Abstract  The dynamics of sediment-bound metals (Cs, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ti and Zn) were studied off the Tet River (western Gulf of Lion), a typical Mediterranean coastal river punctuated by short and violent flash-floods. Spatial and temporal sampling strategies were combined to elucidate the fate of these elements in response to both the riverine sediment input and the offshore transport of these sediments through hydrodynamics. Our results show the temporal entrapment of riverborne particles and associated metals, consecutively to a major flood event, in the nearshore sedimentary unit called prodelta. Here, deposition and resuspension mechanisms define a sedimentological cycle that could be followed completely in this study. In terms of speciation between reactive (labile) and residual fractions along the fluvio-deltaic continuum, our results show that Cu, Pb and Zn are the most labile (potentially mobile) metals in the river, in accordance with their contributions from anthropogenic sources. But in the marine surficial sediments, two main behaviours can be discriminated when compared to the riverine suspended particulate matter. While Pb and Zn depict rather a constant labile fraction, Cu is characterized by decreasing levels (up to 50% difference). In terms of environmental impact, these contrasting trends have direct repercussions for the contaminant dispersal in the coastal area. Whereas Pb and Zn conserve their enhanced levels because of their stronger affinity with fine sediments, Cu is marked by the entire loss of its anthropogenic component that is progressively transferred to the dissolved phase, likely mediated by organic ligands. We ascribe these behaviours to different post-depositional partition mechanisms with respect to oxidation of the particulate organic phase at the bottom sediment/water interface. Also, analysis of one sediment core from the prodelta indicates that these early diagenetic processes govern the chemical forms of land-derived contaminants sequestrated in the nearshore sedimentary archives. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Aerosols formed during shooting events were studied with various techniques including the wide range size resolving sampling system Nano-ID® Select, followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and fast mobility particle sizing. The total lead mass aerosol concentration ranged from 2.2 to 72 µg m(-3). It was shown that the mass concentration of the most toxic compound lead is much lower than the total mass concentration. The deposition fraction in various compartments of the respiratory system was calculated using the ICRP lung deposition model. It was found that the deposition fraction in the alveolar range varies by a factor >3 for the various aerosols collected, depending on the aerosol size distribution and total aerosol concentration, demonstrating the importance of size resolved sampling in health risk evaluation. The proportion of the total mass of airborne particles deposited in the respiratory tract varies from 34 to 70%, with a median of 55.9%, suggesting the health risk based upon total mass significantly overestimates the accumulated dose and therefore the health risk. A comparison between conventional and so called 'green' ammunition confirmed significant lowering of concentrations of lead and other toxic metals like antimony in the atmosphere of indoor shooting ranges using 'green' ammunition, although higher concentrations of manganese and boron were measured. These metals are likely to be the constituents of new types of primers. They occur predominantly in the size fraction <250nm of aerosols.

Abstract  Many years of heavy industrial processes in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region in Poland (ore flotation, metal smelting and battery scrap processing) have resulted in lead, zinc and cadmium pollution of the air and soil. The most significant issues stem not only from elevated levels of these metals in environmental compartments, but also from the uneven pattern of their distribution. Point sources of local metal concentration are to be found dispersed over areas of contaminated soil. Such distribution is a challenge for remediation technology, as it precludes the introduction of standard procedures. Metals present in the soil pose a constant risk for living organisms. One of the most effective ways of limiting their ecological impact is by decreasing their mobility. In this study, the effect of introducing sewage sludge and fly ash mixtures (sluash material) into contaminated soil was evaluated. We tested the mixture in terms of the probability of its ecotoxicological impact on plant growth and development. The data obtained have shown that even low doses (3 %) of sluash are effective in reducing the bioavailability of lead, cadmium and zinc, resulting in a decrease of their concentration in plants. The application of sluash also led to stabilize soil pH. It also had a positive impact on the total number of soil bacteria and soil fungi.

