Predictors of noise annoyance in noisy and quiet urban streets

Objectives

Although noise annoyance is a major public health problem in urban areas, there is a lack of published data on predictors for noise annoyance in acoustically different urban environments. The aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of various factors on noise annoyance in noisy and quiet urban streets.

Methods

Equivalent noise levels [Leq (dBA)] were measured during day, evening and night times in all of the streets of a central Belgrade municipality. Based on 24-hour noise levels, the streets were denoted as noisy (24-hour Leq over 65 dBA), or quiet (24-hour Leq under 55 dBA). A cross-sectional study was performed on 1954 adult residents (768 men and 1186 women), aged 18-80 years. Noise annoyance was estimated using a self-report five-graded scale. In both areas, two multivariate logistic regression models were fitted: the first one with nighttime noise indicators and the other one with parameters for 24-hour noise exposure.

Results

In noisy streets, the relevant predictors of high annoyance were: the orientation of living room/bedroom toward the street, noise annoyance at workplace, and noise sensitivity. Significant acoustical factors for high noise annoyance were: nighttime noise level [OR = 1.02, 95%CI = 1.00-1.04 (per decibel)], nighttime heavy traffic [OR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.00-1.02 (per vehicle)]; or day-evening-night noise level (Lden) [OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1.00-1.07 (per decibel)]. In quiet streets, the significant predictors were: noise sensitivity, the time spent at home daily, light vehicles at nighttime or heavy vehicles at daytime.

Conclusions

Our study identified subjective noise sensitivity as a common annoyance predictor, regardless of noise exposure. Noise levels were important indicators of annoyance only in noisy streets, both for nighttime and 24-hour exposure. We propose that noise sensitivity is the most relevant personal trait for future studies and that nighttime noise levels might be as good as Lden in predicting annoyance in noisy urban areas.     

The relationship between particulate air pollution and emergency hospital visits for hypertension in Beijing, China

Background

A number of epidemiological studies have examined the adverse effect of air pollution on mortality and morbidity. Also, several studies have investigated the associations between air pollution and specific-cause diseases including arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. However, little is known about the relationship between air pollution and the onset of hypertension.

Objective

To explore the risk effect of particulate matter air pollution on the emergency hospital visits (EHVs) for hypertension in Beijing, China.

Methods

We gathered data on daily EHVs for hypertension, fine particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM_2.5), particulate matter less than 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide in Beijing, China during 2007. A time-stratified case-crossover design with distributed lag model was used to evaluate associations between ambient air pollutants and hypertension. Daily mean temperature and relative humidity were controlled in all models.

Results

There were 1,491 EHVs for hypertension during the study period. In single pollutant models, an increase in 10 μg/m³ in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ was associated with EHVs for hypertension with odds ratios (overall effect of five days) of 1.084 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.028, 1.139) and 1.060% (95% CI: 1.020, 1.101), respectively.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of ambient particulate matters are associated with an increase in EHVs for hypertension in Beijing, China.     

Sub-micrometer particulate air pollution and cardiovascular mortality in Beijing, China

Background

While the link between particulate matter and cardiovascular mortality is well established, it is not fully investigated and understood which properties of the aerosol might be responsible for the health effects, especially in polluted mega-city areas.

Objectives

Our goal was to explore the association between daily cardiovascular mortality and different particle metrics in the sub-micrometer range in Beijing, China.

Methods

We obtained daily counts of cause-specific cardiovascular deaths in the Beijing urban area for the period March 2004 to August 2005. Concurrently, continuous measurements of particle number size distributions were performed. Particle number concentrations (NC) between 0.003 μm and 0.8 μm were converted to particle mass and surface area concentrations assuming spherical particles. Semi-parametric Poisson regression models adjusting for trend, seasonality, day of the week, and meteorology were used to estimate immediate, delayed and cumulative particle effects. Additionally, effect modification by air mass origin was investigated.

