DDT and HCH residue load in mother's breast milk: a survey of lactating mother's from remote villages in Agra region

Breast milk is the natural and optimal food for the infants. In addition to meeting the nutritional needs, breast milk provides numerous immunological, developmental, psychological, ecological and practical advantages. The levels of the DDT and HCH residues in human milk collected from remote rural part of Agra were analysed. Beta and gamma isomers of HCH accounts for the major residue of total HCH excreted in breast milk. Delta-HCH was not detected in the samples. 95% of the samples were found to be contaminated with DDT and its metabolites. DDD was found in 88% of the samples analyzed. The total concentration of DDT and HCH were found lower than the previous studies carried out in India. The study shows the decreasing levels of these organochlorine pesticides from the environment. Total concentration of total DDT is higher than total HCH.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls and breast cancer: A congener-specific meta-analysis

The incidence of breast cancer is related to various risk factors, especially that the environmental and lifestyle factors account for major contribution at the rate of 70% to 95% over all. However, there still remains some controversy over the epidemiological evidence regarding the effects of environmental carcinogens on the risk of breast cancer. We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis aiming at full evaluation of the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on breast cancer in a congener-specific fashion. Four online literature databases were systematically searched before 1st January 2015, for studies stating correlation between PCB congeners and breast cancer. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the studies that were included in our analysis. Sixteen studies were included in our final meta-analysis after screening based on the priori inclusion criteria. Nine PCB congeners were reported by more than two studies and they were presented in detail. The pooled Odds Ratios (ORs) showed a significant increase in the risk of breast cancer in individuals with higher plasma/fat levels of PCB 99 (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.80), PCB 183 (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.95) and PCB 187 (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.39). Besides, the outcomes did not support a relationship between dioxin-like PCB congeners and the risk of breast cancer. The results of our meta-analysis imply that PCB 99, PCB 183 and PCB 187 would increase the risk of breast cancer. The mechanism of this increased risk may be by the induction of the CYP2B family in cytochrome P450 enzymes.     

Comparison of some trace elements concentration in blood, tumor free breast and tumor tissues of women with benign and malignant breast lesions: an Indian study

Fifty women residing in and around New Delhi, India and identified to have benign (25 nos.) and malignant (25 nos.) breast lesions were studied for the first time to access the association between environmental exposure to lead and risk of breast cancer and to determine the potential of changes in trace elements concentration as a diagnostic marker and/or its etiological involvement in the disease. Blood, tumor tissue and breast adipose tissue from tumor free area from each patient of the two groups, collected at the time of lumpectomy or mastectomy (only blood sample was collected from disease free control group), were analyzed to determine the concentration of Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe and Ca using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Blood lead was significantly higher in malignant cases than in those of benign and control (p<0.05 each). Lead level was also higher in tumor tissue when compared with their respective normal tumor free breast tissue, though non-significant, in both benign and malignant cases. Interestingly, Zn, Fe, and Ca levels were higher in blood of malignant cases than in those of their benign counterparts. Furthermore, these metals were also higher in tumor of malignant and benign cases as compared to normal tumor free breast tissue, many of them statistically significant (p<0.05/0.01/0.001). However, Cu level was insignificantly lower in the blood and tumor tissue of malignant cases when compared with their benign counterparts while it was significantly higher (p<0.05) in tumor of benign cases when compared with those of their respective normal tumor free breast tissue. There were statistically significant correlations between lead and trace element levels only in normal tumor free breast tissue of benign and malignant cases (r=0.41-0.73; p<0.05-0.001) but neither in blood nor tumor tissue of the two groups. These results suggest that in the backdrop of existing experimental and epidemiological evidences exposure to lead may be one of the risk factors for breast lesions; though it warrants further investigation. Further, modulation of trace elements level in both benign and malignant breast diseases patients may be of potential to be used as diagnostic marker of the disease process and its possible relationship etiologically.     

Pesticide use among smallholder rice farmers in Tanzania

In an interview study conducted among smallholder rice farmers in Rufiji, Tanzania coastal mainland, and in Cheju, Zanzibar, farmer??s pesticide use and risk awareness were assessed. The farmers generally lacked knowledge or possibilities to manage the pesticides as prescribed by the manufacturers. Few farmers knew what kind of pesticides they were using and had never seen the original packages, as pesticides were usually sold per weight or already diluted without labeling. Protective equipment was rarely used since they were not aware of risks associated with pesticides or did not know where to purchase protective gear. Only half of the farmers were aware of pesticides?? health hazards and few associated pesticides with environmental problems. The pesticide use was relatively low, but based on farmers?? pesticide handling and application practices, health risks were a major concern. Most farmers did not believe in successful rice cultivation without using pesticides to control pests. However, estimated yields did not differ between pesticide users or farmers using conventional methods or neem tree extract. To avoid negative effects on human health and the environment, the farmers need basic education and better assistance in their farming practices and pesticide management.     