Abstract  All scientific investigations begin with distinct objectives: first is the hypothesis upon which studies are undertaken to disprove, and second is the overall aim of obtaining further information, from which future and more precise hypotheses may be drawn. Studies focusing on the generation and use of gene-targeted animal models also apply these goals and may be loosely categorized into sequential phases that become apparent as the use of the model progresses. Initial studies of knockout models often focus on the plausibility of the model based on prior knowledge and whether the generation of an animal lacking the particular gene will prove lethal or not. Upon the successful generation of a knockout, confirmatory studies are undertaken to corroborate previously established hypotheses of the function of the disrupted gene product. As these studies continue, observations of unpredicted phenotypes or, more likely, the lack of a phenotype that was expected based on models put forth from past investigations are noted. Often the surprising phenotype is due to the loss of a gene product that is downstream from the functions of the disrupted gene, whereas the lack of an expected phenotype may be due to compensatory roles filled by alternate mechanisms. As the descriptive studies of the knockout continue, use of the model is often shifted to the role as a unique research reagent, to be used in studies that 1) were not previously possible in a wild-type model; 2) aimed at finding related proteins or pathways whose existence or functions were previously masked; or 3) the subsequent effects of the gene disruption on related physiological and biochemical systems. The alpha ERKO mice continue to satisfy the confirmatory role of a knockout quite well. As summarized in Table 4, the phenotypes observed in the alpha ERKO due to estrogen insensitivity have definitively illustrated several roles that were previously believed to be dependent on functional ER alpha, including 1) the proliferative and differentiative actions critical to the function of the adult female reproductive tract and mammary gland; 2) as an obligatory component in growth factor signaling in the uterus and mammary gland; 3) as the principal steroid involved in negative regulation of gonadotropin gene transcription and LH levels in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; 4) as a positive regulator of PR expression in several tissues; 5) in the positive regulation of PRL synthesis and secretion from the pituitary; 6) as a promotional factor in oncogene-induced mammary neoplasia; and 7) as a crucial component in the differentiation and activation of several behaviors in both the female and male. The list of unpredictable phenotypes in the alpha ERKO must begin with the observation that generation of an animal lacking a functional ER alpha gene was successful and produced animals of both sexes that exhibit a life span comparable to wild-type. The successful generation of beta ERKO mice suggests that this receptor is also not essential to survival and was most likely not a compensatory factor in the survival of the alpha ERKO. In support of this is our recent successful generation of double knockout, or alpha beta ERKO mice of both sexes. The precise defects in certain components of male reproduction, including the production of abnormal sperm and the loss of intromission and ejaculatory responses that were observed in the alpha ERKO, were quite surprising. In turn, certain estrogen pathways in the alpha ERKO female appear intact or unaffected, such as the ability of the uterus to successfully exhibit a progesterone-induced decidualization response, and the possible maintenance of an LH surge system in the hypothalamus. [ABSTRACT TRUNCATED]

Abstract  Lead-free electronics has been extensively studied, whereas their adoption by society and their impact on material substitution and environmental emissions are not well understood. Through a material flow analysis (MFA), this paper explores the life cycle flows for solder-containing metals in Japan, which leads the world in the shift to lead-free solders in electronics. The results indicate that the shift has been progressing rapidly for a decade, and that substitutes for lead in solders, which include silver and copper, are still in the early life cycle stages. The results also show, however, that such substitution slows down during the late life cycle stages owing to long electronic product lifespans. This deceleration of material substitution in the solder life cycle may not only preclude a reduction in lead emissions to air but also accelerate an increase in silver emissions to air and water. As an effective measure against ongoing lead emissions, our scenario analysis suggests an aggressive recycling program for printed circuit boards that utilizes an existing recycling scheme.