Results

We observed associations between daily cardiovascular mortality and particle NC for a 2-days delay. Moreover, nearly all particle metrics showed 2-days delayed associations with ischemic heart disease mortality. The strongest association was found for particle NC in the size range 0.03-0.1 μm (7.1% increase in daily mortality with a 95%-confidence interval of 2.9%-11.5%, per an increase of 6250 particles/cm³). Results for surface and mass concentrations with a lag of two days indicated effect modification by air mass origin, whereas effects of particle NC were not modified.

Conclusions

Results show an elevated risk of cardiovascular mortality in Beijing from short-term exposure to particulate air pollution in the sub-micrometer range. Results also indicate that locally produced smaller particles and regionally transported particles may exhibit different effects in Beijing.     

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and missed abortion in early pregnancy in a Chinese population

Background

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed during incomplete burning of fossil fuels, wood, and tobacco products. High PAH exposure has been associated with low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth, but little is known about its impact on adverse outcomes in early pregnancy such as in-utero fetal death.

Objectives

To examine associations between exposure to PAHs and missed abortion in which the embryo has died but a miscarriage has not yet occurred during early pregnancy in a Chinese population in Tianjin.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted from April to November, 2007 in Tianjin, China. Cases experienced a missed abortion while controls underwent elective abortions before 14 weeks of pregnancy. Eighty-one cases were recruited from four hospitals, with the same number of controls matched on hospital, maternal age (± 8 years), gravidity (1 or >1), and gestational age (± 30 days). Two maternal measures of PAH exposures were obtained based on benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) DNA adducts in 1) aborted tissues and 2) maternal blood (for a subset of subjects). In addition, proxy measures for PAH exposures from different sources were derived from maternal interviews.

Results

In conditional logistic regression analyses, we estimated more than 4-fold increase in risk of having experienced a missed abortion in women with above the median levels of blood BaP-DNA adducts (adjusted OR = 4.27; 95% CI, 1.41-12.99); but no increase with adduct levels in aborted tissues (adjusted OR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.37-1.54). BaP-DNA adduct levels in maternal blood and aborted tissues were poorly correlated (r = − 0.12; n = 102). Missed abortion risk also was higher among women reporting traffic congestion near the residence, commuting by walking, and performing regular cooking activities during pregnancy.

Conclusion

High levels of maternal PAH exposures may contribute to an increased risk of experiencing a missed abortion during early pregnancy.     

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.     

Respiratory effects of indoor particles in young children are size dependent

Background

Extensive epidemiological studies have provided evidence of an association between elevated outdoor particulate air pollution and adverse health effects. However, while people typically spend majority of time indoors, there is limited knowledge on airborne indoor particles and on the correlation between the concentrations of indoor particles and health effects. Even insights into the influence of differently sized indoor particles on human health are still rare.

Objective

The association between differentially sized indoor air particles and the development of respiratory diseases was studied for three year aged children.

Methods

Short-term measurements of particle mass and number concentrations were carried out in children's rooms. Information on possible particle sources (smoking habits, type of heating, and traffic) and respiratory outcomes were obtained from questionnaires. Measured indoor particle concentrations were correlated with possible sources of indoor particles and with respiratory health impacts.

Results

Daily smoking, smoking more than 5 cigarettes per day at home and traffic density in front of the window of children's room were found to be related to indoor exposure by particles of different diameters. High indoor particle exposures were associated with an increased risk for the development of obstructive bronchitis and in some extent of non-obstructive bronchitis. The strongest impact was observed for the mass concentration of particles < 1 μm and the number concentration of particles > 0.5 μm. The risk increases still remain significant if tested for stability changing the number of adjustment variables or omitting randomly selected cases, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results show significant associations between indoor particle concentrations and the risks for respiratory diseases in young children. The applied short-term measurements can help to assess the health risks of indoor particles with different sizes within epidemiological studies.     

