contaminants of concern. A second non-cancer chronic health risk assessment indicated that mercury and PCBs were a potential concern in eels and mercury in trout. A cumulative lifetime cancer risk assessment showed potential health risk for consumption of some species, even at low consumption rates and provided the basis for establishing recommended dietary consumption limits for harvest sites within the study region.     

Atmospheric deposition of persistent organic pollutants to the East Rongbuk Glacier in the Himalayas

To assess levels and seasonal trends of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a high-altitude mountain region, a 2.1 m snowpack sample was collected from the East Rongbuk Glacier at 6572 ma.s.l. on Mt. Everest in September 2005. This snowpack covered a full year period from the fall of 2004 to the summer of 2005 and reflected the major meteorology of the monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. The most abundant compounds detected in the snow samples were γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH) and α-HCH with mean concentrations of 123 pg L^− 1 and 92 pg L^− 1, respectively. This is the first detection of these compounds in recent snow samples from the Himalayas. Backward air trajectory analysis indicated that the Himalayas could be influenced by the major HCH source regions in both India and China. Among the seven marker PCB congeners (PCB 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) quantified, PCB 28 and PCB 52 were the only dominant PCB congeners detected, with mean concentrations of 17 pg L^− 1 and 6 pg L^− 1, respectively. In addition, DDT metabolites, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD were detected in some snow samples and mean concentrations of DDTs were 24 pg L^− 1. Seasonal differences were observed for α- and γ-HCH concentrations increasing from the non-monsoon season to the monsoon season. Meanwhile, PCB 28 and HCB showed uniform variations with peak concentrations resulting from an effective scavenging by snowfalls between the monsoon and non-monsoon interval. Compared to other high mountain areas, the levels of POPs deposited into the East Rongbuk Glacier were relatively low, resulting from the highest altitude and remoteness from source regions.     

Organochlorines and mercury in livers of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) wintering in northeastern Mediterranean wetlands in relation to area, bird age, and gender

Wild birds are exposed to pollutants in their habitats. Top consumers of aquatic environments such as the fish-eating great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) are especially affected due to the bioaccumulation of toxic substances in their tissues. This study analysed the livers of 80 great cormorants from Greece to estimate the concentration of organochlorines and mercury and to examine their possible toxic effects and origin. The results showed that mercury (geometric mean 8089 ng g⁻¹ dw), p,p′-DDE (2628 ng g⁻¹ dw), ∑ HCHs (47 ng g⁻¹ dw) and HCB (116 ng g⁻¹ dw) concentrations can be considered high compared with those found in great cormorant livers elsewhere except in highly polluted areas, whereas ∑ PCBs occurred in relatively low concentrations (1091 ng g⁻¹ dw). β-HCH was the dominant HCH isomer. Pollutant levels were generally unrelated to area, age and gender. However, p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD showed intersite differences, whilst the proportion of PCBs with 8 chlorine atoms were significantly higher in adult than 1st year great cormorants. Pollution did not reflect local patterns but rather these along the Baltic and Black Seas, whilst differences in p,p′-DDE concentration and ∑ DDTs/∑PCBs ratios between Evros, Axios or Amvrakikos, found on common migration route, suggested different bird origins. Most birds had toxic mercury concentrations; 83.7% above 4000 ng g⁻¹ dw and 16% above 17,000 ng g⁻¹ dw. Other pollutant levels were too low to have adverse effects.     

Combining data sets of organochlorines (OCs) in human plasma for the Russian Arctic

As part of AMAP's human circumpolar study of POPs, an international effort was initiated to extend coverage to communities across the Russian Arctic. Two additional laboratories were invited to join the analytical component of this effort, resulting in four participating analytical centres. Although quality assurance measures were put in place, and the level of performance of the laboratories was generally acceptable, deficiencies in the analytical protocols used were recognized subsequent to the collection and analyses of the plasma specimens. The current paper describes the criteria employed to critically appraise the four data bases and guide their integration into a single data set. Summary statistics are presented for plasma concentrations of major PCBs, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, β-HCH, and HCB for communities/regions across the arctic/subarctic Russian continent, and for one community located in the Aral Sea area of Uzbekistan (a control group). Highly exposed people were identified in the coastal communities of Chukotka, which appears mainly related to marine mammal intake, but recent pesticide use is also suspected. Other communities with intermediate levels of PCBs had relatively elevated β-HCH, p,p′-DDT and HCB concentrations and low DDE/DDT ratios (<10), suggesting recent pesticide use.     

