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Living in a Chemical World: Environmental Exposures and Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2023) | Viewed by 11369

Special Issue Editors

Research Unit in Occupational Health, Mexican Social Security Institute, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
Interests: prenatal exposures to chemical and psychosocial agents; health occupational; cohort studies
Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
Interests: health effects of environmental and nutritional exposures; cohort studies
Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
Interests: environmental health; heavy metals; arsenic; fluoride; persistent organic pollutants; risk assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There are many benefits of incorporating chemicals into daily life products and food; however, they come with a trade-off to our health. Exposure to these chemicals, their byproducts, or their mixtures can occur throughout their “cradle to grave” life cycle, which is as follows: production, use, recycle, and disposal. This immense opportunity for chemical uptake through different routes and by all types of populations has important short- and long-term implications on human health. However, few chemicals and even fewer mixtures have been thoroughly studied in regards to their health effects. Furthermore, there are thousands of chemicals currently in use, and thousands more are constantly being added, representing an enormous challenge for research to keep up with. To promote evidence-based disease prevention, high-quality, innovative, and translational research regarding exposure to chemicals and their health effects is encouraged.

Dr. Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz
Prof. Dr. Martha María Téllez-Rojo
Prof. Dr. Paulina Farias
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • environmental health
  • pollution
  • exposure
  • chemicals
  • toxicants
  • health effects

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 809 KiB  
Article
Lead Exposure Can Affect Early Childhood Development and Could Be Aggravated by Stunted Growth: Perspectives from Mexico
by Leonel Córdoba-Gamboa, Ruth Argelia Vázquez-Salas, Martin Romero-Martínez, Alejandra Cantoral, Horacio Riojas-Rodríguez, Sergio Bautista-Arredondo, Luis F. Bautista-Arredondo, Filipa de Castro, Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz and Martha María Téllez-Rojo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065174 - 15 Mar 2023
Viewed by 2014
Abstract
Background: Lead can affect early childhood development (ECD) differentially due to nutritional deficiencies that lead to stunted growth, defined as being at least two standard deviations below the average height-for-age. These deficiencies are more frequent among children living in rural locations or with [...] Read more.
Background: Lead can affect early childhood development (ECD) differentially due to nutritional deficiencies that lead to stunted growth, defined as being at least two standard deviations below the average height-for-age. These deficiencies are more frequent among children living in rural locations or with lower socioeconomic status (SES); however, studies at a population level are scarce worldwide. Early childhood development plays a crucial role in influencing a child’s health and wellbeing throughout life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze how stunted growth can modify the association between lead exposure and ECD in children from disadvantaged communities. Methods: Data were analyzed from the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey in localities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants in Mexico (ENSANUT-100K). Capillary blood lead (BPb) levels were measured using a LeadCare II device and dichotomized as detectable (cutoff point ≥ 3.3 µg/dL) and non-detectable. As a measure of ECD, language development was assessed in n = 1394 children, representing 2,415,000 children aged 12–59 months. To assess the association between lead exposure and language z-scores, a linear model was generated adjusted by age, sex, stunted growth, maternal education, socioeconomic status, area, region (north, center, south), and family care characteristics; afterwards, the model was stratified by stunted growth. Results: Fifty percent of children had detectable BPb and 15.3% had stunted growth. BPb showed a marginal inverse association with language z-scores (β: −0.08, 95% CI: −0.53, 0.36). Children with detectable BPb and stunted growth had significantly lower language z-scores (β: −0.40, 95% CI: −0.71, −0.10) than those without stunted growth (β: −0.15, 95% CI: −0.36, 0.06). Conclusions: Children with stunted growth are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of lead exposure. These results add to previous research calling for action to reduce lead exposure, particularly in children with chronic undernutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living in a Chemical World: Environmental Exposures and Health)
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12 pages, 376 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Ambient Air Ozone Exposure and Components of Metabolic Syndrome in a Cohort of Mexican Obese Adolescents
by Jorge Octavio Acosta Montes, Albino Barraza Villarreal, Blanca Gladiana Beltrán Piña, Karla Cervantes Martínez, Marlene Cortez Lugo, Isabelle Romieu and Leticia Hernández Cadena
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4495; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054495 - 03 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1389
Abstract
Ambient air pollution is a major global public health concern; little evidence exists about the effects of short-term exposure to ozone on components of metabolic syndrome in young obese adolescents. The inhalation of air pollutants, such as ozone, can participate in the development [...] Read more.