Changing blood lead levels and DNA damage (comet assay) among immigrant women in Taiwan

Background

International marriage has had a rapid growth in recent years in Taiwan. However, little is known about the blood lead levels and DNA damage levels among immigrant women from resource-limited countries.

Objective

This study (a) explored differences between immigrant women and native women in demographic characteristics, blood lead levels, and DNA damage levels, and (b) identified risk factors that are associated with blood lead concentrations and DNA damage levels after immigration.

Methods

We used a structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic status from (a) 71 immigrant women who had resettled in 2006 in Taichung, Taiwan and (b) 83 native women who live in the same area. Each study participant provided blood samples for lead and metal measurements, complete blood count examination, and the comet assay to measure degree of DNA damage.

Results

Immigrant women had higher mean blood lead concentration (2.23 ± 1.63 vs. 1.63 ± 1.00 μg/dl; p = 0.04) and lower mean blood zinc level (6.22 ± 2.22 vs. 6.89 ± 2.44 mg/l; p = 0.07) than native women. Resettlement time was a determinant to decrease blood lead and DNA damage levels among immigrants in Taiwan. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed a statistically significant association between blood lead level and DNA damage, while zinc had a protective effect.

Conclusions

Public health agencies should focus on primary prevention and providing screening programs for this vulnerable population. An immigrant women's cohort should been established to follow-up and improve for elevated lead exposure families.     

Exposures to PM₂.₅ components and heart rate variability in taxi drivers around the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

Background

Carbonaceous and metallic components of particles have been shown to play a role in particles' effects on cardiac autonomic function as measured by heart rate variability (HRV). Previously we reported the association of HRV with marked changes in traffic-related particulate air pollution around the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in a panel of taxi drivers.

Objective

We further investigated the relationship between exposures to the carbonaceous and metallic components of traffic-related particles and HRV in the same population.

Methods

Repeated measurements of in-car exposures to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM_2.5), carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides were conducted in a group of 14 taxi drivers for one work shift in four study periods around the Beijing 2008 Olympics. The quantities of organic/elemental carbons and 27 elements of the in-car PM_2.5 mass were determined laboratorially. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the impact of exposures to different PM_2.5 components on HRV while controlling for potential confounders.

Results

Taxi drivers' exposures to in-car PM_2.5 and its components showed dramatic changes across the four study periods around the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Differences in associations of in-car PM_2.5 components with HRV were found. An interquartile range (IQR: 917.9 ng/m³) increase in calcium was associated with a 5.48 millisecond [ms, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71, 10.24] increase in standard deviations of normal-to-normal (SDNN) intervals, while an IQR (4.1 ng/m³) increase in nickel was associated with a 1.53 ms (95% CI: 0.14, 2.92) increase in SDNN index. Additionally, a decline of 8.11 ms (95% CI: − 15.26, − 0.97) in SDNN per IQR (481.4 ng/m³) increase in iron was also found.

Conclusion

The results support associations of PM_2.5 metallic components with HRV in younger healthy individuals. Future studies are needed to clarify the interaction among different PM_2.5 components or the role of PM_2.5 mixtures.     

Characterization of road traffic noise exposure and prevalence of hypertension in central Taiwan