Abstract  Gaucher disease is an inherited pan-ethnic disorder that commonly begins in childhood and is caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Two major phenotypes are recognized: non-neuropathic (type 1) and neuropathic (types 2 and 3). Symptomatic children are severely affected and manifest growth retardation, delayed puberty, early-onset osteopenia, significant splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, thrombocytopenia, anemia, severe bone pain, acute bone crises, and fractures. Symptomatic children with types 1 or 3 should receive enzyme replacement therapy, which will prevent debilitating and often irreversible disease progression and allow those with non-neuropathic disease to lead normal healthy lives. Children should be monitored every 6 months (physical exam including growth, spleen and liver volume, neurologic exam, hematologic indices) and have one to two yearly skeletal assessments (bone density and imaging, preferably with magnetic resonance, of lumbar vertebrae and lower limbs), with specialized cardiovascular monitoring for some type 3 patients. Response to treatment will determine the frequency of monitoring and optimal dose of enzyme replacement. Treatment of children with type 2 (most severe) neuropathic Gaucher disease is supportive. Pre-symptomatic children, usually with type 1 Gaucher, increasingly are being detected because of affected siblings and screening in high-prevalence communities. In this group, annual examinations (including bone density) are recommended. However, monitoring of asymptomatic children with affected siblings should be guided by the age and severity of manifestations in the first affected sibling. Treatment is necessary only if signs and symptoms develop. Conclusion: Early detection and treatment of symptomatic types 1 and 3 Gaucher disease with regular monitoring will optimize outcome. Pre-symptomatic children require regular monitoring. Genetic counseling is important.

Abstract  To determine the possible neurotoxic impact of prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), we analyzed banked cord blood from a Faroese birth cohort for PCBs. The subjects were born in 1986-1987, and 917 cohort members had completed a series of neuropsychological tests at age 7 years. Major PCB congeners (118, 138, 153, and 180), the calculated total PCB concentration, and the PCB exposure estimated in a structural equation model showed weak associations with test deficits, with statistically significant negative associations only with the Boston Naming test. Likewise, neither hexachlorobenzene nor p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene showed clear links to neurobehavioral deficits. Thus, these associations were much weaker than those associated with the cord-blood mercury concentration, and adjustment for mercury substantially attenuated the regression coefficients for PCB exposure. When the outcomes were joined into motor and verbally mediated functions in a structural equation model, the PCB effects remained weak and virtually disappeared after adjustment for methylmercury exposure, while mercury remained statistically significant. Thus, in the presence of elevated methylmercury exposure, PCB neurotoxicity may be difficult to detect, and PCB exposure does not explain the methylmercury neurotoxicity previously reported in this cohort.

Abstract  After nearly 3 decades of decline, the western stock of Steller sea lions (SSL; Eumetopias jubatus) was listed as an endangered species in 1997. While the cause of the decline in the 1970s and 1980s has been attributed to nutritional stress, recent declines are unexplained and may result from other factors including the presence of environmental contaminants. SSL tissues show accumulation of butyltins, mercury, PCBs, DDTs, chlordanes and hexachlorobenzene. SSL habitats and prey are contaminated with additional chemicals including mirex, endrin, dieldrin, hexachlorocyclohexanes, tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds, cadmium and lead. In addition, many SSL haulouts and rookeries are located near other hazards including radioactivity, solvents, ordnance and chemical weapon dumps. PCB and DDT concentrations measured in a few SSL during the 1980s were the highest recorded for any Alaskan pinniped. Some contaminant exposures in SSL appear to be elevated in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea compared to southeast Alaska, but there are insufficient data to evaluate geospatial relationships with any certainty. Based on very limited blubber data, current levels of PCBs may not pose a risk to SSL based on comparison to immunotoxicity tissue benchmarks, but SSL may have been at risk from pre-1990 PCB exposures. While exposure to PCBs and DDTs may be declining, SSL are likely exposed to a multitude of other contaminants that have not been monitored. The impacts of these exposures on SSL remain unknown because causal effects have not been established. Field studies with SSL have been limited in scope and have not yet linked contaminant exposures to adverse animal health or population effects. Several biomarkers may prove useful for monitoring exposure and additional research is needed to evaluate their utility in SSL. We conclude that there are insufficient data to reject the hypothesis that contaminants play a role in the continued decline of SSL, and suggest that a coordinated monitoring program be developed which can be related to key biological, ecological and laboratory toxicity data.