Prenatal exposure to multiple pesticides is associated with auditory brainstem response at 9 months in a cohort study of Chinese infants

BackgroundPesticides are associated with poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes, but little is known about the effects on sensory functioning.MethodsAuditory brainstem response (ABR) and pesticide data were available for 27 healthy, full-term 9-month-old infants participating in a larger study of early iron deficiency and neurodevelopment. Cord blood was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for levels of 20 common pesticides. The ABR forward-masking condition consisted of a click stimulus (masker) delivered via ear canal transducers followed by an identical stimulus delayed by 8, 16, or 64 milliseconds (ms). ABR peak latencies were evaluated as a function of masker-stimulus time interval. Shorter wave latencies reflect faster neural conduction, more mature auditory pathways, and greater degree of myelination. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between total number of pesticides detected and ABR outcomes. We considered an additive or synergistic effect of poor iron status by stratifying our analysis by newborn ferritin (based on median split).ResultsInfants in the sample were highly exposed to pesticides; a mean of 4.1 pesticides were detected (range 0–9). ABR Wave V latency and central conduction time (CCT) were associated with the number of pesticides detected in cord blood for the 64 ms and non-masker conditions. A similar pattern seen for CCT from the 8 ms and 16 ms conditions, although statistical significance was not reached. Increased pesticide exposure was associated with longer latency. The relation between number of pesticides detected in cord blood and CCT depended on the infant's cord blood ferritin level. Specifically, the relation was present in the lower cord blood ferritin group but not the higher cord blood ferritin group.ConclusionsABR processing was slower in infants with greater prenatal pesticide exposure, indicating impaired neuromaturation. Infants with lower cord blood ferritin appeared to be more sensitive to the effects of prenatal pesticide exposure on ABR latency delay, suggesting an additive or multiplicative effect.     

In vivo contaminant partitioning to silicone implants: Implications for use in biomonitoring and body burden

Silicone polymers are used for a wide array of applications from passive samplers in environmental studies, to implants used in human augmentation and reconstruction. If silicone sequesters toxicants throughout implantation, it may represent a history of exposure and potentially reduce the body burden of toxicants influencing the risk of adverse health outcomes such as breast cancer. Objectives of this research included identifying a wide variety of toxicants in human silicone implants, and measuring the in vivo absorption of contaminants into silicone and surrounding tissue in an animal model. In the first study, eight human breast implants were analyzed for over 1400 organic contaminants including consumer products, chemicals in commerce, and pesticides. A total of 14 compounds including pesticides such as trans-nonachlor (1.2–5.9 ng/g) and p,p′-DDE (1.2–34 ng/g) were identified in human implants, 13 of which have not been previously reported in silicone prostheses. In the second project, female ICR mice were implanted with silicone and dosed with p,p′-DDE and PCB118 by intraperitoneal injection. After nine days, silicone and adipose samples were collected, and all implants in dosed mice had p,p′-DDE and PCB118 present. Distribution ratios from silicone and surrounding tissue in mice compare well with similar studies, and were used to predict adipose concentrations in human tissue. Similarities between predicted and measured chemical concentrations in mice and humans suggest that silicone may be a reliable surrogate measure of persistent toxicants. More research is needed to identify the potential of silicone implants to refine the predictive quality of chemicals found in silicone implants.     

Pesticides exposure in Pakistan: a review

This is the first systematic review of studies done since 1960, and to give an integrated picture of pesticides exposure to humans, animals, plants, waters, soils/sediments, atmosphere etc. in Pakistan. Authors have extracted data from different departments, published literature in research journals and National reports. Although the wide-spread usage of pesticides in Pakistan has controlled the pests, but like other countries, it has started causing environmental problems in the area. In some areas of Punjab and Sindh groundwater has been found contaminated and is constantly being under the process of contamination due to pesticide use. There is considerable evidence that farmers have overused and misused pesticides especially in cotton-growing areas. It is evident from the biological monitoring studies that farmers are at higher risk for acute and chronic health effects associated with pesticides due to occupational exposure. Furthermore, the intensive use of pesticides (higher sprays more than the recommended dose) in cotton areas involves a special risk for the field workers, pickers, and of an unacceptable residue concentration in cottonseed oil and cakes. The authors have also discussed the merits and demerits of different studies. The review will set the future course of action of different studies on pesticide exposure in Pakistan. Data limitations are still the major obstacle towards establishing clear environmental trends in Pakistan. The authors suggest that a reliable monitoring, assessment and reporting procedures shall be implemented in accordance with appropriate environmental policies, laws and regulations in order to minimize the pesticides exposure.     