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that road traffic noise exposure is associated with hypertension in European, but the associations related to traffic sources and in other population are unclear. This study investigated the association between road traffic noise exposure and the prevalence of diagnosed hypertension among 321 male and 499 female resided near main roads in Taichung, Taiwan. Road traffic noise levels and traffic flow rates were measured simultaneously during 0900-1700 on weekdays in 2008. Multivariate logistic regressions were applied to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for hypertension by adjusting for potential confounders. Road traffic noise levels were significantly associated with traffic flow rates of motorcycles, light-duty gasoline vehicles, light-duty diesel trucks and heavy-duty diesel trucks and had the highest correlation with motorcycles. Per one unit (vehicle per hour) increase in the log-transformed traffic flow rate of motorcycles was significantly related to the increment of 7.20 ± 1.40 A-weighted decibels (dBA) in the traffic noise exposure. The high-exposure group (82.2 ± 1.7 dBA, n = 358) had the significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (adjusted OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.08-4.26) than the low-exposure group (77.2 ± 1.6 dBA, n = 462). There was an increasing trend (p = 0.023) between the prevalence of hypertension and residents exposed to < 77 dBA, 77-80 dBA, 80-83 dBA and ≥ 83 dBA, respectively. Such an association was pronounced after adjusting for the total traffic flow rate. The study findings suggest that road traffic noise exposure may be associated with hypertension and the dominant source of traffic noise is motorcycles in central Taiwan.     

Blood pressure of 8-14 year old children in relation to traffic noise at home — Results of the German Environmental Survey for Children (GerES IV)

Objectives

The German Environment Agency carried out its fourth German Environmental Survey (GerES IV) from 2003 to 2006, which was especially for children. 1048 children, 8-14 years of age, were randomly selected from all over Germany. The sample is representative of children in this age group living in Germany with respect to gender, community size, and region.

Methods

Blood pressure was measured under standardized conditions at clinical study centers. During home visits the children and their parents were asked about leisure activities, housing conditions and environmental factors, including traffic exposure of their homes. Orientating short-term noise measurements were carried out in front of the children's (bed-) room to validate the subjective ratings of the traffic volume (categories: no street, low, moderately, high/extremely high).

Results

With respect to the subjective rating of “type of street” (traffic volume) the lowest blood pressure readings were found in children whose room was facing a street with ‘low traffic’. The highest readings were found in the group where the children's rooms were facing a street with a ‘high or extremely high traffic’ volume. The difference between the two groups was 1.8 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.1 to 3.5, p = 0.036) for systolic and 1.0 mm Hg (95% CI: − 0.4 to 2.4, p = 0.148) for diastolic blood pressure. With respect to the short-term noise measurements, significant blood pressure increases of 1.0 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.3 to 1.6, p = 0.004) and 0.6 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.1 to 1.2, p = 0.025), respectively, were found per 10 dB(A) increment of the noise level.

Conclusions

The results show that road traffic noise at home is a stressor that could affect children's blood pressure.     

Heavy metal exposure in patients suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity

Background

Risks from electromagnetic devices are of considerable concern. Electrohypersensitive (EHS) persons attribute a variety of rather unspecific symptoms to the exposure to electromagnetic fields. The pathophysiology of EHS is unknown and therapy remains a challenge.

Objectives

Heavy metal load has been discussed as a potential factor in the symptomatology of EHS patients. The main objective of the study was to test the hypothesis of a link between EHS and heavy metal exposure.

Methods

We measured lead, mercury and cadmium concentrations in the blood of 132 patients (n = 42 males and n = 90 females) and 101 controls (n = 34 males and n = 67 females).

Results

Our results show that heavy metal load is of no concern in most cases of EHS but might play a role in exceptional cases.

Conclusions

The data do not support the general advice to heavy metal detoxification in EHS.     

Association between blood lead levels (< 5 μg/dL) and inattention-hyperactivity and neurocognitive profiles in school-aged Korean children

Objectives

The association between low blood lead levels (< 5 μg/dL) and the inattention-hyperactivity symptoms and neurocognitive profiles of school-aged Korean children was investigated.

Methods

We measured blood lead levels in 256 Korean children aged 8-10 years. Teachers completed the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (T-ARS)-IV to assess inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. Parents completed the Korean version of the Learning Disability Evaluation Scale (K-LDES). Children performed neurocognitive tests [The Continuous Performance Test (CPT), the Children's Color Trails Test, and the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT)].