Ambient air pollution is a major global public health concern; little evidence exists about the effects of short-term exposure to ozone on components of metabolic syndrome in young obese adolescents. The inhalation of air pollutants, such as ozone, can participate in the development of oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelium dysfunction, and epigenetic modification. Metabolic alterations in blood in components of metabolic syndrome (MS) and short-term ambient air ozone exposure were determined and evaluated longitudinally in a cohort of 372 adolescents aged between 9 to 19 years old. We used longitudinal mixed-effects models to evaluate the association between ozone exposure and the risk of components of metabolic syndrome and its parameters separately, adjusted using important variables. We observed statistically significant associations between exposure to ozone in tertiles in different lag days and the parameters associated with MS, especially for triglycerides (20.20 mg/dL, 95% CI: 9.5, 30.9), HDL cholesterol (−2.56 mg/dL (95% CI: −5.06, −0.05), and systolic blood pressure (1.10 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.08, 2.2). This study supports the hypothesis that short-term ambient air exposure to ozone may increase the risk of some components of MS such as triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure in the obese adolescent population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living in a Chemical World: Environmental Exposures and Health)
15 pages, 1131 KiB  
Article
Chemical Element Mixtures and Kidney Function in Mining and Non-Mining Settings in Northern Colombia
by Laura A. Rodriguez-Villamizar, Olga M. Medina, Oscar Flórez-Vargas, Eugenio Vilanova, Alvaro J. Idrovo, Santiago A. Araque-Rodriguez, José A. Henao and Luz H. Sánchez-Rodríguez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2321; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032321 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1468
Abstract
The exposure to chemical mixtures is a problem of concern in developing countries and it is well known that the kidney is the major target organ for toxic elements. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the individual and composite mixture effect of a [...] Read more.
The exposure to chemical mixtures is a problem of concern in developing countries and it is well known that the kidney is the major target organ for toxic elements. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the individual and composite mixture effect of a large number of chemical elements on kidney function in gold-mining and surrounding non-mining populations in northeast Colombia. We measured concentrations of 36 chemical elements in hair as indicators of chronic exposure from 199 adult participants. We estimated the effect of exposure to mixtures of chemical elements on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using weighted quantile sum regression (WQS). The WQS index of the mixture was associated with reduced eGFR (Coefficient −2.42; 95%CI: −4.69, −0.16) being Be, Cd, Pb, As, and Mn, the principal contributors of the toxic mixture. Mining activities and Hg concentration were not associated with decreased kidney function. Our results suggest that complex mixtures of chemical elements, mainly heavy metals, act as nephrotoxic in these populations and therefore the analysis of chemical element mixtures is a better approach to identify environmental and occupational chemical risks for kidney damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living in a Chemical World: Environmental Exposures and Health)
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11 pages, 1044 KiB  
Article
Health Risk Assessment in Children Occupationally and Para-Occupationally Exposed to Benzene Using a Reverse-Translation PBPK Model
by Kristal Pech, Norma Pérez-Herrera, Ángel Antonio Vértiz-Hernández, Martín Lajous and Paulina Farías
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032275 - 27 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1228
Abstract
Benzene is a known human carcinogen and one of the ten chemicals of major public health concern identified by the World Health Organization. Our objective was to evaluate benzene’s carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks (current and projected) in highly exposed children in Yucatan, [...] Read more.
Benzene is a known human carcinogen and one of the ten chemicals of major public health concern identified by the World Health Organization. Our objective was to evaluate benzene’s carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks (current and projected) in highly exposed children in Yucatan, Mexico. Benzene exposure was estimated through a reverse-translation, four-compartment, physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK) based on previously performed urine trans, trans-muconic acid (benzene metabolite) determinations. Using a risk assessment methodology, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of benzene were estimated for 6–12-year-old children from a family of shoemakers. The children’s hazard quotients for decreased lymphocyte count were 27 and 53 for 4 and 8 h/day exposure, respectively, and 37 for the projected 8 h/day exposure in adults. The risks of developing leukemia were 2–6 cases in 1000 children exposed 4 h/day; 4–10 cases in 1000 children exposed 8 h/day, and 2–9 cases in 1000 adults with an 8 h/day lifetime exposure. Children in Yucatan working in shoe-manufacturing workshops, or living next to them, are exposed to benzene concentrations above the reference concentration and have unacceptably high risks of presenting with non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hematologic symptoms, now and in the future. Interventions to prevent further exposure and mitigate health risks are necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living in a Chemical World: Environmental Exposures and Health)
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12 pages, 1599 KiB  
Article
Arsenic: A Perspective on Its Effect on Pioglitazone Bioavailability
by María Cruz del Rocío Terrones-Gurrola, Patricia Ponce-Peña, José Manuel Salas-Pacheco, Abelardo Camacho-Luis, Amaury de Jesús Pozos-Guillén, Guillermo Nieto-Delgado, Olga Dania López-Guzmán and Angel Antonio Vértiz-Hernández
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031901 - 20 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1214
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a common contaminant in drinking water in northeastern Mexico, which reduces the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP 450). This enzyme group metabolizes numerous drugs, such as oral antidiabetic drugs such as pioglitazone (61% CYP 3A4, 49% CYP 2C8). When CYP [...] Read more.