An assessment of the impacts of pesticide use on the environment and health of rice farmers in Sierra Leone

One of the biggest challenges faced by Sierra Leonean farmers is pest control. Birds, rodents, insects, crustaceans and other organisms can drastically reduce yields. In order to prevent these organisms from destroying their crop, farmers use pesticides. However there are reports that these chemicals are being misused and such misuse is having a negative impact on the environment and the health of the farmers.This research study aimed to investigate the use of pesticides in rice fields and its potential effects on the environment and on the farmers of Sierra Leone. Five hundred farmers and one hundred health workers across the country were interviewed. Fifty focus group discussions were also completed. Field observations were also undertaken to see how farmers apply pesticides to their farms and the possible threats these methods have on human health and the environment. It is clear that a wide range of pesticides are used by rice farmers in Sierra Leone with 60% of the pesticides used entering the country illegally. Most farmers have no knowledge about the safe handling of pesticides as 71% of them have never received any form of training. The pesticides kill both target and non-target organisms some of which enter the food chain.Cases of health problems such as nausea, respiratory disorders and blurred vision investigated in this research are significantly higher among farmers who use pesticides than those who do not use pesticides. Cases of pesticide intoxication are not investigated by health workers but results obtained from interviews with them also indicated that cases of pesticides related symptoms are significantly higher in environments where pesticides are used than those in which pesticides are not used.     

The use of constructed wetlands for removal of pesticides from agricultural runoff and drainage: A review

Pesticides are used in modern agriculture to increase crop yields, but they may pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. Pesticides may enter water bodies through diffuse and point sources, but diffuse sources are probably the most important. Among diffuse pollution, surface runoff and erosion, leaching and drainage represent the major pathways. The most commonly used mitigation techniques to prevent pesticide input into water bodies include edge-of-field and riparian buffer strips, vegetated ditches and constructed wetlands. The first attempts to use wetland macrophytes for pesticide removal were carried out as early as the 1970s, but only in the last decade have constructed wetlands for pesticide mitigation become widespread. The paper summarizes 47 studies in which removal of 87 pesticides was monitored. The survey revealed that constructed wetlands with free water surface are the most commonly used type. Also, it has been identified that removal of pesticides is highly variable. The results of the survey revealed that the highest pesticide removal was achieved for pesticides of the organochlorine, strobilurin/strobin, organosphosphate and pyrethroid groups while the lowest removals were observed for pesticides of the triazinone, aryloxyalkanoic acid and urea groups. The removal of pesticides generally increases with increasing value of K_OC but the relationship is not strong.     

Risk assessment of representative and priority pesticides,in surface water of the Alqueva reservoir (South of Portugal) using on-line solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Surface waters located in intensive agricultural areas are more vulnerable to the pesticides contamination, which is a major concern if the water is intended to be used for human consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and the distribution of pesticides in the Alqueva reservoir, an important source of water supply (South of Portugal), considering their representativeness in the agricultural practice of the area. For the analysis of pesticides risk impact we used the environmental quality standards in the field of water policy proposed recently by the European Commission. The pesticides belonging to the classes of phenylureas, triazines, chloroacetanilides, organophosphorous and thiocarbamates were analysed by on-line solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The pesticides more frequently detected were atrazine, simazine, diuron and terbuthylazine. The highest levels of these pesticides were registered in spring, after pesticides treatment, namely in olive-tree and vine crops. The priority pesticides atrazine and diuron reached values above the annual average proposed in the European Union Legislation. The herbicide atrazine reached values that surpassed the proposed maximum allowable concentration (2 000 ng L^? 1). The sampling stations most affected by these pesticides were Sra. Ajuda, Lucefecit and Alcarrache, located in the northern part of the reservoir, closer to Spain where the agricultural activity is more intensive.     

Organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticide residues in ground water and surface waters of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India

A survey undertaken in Kanpur, northern India, has shown the presence of high concentrations of both organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticides in the surface and ground water samples. Liquid-liquid extraction followed by GC-ECD was used for the determination of these compounds. Among the various pesticides analyzed, high concentrations of gamma-HCH (0.259 microg/l) and malathion (2.618 microg/l) were detected in the surface water samples collected from the River Ganges in Kanpur. In the ground water samples collected from the various hand pumps located in agricultural and industrial areas, apart from gamma-HCH and malathion, dieldrin was also detected. The maximum concentration values of gamma-HCH, malathion and dieldrin were 0.900, 29.835 and 16.227 microg/l, respectively. Especially, the concentration of malathion was found to be much higher than the EC water quality standards in the ground water samples from industrial area posing a high risk to the common people. Pesticides like DDE, DDT, aldrin, ethion, methyl parathion and endosulfan were not detected in both the surface and ground water samples.     