Results

A linear regression analysis indicated that the blood lead concentrations were associated with the inattention scores [B = 4.8, S.E. = 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-8.0], the hyperactivity subscores (3.1, 1.4, 0.3-5.9), and the total score (7.9, 2.9, 2.1-13.6) on the T-ARS; the number of omission errors on the CPT (20.6, 7.1, 6.5-34.6); the listening (−1.4, 0.7, −2.8 to −0.1), reading (−2.1, 0.7, −3.4 to −0.7), writing (−2.0, 0.7, −3.4 to −0.6), spelling (−2.2, 0.7, −3.7 to −0.7), and calculating (−1.8, 0.7, −3.1 to −0.4) scores on the K-LDES; and the color-word score on the SCWT (−6.7, 3.4, −13.3 to −0.1). A logistic regression analysis indicated that the probability of inattentive and hyperactive symptoms was increased with higher blood lead levels in boys with an odds ratio of 2.768 [B = 1.018, S.E. = 0.487, p = 0.036, 95% CI: 1.066-7.187].

Conclusion

This study suggests that even low blood lead levels (< 5 μg/dL) are associated with inattentive and hyperactivity symptoms and learning difficulties in school-aged children.     

Is the association between temperature and mortality modified by age, gender and socio-economic status?

Background

A number of studies have examined the relationship between high ambient temperature and mortality. Recently, concern has arisen about whether this relationship is modified by socio-demographic factors. However, data for this type of study is relatively scarce in subtropical/tropical regions where people are well accustomed to warm temperatures.

Objective

To investigate whether the relationship between daily mean temperature and daily all-cause mortality is modified by age, gender and socio-economic status (SES) in Brisbane, Australia.

Methods

We obtained daily mean temperature and all-cause mortality data for Brisbane, Australia during 1996-2004. A generalised additive model was fitted to assess the percentage increase in all deaths with every one degree increment above the threshold temperature. Different age, gender and SES groups were included in the model as categorical variables and their modification effects were estimated separately.

Results

A total of 53,316 non-external deaths were included during the study period. There was a clear increasing trend in the harmful effect of high temperature on mortality with age. The effect estimate among women was more than 20 times that among men. We did not find an SES effect on the percent increase associated with temperature.

Conclusions

The effects of high temperature on all deaths were modified by age and gender but not by SES in Brisbane, Australia.     

Sensitization to profilin in the Central region of Portugal

Background

Profilin is a panallergen found in pollens and fruits. Sensitization to this protein may explain some sensitization to multiple pollen species. We aimed to evaluate sensitization to profilin in patients suffering from respiratory allergy sensitized to pollens, in the Central region of Portugal.

Methods

Patients were evaluated for asthma symptoms, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and food allergy. Skin prick tests (SPT) to aeroallergens including 12 different pollens and profilin (nPho d 2) were performed. The patients were divided into two study groups according to the region of residence: A — inland region and B — coastal region.

Results

A total of 370 patients were evaluated (277-group A; 93-group B). 65.9% showed positive skin prick tests and 76.2% were positive to pollens (87.1%-group A; 42.85%-group B; p < 0.0001). All the patients sensitized to pollens had rhinitis (p = 0.001). Sensitization to profilin was associated with pollen sensitization (p = 0.014). 43 patients were sensitized to profilin (40-group A; 3-group B; p = 0.006). 21.0% of patients sensitized to pollens, were also sensitized to profilin. 39 patients were sensitized to at least two pollens (p < 0.0001). Four profilin and pollen sensitized patients had oral allergy syndrome complaints to melon. This syndrome was related with profilin sensitization (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

It is advisable to perform SPT to profilin, particularly in the Inland region, for a better differential diagnosis between cross-reactivity and true sensitization to pollens. The results together with the medical history may support the choice for a specific immunotherapy option.     

Perinatal lead and mercury exposure in Austria

Objective

The heavy metals lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants with high neurotoxic potential. We aimed to compare perinatal Pb and Hg concentrations and to explore the potential association between Pb and Hg exposure and newborn anthropometry.