Abstract  HEEP COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. A study was conducted to determine the hydroxide solubility for Zn, N, Cd and Pb over a range of approximately pH 6-13; the determination of carbonate solubility for the same heavy metals over the same pH range, at selected carbonate, concentrations; and a comparison of the residual soluble metal in the hydroxide system with that in the carbonate system. Hydroxide solubility can be predicted for Cd and Pb from published solubility constant values, and for Zn and Ni based upon experimental determined values presented. Solubility cannot be predicted based on equilibrium conditions for the carbonate system, and the kinetics of precipitation appear such for Zn and Ni that the carbonate form of these metals will not form within typical treatment plant detention times.

Abstract  The concentration of airborne and blood lead (Pb) was assessed in a Pb acid battery recycling plant and in a Pb acid battery manufacturing plant in Kenya. In the recycling plant, full-shift area samples taken across 5 days in several production sections showed a mean value ± standard deviation (SD) of 427 ± 124 μg/m(3), while area samples in the office area had a mean ± SD of 59.2 ± 22.7 μg/m(3). In the battery manufacturing plant, full-shift area samples taken across 5 days in several production areas showed a mean value ± SD of 349 ± 107 μg/m(3), while area samples in the office area had a mean ± SD of 55.2 ± 33.2 μg/m(3). All these mean values exceed the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's permissible exposure limit of 50 μg/m(3) as an 8-hr time-weighted average. In the battery recycling plant, production workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 62.2 ± 12.7 μg/dL, and office workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 43.4 ± 6.6 μg/dL. In the battery manufacturing plant, production workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 59.5 ± 10.1 μg/dL, and office workers had a mean blood Pb level ± SD of 41.6 ± 7.4 μg/dL. All the measured blood Pb levels exceeded 30 μg/dL, which is the maximum blood Pb level recommended by the ACGIH(®). Observations made in these facilities revealed numerous sources of Pb exposure due to inadequacies in engineering controls, work practices, respirator use, and personal hygiene.

Abstract  We have examined the roles of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and pH in determining patterns of Pb fractionation in surface water from Sphagnum-dominated peatlands in undisturbed and urbanized watersheds of the Pinelands of New Jersey. In undisturbed wetlands, the water is highly acidic (pH 3.5) and has high concentrations of DOC; wetlands receiving urban runoff are less acidic and have lower concentrations of DOC. The effects of PH were separated from the effects of DOC by experimentally raising the pH of water from the undisturbed site to 6.0. A separation procedure was compiled from the literature to separate the soluble Pb fraction into labile (exchangeable on ion-exchange resin) and non-labile fractions, and the latter fraction was further separated into photo-oxidation-sensitive and insensitive fractions. In low pH, high DOC waters, 95% of added PbCl2 remained soluble, and 56 to 80% of this Pb was labile (varying with contact time with the resin). In high-pH swamp waters, a smaller fraction (64 to 71%) remained soluble; the distribution of the soluble Pb among non-labile forms varied with the source of the water. Pb fractionation in runoff was quite different from that in runoff-impacted swamp water at the same pH, and may reflect differences in DOC and/or higher levels of Fe in the runoff.

Abstract  Fine and ultrafine metallic particulate matters (PMs) are emitted from metallurgic activities in peri-urban zones into the atmosphere and can be deposited in terrestrial ecosystems. The foliar transfer of metals and metalloids and their fate in plant leaves remain unclear, although this way of penetration may be a major contributor to the transfer of metals into plants. This study focused on the foliar uptake of various metals and metalloids from enriched PM (Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Sb, As, and especially lead (Pb)) resulting from the emissions of a battery-recycling factory. Metal and metalloid foliar uptake by various vegetable species, exhibiting different morphologies, use (food or fodder) and life-cycle (lettuce, parsley and rye-grass) were studied. The mechanisms involved in foliar metal transfer from atmospheric particulate matter fallout, using lead (Pb) as a model element was also investigated. Several complementary techniques (micro-X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry) were used to investigate the localization and the speciation of lead in their edible parts, i.e. leaves. The results showed lead-enriched PM on the surface of plant leaves. Biogeochemical transformations occurred on the leaf surfaces with the formation of lead secondary species (PbCO(3) and organic Pb). Some compounds were internalized in their primary form (PbSO(4)) underneath an organic layer. Internalization through the cuticle or penetration through stomata openings are proposed as two major mechanisms involved in foliar uptake of particulate matter.