The role of diet on long-term concentration and pattern trends of brominated and chlorinated contaminants in western Hudson Bay polar bears, 1991-2007

Adipose tissue was sampled from the western Hudson Bay (WHB) subpopulation of polar bears at intervals from 1991 to 2007 to examine temporal trends of PCB and OCP levels both on an individual and sum-(∑-)contaminant basis. We also determined levels and temporal trends of emerging polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and other current-use brominated flame retardants. Over the 17-year period, ∑ DDT (and p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDT) decreased (−8.4%/year); α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) decreased (−11%/year); β-HCH increased (+ 8.3%/year); and ∑ PCB and ∑ chlordane (CHL), both contaminants at highest concentrations in all years (> 1 ppm), showed no distinct trends even when compared to previous data for this subpopulation dating back to 1968. Some of the less persistent PCB congeners decreased significantly (−1.6%/year to −6.3%/year), whereas CB153 levels tended to increase (+ 3.3%/year). Parent CHLs (c-nonachlor, t-nonachlor) declined, whereas non-monotonic trends were detected for metabolites (heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane). ∑ chlorobenzene, octachlorostyrene, ∑ mirex, ∑ MeSO₂-PCB and dieldrin did not significantly change. Increasing ∑ PBDE levels (+ 13%/year) matched increases in the four consistently detected congeners, BDE47, BDE99, BDE100 and BDE153. Although no trend was observed, total-(α)-HBCD was only detected post-2000. Levels of the highest concentration brominated contaminant, BB153, showed no temporal change. As long-term ecosystem changes affecting contaminant levels may also affect contaminant patterns, we examined the influence of year (i.e., aging or “weathering” of the contaminant pattern), dietary tracers (carbon stable isotope ratios, fatty acid patterns) and biological (age/sex) group on congener/metabolite profiles. Patterns of PCBs, CHLs and PBDEs were correlated with dietary tracers and biological group, but only PCB and CHL patterns were correlated with year. DDT patterns were not associated with any explanatory variables, possibly related to local DDT sources. Contaminant pattern trends may be useful in distinguishing the possible role of ecological/diet changes on contaminant burdens from expected dynamics due to atmospheric sources and weathering.     

Concentration of selected persistent organic pollutants in blood from delivering women in South Africa

Environmental exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may cause detrimental health effects in the population with the developing foetus and infants being at highest risk. This paper reports on the findings of the pilot study that took place in seven geographical regions of South Africa, 96 pregnant women admitted for delivery participated in the study. The following selected POPs were analysed in maternal plasma: 15 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners (IUPAC No. 28, 52, 99, 101, 105, 118, 138, 149, 153, 156, 170, 180, 183, 187, 194); six DDT metabolites (dichlordiphenyltrichloroethane p,p'-DDT and o,p'-DDT; diphenyldichloroethylene p,p'-DDE and o,p'-DDE, dichlorophenylethane p,p'-DDD o,p'-DDD) and other pesticides such as hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), heptachlor, chlordanes (t-CD and c-CD), nanochlors (t-NC and c-NC) and mirex.The overall results showed large regional differences with the rural site having the lowest levels for all measured contaminants. The levels of PCB congeners were found to be low in all samples and across all sites. DDT metabolites were detected in most participants of this study and large regional differences were evident. Two malaria endemic sites, where indoor residual spraying (IRS) with DDT takes place to control malaria vector, were included in the study. The highest levels of DDTs were measured in the coastal malaria site (Indian Ocean) with geometric means of 5177 ng/g lipid and 1797 ng/g lipid for p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT, and 1966 ng/g lipid and 726 ng/g lipid for p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT in inland malaria site. γ-HCH was found to be elevated overall, except for the urban community; the highest levels were measured in the inland and coastal malaria sites. p,p'-DDT and γ-HCH were however not correlated, indicating different sources. The high DDT levels in the malaria spraying regions as well as the elevated γ-HCH levels are of concern and call for extended monitoring of women and children in selected regions.     