Study design

Pregnant women were recruited in 2005 at the General Hospital Vienna for participation in this longitudinal study. Pb and Hg concentrations were measured in maternal blood and hair, placenta, cord blood, meconium, and breast milk of 53 mother-child pairs by CV-AAS, GF-AAS, and HPLC-CV-ICPMS. We conducted bivariate analyses and categorical regression analysis (CATREG) to evaluate the determinants of Pb and Hg exposure, and of infant anthropometry.

Results

Median Pb and total Hg contents were low, i.e., 25 μg/L (maternal blood-Pb), 13 μg/L (cord blood-Pb), 0.7 μg/L (maternal blood-Hg), and 1.1 μg/L (cord blood-Hg). Hg levels in maternal and fetal tissues were frequently correlated (r > 0.3, P < 0.05, respectively). Regarding Pb, only maternal blood and cord blood concentrations correlated (P = 0.043). Cord blood levels indicated higher Hg exposure but lower Pb exposure relative to maternal blood contents. Adjusted CATREG models indicated the significant predictors of birth length (placenta-Pb, gestational length, meconium-Pb), birth weight (placenta-Pb, gestational length, maternal blood-Pb), and head circumference (maternal education, maternal height). Besides one significant correlation between maternal hair Hg and birth length, the mercury levels were not associated with newborn anthropometry.

Conclusions

Our data implicate that different modes of action may exist for placentar transfer of Pb and Hg as well as that low Pb exposure levels can result in lower birth weight. The findings related to newborn anthropometry need to be confirmed by the examination of larger study groups. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of Pb and Hg transfer via the placenta, and to explore how prenatal Pb exposure is related to intrauterine growth.     

The effect of particle size on cardiovascular disorders--the smaller the worse

Background

Previous studies observed associations between airborne particles and cardio-vascular disease. Questions, however, remain as to which size of the inhalable particles (coarse, fine, or ultrafine) exerts the most significant impact on health.

Methods

For this retrospective study, data of the total number of 23,741 emergency service calls, registered between February 2002 and January 2003 in the City of Leipzig, were analysed, identifying 5326 as being related to cardiovascular incidences. Simultaneous particle exposure was determined for the particle sizes classes < 100 nm (UFP), < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and < 10 μm (PM10). We used a time resolution of 1 day for both parameters, emergency calls and exposure.

Results

Within the group of cardiovascular diseases, the diagnostic category of hypertensive crisis showed a significant association with particle exposure. The significant effect on hypertensive crisis was found for particles with a size of < 100 nm in diameter and starting with a lag of 2 days after exposure. No consistent influence could be observed for PM2.5 and PM10. The Odds Ratios on hypertensive crisis were significant for the particle size < 100 nm in diameter from day 2 post exposure OR = 1.06 (95%CI: 1.02-1.10, p = 0.002) up to day 7 OR = 1.05 (95%CI 1.02-1.09, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Ultrafine particles affect cardiovascular disease adversely, particularly hypertensive crises. Their effect is significant compared with PM2.5 and PM10. It appears necessary, from a public health point of view, to consider regulating this type of particles using appropriate measurands as particle number.     

Whole blood mercury and selenium concentrations in a selected Austrian population: does gender matter?

Background

Data on mercury exposure of the Austrian population were inadequate. This study was performed to determine the causal factors underlying mercury exposure and selenium concentrations, and to estimate the gender-related health impacts.

Methodology

Venous blood samples of 78 women and 81 men were drawn at the Austrian Red Cross, Vienna. Mercury contents in acid-digested whole blood samples were measured after amalgam enrichment by CV-AAS, and selenium by AAS (heated quartz-cell) after hydrid formation.