Analysis of human milk to assess exposure to PAHs,PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in the vicinity Mediterranean city Mersin,Turkey

Assessment of human exposure to environmental persistent organic pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) based on the levels in human breast milk provides a reasonable tool not only to assess the contaminant burden in mothers but also to assess potential exposure of breast-fed neonates. There are limited data on levels of PCBs and OCPs in humans but no previous reports from Turkey on chemically determined levels PAHs in human milk. The aim of this study was to report the levels and accumulation profiles of OCPs, PCBs and PAHs in 47 breast milk samples obtained from a Mediterranean city, Mersin. High resolution analyses were performed by a gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC–MS). Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (4.4′-DDE) was the dominant pollutant. Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (ß-HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (4.4′-DDT), dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, oxy-chlordane, cis-heptachlorepoxide were the other main OCPs detected. Mean levels of ΣPCB congeners and WHO_PCB-TEQ were 9.94 and 0.001 ng/g lipid, respectively. PCB 153 showed the highest concentration (3.37 ng/g lipid), followed by PCB 138 and 180. For the dioxin-like PCBs, PCB 118 was the dominant (0.97 ng/g lipid). Naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene and fluoranthene were the major PAHs among the 16 PAHs detected. The estimated daily intakes of DDTs, PCBs, HCHs and HCB were not exceeded the tolerable daily intake (TDI) proposed by the Health Canada Guideline. These results indicate that the neonates of Mersin city are exposed to persistent organic pollutants analyzed in this study. However, neonates born in Mersin province are less exposed than the ones born in other regions, considering OCP and PCB levels in breast milk.     

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution and the risk of developing breast cancer among women in eight Canadian provinces: A case–control study

A few recent studies have reported positive associations between long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and the incidence of breast cancer. We capitalized on an existing Canadian multi-site population-based case–control study to further investigate this association.We used the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System, a population-based case–control study conducted in eight of 10 Canadian provinces from 1994 to 1997. A total of 1569 breast cancer cases and 1872 population controls who reported at least 90% complete self-reported addresses over the 1975–1994 exposure period were examined. Mean exposure levels to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) (an indicator of traffic-related air pollution) were estimated for this period using three different measures: (1) satellite-derived observations; (2) satellite-derived observations scaled with historical fixed-site measurements of NO₂; and (3) a national land-use regression (LUR) model. Proximity to major roads was also examined. Using unconditional logistic regression, stratified by menopausal status, we estimated odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for many individual-level and contextual breast cancer risk factors.We observed positive associations between incident breast cancer and all three measures of NO₂ exposure from 1975 to 1994. In fully adjusted models for premenopausal breast cancer, a 10 ppb increase in NO₂ exposure estimated from the satellite-derived observations, the scaled satellite-derived observations, and the national LUR model produced ORs of 1.26 (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.92–1.74), 1.32 (95% CI: 1.05–1.67) and 1.28 (95% CI: 0.92–1.79). For postmenopausal breast cancer, we found corresponding ORs of 1.10 (95% CI: 0.88–1.36), 1.10 (95% CI: 0.94–1.28) and 1.07 (95% CI: 0.86–1.32). Substantial heterogeneity in the ORs was observed across the eight Canadian provinces and reduced ORs were observed when models were restricted to women who had received routine mammography examinations. No associations were found for road proximity measures.This study provides some support for the hypothesis that traffic-related air pollution may be associated with the development of breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women. With the few studies available, further research is clearly needed.     

Contamination of fish by organochlorine pesticide residues in the Ouémé River catchment in the Republic of Bénin

In the Republic of Bénin, aquatic ecosystems are subject to poisoning risks due to the inappropriate use of pesticides, such as washing of empty bottles in rivers and using pesticides to catch fish. In some areas, cotton fields are located near riverbanks, increasing the probability of pesticide emission to the river. To assess contamination levels in the Ouémé River catchment area, different fish species were collected from different geographical areas along the river. DDT, its metabolites and isomers were the most frequently identified pesticides in fish flesh, alpha-endosulfan, beta-endosulfan, dieldrin, telodrin, lindane and octachlorostyrene were also detected. Concentrations of pesticide residues in fish ranged from 0 to 1364 ng/g lipid. A preliminary risk assessment indicated that the daily intake of chlorinated pesticides by people consuming fish from the Ouémé River still is rather low and does not present an immediate risk.     

