scholarly journals Atlanta Residents’ Knowledge Regarding Heavy Metal Exposures and Remediation in Urban Agriculture

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 2069
Author(s):  
Lauren Balotin ◽  
Samantha Distler ◽  
Antoinette Williams ◽  
Samuel J.W. Peters ◽  
Candis M. Hunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Urban Agriculture ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Community Engaged Research ◽  
Differential Exposure ◽  
Regular Contact

Urban agriculture and gardening provide many health benefits, but the soil is sometimes at risk of heavy metal and metalloid (HMM) contamination. HMM, such as lead and arsenic, can result in adverse health effects for humans. Gardeners may face exposure to these contaminants because of their regular contact with soil and consumption of produce grown in urban areas. However, there is a lack of research regarding whether differential exposure to HMM may be attributed to differential knowledge of exposure sources. In 2018, industrial slag and hazardous levels of soil contamination were detected in West Atlanta. We conducted community-engaged research through surveys and follow-up interviews to understand awareness of slag, HMM in soil, and potential remediation options. Home gardeners were more likely to recognize HMM health effects and to cite health as a significant benefit of gardening than community gardeners. In terms of knowledge, participants were concerned about the potential health effects of contaminants in soil yet unconcerned with produce in their gardens. Gardeners’ knowledge on sources of HMM exposure and methods for remediation were low and varied based on racial group.

scholarly journals Long-term exposure to air pollutants from multiple sources and mortality in an industrial area: a cohort study

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Bauleo ◽  
Simone Bucci ◽  
Chiara Antonucci ◽  
Roberto Sozzi ◽  
Marina Davoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Dispersion Model ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Dichotomous Variable

Background and aimsResidents near industrial areas are exposed to several toxins from various sources and the assessment of the health effects is difficult. The area of Civitavecchia (Italy) has several sources of environmental contamination with potential health effects. We evaluated the association between exposure to pollutants from multiple sources and mortality in a cohort of people living in the area.MethodsAll residents of the area in 1996 were enrolled (from municipal registers) and followed until 2013. Long-term exposures to emissions from industrial sources (PM10) and traffic (NOx) at the residential addresses were assessed using a dispersion model. Residence close to the harbour was also considered. Cox survival analysis was conducted including a linear term for industrial PM10 and NOx exposure and a dichotomous variable to indicate residence within 500 m of the harbour. Age, sex, calendar period, occupation and area-based socioeconomic position (SEP) were considered (HRs, 95% CI).Results71 362 people were enrolled (52% female, 43% low SEP) and 14 844 died during the follow-up. We found an association between industrial PM10 and mortality from non-accidental causes (HR=1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12), all cancers (HR=1.11, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.21) and cardiac diseases (HR=1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23). We also found an association between NOx exposure from traffic and mortality from all cancers (HR=1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.26) and neurological diseases (HR=1.50, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.20). Living near the harbour was associated with higher mortality from lung cancer (HR=1.31, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.66) and neurological diseases (HR=1.51, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.18).ConclusionsEstimated exposures to different pollution sources in this area were independently associated with several mortality outcomes while adjusting for occupation and socioeconomic status.

Children’s exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs): a review on urinary 1-hydroxypyrene and associated health effects

2022 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Hazirah Hisamuddin ◽  
Juliana Jalaludin
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Body Burden ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Total Body ◽  
Children’S Exposure

Abstract This article reviewed the published studies on the environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) among children and assessed the urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) level as a biomarker of exposure to PAHs. The current knowledge of the potential health effects of increased 1-OHP in children was reviewed. Additionally, the influence of genetic polymorphism on the urinary 1-OHP level was discussed in this review. The assembled data showed that children who are attending schools or living close to industrial and polluted urban areas might have greater exposure to higher concentrations of PAHs with a higher level of urinary 1-OHP when compared to those children living in rural areas. Urinary 1-OHP may be a reliable biomarker for determining the genotoxic effects, oxidative stress and inflammation caused by exposure to PAHs. Strong research evidence indicated that the total body burden of PAHs should be evaluated by biomonitoring of 1-OHP in line with other urinary PAHs metabolites (with 2–3 rings) to evaluate recent total exposure to PAHs. Overall, the study suggests implementing a mitigation plan to combat air pollution to provide a cleaner environment for children.

scholarly journals Oral Administration of Probiotics Inhibits Absorption of the Heavy Metal Cadmium by Protecting the Intestinal Barrier

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (14) ◽  
pp. 4429-4440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qixiao Zhai ◽  
Fengwei Tian ◽  
Jianxin Zhao ◽  
Hao Zhang ◽  
Arjan Narbad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Oral Administration ◽  
Tight Junctions ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Environmental Pollutant ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Cd Exposure