Assessment of emerging and traditional halogenated contaminants in Guillemot (Uria aalge) egg from North-Western Europe and the Baltic Sea

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are readily detected in biological samples at remote sites in the Arctic and sub-Arctic due to long-range transport from source areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of POPs, polybrominated contaminants and their metabolites in guillemot (Uria aalge) eggs from Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway and Sweden to assess spatial trends of these compounds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas of Europe. Egg samples were extracted, and cleaned for chemical analysis. Concentrations of PCBs, 4,4′-DDE and β-HCH were an order of magnitude higher in eggs from the Baltic Proper compared to eggs from the North Atlantic. Concentrations of HCB were of the same magnitude at all sites, ranging from 160 to 520 ng/g fat. Concentration of BCPS was 100 times higher in eggs from the Baltic compared to eggs from the North Atlantic and seems therefore to be special regional problem. Concentrations of PBDEs were lower in eggs from the North Atlantic compared to eggs from the Baltic Proper but the difference was not as large as for PCBs and 4,4′-DDE. HBCDD showed the same spatial trend as PCBs, where the concentrations in eggs from the Baltic Proper were an order of magnitude higher than in eggs from the North Atlantic. OH-PCB and MeSO₂-PCB metabolites of PCBs, showed the same trend as the parent compounds while spatial trends of MeSO₂-DDE and OH-PBDEs, metabolites of 4,4′-DDE and PBDEs, respectively, differed from the trend of the parent compounds. This may be due to two factors; firstly, the limited ability of birds to metabolise DDT, and secondly, to natural production of OH-PBDE, respectively. Guillemot is suggested as a monitoring species for circumpolar monitoring.     

Altered developmental timing in early life stages of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) exposed to p,p'-DDE

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are persistent, toxic and bioaccumulative anthropogenic organic chemicals, capable of undergoing long range environmental transport to remote areas including the Antarctic. p,p′-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) has been identified as a dominant POP accumulating in Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), which is a key Southern Ocean species. This study examined the developmental toxicity of p,p′-DDE via aqueous exposure to Antarctic krill larvae. p,p′-DDE exposure was found to stimulate developmental timing in the first three larval stages of Antarctic krill, while extended monitoring of larvae after a five day exposure period had ended, revealed delayed inhibitory responses during development to the fourth larval stage. Stimulatory responses were observed from the lowest p,p′-DDE body residue tested of 10.1 ± 3.0 μmol/kg (3.2 ± 0.95 mg/kg) preserved wet weight, which is comparable to findings for temperate species and an order of magnitude lower than the exposure level found to cause sublethal behavioural effects in Antarctic krill. The delayed responses included increased mortality, which had doubled in the highest p,p′-DDE treatment (95 ± 8.9% mortality at 20 μg/L p,p′-DDE) compared to the solvent control (44 ± 11% mortality) 2 weeks after end of exposure. Development of surviving metanauplius larvae to calyptopis 1 larvae was delayed by 2 days in p,p′-DDE exposed larvae compared with untreated larvae. Finally, the developmental success of surviving p,p′-DDE exposed larvae was reduced by 50 to 75% compared to the solvent control (100% developmental success). The lowest observed effect concentration for all delayed effects was 1 μg/L, the lowest exposure concentration tested. These findings demonstrate the importance of delayed and indirect effects of toxicant exposure. Further, the findings of this study are important for environmental risk assessment of POPs in the Southern Ocean ecosystem and strongly highlight the significance of developmental endpoints for ecotoxicological testing.     

Accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticide in pet cats and dogs: Assessment of toxicological status

PCB and DDT concentrations were determined in the adipose tissue of cats and dogs from Southern Italy. In cats p,p′-DDE was the most abundant DDT component (95.0%), while in dogs these compounds were absent, except in two specimens. PCB concentrations were higher in cats (199.02 ng g^− 1 lipid weight) than in dogs (41.61 ng g^− 1 lipid weight). Also there were inter-specific differences in the contribution of the different congeners to PCBs, although PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180 were the most representative congeners in both species. Animals from one location, Taranto City, had significantly elevated concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs compared to the other locations. Consequently the estimated mean 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs were higher in these animals (cats: 0.65 pg g^− 1 lipid weight; dogs 0.29 pg g^− 1 lipid weight) than in the other ones (cats: 0.12 pg g^− 1 lipid weight; dogs: 0.001 pg g^− 1 lipid weight).     

Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) in ringed seal (Phoca hispida) from Ulukhaktok (Holman), NT: Trends from 1978 to 2006

Trends in α-, β-, and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) concentrations were examined in blubber lipid of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from Ulukhaktok (Holman), NT (Canada) sampled at intervals between 1978 and 2006. α-HCH usually represented approximately 90% of the total HCH isomers. α-HCH and γ-HCH concentrations showed no change over the sampling interval, but β-HCH concentrations increased significantly, about 8-10-fold in females and 4-5-fold in males. Residue concentrations showed no dependence on age. Concentrations (all data as ng/g lipid, GM (range)) of α-HCH were significantly higher (P < 0.001 by t-test) in males (217 (93.9-517), n = 37) than those in females (138 (40.9-402), n = 38). β-HCH concentrations did not differ between the sexes. Concentrations of γ-HCH were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in males (6.74 (0-46.7)) than in females (4.35 (0-19.0)). Although global emissions of both α-HCH and β-HCH have declined since the early 1980's, the “signal” of HCH emission changes has not yet resulted in a “response” in ringed seal residue concentrations. In the light of our current understanding of the dynamics of HCH in the Arctic, we conclude that any such response may not be detected by retrospective analyses of the sort describe here at least for another decade or so, because of the longevity of the seals.     

Organochlorine residues in two seal species from Western Iceland

Harbour seals and grey seals from Faxaflói (Western Iceland) were analyzed for contamination with organochlorines (HCB, PCBs, p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, chlordanes and the enantiomers of α-HCH). Although the values strongly varied, both harbour seals and grey seals on average showed comparable levels of PCBs, p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE and α-HCH, as well as chlordanes (ΣCD). Differences were measured in the HCB content of the seal species. The HCB/α-HCH ratio in harbour seals was <1 and in grey seals >1. The results from seals on Iceland were compared with data derived from seal samples of the Antarctic, the Arctic (Spitzbergen) and the North Sea (Germany) in order to give an insight into the global distribution of pollution with chlorinated organics.     

Prenatal exposure to organochlorine pesticides and TSH status in newborns from Southern Spain

Objective

To investigate the association between prenatal exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in male newborns.

Methods

Exposure to 17 OCPs was analyzed in 220 placentas from a male birth cohort in Southern Spain, and TSH was measured in the umbilical cord blood. OCP concentrations were quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between pesticide exposure and neonatal TSH levels, adjusting for confounders.

Results

Newborn boys with higher exposure to endrin in placenta had higher odds of TSH cord blood levels ≥ 5 mU/L (80th percentile) (OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.01, 4.18; p = 0.05), whereas higher prenatal exposure to endosulfan-sulfate was associated with lower odds of TSH ≥ 5 mU/L (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.17, 0.77; p = 0.008). A marginally significant negative association was found between TSH and hexachlorobenzene levels (β = − 0.15; 95% CI = − 0.31, 0.02; p = 0.09), and exposure to p,p′-DDE showed a marginally-significant higher odds of TSH ≥ 5 mU/L (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 0.95, 1.83; p = 0.09). No association was found between TSH and the remaining pesticides.

Conclusions

Early exposure to certain environmental chemicals with endocrine-disruption activity may interfere with neonatal thyroid hormone status; however, the pattern of interference is not yet clearly elucidated.     