Abstract  BIOSIS COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. RRM NOTE POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS ORGANOCHLORINES LEAD CADMIUM MERCURY REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS DIET CLIMATE HABITAT DESTRUCTION POPULATION DECLINE FRANCE

Abstract  The bioaccessibility of Pb in air particulate matter from two car battery repair workshops in Kumasi (Ghana) was measured (64 full shift personal aerosol samples). An artificial lung lining fluid simulant (Hatch solution) was applied for leaching the bioaccessible fraction in half of the samples, the other half was leached with synthetic gastric juice. At both locations, the Pb solubility (median) in gastric juice (89% and 92%) is substantially higher than in Hatch solution (4.9% and 5.6%). The high solubility of Pb in gastric juice may be related to the presence of Pb oxides. The low bioaccessibility of Pb in Hatch solution is in good agreement with previous work on mine tailings, urban aerosol, car exhaust, welding fumes and indoor dust. The high bioaccessibility of Pb in the gastrointestinal tract underpins the importance of improving the personal hygienic behavior at the workplace. It is recommended that air monitoring of Pb should include the extrathoracic aerosol fraction using inhalable aerosol samplers, as particles of this size fraction are most likely transferred to the gastrointestinal tract in addition to the non-lung-soluble particles transported from the lung by mucociliary and phagocytosis clearance.

Abstract  This review covers the epidemiology of lead poisoning in children on a global scale. Newer sources of lead poisoning are identified. The methods that are used to assess a population of children exposed to lead are discussed, together with the ways of undertaking an exposure risk assessment; this includes assessing the time course and identifying sources of lead exposure. Human assessment measures for lead toxicity, such as blood lead concentrations, deciduous tooth lead, and use of zinc protoporphyrin estimations are evaluated. The role of isotopic fingerprinting techniques for identifying environmental sources of exposure is discussed. Among emerging data on the cognitive and behavioral effects of lead on children, the review considers the growing evidence of neurocognitive dysfunction with blood lead concentrations even below 10 µg/dl. The challenge of assessing and explaining the risk that applies to an individual as opposed to a population is discussed. Intervention strategies to mitigate risk from lead are examined together with the limited role for and limitations of chelation therapy for lead. Lessons learned from managing a population lead-dust exposure event in Esperance, Western Australia in 2007 are discussed throughout the review.

Abstract  Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the muscle of eleven fish species (bighead carp, bream, catfish, carp, crucian, Culter albumus, grass carp, mandarin fish, white semiknife carp, silver carp, and yellow catfish) from Poyang Lake were analysed using inductive coupling plasma mass spectrometry. Metal levels in other organs (e.g., bladder, gill, kidney, liver, and spleen) of bighead carp, carp, grass carp, and silver carp were also determined. The results showed that metal concentrations in the muscle of all fish species were significantly lower than the proposed limits. Heavy metal concentrations were found to be substantially higher in benthic fish than in pelagic fish. Higher Hg contents were observed in predatory fish. In addition, various metals showed different affinity to fish organs. Hg was the most abundant in muscle, while Ni and Pb concentrations were highest in gills, Cd and Zn concentrations were highest in kidneys, and Cu was most commonly found in livers. Estimations of health risks revealed no evidence of potential threats to consumers. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Environmental pollution in the Arctic is due to long range transport from lower latitudes or to local industrial activities. Since the latter are not different from point source exposure in the rest of the world the paper focuses on the former aspect which is the main type of environmental pollution in the western Arctic. The environmental pollutants of major significance are heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead) and persistent organic pollutants (PCB's, pesticides) and the main exposure is through the traditional diet of sea mammals (mercury, cadmium, persistent organic pollutants) and through smoking (cadmium). There is rather strong evidence that lead is a (weak) risk factor for high blood pressure even at low levels of exposure. Apart from lead there is little evidence that the above mentioned pollutants are significantly related to cardiovascular diseases. Since the pollutants, however, are found in the traditional diet together with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and selenium which are believed to promote cardiovascular health there is an indirect link between the pollutants and cardiovascular disease. This becomes relevant when dietary guidelines are developed for arctic populations. Epidemiological evidence from Greenland relevant for this discussion is presented, i.e. i) findings from a countrywide interview survey on dietary habits which show that sea mammals are widely consumed and appreciated for health and other reasons and that there is virtually no fear of pollution, and ii) mortality results which do not support the hypothesis that the low rate of ischemic heart disease in Inuit is due to their traditional diet.