Arsenic (As) is a common contaminant in drinking water in northeastern Mexico, which reduces the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP 450). This enzyme group metabolizes numerous drugs, such as oral antidiabetic drugs such as pioglitazone (61% CYP 3A4, 49% CYP 2C8). When CYP 450’s function is inadequate, it has decreased therapeutic activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to establish the effect of As on pioglitazone metabolism in patients with T2DM. Methodology: Urine, water, and plasma samples from a healthy population (n = 11) and a population with T2DM (n = 20) were obtained. Samples were analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy/hydride generation (As) and HPLC (pioglitazone). Additionally, CYP 3A4 and CYP 2C8 were studied by density functional theory (DFT). Results: The healthy and T2DM groups were exposed via drinking water to >0.010 ppm, Ka values with a factor of 4.7 higher, Cl 1.42 lower, and ABCt 1.26 times higher concerning the healthy group. In silico analysis (DFT) of CYP 3A4 and CYP 2C8 isoforms showed the substitution of the iron atom by As in the active sites of the enzymes. Conclusions: The results indicate that the substitution of Fe for As modifies the enzymatic function of CYP 3A4 and CYP 2C8 isoforms, altering the metabolic process of CYP 2D6 and CYP 3A4 in patients with T2DM. Consequently, the variation in metabolism alters the bioavailability of pioglitazone and the expected final effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living in a Chemical World: Environmental Exposures and Health)
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16 pages, 441 KiB  
Article
Potentially Toxic Elements in Costume Cosmetics Used by Children and Adults Are Associated with Cancer Risk
by Fernanda Junqueira Salles, Fernanda Pollo Paniz, Bruno Lemos Batista, Adelaide Cassia Nardocci and Kelly Polido Kaneshiro Olympio
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010531 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1381
Abstract
(1) Background: Costume cosmetics, such as face paints and pancakes, are used by adults and children during Halloween, Carnival, or children’s parties. However, the metallic-based pigments used as dyes in these products may contain toxic elements associated with different levels of exposure. Objectives: [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Costume cosmetics, such as face paints and pancakes, are used by adults and children during Halloween, Carnival, or children’s parties. However, the metallic-based pigments used as dyes in these products may contain toxic elements associated with different levels of exposure. Objectives: (a) to determine the Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Sr concentrations in face paints and pancakes; and (b) to estimate cancer and non-cancer risks posed by the concentrations of each element in these products for dermal and ingestion exposure scenarios during children and adult use. (2) Methods: A total of 95 samples of face paints and pancakes (four brands in different textures and colors) were purchased at the largest high-street commercial center in São Paulo city, Brazil. An extraction procedure with nitric acid was carried out using a graphite-covered digester block. Toxic element determinations were performed using an ICP-MS. (3) Results: The non-cancer risks estimated were lower than 1, except for dermal exposure in adults for some target systems. High cancer risk values raise concerns in both groups. The risk for children ranged from 10−8 to 10−5 and proved higher in cases of accidental exposure by ingestion. For occupational exposure in adults, cancer risks were even higher, ranging from 10−3 to 10−5, with the highest values associated with dermal exposure. (4) Conclusions: The study results suggest the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in cosmetics should be regulated/monitored to protect human health, especially for occupational exposure and use by children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living in a Chemical World: Environmental Exposures and Health)
12 pages, 1153 KiB  
Article
Prenatal Co-Exposure to Manganese, Mercury, and Lead, and Neurodevelopment in Children during the First Year of Life
by Paulina Farías, David Hernández-Bonilla, Hortensia Moreno-Macías, Sergio Montes-López, Lourdes Schnaas, José Luis Texcalac-Sangrador, Camilo Ríos and Horacio Riojas-Rodríguez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13020; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013020 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1570
Abstract
Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and manganese (Mn) are neurotoxic, but little is known about the neurodevelopmental effects associated with simultaneous prenatal exposure to these metals. We aimed to study the associations of Pb, Hg, and Mn prenatal levels (jointly and separately) with neurodevelopment [...] Read more.
Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and manganese (Mn) are neurotoxic, but little is known about the neurodevelopmental effects associated with simultaneous prenatal exposure to these metals. We aimed to study the associations of Pb, Hg, and Mn prenatal levels (jointly and separately) with neurodevelopment in the first year of life. Methods: Pb, Hg, and Mn blood lead levels were measured in 253 pregnant women. Their offspring’s neurodevelopment was assessed through the Bayley Scale of Infant Development III® at one, three, six, and twelve months. The metals’ mean blood levels (µg/L) were Pb = 11.2, Hg = 2.1, and Mn = 10.2. Mean language, cognitive, and motor development scores of the infants at each age were between low-average and average. Multilevel models’ results showed that language development coefficients of the offspring decreased by 1.5 points per 1 µg/dL increase in maternal blood lead levels (p = 0.002); the magnitude of the aforementioned association increased in children with maternal blood Mn < 9.6 µg/L (ß = −1.9, p = 0.003) or Hg > 1.9 µg/L (ß = −1.6, p = 0.013). Cognitive and motor development had negative associations with maternal blood Pb levels; the latter was statistically significant when the interaction term between Pb, Mn, and Hg was included (ß = −0.037, p = 0.03). Prenatal exposure to low Pb levels may impair infants’ neurodevelopment in the first year of life, even more so if they are exposed to Hg or deficient in Mn. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living in a Chemical World: Environmental Exposures and Health)
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