Results

The average total mercury blood content of Austrians was low (2.38 ± 1.55 μgL^− 1; N = 152). Mercury and selenium concentrations were not different between the genders (P > 0.05) but we observed discrepancies regarding the causal factors. Mercury levels in men were influenced not only by fish consumption but also by age, education level, and amalgam fillings, whereas in women, only the diet (fish/seafood, red wine consumption) determined blood mercury (P < 0.05). Moreover, only the males indicated a depressive effect of dental amalgam on hematocrit (P < 0.05). Regarding selenium, age and alcohol consumption led to lower concentrations in men, whereas a high-level education had the opposite effect; no determinant was found for women. For the whole study group, a significant effect of chronic disease on selenium levels could be detected (P < 0.05). 18% of women and 13% of men showed marginal selenium deficiency (blood selenium < 65 μgL^− 1). Selenium and mercury concentrations were not correlated.

Conclusions

Our results indicate the need to evaluate and integrate gender-related findings in metal toxicology and trace element research, because different causal factors require different preventive measures to reduce mercury exposure and the risk of low selenium concentrations. Future research is needed on the gender- and age-related differences in fish/seafood consumption habits, the modifications of mercury toxicokinetics through sex hormones, the selenium supply in Austria, and the clinical relevance of a low selenium status.     

Outdoor, but not indoor, nitrogen dioxide exposure is associated with persistent cough during the first year of life

Background and aims

Because their lungs and immune system are not completely developed, children are more susceptible to respiratory disease and more vulnerable to ambient pollution. We assessed the relation between prenatal and postnatal nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels and the development of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), wheezing and persistent cough during the first year of life.

Methods

The study population consisted of 352 children from a birth cohort in Valencia, Spain. Prenatal exposure to NO₂, a marker of traffic related air pollution was measured at 93 sampling sites spread over the study area during four different sampling periods of 7 days each. It was modeled for each residential address through land use regression using the empirical measurements and data from geographic information systems. Postnatal exposure was measured once inside and outside each home using passive samplers for a period of 14 days. Outcomes studied were any episode of LRTI during the child's first year of life diagnosed by a doctor (bronchitis, bronchiolitis or pneumonia), wheezing (defined as whistling sounds coming from the chest), and persistent cough (more than three consecutive weeks). Outcomes and potential confounders were obtained from structured questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify associations.

Results

The cumulative incidence (CI) at first year of life was 30.4% for LRTI (23.0% bronchiolitis, 11.9% bronchitis and 1.4% pneumonia), 26.1% for wheezing and 6.3% for persistent cough. The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) per 10 μg/m³ increment in postnatal outdoor NO₂ concentration was 1.40 (1.02-1.92) for persistent cough. We also found some pattern of association with LRTI, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, wheezing and persistent cough in different prenatal periods, although it was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that exposure to outdoor, but not indoor, NO₂ during the first year of life increases the risk of persistent cough.     

Blood lead level and its relationship to certain essential elements in the children aged 0 to 14 years from Beijing, China

Objective

To investigate blood lead level and its relationship to copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron in the children aged 0 to 14 years old from Beijing, China.

Methods

We classified 3181 children into one of the four groups: Group A (n = 783, < 1 year old); Group B (n = 1538, 1-3 years old); Group C (n = 443, 3-7 years old); and, Group D (n = 417, 7-14 years old). All these metal elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Results

The blood lead level was 0.207 ± 0.105 μmol/L. There was a significant gender difference for zinc (P < 0.05) in Group C, and there was also a significant gender difference for copper (P < 0.05) and lead (P < 0.05) in Group D. Controlling for gender and age, we observed that there was a negative correlation of lead with zinc (r = − 0.052, P < 0.01), magnesium (r = − 0.042, P < 0.05) and iron (r = − 0.031, P < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, in the children aged 1-7 years old, we also found there was a negative linear correlation of lead with zinc, magnesium and iron, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Blood lead level in children from Beijing was markedly decreased. And deficiency of zinc, magnesium and iron is related to the elevated blood lead level in the children aged 1-7 years.