Abstract  A study was conducted to determine cadmium, chromium and lead concentrations in liver and brain of 52 little owls (Athene noctua) from two provinces of Emilia Romagna region, with the aim of furnishing indirect information concerning contamination of their habitat, also considering possible environmental dispersion of the metals. Metal analysis was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with graphite furnace.

Variance analysis with sampling area, gender and age shows that no statistical difference was found for gender, while a significant difference (P < 0.05) was found for cadmium and lead, but not for chromium, when sampling areas and age were of concern.

For all metals highest mean concentrations were found in liver (170 ppb for cadmium, 297 ppb for chromium and 312 ppb for lead). These levels can be considered as indicative of chronic exposure to low and "background" amounts of pollutants and they are of no toxicological concern, as they are always well below the toxic thresholds defined for each metal.

The present study can be considered as a starting point for further analyses, aimed to the definition of any possible subtle effect (e.g. effects on enzymes activity) and of any possible correlation between levels of pollutants and appearance of possible adverse effects. It also furnished useful data for diagnostic cases and potentially for monitoring local contamination. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract  Firearm instructors represent a particular occupational group exposed to low lead (Pb) doses. Even low blood lead levels (PbB) of this metal can cause an increase of blood pressure (BP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the Pb exposure of the firearm instructors of the Italian State Police (SP) and the effects of Pb on their PA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 376 instructors were studied, including 188 subjects working at indoor and 188 at outdoorfiring ranges. After obtaining informed consent, information on work, social and pathological history was collected and measurements of body mass index (BMI), BP and blood lead (PbB) level were obtained from the medical records. RESULTS: The mean PbB level of the instructors of outdoor ranges (6.7 +/- 5.3 microg/dl) was significantly lower than those of indoor ranges (8.5 +/- 7.6 microg/dl). In the instructors of outdoor ranges the diastolic BP (DBP) was significantly influenced by BMI and PbB, also considering the common confounding factors. DISCUSSION: The mean PbB level of the firearm instructors of the Italian SP resulted to be clearly below the biological limit value for Pb. In the instructors of outdoor ranges the even low PbB levels detected were able to determine a slight, but significant increase of DBP, also after correction for the main confounding variables. It is therefore necessary to keep on effecting biological monitoring and health surveillance of firearm instructors of SP and to promote the reduction of their body weight.

Abstract  OBJECTIVE--In recent years, there have been many nonconclusive studies on cigarette smoking and sperm quality. Few studies, if any, have attempted to implicate any decrease of sperm quality. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cigarette smoking, blood and seminal plasma concentrations of cadmium and lead, and sperm quality. METHODS--A total of 184 males who were undergoing initial screening for infertility were included in the study. Tests conducted included semen characteristics (volume, total sperm count, sperm viability, motility and morphology of spermatozoa), and blood and seminal plasma concentrations of lead and cadmium. RESULTS--More than 50% and 70% of the subjects had normal sperm density and motility, respectively. The mean concentrations of lead in blood (PbB) and seminal plasma (PbS) were 7.09 micrograms/dL and 12.98 micrograms/L, respectively, while the mean concentrations of cadmium in blood (CdB) and seminal plasma (CdS) were 0.95 micrograms/L, and 0.58 micrograms/L, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between CdB and cigarette-years and sperm density (negative). CdS was significantly correlated with cigarette-years and sperm volume (negative). Significant trends were observed for different categories of cigarette-years with CdB, CdS and sperm density. CONCLUSION--Cigarette smoking appears to affect sperm density, especially in heavy smokers. Cadmium (present) in cigarettes could be a possible causative agent for the low sperm density among smokers.