Water pollution in Pakistan and its impact on public health--a review

Water pollution is one of the major threats to public health in Pakistan. Drinking water quality is poorly managed and monitored. Pakistan ranks at number 80 among 122 nations regarding drinking water quality. Drinking water sources, both surface and groundwater are contaminated with coliforms, toxic metals and pesticides throughout the country. Various drinking water quality parameters set by WHO are frequently violated. Human activities like improper disposal of municipal and industrial effluents and indiscriminate applications of agrochemicals in agriculture are the main factors contributing to the deterioration of water quality. Microbial and chemical pollutants are the main factors responsible exclusively or in combination for various public health problems. This review discusses a detailed layout of drinking water quality in Pakistan with special emphasis on major pollutants, sources of pollution and the consequent health problems. The data presented in this review are extracted from various studies published in national and international journals. Also reports released by the government and non-governmental organizations are included.     

长江中下游稻-麦轮作系统生命周期环境影响评价——以江苏南京为例

长江中下游地区是我国稻麦主产区,辨析该区农业生产过程的环境效应,可为实现农业绿色发展提供理论指导。以稻麦轮作典型生产区江苏南京为例,应用生命周期评价方法对该系统生命周期的资源消耗和污染物排放清单进行分析和评价。结果表明:在该稻-麦轮作体系中,水稻生命周期的环境影响主要是富营养化、水体毒性、环境酸化和土壤毒性,环境影响指数分别为2.32、0.76、0.33和0.27;而小麦生命周期的环境影响主要为富营养化、水体毒性、土壤毒性和环境酸化,环境影响指数分别为2.50、2.09、0.32和0.23。肥料、农药、柴油的生产和使用是引起能源消耗和气候变暖的主要因素;农户超量施用氮肥是造成潜在环境酸化和富营养化的关键;农药的使用是造成水体毒素和土壤毒素的最主要原因;而氮肥和农药投入对人类毒性均有较大影响。因此,在工业领域加快新型能源开发,实施清洁生产;在农业领域优化田间管理措施(如减少氮肥施用、研发多功能一体化农机及推广低毒高效农药)能有效控制长江中下游地区稻麦生产负面环境影响,提高该区农业可持续发展能力。     

上海农业生产中的自身污染与对策

上海市郊农业生产中的自身污染，目前主要有农药、化肥、畜禽粪尿和农用塑料薄膜。７０年代以前，上海曾施用过有机汞、有机氯等农药，对环境的影响较大。８０年代以来，影响较大的农药主要是有机磷和菊酯类；化肥主要是氮肥施用过多，导致蔬菜硝酸盐含量过高；畜禽粪尿已成为郊区突出的新污染源，造成水体的严重污染；各类农用塑料薄膜也是必须重视的新潜在污染物。     

The contamination with organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in surface water in Küçük Menderes River in Turkey, 2000-2002

This study was conducted from 2000 to 2002 to determine the residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) and metals in surface water of Kü?ük Menderes River in Turkey. The results showed that Kü?ük Menderes River was still polluted with organochlorine pesticide despite the existence of bans over a long time. The concentrations of pesticides depended on the sampling season and the tendency was not the same for all detected pesticides. The DDTs (DDT, DDD, DDE) were detected in most water samples. DDD showed a high concentration among DDTs. The highest concentration among organochlorine pesticides was heptachlor epoxide by 281 ng/l. However, the residues were lower than most polluted water from other sources in the world. In most cases, they were not detectable. The studied surface water metals varied from not detected to 0.258 mg/l, and the residues were low except for Ni, Cu, and Zn.     

太湖流域沉积物中有机氯农药空间分布特征及风险评价

为了解太湖流域表层沉积物中有机氯农药的空间分布和污染特征,采集全流域111个表层沉积物样品,用GC-μECD分析了20种有机氯农药的含量,并基于沉积物质量基准法对沉积物污染风险进行评价。结果表明:太湖流域沉积物中20种有机氯农药(OCPs)的总含量介于16. 3～96. 9 ng/g dw之间,平均值为35. 0ng/g dw,其中HCHs和DDTs是主要的检出成分,平均含量分别为12. 1、7. 6 ng/g dw,两者含量之和占总OCPs的25. 5%～85. 5%。特征化合物指数法分析结果表明,HCHs主要来源于林丹,而且该区域仍然有新的DDT输入,并且大部分p,p’-DDT通过好氧生物降解为p,p’-DDE。沉积物质量基准法评价结果显示,γ-HCH、DDTs潜在生物毒性较大。