Maternal levels of organochlorines in two communities in southern Vietnam

Some pesticides and PCBs continue to be reported as environmental problems in some areas of Vietnam. In 2005, a study among delivering women took place in two communities in south-central Vietnam (Khanh Hoa Province), namely the coastal city of Nha Trang and the rural district of Dien Khanh located about 10 km inland. The main findings in plasma (n = 189) were relatively high mean concentrations of p,p′-DDE (12.2 µg/l in Nha Trang and 11.4 µg/l in Dien Khanh) and p,p′-DDT (1.2 µg/l in Nha Trang and 1.1 µg/l in Dien Khanh) with no significant community differences. The ratio of p,p′-DDE/p,p′-DDT (11.5 in Nha Trang/12.7 in Dien Khanh) suggests, as in other Vietnamese OCs studies, a relatively recent use of this pesticide. Mean concentrations of PCB 153 (0.15 µg/l in Nha Trang and 0.10 µg/l in Dien Khanh) and other congeners were low in both communities. Age and parity (all compounds), as well as community of residence for PCB 153, were the most important predictors of plasma OCs concentrations.     

Breast milk lead and cadmium levels from suburban areas of Ankara

The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in the breast milk at 2 months postpartum, (2) to investigate the relationship between Pb and Cd levels in breast milk and some sociodemographic parameters and (3) to detect whether these levels have any influence on the infant's physical status or on postpartum depression in the mothers. Pb and Cd levels in breast milk were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The median breast milk concentrations of Pb and Cd were 20.59 and 0.67 μg/l, respectively. In 125 (87%) of 144 samples, Pb levels were higher than the limit in breast milk reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) (> 5 μg/l). Breast milk Cd levels were > 1 μg/l in 52 (36%) mothers. The mothers with a history of anemia at any time had higher breast milk Pb levels than those without a history of anemia (21.1 versus 17.9 μg/l; p = 0.0052). The median breast milk Cd levels in active and passive smokers during pregnancy were significantly higher than in non-smokers (0.89, 0.00 μg/l, respectively; p = 0.023). The breast milk Cd levels of the mothers who did not use iron and vitamin supplements for 2 months postpartum were found to be higher than in those who did use the supplements (iron: 0.73, 0.00 μg/l, p = 0.023; vitamin: 0.78, 0.00 μg/l, p = 0.004, respectively). Breast milk Cd levels at the 2nd month were correlated negatively with the z scores of head circumference and the weight for age at birth (r = − 0.257, p = 0.041 and r = − 0.251, p = 0.026, respectively) in girls. We found no correlation between the breast milk Pb and Cd levels and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale scores. Breast milk monitoring programs should be conducted that have tested considerable numbers of women over time in view of the high levels of Pb in breast milk in this study.     

Accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated flame retardants in breast milk from women living in Vietnamese e-waste recycling sites

This study investigated the contamination status of PCBs, PBDEs and HBCDs in human and possible exposure pathways in three Vietnamese e-waste recycling sites: Trang Minh (suburb of Hai Phong city), Dong Mai and Bui Dau (Hung Yen province), and one reference site (capital city Hanoi) by analysing human breast milk samples and examining the relationships between contaminant levels and lifestyle factors. Levels of PBDEs, but not PCBs and HBCDs, were significantly higher in Trang Minh and Bui Dau than in the reference site. The recyclers from Bui Dau had the highest levels of PBDEs (20-250 ng g^− 1 lipid wt.), higher than in the reference group by two orders of magnitude and more abundant than PCBs (28-59 ng g^− 1 lipid wt.), and were also the only group with significant exposure to HBCDs (1.4-7.6 ng g^− 1 lipid wt.). A specific accumulation, unrelated to diet, of low-chlorinated PCBs and high-brominated PBDEs was observed in e-waste recyclers, suggesting extensive exposure to these compounds during e-waste recycling activities, possibly through inhalation and ingestion of dust. The estimated infant intake dose of PBDEs from breast milk of some mothers occupationally involved in e-waste recycling were close to or higher than the reference doses issued by the U.S. EPA.