Abstract  Psychological tests as developed and validated in the field of differential psychology have a longstanding tradition as tools to study individual differences. In clinical neuropsychology, global or more specific tests are used as neuropsychological tools in the differential diagnosis of various forms of brain damage or neurobehavioral dysfunction following chemical insults, such as mental sequelae of prenatal alcohol consumption by pregnant mothers (fetal alcohol syndrome) or of maternal thyroid deficiency during pregnancy. Psychometric tests are constructed to fulfill basic quality criteria, namely objectivity, reliability and validity. For strictly diagnostic purposes in individual cases they must also possess normative values based on representative reference groups. Intelligence tests or their developmental variants are often used as endpoints in environmental health research for studying neurodevelopmental adversity due to early exposure to neurotoxic chemicals in the environment. Intelligence as treated in psychology is a complex construct made up of specific cognitive functions which usually cover verbal, numerical and spatial skills, as well as perceptual speed, memory and reasoning. In this paper, case studies covering neurodevelopmental adversity of inorganic lead, of methylmercury and of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are reviewed, and the issue of postnatal behavioral sequelae of prenatal exposure is covered. In such observational studies precautions must be taken in order to avoid pitfalls of causative interpretation of associations between exposure and neurobehavioral outcome. This requires consideration of co-exposure and confounding. Important confounders considered in most modern developmental cohort studies are maternal intelligence and quality of the home environment.

Abstract  BACKGROUND: Several epidemiologic studies have demonstrated relationships between prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and modest cognitive impairments in infancy and early childhood. However, few studies have followed cohorts of exposed children long enough to examine the possible impact of prenatal PCB exposure on psychometric intelligence in later childhood. Of the few studies that have done so, one in the Great Lakes region of the United States reported impaired IQ in children prenatally exposed to PCBs, whereas another found no association. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine whether environmental exposure to PCBs predicts lower IQ in school-age children in the Great Lakes region of the northeastern United States. METHODS: We measured prenatal exposure to PCBs and IQ at 9 years of age in 156 subjects from Oswego, New York. We also measured > 50 potential predictors of intelligence in children, including repeated measures of the home environment [Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME)], socioeconomic status (SES), parental IQ, alcohol/cigarette use, neonatal risk factors, and nutrition. RESULTS: For each 1-ng/g (wet weight) increase in PCBs in placental tissue, Full Scale IQ dropped by three points (p = 0.02), and Verbal IQ dropped by four points (p = 0.003). The median PCB level was 1.50 ng/g, with a lower quartile of 1.00 ng/g and an upper quartile of 2.06 ng/g. Moreover, this association was significant after controlling for many potential confounders, including prenatal exposure to methylmercury, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, hexachlorobenzene, and lead. CONCLUSIONS: These results, in combination with similar results obtained from a similar study in the Great Lakes conducted 10 years earlier, indicate that prenatal PCB exposure in the Great Lakes region is associated with lower IQ in children.

Abstract  This study investigated the effects of consumption of Great Lakes fish on progressive ratio performance, and on the pattern and concentrations of brain polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (DDE), and mirex in the rat. Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a 30% diet of either Lake Ontario salmon (LAKE), Pacific Ocean salmon, or lab chow control for 20 or 65 days. Following the treatment regimen, half the rats from each group were sacrificed immediately for gas chromatographic analysis of organochlorine contaminants, and the other half were tested on a multiple fixed-ratio-progressive-ratio reinforcement schedule and then sacrificed for analysis. Consumption of Lake Ontario fish resulted in significantly higher levels of brain PCBs, DDE, and mirex relative to controls, but still well within human exposure ranges (<1 microg/g fat). Consumption of Lake Ontario fish for 20 or 65 days produced an average brain PCB concentration of 457 and 934 ng/g fat, respectively. Consumption of laboratory rat chow or Pacific Ocean salmon for 20 or 65 days produced an average brain PCB concentration of 240, 464, and 441 ng/g fat, respectively. Moreover, both LAKE-fed groups showed a much more heavily chlorinated pattern of brain PCBs than all control groups, as evidenced by both significant increases in the most heavily chlorinated PCB congeners and significant increases in the average chlorine biphenyl. All LAKE brains contained significant concentrations of DDE and mirex, whereas no control brains contained any detectable quantities. Analysis of progressive-ratio performance indicated that LAKE rats responded normally during fixed-ratio schedules but quit significantly sooner than control rats on a progressive-ratio 5 (PR5) schedule, indicating reduced persistence on progressively leaner reinforcement schedules. Analysis of brain PCBs indicated that total PCBs were most strongly related to PR5 performance. These data indicate that consumption by rats of contaminated Lake Ontario fish produces (1) increased concentrations of PCBs, DDE, and mirex in the brain, (2) a more heavily chlorinated distribution of PCBs in the brain, and (3) reduced persistence of progressive-ratio reinforcement schedules. While these behavioral changes are related to brain PCB level, more work is necessary before the effects can be directly attributed to PCBs.