ABSTRACTThe heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that causes adverse health effects in humans and animals. Our previous work demonstrated that oral administration of probiotics can significantly inhibit Cd absorption in the intestines of mice, but further evidence is needed to gain insights into the related protection mode. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether probiotics can inhibit Cd absorption through routes other than the Cd binding, with a focus on gut barrier protection. In thein vitroassay, both the intervention and therapy treatments ofLactobacillus plantarumCCFM8610 alleviated Cd-induced cytotoxicity in the human intestinal cell line HT-29 and protected the disruption of tight junctions in the cell monolayers. In a mouse model, probiotics with either good Cd-binding or antioxidative ability increased fecal Cd levels and decreased Cd accumulation in the tissue of Cd-exposed mice. Compared with the Cd-only group, cotreatment with probiotics also reversed the disruption of tight junctions, alleviated inflammation, and decreased the intestinal permeability of mice.L. plantarumCCFM8610, a strain with both good Cd binding and antioxidative abilities, exhibited significantly better protection than the other two strains. These results suggest that along with initial intestinal Cd sequestration, probiotics can inhibit Cd absorption by protecting the intestinal barrier, and the protection is related to the alleviation of Cd-induced oxidative stress. A probiotic with both good Cd-binding and antioxidative capacities can be used as a daily supplement for the prevention of oral Cd exposure.IMPORTANCEThe heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that causes adverse health effects in humans and animals. For the general population, food and drinking water are the main sources of Cd exposure due to the biomagnification of Cd within the food chain; therefore, the intestinal tract is the first organ that is susceptible to Cd contamination. Moreover, Cd exposure causes the disruption of the intestinal barrier and further induces the amplification of Cd absorption. The present study confirms that, along with initial intestinal Cd sequestration, oral administration of probiotics can inhibit Cd absorption by protecting the intestinal barrier. A probiotic with both good Cd-binding and antioxidative capacities can be used as a daily supplement for the prevention of oral Cd exposure.

Understanding adverse health effects of widowhood in old age – A cross-countries mixed methods study

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S186-S187
Author(s):  
C.B. Kristiansen ◽  
P. Munk-Jørgensen ◽  
C. Mattisson ◽  
K. Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Narrative Interviews ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
The Lundby Study

IntroductionWidowhood in old age increases mortality and adverse health effects, particularly depression and need for psychiatric care. The causes of this are poorly understood. To study risk factors and mechanisms, theories about what to study are needed. A qualitatively approach to widowhood from the widow/widower's perspective may uncover important knowledge.ObjectivesTo investigate risk factors of the adverse health effects associated with widowhood in old age from the perspective of the widower/widowers and to test the generalisability of the theories quantitatively.MethodsThis is a cross-country mixed methods study combining narrative interviews with Danish widows/widowers and a 50-year follow-up study from Sweden – The Lundby Study. Widows/widowers above 65 years of age referred to in- or outpatient treatment at the Department of Psychiatry at Odense or Aarhus University Hospital are included. Narrative interviews are conducted and analysed according to grounded theory. The qualitatively developed theories will then be tested quantitatively through the Lundby Study by comparing widows/widowers above 65 years with age-matched controls, who are still married.ResultsIn the Lundby Study, 597 persons above 65 years were identified in the latest follow-up: 176 (29.5%) were widow/widowers, 421 (70.5%) were married/cohabitating. Depending on the theories developed a total of 384 possible variables regarding physical health, mental health and general living circumstances are tested. Further results will be presented.ConclusionsThe causes of adverse health effects in widowhood are poorly understood. This study will potentially contribute to unravelling these by identifying possible risk factors.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals The contribution of PM2.5 to cardiovascular disease in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (30) ◽  
pp. 37502-37513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuqi Zhang ◽  
Michael N. Routledge
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Epidemiologic Evidence ◽  
Global Evidence

Abstract China is experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization with correspondingly high levels of air pollution. Although the harm of PM2.5 has been long reported, it is only quite recently that there is increasing concern in China for its possible adverse health effects on cardiovascular disease. We reviewed the epidemiologic evidence of potential health effects of PM2.5 on cardiovascular disease reported from recent studies in China (2013 onwards). There is clear evidence for the contribution of PM2.5 to cardiovascular outcomes, including mortality, ischemic heart disease, and stroke from studies based in various regions in China. This evidence adds to the global evidence that PM2.5 contributes to adverse cardiovascular health risk and highlights the need for improved air quality in China.

DNA and oxidative damage induced in somatic organs and tissues of mouse by municipal sludge leachate

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 614-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adekunle A Bakare ◽  
Sushila Patel ◽  
Alok K Pandey ◽  
Mahima Bajpayee ◽  
Alok Dhawan
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Comet Assay ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Municipal Sludge ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Somatic Tissues

Pollution by waste landfill leachate has prompted a number of studies on the toxic and potential health effects. This study assessed the genotoxicity of a municipal sludge leachate (MSL) in the somatic tissues (blood and bone marrow) and organs (liver, kidney, and spleen) of mice using the alkaline Comet assay. The possible cause of DNA damage via the study of antioxidant system (lipid peroxidation [LPO]; catalase [CAT]; reduced glutathione [GSH]; and superoxide dismutase [SOD]) responses in mouse liver was also investigated. Different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) of the leachate were administered intraperitoneally for 5 consecutive days to male Swiss albino mice (4 mice/group). A significant ( p < 0.05) increase in DNA damage in organs and tissues of treated mice compared to the negative control was observed as evident from the Comet assay parameters: olive tail moment (OTM, arbitrary units) and tail DNA (%). Bone marrow showed maximum DNA damage followed by liver > spleen > kidney > blood as evident by the OTM. A significant increase ( p < 0.05) in the level of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) and LPO with a concurrent decrease in GSH in the liver of treated mice was also observed. Our finding demonstrates that the MSL induces DNA damage in the somatic tissues and organs of mouse as well as induces oxidative stress in the liver. These tissues and organs may be the potential targets in animal and human populations exposed to MSL. This is of relevance to public health; as such exposure could lead to adverse health effects via systemic genotoxicity.

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