Abstract  The term 'air pollution' is used to describe the presence of chemicals or materials in the atmosphere that produce poor air quality. Air pollutants may be classified into four principal categories which include anthropogenic (man-made; e.g. combustion products), biogenic (biological; e.g. pollen, allergens), technogenic (technology; e.g. metal aerosols or smelter) and geogenic (geological; e.g. erosion of earth, i.e. minerals, volcanic ash). From these categories are derived the seven main pollutants of human health concern, i.e. carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons, lead, and particulate matter (PM). The common provenance of all these emissions is from the combustion of fossil fuels (e.g. coal, petrol and diesel), biomass (e.g. cooking) and tobacco smoke. PM is now considered to be the most precarious of pollutants, with the combustion-derived nano-particles being linked to a myriad of premature and excess deaths world-wide; especially for persons with pre-existing cardiovascular disorders. This meeting intended to bring together scientists from a host of disciplines (toxicologists, biologists, chemists, physicists and material scientists) that work at the bio-particulate interface. It aimed to present and discuss, via topical 'break-out' sessions, the current thoughts on the 'burden to human health' following exposure to and harm from combustion-derived particles. Furthermore, strategies for 'harm reduction' were another feature of this cross-disciplinary meeting. The final objectives were to identify biomarkers of exposure and harm to these inhalation hazards. All topics covered sought to find biomarker indices for human health effects.

Abstract  The aim of this study was to estimate the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in erythrocytes and malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma of battery manufacturing workers (BMW) of Western Maharashtra (India) who were occupationally exposed to lead (Pb) over a long period of time (about 15 years). This study was also aimed to determine the Pb intoxication resulted in a disturbance of heme biosynthesis in BMW group. The blood Pb level of BMW group (n = 28) was found to be in the range of 25.8 - 78.0 microg/dL (mean + SD, 53.63 + 16.98) whereas in Pb unexposed control group (n = 35) the range was 2.8 - 22.0 microg/dL (mean + SD, 12.52 + 4.08). The blood level (Pb-B) and urinary lead level (Pb-U) were significantly increased in BMW group as compared to unexposed control. Though activated d- aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activities in BMW group did not show any significant change when compared to control group but activated / non activated erythrocyte - ALAD activities in BMW group showed a significant increase. Erythrocyte- zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), urinary daminolevulinic acid (ALA-U) and porphobilinogen (PBG-U) of BMW groups elevated significantly as compared to control. A positive correlation (r = 0.66, p < 0.001) between Pb-B and ALA-U were found in BMW group but no such significant correlation (r = 0.02, p> 1.0) were observed in control group. Hematological study revealed a significant decrease of hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (%) and other blood indices and a significant increase of total leucocytes count in BMW group in comparison to control group. The serum MDA content was significantly increased (p < 0.001) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as erythrocyte- SOD (p < 0.001) and erythrocytecatalase (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced in BMW group as compared to control group. A positive correlation (r = 0.45, p < 0.02) between Pb-B and serum MDA level was observed in BMW group (Pb-B range 25.8 - 78.0 microg / dL) but such significant correlation did not notice in control group (Pb-B range 2.8 - 22.0 microg / dL). The study clearly showed an adverse effect of heme biosynthesis and imbalance of pro-oxidant / antioxidant status in lead exposed battery manufacturing workers resulting in increase in lipid peroxidation associated with decrease in erythrocyte-SOD and erythrocyte-catalase activities.